In 1972, two men lost their business deal and gained the world.
They were fired. Broke. Starting from zero.
That moment led to the creation of Nike – now a multi-billion dollar giant with an empire built on risk, grit, and a $35 logo.
This is your blueprint if you’re a sneakerhead, creative, or entrepreneur.
Here’s how one of the greatest stories in sneaker history began, and why it still matters 53 years later.
The Spark: Blue Ribbon Sports
Before Nike, there was Blue Ribbon Sports.
In 1964, Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight started by selling Onitsuka Tiger sneakers from the boot of Knight’s car at track meets.
Bowerman, a track coach, was obsessed with innovation. Knight, a former runner, handled the hustle. Together, they tapped into an overlooked market: performance footwear that worked for real athletes.
They didn’t start with big dreams – just bold ones.
The Break: From Fired to Free
May 1, 1972. Onitsuka cut ties with Blue Ribbon Sports.
For most, that would be the end. For Phil Knight, it was the beginning.
That same day, he decided to go all in. No more middleman. No more Plan B.
He launched a brand of his own. The name? Nike – inspired by the Greek goddess of victory.
“We were fired. But it pushed us forward,” Knight wrote. And just like that, Nike was born.
The Icon: The $35 Nike Swoosh
The Swoosh is one of the most recognisable logos in history.
It was created by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student who was paid just $35 for the design.
The logo symbolised motion, speed, and agility.
Davidson was later given stock in the company, making her a millionaire. But the original exchange? Just $35 and a vision.
It shows how far a single creative idea can go.
The Game-Changer: The Cortez
Bill Bowerman designed the Nike Cortez in 1968, but it debuted officially under the Nike brand in 1972, just in time for the Olympic Trials.
Built for long-distance running, the Cortez had a thick, cushioned sole.
It wasn’t just functional. It was cool. Soon, it crossed from athletics into everyday style.
From LA Cholos to modern-day collectors, the Cortez is a cultural icon.
Fun Fact: There’s a debate around its design origins.
Some say a Mexican tennis shoe influenced it.
Knight allegedly stayed in Mexico, drawing inspiration before launching the Cortez. True or not, its legacy is real.
The Flip: Becoming Nike, Inc.
Nike officially changed its name from Blue Ribbon Sports to Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1978.
By December 1980, they went public, offering 2.8 million shares at $22 each.
That same $22 share today? Worth around $4,500.
The Swoosh wasn’t just a logo. It became a symbol of belief, persistence, and style. And the market believed too.
Why It Still Matters (Today)
Nike’s story isn’t just history. It’s a lesson in ambition.
It started with selling someone else’s shoes, evolved into a brand born from a firing, and became a global force.
Every sneaker drop today is built on that origin.
When you wear a Swoosh, you’re wearing a piece of rebellion, vision, and perseverance.
So, what’s your Cortez moment?
Did You Know?
Nike almost wasn’t called Nike.
Co-founder Jeff Johnson dreamed up the name and phoned it in.
Other names like “Dimension Six” were seriously considered.
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