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Michael Jordan Rejects 'Black Mamba' Nickname; Kobe Embraces It

2/25/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Nike pitched the nickname 'Black Mamba' for Michael Jordan, NBA star, during the 2003 Air Jordan 19 rollout, inspired by a snake-like design.
Jordan, who fears snakes, rejected the idea.
The campaign appeared briefly in a 2004 ESPN magazine and was shelved.
Kobe Bryant, NBA star, later adopted the nickname after Kill Bill Vol. 2.
The nickname became Bryant's, while Jordan's fear of snakes left him without it.

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Story summary

Nike pitched the nickname 'Black Mamba' for Michael Jordan, NBA star, during the 2003 Air Jordan 19 rollout, inspired by a snake-like design.
Jordan, who fears snakes, rejected the idea.
The campaign appeared briefly in a 2004 ESPN magazine and was shelved.
Kobe Bryant, NBA star, later adopted the nickname after Kill Bill Vol. 2.
The nickname became Bryant's, while Jordan's fear of snakes left him without it.