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Michael Jordan or Deion Sanders: Who's the Best Trendsetter?

By (Analyst) on June 26, 2009

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23 May 1998: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during an Eastern Conference Final game against the Indiana Pacers at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Bulls 107-105.

Deion Sanders and Michael Jordan starred in the ‘90s but many of the trends they set are still around today.

Their styles have influenced today’s players and even trickled down to little leagues.

Fans and players alike try to emulate these stars, but here’s your chance to decide who left the biggest and best mark on his league.

Jordan's Sneakers

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 16:  NBA basketball player Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets attends the premiere of his MELO M3 signature shoe held at the Shag Hollywood on November16, 2006 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty I

Probably the most lasting and famous of all of Jordan’s innovations in the NBA, his shoes have endured three retirements and are still going strong.

Carmelo Anthony has his own line of Jordan Brand sneakers and Richard Hamilton, Ray Allen, and Joe Johnson also endorse the Jordan line.

Whether on or off the court, Jordans are coveted in neighborhoods across the country.

Above, Carmelo shows off a pair of his M3 sneakers.

Deion's Do-Rags and Stocking Caps

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19:  Cornerback Deion Sanders #37 and linebacker Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens talk during the game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 19, 2004 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Ra

Do-rags were nothing new to inner-cities, but when Deion decided to wear one, star players followed in unison like high schoolers trying to maintain the status quo.

Deion’s bandanas and stocking caps came in coordinating colors and today’s players often use some type head accessory between their hair and helmet.

Jordan's Bald Head

BOSTON - MAY 12:  Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics celebrates his three point shot to give them the lead over the Orlando Magic in the final minutes in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden M

Jordan’s bald head was ahead of its time, but now it’s become one of the most common hairstyles in sports. Jordan made the cue ball fashionable and the clean-shaven look is now a staple of the NBA.

Ray Allen prefers the chrome-dome look and also endorses the Jordan brand.

Deion's Touchdown Celebrations

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18:  Wide receiver DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after he catches a 62-yard touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University

Deion wasn’t the first player to celebrate but his high-stepping, ball-waving touchdown trot was ajoy to watch.

Prime Time made it cool to celebrate again and players like Chad Ochocinco, Desean Jackson, and Terrell Owens have often imitated his showmanship.

Jackson has even had a few mishaps along the way by turning the ball over during premature celebrations.

Jordan's Basketball Shorts

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 30:  LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Orlando Magic in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 30, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expr

Jordan was known for wearing a pair of North Carolina Tar Heel shorts under his NBA short set.

Naturally, with two pairs of shorts on he needed the top pair to be longer. The trend caught fire and thigh-highs have turned into knee-length trunks.
Now most players wear longer shorts and an extra pair underneath.

Above James is clad in Jordan's signature No. 23 and his trademark long shorts.

Deion's Facemask

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 14:  Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears looks on against the Carolina Panthers during their NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 14, 2008. (Photo by: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Deion ushered in a facemask with two bars on the top row that allowed skill players to see the field better and it became a must-have item.

He was one of the first players to don this type of helmet but his followers are many and like most of his fashion choices, this one stuck around.

Here, Devin Hester, who has big-play ability similar to Deion, sports the facemask with a visor.

Best Example of Jordan's Influence: Kobe Bryant

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14:  Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the fourth quarter before defeating the Orlando Magic 99-86 in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.  NOTE TO USER:  User expressly

Kobe Bryant has copied Jordan style in every manner.

He began his career wearing Adidas sneakers and rocking an Afro to distance himself from MJ’s shadow.

However, Kobe sings a different song today with his own line of Nikes, a close-shaven hairstyle, and a tongue-waving tendency.

Kobe also borrowed Jordan's turnaround jumper and head coach Phil Jackson, but who’s counting?

Best Example of Deion's Influence: DeAngelo Hall

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 16:  Cornerback DeAngelo Hall #21 of the Atlanta Falcons defends against Jacksonville Jaguars the at Alltel Stadium on September 16, 2007 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars defeated the Falcons 13-7.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Ge

DeAngelo came into the league as a high draft pick with tremendous speed and a huge ego similar to Deion.

He wore No. 21 for the Atlanta Falcons and is very boastful on and off the field like Deion.

The two-time Pro Bowler has also played for several teams like Sanders and is one of the fastest players in the NFL.

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