Nike50: Rebels are Never Done

It’s hard to imagine what the world of sports would look like without Phil Knight’s crazy idea. Nike has come along way from breaking waffle irons and selling shoes out of the trunk of Plymouth Valiants and that VW. To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, Nike told the stories that shaped their past and defined their future. Stories of sport moments, brand moments and of course, athletes—and no athlete means more to Nike than Prefontaine. Decades after his tragic death, he’s still the soul of the company and his irreverent spirit and rebellious way of running still guide the Swoosh. I grew up running the same hills that he did in Coos Bay, went to the University of Oregon, just like he did, and always feel a tremendous sense of responsibility whenever I’m lucky enough to tell his story. I wrote this spot, in partnership with Blue Ox and Nike, to showcase Pre’s larger-than-life legacy and his lasting impact on Nike athletes for generations to come.