These days, Michael Jordan credits Spencer Haywood for being the first ballplayer of such stature to sign with Nike, paving the trail for his namesake multi-billion-dollar brand. Haywood remains close friends with Nike athletes of multiple generations, supporting them through his story and his own on-foot endorsement.

Who was Nike's first signature athlete?

"Nike's first signature athlete was welterweight wrestler, Wayne Wells. The 5' 8" Texas native had an accomplished career, winning a gold medal in Munich in 1972 while working closely with Nike footwear designers on his signature, high-top wresting boot.

Who had the first signature shoe?

Some footwear has taken off more than others, but they all trace back to Walt “Clyde” Frazier, who was the first player with a signature shoe deal. Naturally, Michael Jordan's 30-plus-year affiliation with Nike is the absolute gold standard for basketball shoes.