Howard University Receives Exclusive Air Jordan 11 Football Cleats from Jordan Brand

In a move that underscores the power and prestige of HBCU athletics, Jordan Brand has unveiled an exclusive collection of Air Jordan 11 football cleats designed specifically for Howard University. These aren’t your typical retail releases — they’re locker-room-only Player Exclusives that will never hit store shelves, reserved strictly for the Bison football team.

The new collection arrives in both the Air Jordan 11 TD Mid and Air Jordan 11 Low TD, transforming one of basketball’s most iconic silhouettes into a football-ready weapon. Every panel is wrapped in glossy Bison Blue patent leather, creating a monochromatic finish designed to shine under stadium lights. Howard’s Bison logo replaces traditional Jordan branding on the tongue ribbon, while bright red Jumpman logos and heel accents provide striking contrast against the navy upper.

Elite Company

Since partnering with Jordan Brand in 2022, Howard has occupied rarified air in collegiate athletics. The Bison remain the only HBCU outfitted directly by Jordan Brand, joining an elite collection of football programs including Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, and Oklahoma that regularly receive custom Jumpman Player Exclusives.

Even among Power Four schools, that level of treatment is uncommon. Across college football, only a handful of universities receive story-driven sneaker-to-cleat conversions featuring iconic Jordan silhouettes like the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 4, Air Jordan 10, and now the Air Jordan 11. Howard has quietly become one of them.

Cultural Significance

Few sneakers carry the cultural weight of the Jordan 11. Designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1995, the shoe introduced patent leather to performance basketball and redefined what athletic footwear could look like.

Its connection to Washington, D.C., runs even deeper. The beloved “Cool Grey” Air Jordan 11 debuted during Jordan’s return to the Washington Wizards, with the DMV long considered one of the country’s most influential Jordan markets. Today, Howard University represents the newest chapter in that story, connecting one of sneaker history’s greatest silhouettes with one of Black college football’s most recognizable institutions in the heart of the nation’s capital.

A National Stage Awaits

Howard won’t have to wait long to showcase the newest Player Exclusives. The Bison will open the 2026 season in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge, the annual nationally televised showcase that traditionally kicks off HBCU football. Howard faces Alabama A&M on Aug. 29 at Atlanta’s Center Parc Stadium in a Week Zero matchup airing live on ABC.

The game also marks the first contest of the Ted White era. The former Howard quarterback returns to his alma mater as one of the most accomplished players in school history after coaching stops across the NFL, the Power Four, and multiple HBCU programs. White still owns Howard’s career records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions, and total offense, making his return one of the biggest coaching stories of the offseason.

In many ways, Howard football’s own version of Michael Jordan will make his coaching debut wearing Jordan Brand. It’s a fitting way to begin a new chapter — one of HBCU football’s biggest stages, one of the most iconic sneakers ever created, and one of the most exclusive cleats in college athletics stepping onto the field where everyone will be watching.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.