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Jordan Brand Rolls out Moving 'RE2PECT' Tribute for Derek Jeter

Dan Carson
Jun 3, 2018

Jordan Brand released a new, star-studded tribute on Monday to pay homage to Derek Jeter, one of the companyโ€™s longest sponsored athletes.ย 

Titled โ€œRE2PECT,โ€ the spot shows a veritable army of athletes, coaches and pop culture icons tipping their caps to the 40-year-old New York Yankee, who will retire this year after wrapping up his 20thย season in the MLB.ย 

Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Jay Z are just a few of the many familiar faces paying tribute to the Yankees captain in the ad. Phil Jackson, Jeanie Buss, Carmelo Anthony and Billy Crystal also show their respect in the video, which is guaranteed to leave more than one Yankees fan misty-eyed.ย 

The best part of this ad might be the grudging acknowledgements of Jeterโ€™s success. Boston bros with no love for the Yankees tip their hats, and Mr. Met might have to go into witness protection after doffing his cap for Jeter.

Itโ€™s a moving tribute for a guy who made it through baseballโ€™s most turbulent era without an arrest or a PED scandal. This is Nikeโ€™s official salute to Jeter, whose legacy with the company is second only to its titular namesake.

Jeter became the first Jordan Brand-endorsed baseball player after signing with the company in 1999. He has 12 signature cleats to his nameโ€”more shoes than any other athlete besides Jordan, per Nike's official site.

The ad will make its television debut Tuesday night, during Jeterโ€™s final All-Star Game.

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