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When Barry Sanders abruptly retired from the NFL in 1999, he left Detroit Lions die-hards reeling. Two decades later, Nike is just doing something to make the Hall Of Famer’s early exodus easier to take — a Sanders shoe.
The limited-edition sneakers celebrate 20 years since the legendary Lions running back exited the NFL without warning. In accordance, the shoe is modeled after the cleat that helped carry Sanders to stardom: the Nike Air Zoom Turf Jet 97.
The commemorative kicks bear the “Detroit Lions’ team colors, team name and Sanders’ retired number 20 on the midfoot strap,” Nike announced Wednesday.
Oh, and only 2,053 pairs will be released — a tribute to the number of rushing yards Sanders racked up during his banner 1997 season.
The gridiron icon has given the Nike Air Zoom Turf Jet 97 his blessing.
“I played high school football for four years, college football for three years and professional football for 10 years, yet I have been a Nike spokesperson for 30,” said Sanders, 51, in a statement.
The $179.99 Nike Air Zoom Turf Jet 97s will be available on the Nike website starting 9:30 a.m. Thursday — just ahead of the T-day game kickoff, reports Michigan Live. A limited batch of 250 pairs are already being sold at the Lions’ brick-and-mortar shop in Ford Stadium, the company said.
Fans will get to see the NFL legend take to the field once again: Sanders’ will act as honorary captain of the Detroit Lions when they face the Chicago Bears during their annual Thanksgiving game at Ford Field on Thursday.
And, yes, he will be wearing his signature sneakers.
“It is such a huge honor that they are bringing back this shoe in my honor, and I can’t thank Nike enough on behalf of my fans everywhere,” Sanders said.
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