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When Nike announced Andre Agassi was coming home to Beaverton, they meant exactly that. The Swoosh stamped many of Agassi’s most illustrious moments over the course of his legendary career, with the memories and merchandise becoming almost inseparable. After signing with adidas in his later playing days, Agassi recently returned to Nike in an effort provide synergy to his endeavors in physical education and activity. The Las Vegas Sun caught up with Agassi to discuss his emotional and exciting return to Nike.
“I get this call from Phil, and he was looking for guidance in a particular area,” said Agassi. “I said, ‘On one condition, Phil. That I can come up to Portland, over lunch, look you in the eye, man to man, and say thank you for the life you have given me, and I am sorry for the way it ended.’ ”
The two met in Portland and shared an emotional exchange that resulted in Agassi’s return to the Swoosh.
“We talked it out. We shared many tears together, talking to each other across a desk,” recalled Agassi. “It was a real, authentic moment.”
“He asked me, ‘How much interest would you have in coming back?’ ” Agassi says. “And I go, ‘You mean, like coming home? It would mean everything to me.’ That’s how it happened.”
Joining Nike meant leaving adidas, the brand that similarly sponsored his wife Steffi Graff since the early beginnings of her tremendous career.
“I was very transparent with Adidas as to where my heart is and what I want my life to look like,” Agassi said. “They were more than classy through the whole thing and completely understood, quite frankly, which speaks well of them. My wife has been with them her whole career.”
Agassi also stated that he and Knight will be handling the venture this time around, with both ecstatic about the possibilities. Expect Agassi’s return to Nike to be paired with the Design to Move campaign and likely some retro sneakers. Stay tuned for Nice Kicks on more news on Andre Agassi and his return to Nike.
