John McEnroe, a tennis legend and current captain of Team America at the Laver Cup, partnered with Nike to produce and sell a branded pair of shoes. McEnroe had creative control over the design process and the eventual branding of the footwear.
McEnroe’s choice of naming the sneaker eerily similar to a burger had American musician Travis Scott lampooning its nomenclature and engaging in a heated debate with John. John was incensed by Travis’ opinions and manner of conversing and launched into a mini-diatribe defending his product.
John McEnroe engages with Travis Scott in fiery debate
John McEnroe‘s collaboration with Nike resulted in the Mac Attack pair of sneakers, which, after a lull in sales, has witnessed a revival thanks in part to endorsements from celebrities like Travis Scott, who was seen wearing them on many occasions.
In a leaked Zoom call video between John and Travis, the pair of celebrities are seen discussing a possible name for a new pair of sneakers. The ensuing debate turns from a discussion to a jostle as Travis labels John’s suggestion of naming the product ‘Cactus Mac’ as sounding like that of a burger. He instead suggested they name it ‘Cactus Jack’.
“Show a little respect man!” John yelled after Travis lampooned the name of the brand.
Travis tried playing nice by repeatedly stating his innocence but McEnroe was having none of it and after a while of listening to Scott’s talk, he got up and left the room.
“Hey man. Where you going?” Travis Scott asked in surprise at his elderly partner’s response to the suggestion.
John McEnroe partnered with Nike early in the American’s career and launched the Mac Attack pair of sneakers that immediately became a hot-seller in the sports apparel category.
Origin of John McEnroe’s ‘Mac Attack’ shoes
Nike partnered with John McEnroe to release the signature Mac Attack shoes in 1984. The white, grey and black colorway and high-top design, mesh and leather combination were game changers back in the day.
However, the product hit a roadblock and sales dipped over the years. In recent times, the brand has witnessed a rise in popularity after Travis Scott and LeBron James were seen wearing a vintage pair.
Nike brought back the product for a retro-release and John McEnroe was back in the limelight, where he promoted his product.
“The classic silhouette from the 80’s is back with the Attack, inspired by the hot-tempered spirit of tennis legend John McEnroe,” Nike announced in the copy for its ‘Rebel like the OG’ marketing campaign. “Sparked by the high-heat cultural buzz and public figures like short film co-star Travis Scott, Nike is officially reviving the legendary sneakers.
The sneakers were unveiled to the public on June 23rd, with their unique design matching the Wimbledon dress code from 1984.
Travis Scott promoted the product by teaming up with John McEnroe for a TV Spot short film that espoused Nike’s spirit of rebelliousness and individualism.
What are your opinions on Travis Scott and John McEnroe’s fight? Let us know in the comments section below.
