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1985: Air Jordan
1985: Air Jordan
Twenty-three years ago, Nike landed one of the greatest endorsements of all time: rookie basketball player Michael Jordan. The company designed a red and black sneaker for the star, but the shoe was banned by the NBA because it violated color rules. Jordan wore them anyway, racking up $5,000 in fines per game. The publicity that followed scored Nike a major hit: By May of 1985, the company had sold and received orders for $70 million worth of Jordans, and overall company revenues jumped 37%.

NEXT: 1985: Dunk
Last updated March 17 2009: 10:25 AM ET
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