BREAKING NEWS: Michael Jordan Strikes $35 Million Endorsement Deal with Maxx Crosby, Uniting Air Jordan with The Shield
In an electrifying turn of events that is shaking the world of both sports and fashion, basketball legend Michael Jordan has just sealed a groundbreaking $35 million endorsement deal with Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby. This high-profile partnership marks Crosby as the new face of the all-new Air Jordan campaign, combining the legendary Jumpman brand with one of the NFL's most powerful defensive forces.
The announcement sent waves of excitement through the sports world, as two icons — one from the hardwood and the other from the gridiron — unite to redefine sneaker culture. For years, Air Jordan has been synonymous with basketball excellence, but with this new venture, Michael Jordan is pushing the boundaries of what his iconic brand can do. "Greatness recognizes greatness," Crosby shared in a heartfelt post on his social media, adding, "this isn’t just business, it’s belief in the next generation."
Maxx Crosby, known for his relentless defensive prowess on the field, is now ready to bring that same intensity and focus to the sneaker world. As one of the most dominant players in the NFL, Crosby’s larger-than-life presence on the field makes him the perfect partner for Jordan’s iconic footwear brand. Together, they will fuse the worlds of football and basketball, blending Crosby’s fierce work ethic with Jordan’s legacy of excellence and competition.
The deal is not just about business; it’s about shaping the future. By aligning with a player of Crosby’s caliber, Air Jordan is expanding its reach beyond basketball, appealing to a new generation of athletes who not only dominate their respective sports but embody a culture of passion, grit, and success. The endorsement is expected to include an exclusive sneaker line that will debut in 2026, featuring designs that draw on Crosby’s own personal style and his journey to NFL stardom.
Jordan’s decision to partner with Crosby reflects the immense respect he has for the defensive standout, whose impact extends well beyond the football field. Crosby has become a household name thanks to his leadership on the Raiders and his charity work in Las Vegas. This partnership is expected to elevate Crosby’s already stellar career, offering him a platform to influence not only his sport but also the world of fashion and culture.
This $35 million endorsement deal is one of the most significant in recent sports marketing history, as it brings together two athletes at the peak of their careers, each representing excellence in their own arena. It’s a partnership that symbolizes more than just an endorsement; it represents the unification of two worlds of greatness, merging basketball’s iconic Air Jordan brand with the NFL’s fiercest defensive player. As fans from both sports eagerly await the debut of this new campaign, one thing is clear: the sneaker game is about to be forever changed.
Expect the "Air Crosby" to be a household name, just as Jordan’s sneakers have been for decades. This partnership is poised to break boundaries, influence new trends, and ignite the next era of athlete-driven sneaker culture. Watch this space.
Did Browns' Kevin Stefanski ever worry about losing job to Mike Vrabel?
Almost immediately after the Cleveland Browns hired former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel to serve as a consultant in March 2024, some wondered if Browns owner Jimmy Haslam viewed Vrabel as a future replacement for Kevin Stefanski.
Vrabel has now guided the New England Patriots to a 5-2 start in his first season as head coach. On Monday, Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand asked Stefanski if he ever felt uncomfortable or threatened by Vrabel's presence last year.
Kevin Stefanski trusted Mike Vrabel despite job-security whispers
"Vrabes is a good friend," Stefanski responded. "Wanted him around the building as much as we could get him last year. He was excited to get back to work. But, yeah, I think … it’s just the friendship there, and somebody I trust."
Stefanski, a two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year Award winner, was in charge of a Browns side that was coming off a playoff appearance when Vrabel began his stint with the AFC North club. Since then, however, Cleveland has gone 5-19 under Stefanski's watch. Some around the league thought he went into Sunday's home game against the lowly Miami Dolphins in danger of losing his job, but Cleveland then earned a 31-6 win to improve to 2-5.
Mike Vrabel opens up about his Browns tenure
There's no indication Vrabel had any interest in becoming Cleveland's head coach before accepting the Patriots gig. A January report revealed that the Las Vegas Raiders "never requested an interview" with Vrabel after the 2024 regular season wrapped up because he allegedly told them he intended to accept the New England job.
On Monday, Vrabel told reporters he "enjoyed working with" Stefanski and the rest of the Cleveland coaching staff in 2024.
"I was trying to help the players," Vrabel said about his role with the Browns, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "I was trying to help the young coaches. ...I tried to help with player development. But they have a great organization as far as the structure and everything. But I tried to be involved with the young coaches and with the young players, and help them in practice and help them develop."
Vrabel's Patriots will enter Sunday's showdown at Gillette Stadium on a four-game winning streak. As of Tuesday morning, ESPN BET had New England as a 7.5-point home favorite over Cleveland.
