'I Don’t Ever Take It For Granted': Michael Jordan Exclusive Invite Leads Sean Payton To Air Jordan History

That moment set the tone for what became a rare partnership between an NFL coach and the Jordan brand. “Three weeks later, like 15 boxes came of just different Jordan shoes, so the shoes come in, the clothes come in, I don’t ever take it for granted, I’m real appreciative and the rule is if I gift you one of those, you can’t sell them on eBay,” Payton continued.

Brand endorsements coming off of these kinds of small conversations put a bit more emphasis on the Air Jordan brand as the type that goes beyond the walls of a meeting room. It goes further than the marketer’s PowerPoint presentation. Michael Jordan has put emphasis on the simple fact that Payton’s continued use of the brand is a true endorsement that needs to be made official.

Michael Jordan’s own show brand didn’t start off in an orthodox way as well. It was a mix of things that went just right for the then-young and upcoming baller. What started as corporate bending over backwards for something unusual would be the start of something truly special.

Sean Payton’s Michael Jordan Shoe Collection Catches Locker Room Attention

Sean Payton’s ties with Michael Jordan don’t go unnoticed in the Denver Broncos locker room. His players see the perks firsthand, and they’ve had a laugh about it.

“(Payton) brags about it a little bit, (saying) ‘You haven’t seen these in stores yet.’ Every day he’s showing off new shoes,” cornerback Patrick Surtain said.

Payton’s Jordan brand connection is something even his team finds fascinating. “He was telling me the scoop about Jordan and how they treat him. He was like, once you join Jordan, it’s a brotherhood from here on. But I’m with Nike right now, so we will see how things go,” Surtain added.

Michael Jordan’s influence goes far beyond the basketball court. For Payton, being included in that select group means having access to gear most fans only see in pictures. And for his players, it’s a daily reminder that their coach is part of something bigger than football.