Released in March 1985 Head Designer: Peter Moore The Air Jordan 1 was released in 1985 and ushered in a legacy in sneakers. Along with it, Michael Jordan, possibly the greatest basketball player ever, becme known to public. The first round, third overall pick, Michael Jordan, was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft. Before landing in the NBA, Michael Jordan had a resume that no other player could touch. Jordan excelled in college basketball at North Carolina and helped lead Team USA to a gold medal in the 1984 Olympic Games. Wearing the Air Jordan 1, Michael Jordan soared in his rookie year. Jordan earned a spot on the All-Star team, finished third in scoring (28.2 ppg), brought back the Bulls back to the playoffs, and not surprisingly was Rookie of the Year. Nike, a brand having troubles breaking into the basketball market, saw the potential in Michael Jordan as a player as well as a marketing icon and was immediately signed and designed Air Jordan 1 Exclusive for him.