“Being part of this family means so much to me. Jordan Brand has shaped sport culture for decades and continues to exhibit excellence at every level,” said Nigel Sylvester, the BMX star who presented FN’s Brand of the Year Award to Jordan Brand on Wednesday night.
One thing was clear from the speeches of both Sylvester and Sarah Mensah — the Jordan Brand president who accepted the award — and that was that the greatness of Michael Jordan and his achievements continue to guide and define the brand centered around the basketball legend.
Sylvester spoke about being a kid growing up in Queens, and watching his “older brother and cousins getting fresh in their Jordans,” which in turn inspired him to make the AJ 1 his go-to inspiration for everything as a Bicycle Motocross athlete from the pedal grip to flexibility and the overall look. He also has collaborated with both Nike and the Jordan Brand on a number of difference products since 2021.
“Let’s talk about MJ (Michael Jordan), the GOAT, who has accomplished so many great things on and off the court,” Sylvester said. He added that Jordan’s greatness and mentality “continue to radiate through this brand. The results are remarkable. The brand has amazing things coming up next year from incredible stories to innovative products focused on supporting athletes and creators. Jordan Brand is built on a legacy, and we’re focused on the future.”
In her acceptance speech, Mensah said: “This recognition says so much about the culture that really built this brand as it does about the work that our teams have put in and at every single level.”
More importantly, the team is driven by another core focus, Mensah said. “At the Jordan Brand, we believe intrinsically that the inside of every single human being there is greatness. Our mission is just to help you express it; help you find your inner Michael Jordan,” she explained.
The Brand of the Year award coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1. It is arguably, the most recognizable basketball shoe in footwear history. And while Sylvester has dominated sneaker discussions with his Air Jordan 4 “Brick by Brick” release, NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts made his case as the preeminent Jordan athlete of today when he won his first Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles — he wore the AJ11s in the first half and the AJ1s in the second.
At Wednesday night’s event, both Sylvester and Spike Lee wore matching kicks to honor the brand.
For 39 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2025 event is supported by Caleres, Listrak, Nordstrom, Skechers, Vibram and Wolverine Worldwide.
