On March 8th, 1998, Michael Jordan played his last game as a Bull at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
That season, Jordan would lead the Bulls to a second three-peat and crown his era as a Chicago Bull. His Airness was deep into his signature sneaker line by 1998. That season, Jordan Brand launched the 13. Also famously that season, Jordan would debut the Air Jordan 14 in the NBA Finals. Strangely, though, Jordan switched it up for his last visit to MSG. Over a decade after first lacing them up for a game, Michael Jordan went back to wearing the Air Jordan 1 Chicago on the court.
“Going back to the Garden, I wanted to see if I could still fit in the original Air Jordans and get to play in them,” Jordan explained to the media.
“I guess it’s a sign of appreciation for all the respect I’ve received here in New York, and if it so happens to be my last game here, certainly when you look at the shoes and the way it started and the way it ended, it all started with that.”
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this decision, though, was the fact that Jordan was wearing a 1985 original on the court. That is to say: despite the fact that Jordan could likely get any sneaker in his line at the snap of a finger, he opted to wear a thirteen-year-old sneaker for what would be his last game at the Garden as a Bull. Jordan ended the night with a 42-point performance and bloody socks because the shoes fit him too small.
As funny as this story is, it shows just how seriously Jordan took his craft. And, frankly, just how aware he was of his legacy. Jordan subjected himself to pain just to give fans in attendance a nod for their support throughout his career. This week, Jordan Brand is honoring the moment with a special pair of Air Jordan 1s.
The low-top tribute sees the familiar colorway of the Chicago Air Jordan 1 paired with motifs that call back to the iconic venue. The floral pattern plays on the venue’s name, while the gold accents not only fit his Airness’ nickname, but also tie the shoe all together.
Rounding out the sneaker, the tongue tag features a blue and orange loop that serves as a tribute to the team Jordan dropped 42 on that night in the New York Knicks. Never short of great stories, Michael Jordan’s sign of appreciation for fans has turned into a tasteful sneaker. It flips one of the most iconic sneakers ever into a moment that celebrates a chapter of Jordan’s illustrious career.
The Air Jordan 1 Low OG Garden releases this Saturday, September 26th, via SNKRS and participating Jordan retailers like JD Sports.
