Michael Jordan's 1st Contract Allowed Him to Play in Offseason Pick-Up Games

For the love of the game.

Those words could not be truer as Jordan Brand and Converse introduce the "2 That Started It All" pack.

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When Michael Jordan signed his first NBA contract, it included details allowing him to play in competitive off-season pick-up games. Specifically, this clause allowed for Jordan’s love of the game regardless of potential liability.

Jordan returned to North Carolina for two Tar Heel alumni games in 1986 and 1987. The September 6, 1986, game was played between UNC alumni during the dedication of the Dean Edward Smith Center, and the June 28, 1987, game was against a star-studded rival alumni team.

In 1986, Jordan was wearing a special player edition of the Air Jordan 2 that featured a new detail: Carolina Blue on the heel. Now, the 2 returns to honor both alumni games by including the original details of the 1986 PE with the 1987 game date.

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Jordan also refused to skip the 1984 Olympics.

Having just been drafted in June, it was arguably in his best interest to sit the summer out, but instead, he helped lead the USA men's basketball team to a gold medal. During the Olympics, he wore his favorite Converse model, the Fastbreak.

To celebrate his winning a national title in Converse sneakers at UNC and in the 1984 Olympics, the Fastbreak returns in Carolina Blue.

The rest is history.

The Jordan and Converse "2 That Started It All" Pack is available June 28 at select retailers.

All images courtesy of Nike.