Overview
- The Sporting News reports Nike designers in 2002 built a snake-themed concept for the Air Jordan 19 using Tech Flex material that resembled snakeskin, with an executive selecting the name Black mamba.
- Jordan permitted a single 2004 print ad featuring the motif but stopped further use due to a private aversion to snakes, and the campaign was pulled back.
- Bryant later adopted the Black Mamba alter ego after watching Kill Bill Vol. 2, describing it as a tool for focus and protection during a difficult period.
- Nike’s internal separation between Jordan Brand and the broader basketball group limited idea sharing, and people close to Bryant say he likely never knew the concept was first built for Jordan.
- The identity grew across Kobe’s Nike line and media projects, with ‘Mamba Mentality’ entering the culture and Nike honoring his legacy with a 2025 Year of the Mamba collection.