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Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown says he turned down $50 million he could have made if he had signed a sneaker deal with existing shoe brand.
The reason he did this, he says, was so he could launch his own sportswear and shoe brand, 741.
Jaylen Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand,” a press release stated.
Complex reports that Brown has been spotted working out at Rucker Park in New York City wearing one of his new sneakers and until now, no one knew what it was. Now we do.
“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different … create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”
The name of the brand, 741, stands for spiritual awakening, wisdom, and understanding (the number 7); hard work, stability, and practicality (the number 4); and symbolizes new beginnings, creativity, and independence (the number one).
The first offering from 741 are sneakers named the Rover that can now be pre-ordered for $200. Big kids sizes, however, will only cost $70.
A sneak peek of Jaylen Brown’s new kicks drew a wide range of reactions.
“Designed for athletes, built for greatness. Are you ready to shift the energy?” an Instagram post announcing the new sneaker exclaimed.
“What are shoe designers thinking?? Lol I need to get in the design game cause this ain’t it,” one fan wrote on X (Twitter).
“Orthopedic a– sneaker,” read another derogatory comment.
“Cool idea, ugly shoe, sry dawg,” someone else opined. “Nothing about this to me says ‘athletic wear,’ looks like a slip on sketchers [sic] shoe.”
There were also numerous positive comments.
“I love people who aren’t afraid to take risks! Instead of waiting on a seat at the table, create your OWN table,” one fan wrote.
“Finally some info on his mystery Wakanda sneakers, another fan commented. “Lavar Ball somewhere punching the wall.”
So which new sneakers do you like better? Jaylen Browns? Or Kyrie Irvings?