LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ben Affleck's latest film, 'Air,' is a true story based on Nike salesman Sonny Vaccaro's successful signing of then-rising superstar Michael Jordan. Played by Matt Damon, Sonny Vaccaro's relentless efforts resulted in the biggest collaboration that the sporting industry has ever seen, making Nike the unparalleled giant that it is today. However, particularly for Ben Affleck's direction, Convery's screenplay, and the performances of the cast the film got phenomenal reviews, and the film grossed 85 million dollars worldwide. Regardless, Nike's Air Jordans continue to be a prized possession as a result of Sonny Vaccaro's efforts. Vaccaro's plan to create a shoe line based around Jordan became the biggest gamble ever in the shoe industry, turning fortunes in favor of Nike which was facing a crisis in the mid-80s. The signing eventually helped Nike topple Adidas and Converse. Nike offered Jordan a ridiculous USD 500,000 per year to Jordan to sign him even before his first NBA season. The deal made up for the USD 5000 fine that Jordan had to pay every time he hit the court with the signature shoes on. 'Air' also features Viola Davis as Jordan's mother, who played a pivotal role in turning Jordan's decision in favor of Nike. Now the movie is about to stream on Prime Video so let's see where are the characters now.
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Sonny Vaccaro
After working for Nike and pioneering arguably one of the most important brand deals of all time, Vaccaro created the ABCD Camp, a basketball program that centered around the nation's most talented and highly-ranked basketball athletes, in 1984. Alumni of the camp include stars LeBron James, James Harden, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant, as reported by Biography. Vaccaro was also the subject of a '30 for 30' documentary called Sole Man back in 2015, which charted his rise and role through the industry.
George Raveling
Another stern request Jordan had before giving Affleck his blessing to make the film was for the inclusion of one of his coaches at the 1984 Olympics, George Raveling. Raveling and Vaccaro were also close friends, and the basketball coach was instrumental in making the Nike deal with the Jordan family a reality by putting in a good word and vouching for his friend with the Jordans. He also worked as the Director for International Basketball for Nike at one point after retiring from his career as a coach. Regardless, on September 8, 2018, he was selected by former University of Maryland head basketball coach Lefty Driesell as one of Driesell's presenters upon his induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame.
Phil Knight
Knight was the co-founder and chairman emeritus (he’s retired, but he gets to keep his title out of honor and respect), Phil Knight served as the CEO of Nike from 1964 (when it was called Blue Ribbons Sports) until 2016. During that time, Knight helped the company become one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Although he stepped down from his position as CEO decades ago, he is still involved with Nike as chairman emeritus of the sports company.
Rob Strasser
Strasser was Nike’s director of marketing, Rob Strasser was critical in helping to market and sell the Air Jordan 1—not only to consumers but to MJ himself. On the latter, Strasser made an impact; Jordan told US Today in 2015 that he “absolutely fell in love with” Strasser during the initial presentation of the shoe. Rob Strasser left Nike in 1987, just a few years after Air Jordan sneakers hit store shelves. He went on to work for Adidas and later became the chief executive of Adidas America in the early 1990s. On November 2, 1993, he died in Munich, Germany where he was attending a sales meeting.
Howard White
White was an assistant coach to the Maryland Terps, Howard “H” White worked at Nike as a field representative, developing relationships with up-and-coming athletes- notably Michael Jordan. After bringing MJ to Nike, White became an essential part of the Jordan Brand at Nike. He continues to work with the company to this day as the senior vice president of the Jordan Brand. Additionally, White founded the “Believe to Achieve” program, a traveling seminar to help encourage youth to believe in themselves and for adults to provide mentorship accordingly.
Deloris Jordan
Much of 'Air' focuses on how Jordan's parents, Deloris and James R. Jordan (played by real-life husband and wife Viola Davis and Julius Tennon), helped their son get the best deal possible from Nike and build his legacy. While Jordan's father was tragically killed in 1993, Deloris continues to nurture youth to reach their full potential through the James R. Jordan Foundation she founded in her late husband's name in 2000.
'AIR' will be available on Prime Video beginning on May 12.
