When Patrick Surtain II signed with Jordan Brand this offseason, he knew the moment would eventually come. Standing face-to-face with Michael Jordan himself in Athens, Greece, the Broncos cornerback discovered that even NFL superstars get starstruck when meeting legends.
How Did Surtain II React to Meeting Michael Jordan?
Surtain has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier defensive backs since being selected ninth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He has already earned two first-team All-Pro nods and three Pro Bowl selections in his four-year NFL career.
The cornerback earned a four-year, $96 million contract extension ahead of the 2024 season that includes $77.5 million in guaranteed money. He responded with yet another strong campaign as he recorded 45 total tackles, 34 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, four interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 11 passes defended, and one defensive touchdown. His performance earned him the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Beyond his on-field excellence, Surtain remained in the headlines during the offseason as he became the latest athlete to sign with Jordan Brand. The signing led to a moment he’ll never forget when he shared a photo with the legendary Jordan himself.
During a recent appearance on TMZ Sports, Surtain had the opportunity to discuss meeting the man many consider to be the greatest basketball player of all time. The superstar cornerback described the experience of meeting the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, stating:
“It was a crazy moment. We was out there in Athens, Greece on the Board of Greatness trip by Jordan Brand and, you know, they put together quite the event. Obviously, you seen the pic with MJ; such a cool dude, man, good to experience that. And you could tell he’s very involved with the brand, very involved with his athletes and it was a pleasure to meet him. I remember the first time meeting him and it was quite surreal to say the least because I never met Michael Jordan before, but to actually be in a room full of greatness like that, it was awesome.”
What Does Surtain’s Jordan Brand Deal Mean for His Career?
Surtain revealed that he is officially a Jordan Brand athlete after recently collaborating with the company. The Broncos star joins an impressive collection of athletes signed to the iconic shoe brand.
Their list of NFL stars includes Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, Davante Adams, Maxx Crosby, Stefon Diggs, Bobby Wagner, Stephon Gilmore, Tyrann Mathieu, Deebo Samuel, Puka Nacua, and Bryce Young, among others.
Jordan Brand also has plenty of elite talent from both the NBA and MLB, while also sponsoring several college football and basketball programs. The company’s reach extends far beyond professional sports, creating a comprehensive athletic empire.
While the financial details of Surtain’s endorsement deal remain private, it’s unclear if the cornerback will receive a signature shoe as part of his partnership with the brand. However, joining Jordan Brand represents another milestone in what has already been a remarkable career for the young defensive star.
