Whenever Michael Jordan makes an entry, heads turn in awe. The legend is always dressed to impress in a sharp suit and tie, especially off-court. The NBA Icon exudes an air of undeniable elegance and everyone agrees that he’s a style icon. But you know who’s another style icon? Derek Jeter – the epitome of class, and to this even Jordan wholeheartedly agrees. When Derek Jeter strolls into a room with his confident demeanor, cameras click in unison.

Hence, it was no surprise, then, that in 1999, Jeter became the first athlete chosen by Michael Jordan himself to represent the Jordan Brand. The Jordan-Jeter line of shoes thereafter quickly became one of the most loved shoe lines in the world of sports apparel. But what is the special and hidden reason behind the NBA icon signing the MLB phenom to be inducted into his brand? Let’s delve deeper into the story.

Appointing Jeter to the Jordan brand wasn’t just a business move!

Basketball legend Michael Jordan was a menace on the hard court as well as off it. The icon knows a thing or two about success. So does Derek Jeter. And it was a great moment in time when the two came together to work for Jordan’s brand. And what a massive success it was! With Derek Jeter’s Jordan Air going as high as $50,000 in the market, there is no doubt that the collaboration was a perfect fit for the shoe line.

When Jordan appointed Derek Jeter as the first athlete to join the Jordan brand, it wasn’t just a business move. According to a GQ expert, Jordan saw a lot of himself in Jeter – the passion for their respective sports and, of course, their mutual love for suits. “Jordan was a huge huge brand. And so, for Jordan to anoint him to being the first Jordan athlete was huge. When Jordan kind of gave him that mark, you had to respect it.” The expert continued, “So I think what Jordan loved about Derek Jeter was that Derek Jeter reminded him a lot of himself.” 

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As a matter of fact, Jordan was so impressed with Jeter’s fashion sense that he personally recommended his tailor to the then-young athlete. Well, it’s certainly true that when Michael Jordan gives his stamp of approval, it’s a big deal. Jeter for sure adopted Jordan’s style after that. “When he signed that Jordan brand contract you know Jordan’s like “Here this is my suit guy, Imma hook you up.” and Jeter’s like looking, “hey if Jordan tells you that this is his suit guy. I’m going with it”.”

Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter’s relationship

Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter’s relationship began on the baseball field in Arizona Fall League, but it has since transformed into a true brotherhood. Jordan’s letter for Jeter’s retirement ceremony was proof of it. “Derek, a legacy is built by more than what is seen. It is not given, it is earned. Beyond your 20 years in the majors and an endless list of accolades, it was your love and respect for the game that set you apart. Your pursuit of greatness on and off the field has set the standard for others to follow. Much RE2PECT on cementing your legacy and having your No. 2 jersey retired. Congratulations. Your friend, Michael.”

In the end, the story of Jordan and Jeter is not just about sports or fashion. And isn’t that something truly special?

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