(PatriotPostNews.com) – A long-time alliance between golf star Tiger Woods and sports giant Nike ended on January 8, much to the chagrin of golf fans.
The partnership between the two stars lasted 27 years, at which point the athlete—who has won 15 major competitions—confirmed the end of the agreement. It began when Woods was just 20 years old, when the now 48-year-old first began advertising the brand by wearing the classic Nike Swoosh on his gear.
Following the announcement of the pair’s split, fans lamented the development. Messages posted on social media expressed disbelief that Woods could sport “anything but Nike” and that the iconic pair held a nostalgic place in the hearts of those who have seen them together throughout “my whole life.”
Another fan pointed out that the partnership between Woods and Nike was similar to that of NBA star Michael Jordan, whose career with the brand boosted the company into fame. One user said that the “iconic” Woods-Nike partnership was second only to Jordan’s.
The news comes more than a year after Woods showed up at the 2022 Augusta National competition wearing golf shoes from FootJoy, replacing his classic Nike outfit. At the time, the golf star explained that the decision was sparked by injuries sustained during a 2021 car crash.
He citied “very limited mobility,” saying that he needed “different” footwear which provided a chance for him to “be more stable” due to “rods and plates and screws” that had been put in his leg after the accident. Nike did not blast the athlete for his choice in apparel during that Master’s competition, instead expressing support for the “incredible athlete” and saying that the brand will keep working alongside him “to meet his new needs.”
The end of the partnership with Nike also comes roughly one month after a report speculated the two would be breaking ties with each other. During his 27 years with Nike, Woods reportedly earned $500 million by advertising the brand’s gear during competitions and through iconic commercials.
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