In 2023, the captivating movie Air was released. The film tells the story of Michael Jordan’s groundbreaking contract with Nike.
The production was well equipped with an excellent cast. Phil Knight, CEO and co-founder of Nike, was played by Ben Affleck. But most of the movie centered around struggling Nike talent scout Sonny Vaccaro, played by Matt Damon, and Michael’s mother, Deloris Jordan, played by Viola Davis.
Trying to gain traction and stability at Nike, Sonny Vaccaro pitched an incredibly bold, risky, and innovative idea to Phil Knight. Rather than dividing Nike’s investment among several athletes, Nike should go “all in” on a basketball phenom from the University of North Carolina named Michael Jordan. According to Vaccaro, this rookie Tar Heel could eventually be worth more than many veteran stars combined.
One of the best scenes is a negotiation phone call between Deloris Jordan and Sonny Vaccaro. To Vaccaro’s surprise and great delight, Deloris accepted Nike’s offer to sign Michael for $250,000 guaranteed, and a new Mercedes-Benz.
But then the fine print of Deloris’ negotiation changed Michael’s financial history forever: a “piece” of every Air Jordan shoe Nike sold.
Sonny objected and told Deloris, “That’s not how this industry works.” Deloris replied, “That’s because this industry has never seen anyone like my son, Michael.”
A proud, and perhaps presumptuous mom, indeed.
But then Deloris said something that sealed the deal: “A shoe is just a shoe until my son steps into it.”
That changed everything. The rest is history.
Michael received his $250,000 guarantee, his Mercedes-Benz, and a piece of every pair of Air Jordans sold—an agreement that has remained in effect for decades.
The initial $250,000 is long gone. That old Mercedes may not even run anymore. But the shoe royalties continue to come. Michael’s annual royalty income is estimated to be more than $250 million, even though he hasn’t dribbled a basketball professionally for over 20 years.
Deloris was right. A shoe is just a shoe until Michael steps into it.
That quote makes me think about another NIL—Name, Image, and Likeness—transaction, but one that is much deeper and more significant.
It has nothing to do with basketball or shoes. It has everything to do with mercy and souls.
A cross was just a cross until Jesus died on it. A tomb was just a tomb until Jesus walked out of it.
The Roman Empire knew crucifixion well. During its reign, thousands of people were crucified. The Romans perfected a practice that had begun with the Assyrians centuries before them. Even on the day of Jesus’ execution, two other men were crucified on the same soil.
Tombs dotted the hillsides of the Judean countryside. The tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea wasn’t remarkable. Skeptics of Jesus’ resurrection have even suggested that the apostles went to the wrong tomb when they discovered Jesus’ body was missing. After all, tombs were everywhere.
But this cross was different. This tomb was different.
A cross was just a cross until Jesus died on it. A tomb was just a tomb until Jesus walked out of it.
Without His cross and without His empty tomb, life as we know it would be futile. Paul surmised in 1 Corinthians 15:19: “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
But we are not pitied. Our hope extends far beyond this life.
Our Savior died on that cross. Our Savior walked out of that tomb. And because of Him, our spiritual future is a slam dunk.
Deloris negotiated a prosperous deal for Michael. God designed a life-saving deal for humanity.
A cross was just a cross until Jesus died on it. A tomb was just a tomb until Jesus walked out of it.
We will never be able to measure the true royalty of those royalties. |
