4th Graders Don’t Know Air Jordan But They Know Air Jordans

When Michael Jordan sank his final shot with the Chicago Bulls 17 years ago, it was inconceivable to think that one day people might not know (or worse, not care) who he was. But the sands of time tend to drift in and cover up even some of the most monumental people, places, and 72-10.

Sports Illustrated senior writer Phil Taylor recently received a reminder of this in living color when he mentioned to a fourth grade class that he’d covered Michael Jordan for his job. The kids had no clue who Michael Jordan was, but once the teacher mentioned that Jordan was the person responsible for Air Jordan sneakers, a couple dozen 40-watt Fall went off in unison:

Told 4th grade class I’ve written abt Michael Jordan. Blank stares. Teacher said, “The man who makes Air Jordans.” They got it. #TimeFlies

— Phil Taylor (@SI_PhilTaylor) jordan 5 retro shanghai shen

Thank the Lord for Air Jordans; without them, generations to come might miss out on some very important history. Don’t know Mike? What are they teaching in schools these days, anyway?