ATLANTA, GA - For Andre Drummond, the journey has always been bigger than basketball.
As a two-time NBA All-Star and four-time rebounding leader, Drummond has built an impressive resume with the Philadelphia 76ers. But there's always been another dream simmering beneath the surface.
Back in 2014, he inked a deal with Jordan Brand, a partnership that lasted nearly a decade. Despite not having a signature sneaker with them, Drummond never stopped dreaming.
“As a kid, I would sketch sneakers, imagining myself as the face of Nike,” Drummond shared. “I was just 10, drawing Nike logos on shoes I created.
Watching my idols with their own signature shoes, I wanted that too. Being part of Jordan Brand was a dream come true.”
Fast forward 14 years, and that dream is now a reality.
Drummond has announced a new venture with Stria Sport, founded by Eric Porter. Here, he not only gets his own signature sneaker but also takes on the role of Creative Director, with equity in the company.
As his deal with Jordan was ending in 2022, Drummond was on the lookout for a new partnership. A chance encounter on social media led him to Stria Sport. He noticed his friend, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, wearing some eye-catching sneakers.
“I thought, ‘These are pretty cool,’” Drummond said. “I reached out, and Eric responded immediately, saying they were starting a new company and might revisit signing me in a few years if I was still a free agent.”
Drummond remained a free agent, sporting various sneakers with the Chicago Bulls and 76ers. Then, last June, Porter reached out again, offering Drummond not just a deal, but ownership, a signature shoe, and equity in Stria Sport.
For Drummond, it was an easy decision.
“Having my own signature shoe and equity in the company, with creative control, was a no-brainer,” Drummond explained. “We worked through the paperwork, and now we're off to the races.”
Drummond understands the business world. Many companies promise to reconnect but never do. Eric Porter, however, proved different.
“Eric reaching out showed his belief in my vision, not just for myself but for the company,” Drummond said.
Stria Sport felt like the perfect fit for Drummond. Collaborating with someone who played the game and understands the importance of quality basketball shoes was crucial for him. Despite wearing major brands throughout his career, Drummond always aspired for something more.
“I'm excited about the signature shoe, but I'm also thinking about the future and what this company could become,” Drummond noted. “I want something my kids can be proud of, something they can inherit.
Not many can say their dad owns a sneaker company. I get to shape this brand, create my own shoe, and pass it down to the next generation.”
Drummond reflects on the legends who have their own signature sneakers-Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, and James Harden-athletes he admired and competed against.
“I wanted to be like them one day,” Drummond said. “Even though it’s later in my career, this venture is about more than just basketball. It’s about creating something athlete-based that everyone can love.”
Drummond's journey to having his own signature sneaker is not just a personal triumph but an inspiration for his kids and future generations. What started as a dream is now his reality.