Jaylen Brown Reportedly Turned Down Over $50 Million In Endorsement Deals To Instead Create His Own Sneaker Brand "741"

Brian Babineau. Getty Images.

At Media Day, Jaylen Brown hinted that later in the day he was going to be making an announcement of his own custom shoe and the details around his new shoe company/brand. He tried his best to be coy and not give away too much so that the release wouldn't be ruined, and last night we officially got the drop

It was always a little confusing as to why given his status in the league Jaylen was a sneaker free agent, and all last year we heard about how he "wasn't marketable"

That was some wild shit that aged like milk, but what else is new.

According to the details of this release, Jaylen Brown turned down around $50M in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand, which is a pretty badass move. Just like he's done with Juice, he's also doing that when it comes to the shoe game. I suppose it's a little easier to turn down $50M in endorsement money when you just signed a $300M extension, but a move like this also doesn't cap Jaylen at what he can make with this venture. If it takes off, I'm thinking he's going to be making much more than $50M. He's taken the power back and decided to make a difference as opposed to the same old shoe companies simply profiting off his likeness.

With the launch of 741, Brown's company aims to achieve four unprecedented goals in the sneaker and apparel industry.

First, 741 is dedicated to creating technologically advanced, performance-driven products with no compromises in design or functionality.

Second, it introduces a new economic model for endorsed athletes, giving them more ownership and control over their brands.

Third, 741 ensures accessibility for all households, offering high-performance products at an affordable price.

Finally, the company is committed to providing career opportunities to aspiring professionals from underserved communities, opening doors in all areas of performance and fashion retail.

To go from being passed up by other shoe companies, having the season Jaylen did in 2024 only for them to now come with a $50M offer, then you tell them to get bent and instead decide to start your own thing, that rules. For a player who has always been a bit of a trailblazer and had had bigger goals and dreams than just basketball, a move like this from Jaylen isn't all that surprising.

Now, the important stuff. How do they look? 

I'd say, the first editions of his shoe are fine. They don't blow me away, but they also aren't a complete disaster like you sometimes see with ideas like this (cough cough BBB). I like the simplicity and I imagine just like with Tatum's shoe, it'll get better and better over time. I'm also self-aware enough to know that I'm far too old to have any idea what classifies as "cool" or "good" in today's sneaker game. I'm just happy they aren't a disaster.

What I care most about though isn't how they look, it's how they perform. Under no circumstances can we have a BBB situation on our hands. You'll remember many think the shoe quality of the BBB brand played a big role in the injuries to both Lonzo Ball/LaMelo Ball. It got to the point where LaMelo didn't even want to wear them anymore, so that's not great. If you tell me these shoes have all this fancy technology and functionality etc, well I sure as shit hope so. Last time I checked, Jaylen Brown is pretty freaking important to what the Celtics are trying to do this season, and if you're hurt in part because of the shoes you wear, that's an issue. Here's to hoping that will not be the case with these. 

Taking a step back, I think we should take a second to truly appreciate the Summer Of Jaylen. He's really on an all time run if we're being honest. He won the ECF MVP, Finals MVP, became a Celtics legend for life, won an ESPY, started a non-profit with Jason Kidd, he's dating Kysre Gondrezick

and now he has his own custom sneaker and shoe brand. I dare you to try and find me a better run than what Jaylen is currently on. In addition to all that, his team enters the new NBA season as the favorite to repeat as champions largely because of him. 

Not a bad gig if you can get it.