Starting in 1985 with “Banned” Air Jordan 1, Michael Jordan carved his sneakers legacy with the same dedication that he put on the court. And now, even two decades after his retirement, MJ remains one of the highest-earning athletes, thanks to his Air Jordan series. But what if someone, completely unknown in the sneaker world and banned by Nike, swooped in and outdid MJ himself? Furthermore, to top it off, it happened using Jordan’s very own autographed sneakers.

Recently, LA actor Ben Baller, known for his role in The Clinic, dropped a bombshell on the YouTube channel Got Sole. Sharing wild sneaker stories, he revealed how, in 2006, he managed to rake in a jaw-dropping $3.2 million by selling his entire sneaker collection on eBay. The kicker? This sale outperformed a highly publicized Jordan auction, where MJ was auctioning off autographed Air Jordans, spanning from models I to XXI, to aid the Katrina Relief Efforts.

“It was the biggest auction,” Ben recalled. “I had Bobby Hunters on my show the other day. He remembered when the auction was on, and the thread just kept going forever. Like, godd-mn, what’s it going to go for? It actually beat the Hurricane Katrina Jordan auction, where he went from Jordan one, maybe to Jordan 17 or 18. Whatever it was, they auctioned off every one of Jordan’s actual shoes, his size, beat that.” But what did Ben enjoy the most? His quick rise to millionaire status. “Real quick, became a millionaire… through selling sneakers,” he shared.

What’s even crazier is how much Baller loathed Nike. According to him, the sneaker giant banned him from selling his shoes in their stores, sparking his decision to list them on eBay. “Nike wasn’t letting me post them, so I said, ‘Screw it. I’m not wearing Nikes at all,’” he revealed on the podcast. This eight-year Nike boycott? His ultimate revenge was topped off by the eBay sale.

As per USA Today reports, during the Katrina Hurricane relief auction, Michael Jordan also sold personal memorabilia, including an autographed Bulls jersey, an autographed set of his popular Wingspan posters, and a basketball. “A lot of people stepped up, made some sacrifices and helped out (the Katrina victims),” MJ told the newspaper. And there’s a big celebration coming up for His Airness.

MJ and Nike will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jordan Brand

As the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2025, it’ll feel like Christmas all over again for Nike fans. Why? Because 2025 will mark the 40th anniversary of the Jordan Brand, and Nike has some massive plans in store. With a lineup of releases and comebacks, especially for Michael Jordan’s signature shoes, sneakerheads are in for a treat. And yes, the iconic Jordan 1, the sneaker that started it all, is front and center for the celebration.

The legendary “Bred” colorway of the Air Jordan 1, famously rumored to have been banned by the NBA, is set to return in 2025. Nike will drop this highly anticipated model during the 2025 All-Star Weekend on February 14, delivering the closest thing we’ll get to the original 1985 build, complete with premium materials and special packaging.

But it doesn’t stop there. The Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat” is also coming back next spring, making it a perfect Halloween treat. And just to make it a family reunion, the Black Cat 4s are also making a return, with sneaker insiders teasing a revamped shape for 2025.

Even more exciting, the iconic Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 collaboration will return next summer, marking its first release since 2005. This ultra-exclusive sneaker, inspired by military flight jackets, will bring back its unique olive green and orange colorway. Plus, classics like the Air Jordan 9 “Cool Grey,” Air Jordan 10 “Steel,” and Air Jordan 12 “Taxi” will also make their comeback, capping off a truly historic year for Jordan fans.