Derek Anderson Nike Air Jordan 4 "LOYAL 1” Player Exclusive Sample | Size 13

In 1985, the first Air Jordan sneaker was released to the public. Backed by Jordan’s historic career, Air Jordans became arguably the most successful athlete-led sneaker line to date. 

In 1997, due to the success of the Air Jordan line, and the understanding that Jordan’s 1997-1998 would likely be his last, Jordan Brand, (then known as Brand Jordan) was established. A subsidiary of Nike, Jordan Brand began to sign their own athletes and develop new products and colorways for their athletes to wear on the court and the field. 

Signed to Jordan Brand in 1997, Derek Anderson is considered one of the ordinal Jordan Brand team members. In turn, throughout his career, Anderson wore several exclusive Jordan colorways, that were never released to the public. Amongst collectors, Derek Anderson Player Exclusives are some of the most highly coveted.  

Dressed in a predominantly white upper, this Nike Air Jordan 4 Derek Anderson Player Exclusive Sample features red accents on the midsole, interior lining, and heel, paying homage to his team at the time, the Miami Heat. Notably, in red, the pair also features Anderson’s “LOYAL 1” motif embroidered on the lateral heel. 

A 1996 NCAA champion with the University of Kentucky, Derek Anderson was drafted with the 13th pick in the 1997 NBA draft. Anderson played 11 seasons in the NBA, with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Charlotte Bobcats. In 2006, Anderson won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat.