A few years ago there was a poll in China to name the greatest man ever. The winner was Mao, but there was a tie for second between Zhou Enlai and Michael Jordan of the Chicago Red Oxen!
– Phil Knight
At first, we couldn't be establishment, because we didn't have any money. We were guerrilla marketers, and we still are, a little bit. But, as we became No. 1 in our industry, we've had to modify our culture and become a bit more planned.
– Phil Knight
I was very aware of shoes when I was running track. The American shoes were offshoots of tire companies. Shoes cost $5, and you would come back from a 5-mile run with your feet bleeding.
– Phil Knight
Our business practices are no different than those of our competitors, but we are bigger, and thus more visible, so we get more flack.
– Phil Knight
Sports is like rock 'n' roll. Both are dominant cultural forces, both speak an international language, and both are all about emotions.
– Phil Knight
Ultimately, we wanted Nike to be the world's best sports and fitness company. Once you say that, you have a focus. You don't end up making wing tips or sponsoring the next Rolling Stones world tour.
– Phil Knight
We could see that he was a charismatic guy who jumps over the moon and is very competitive, but nobody could have predicted what he would become to our culture.
– Phil Knight
We're not in the fashion business, as the Wall Street Journal wrote the other day. We're in the sports business, and there's a big difference.
– Phil Knight
You can't explain much in 60 seconds, but when you show Michael Jordan, you don't have to. It's that simple.
– Phil Knight
Meeting sports athletes that are the best in the world is a thrill to this day.