Michigan Quarterback McCarthy to Wear Custom Jordan Cleats in Rose Bowl, Ann Arbor-based artist Jada From The Block makes Rose-themed cleats for J.J. McCarthy
As Michigan’s All-Big Ten left tackle, LaDarius, Jada’s spouse, guards McCarthy’s blindside, which explains why the Wolverine quarterback recognizes that last name.
For the Wolverines’ game against Alabama on New Year’s Day, McCarthy who was a finalist for the Manning and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Awards commissioned Henderson to redesign his Jordan 1 cleats with roses on the heel.
Henderson said to Sports Illustrated, “I drew up five or six different ideas of one rose, multiple roses, and different placements, and this was the one he liked the most.” “He likes things to be pretty simple so that’s what we went with.”
While practicing her artistic skills in painting, drawing, and photography, Henderson grew up surrounded by football her dad, former NFL quarterback Jon Kitna, and her five brothers were sports players. Her enthusiasm for personalizing sneakers was not combined until she watched an Instagram video about the process while working as an equipment manager at Arizona State as an undergrad.
With Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Henderson’s side project turned into a major break when he asked Henderson to design some Jordan sneakers for Prescott’s Christmas presents. Prescott eventually hired Henderson to style some of his on-field cleats as a result of that endeavor, turning her side venture into a full-time job.
Henderson served a wide range of clients, creating everything from cleats for NFL players to Jordans inspired by the Nashville Soccer Club for co-owner Reese Witherspoon and her family.
In honor of the well-known Bo Schembechler quote, “Those Who Stay Will be Champions,” Henderson returned to the Great Lakes State after her then-boyfriend, now-husband, transferred from Arizona State to Michigan for his final year of football eligibility. Henderson also started designing Jordans for Wolverine players, including a “Those Who Stay” collection for NFL Draft-eligible players who returned this season.
Henderson’s cleat designs will likely be seen more often if Michigan defeats Alabama and advances to the National Championship. McCarthy’s pair will be her only cleats on the field in the Rose Bowl because her husband spits out his cleats and doesn’t take advantage of a possible family discount on customizations.
“I wouldn’t doubt that there would be something interesting that we would do,” she continued, “I have some designs to pitch.”