Thomas Davis has gone from fan of to friend of LeBron James, but that pales in comparison with Davis's latest NBA connection.
After Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera "put it in the atmosphere" that Davis has long been a collector of Nike's Jordan Brand, the linebacker landed a meeting with the man himself. That chat with Michael Jordan turned into a 2-year endorsement deal Davis signed in June.
"It's a dream come true," Davis says Sunday while carrying a Jordan Brand bag and wearing Air Jordan shorts and a shirt depicting the 6-time NBA champ with Air Jordan shoes hanging off his shoulder — the same shoes Davis has on. "I've been a fan of the brand since I was a little kid."
Davis is just the 14th NFL player sponsored by Jordan Brand, an exclusive list that includes Cowboys' receiver Dez Bryant and Seahawks' safety Earl Thomas. So now that kid from Shellman, Ga., who's spent countless dollars on a closet full of Air Jordans, will be paid to wear custom game day cleats.
"They'll be in Panther colors," Davis says, "so that's going to be amazing in itself."
But the partnership does make you wonder about Davis' allegiance to LeBron.
"What does that have to do with it?" Davis asks.
Well, some could try to argue one is better than the other ...
"MJ is the GOAT," Davis interjects. "Don't get it twisted now.
"I like LeBron, but he ain't Jordan."
Give this man some black and blue Jordan 12 cleats.
Man…
When I was in school, we didn’t wear Air Jordans. Michael was my classmate. #I’mSoOld