“Tiger Woods Faces Death Threats Over $40m Nike Deal: Former Executive”

In 1996, Tiger Woods, then just 20 years old, signed a historic $40 million, five-year contract with Nike, marking the beginning of a legendary 27-year partnership. This groundbreaking deal, however, wasn’t without its challenges. As revealed by a former Nike executive, Woods received death threats following the announcement of the partnership.

The infamous ‘Hello World’ advertisement, created by Jim Riswold, Nike’s ad agency creative director, introduced Woods to the professional golfing world. The ad, which aired on major networks like CBS and ESPN, not only celebrated Woods’ arrival but also highlighted the racial discrimination he faced in the sport. With lines like, “There are still courses in the US I am not allowed to play. Because of the color of my skin,” the ad sparked controversy and backlash.

According to the former executive, there were two main factors behind the negative reaction to Woods’ Nike deal. Firstly, racial discrimination was still prevalent in the golfing world, with the sport historically excluding black players. Nike’s acknowledgment of this discrimination in their advertisement unsettled some fans. Secondly, Woods’ unprecedented multi-million dollar contract as a rookie professional golfer stirred resentment among traditionalists within the sport.

Despite the challenges, Woods remained resilient. Hughes Norton, Woods’ agent at the time, described the negotiations as unique and recalled pitching Woods as a generational talent to Nike’s sports marketing director. Initially met with hesitation, Norton eventually secured a groundbreaking deal worth $40 million over five years, with all earnings guaranteed even before Woods had played his first professional round.

The significance of Woods’ Nike deal extended beyond just the financial aspect. It challenged the status quo of golf, bringing attention to issues of race and representation within the sport. Despite facing adversity and death threats, Woods persevered, ultimately reshaping the landscape of professional golf and inspiring generations to come.