Deion Sanders describes impact he had on making Nike Air DT Max 96
From his time as a legendary player to now as the current head coach at Colorado, Deion Sanders has always been known for his standout style and his stake in the fashion game. Highlighted by lavish outfits, jewelry, and gracing the cover of GQ Magazine last year.
One of Sanders’ most iconic looks came through his footwear, sporting the popular Nike Air Diamond Turf Max ’96 shoe throughout his playing career both on the football field and on the baseball diamond. A shoe that Nike is now dusting off and re-releasing this year as they recapture the Golden era through an iconic sneaker.
Following Colorado spring game, Sanders was asked about the re-release of the Nike Air DT Max 96 shoe and how much involvement he had in its design.
“A lot,” Sanders said. “I’m not the kind of guy that just lets you create something and put my name. I don’t strike you that way, I don’t imitate that person of non-inclusion. I’m not like that. So when it comes to anything, design, shades, shoes, phone, anything I’m truly involved.”
Sanders added that he did not know when the shoe would be released, but Nike has confirmed that the ‘Black White’ colorway will be back this summer in June. As classic features like the recognizable torn-like design and the midfoot strap remain and updated looks like Sanders’ new logo on the backstrap and his face on the sole are showcased on the iconic sneaker in the black and varsity maize colors of the Colorado Buffaloes.
Coach Prime even pulled up to Colorado’s spring game in a Lamborghini wrapped in the quintessential design of his sneaker.
The Nike Air DT Max 96 release follows a reunion between Sanders and the Swoosh.
Sanders signed with Nike in 1992 as a player for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Braves, but the two eventually parted ways following his playing career after the relationship soured. With PrimeTime jumping ship for Under Armor in 2009 and staying with them until last year.
“Under Armour had a longstanding partnership with Deion Sanders for more than a decade and we are proud of what we accomplished together,” Under Armor said in a statement to USA Today. “Now that he has gone on to Colorado, we can’t wait to see him continue to positively impact the game and look forward to watching him find continued success with his new partners, athletes, and expanded communities.“
Sanders made the coaching jump from Jackson State to Colorado, also jumping from Under Armor back to Nike in an announcement made last July. Which has since been followed by a rollout of steadily teasing a potential relaunch of an Air Max signature line after Sanders unboxed the Nike Air Diamond Turf Max ’96 shoe along with several cleat designs in January. As players like his son Shedeur Sanders and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray have been seen in the cleats as well.
Sneakerheads can get their hands on Sanders’ Nike Air DT Max 96 on June 14, but it will fascinating to see what else is in store for Nike and Coach Prime moving forward on the field for the Buffaloes this upcoming season and beyond.