Nike tried making Michael Jordan Black Mamba before Kobe Bryant, but scrapped it for one key reason
CBS Sports
by
Robby Kalland
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Nike attempted to associate Michael Jordan with the "Black Mamba" nickname in 2002 for their Air Jordan 19 campaign, aiming to highlight the Tech Flex material's resemblance to snake skin. The campaign focused on comparing the black mamba's speed and agility to Jordan's gameplay but was abruptly scrapped after Jordan expressed his deep-seated fear of snakes. According to "Rare Air" author Mark Vancil, Jordan's phobia led him to request the campaign be pulled
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026