The University of Michigan and Nike have a storied history with many of the Victors’ greatest athletes scoring touchdowns and putting down dunks in Nikes and Jordans. Focusing on basketball but also showing love to a football favorite, see some of the prolific Wolverines that made history in Nike.
Glen Rice
Before Glen Rice was a 99 level 3-Point Shooter in NBA Live, he was a standout forward at the University of Michigan. The Heat turned Hornet NBA star laced up the Nike Air Delta Force High en route to winning a National Championship in Ann Arbor back in 1989.
Chris Webber
Sporting the Swoosh during his two-year stay in Ann Arbor, Chris Webber helped Huaraches hit and black Barkleys boom. The Nike Air Flight Huarache and Nike Air Force Max are synonymous with C Webb and the Fab Five, still creating nostalgia in retro life.
Jalen Rose
The point guard that propelled the Fab Five, Jalen Rose was a figurehead that represented the phenomenal freshman stylistically in both attitude and apparel. The Nike Air Dynamic Flight, Nike Air Flight Huarache and even the Air Jordan 9 all got burn from Jalen during his college career.
Juwan Howard
A certified sneakerhead in the amateur, professional and retired ranks, Juwan Howard saw his star blossom at the University of Michigan. Entering an early relationship with Nike while in college, Juwan rocked everything from the famous Nike Air Force Max to the also awesome Nike Air Maestro.
Jimmy King & Ray Jackson
Jimmy King and Ray Jackson were the wings that helped the Fab Five soar. Both swingmen laced up loads of Nike favorites during their days in Ann Arbor, including the likes of the Nike Air Strong and Nike Air Unlimited.
Maurice Taylor
Ushering in the post-Fab Five era, Maurice Taylor took to the hardwood in a variety of famous models. The Nike Air Zoom Flight 95 in the “Carbon Fiber” colorway was a popular pair for Mo, as was the “Concord” Air Jordan 11.
Robert “Tractor” Traylor
AJ13 photo via Big Ten Network
A fan favorite on and off the court, Robert “Tractor” Traylor is a legend in Michigan hoops. When he was getting buckets or breaking backboards in Ann Arbor, #54 was known to wear some of the best from Nike and Jordan Brand, ranging from the Nike Air Flight Max to the “Flint” Air Jordan 13.
Louis Bullock & Robbie Ried
Ann Arbor’s amateur version of the Splash Brothers years before Steph and Klay hit the Bay, Louis Bullock and Robbie Ried were known to pull from absolutely anywhere. Though the post-Fab Five era may not have seen the deep tourney runs of the diaper dandies before them, there was still heat as the Nike Air Penny Max 1 and Jordan Team One got burn in the backcourt.
Charles Woodson
photos via Walter Camp & SB Nation
You’ve gotta be a boss to win the Heisman trophy as a defensive player. Charles Woodson was, well, that: a boss. The cornerback/wide receiver/return man brought Lloyd Carr a National Championship in 1997, capping off a collegiate career that saw him pick passes and score touchdowns in the likes of the Nike Air Speed Turf and Nike Air Pro Streak Max in cleated versions.
Jamal Crawford
photo via Pinterest
Hooping in a headband, Jamal Crawford brought his Seattle swag to the Midwest during his days at Michigan. Only staying for one year, Jamal was a fan favorite, zipping up the Nike Air Flightposite One on occasion.
