Michael Jordan, a dominant force both on and off the court, was always the sole star of his commercials and never shared screen space with another. However, this changed when David Falk, Jordan’s ex-agent, went out of his way, breaking a longstanding rule he had set. What was this rule, and why did Falk decide to break it? The answer lies in a legendary McDonald’s commercial that paired Jordan with a notable co-star, creating an unforgettable moment in advertising history.

Falk’s rule was simple: Michael Jordan was the greatest and didn’t need anyone to compliment him, as he cited, “For most of Michael’s career, with very few exceptions, we never let him be in ads with anyone else. I always wanted him by himself.” However, this philosophy took a sharp turn in 1993. Falk agreed to let Larry Bird star alongside Jordan in a McDonald’s commercial. But why did Falk make an exception? Jordan and Bird have a contrasting personality and competitive spirits which he couldn’t ignore.

“He had a great relationship with Larry Bird. They were very competitive. He respected him… I thought it was a great idea. So I sort of broke my own rule about allowing another person to be in the commercial,” Falk told USA Today. As an agent, David Falk’s role in converting ‘Michael Jordan’ into a brand by itself was crucial.

The McDonald’s commercial, featuring Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, known as “The Showdown,” is one of the most memorable ads in the franchise. The storyline involved a friendly competition between the duo, shooting hoops in exchange for a Big Mac for the winner. “Looser watches the other eat lunch.” While the catchphrase “nothing but net” became the takeaway revolving around the commercial, “The Showdown” wasn’t the only ad in the franchise, there were many more, including  Jordan’s iconic Anti-dr*g PSA ad.

Falk’s innovative approach began with the ground-breaking Nike deal that gave birth to the Air Jordan line, which was the start of Jordan’s global presence. However, he didn’t stop there! He targeted endorsement deals with major brands like Coca-Cola, Gatorade, Hanes, and many more, each reinforcing Jordan’s image and broadening his appeal.

Michael Jordan’s memorable McDonald’s collaborations

Michael Jordan’s collaborations with McDonald’s were not only recognized but also extremely lucrative. Throughout his endorsements, Jordan earned an estimated $800,000 from his McDonald’s collaborations alone. The staggering amount illustrates the immense value brands noticed in associating with Jordan. By the end of his career, Jordan had earned approximately $2 billion from endorsement deals, making him a marketing powerhouse.

Space Jam and the Looney Tunes: Jordan’s collaboration with Warner Bros. and McDonald’s extended into the realm of animation with the release of Space Jam. The ad saw Jordan star alongside the Looney Tunes characters and other NBA stars like Charles Barkley and Larry Bird. This ad has appealing visual blending elements to target primarily kids, and of course, the grown-ups will follow.

Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan (1995): McDonald’s featured Jordan alongside Charles Barkley, in yet another collaboration back in 1995. This ad on their friendly rivalry and mutual respect the duo had for one another. The commercial depicted Jordan and Barkley engaging in playful banter amidst a one-versus-one.

McJordan Special (1992): McDonald’s curated and released an exclusive McJordan Special. In reality, it was just the regular quarter-pounder which had the pound beef patty, barbecue sauce, bacon, cheese, and other good stuff enclosed within a sesame seed bun. What made the McJordan Special was that it was exclusively launched in Chicago for obvious reasons – Jordan’s association with the Bulls.

Michael Jordan’s collaborations with McDonald’s show his unparalleled impact in both marketing and sports. From classic ads featuring Larry Bird to unforgettable campaigns including Charles Barkley and the Looney Tunes, Jordan’s involvement boosted each ad to legendary status. Of the Michael Jordan McDonald’s commercials you recall, which one most stands out? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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