The Latest Reminder that Deion Sanders and Nike Should Reunite

Deion Sanders' Nike Air Diamond Turf Max '96 returns in black and white in 2018.

Nike Air DT Max 96 Black White Release Date 316408 003 Main
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Nike Air DT Max 96 Black White Release Date 316408 003 Main

Deion Sanders is a sneaker icon on par with just about any endorser who's ever been associated with the business. He's mostly known for his 90s Diamond Turf cross-training footwear line, which he says he was actively involved in helping develop. Unfortunately, the relationship between Sanders and Nike has broken down over the years, with the Hall of Famer claiming that his former brand owes him royalties for his contributions toward making Diamond Turf sneakers a success. In fact, on a recent episode of Sneaker Shopping, Sanders said he'll never work with Nike again.

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Here's hoping that cooler heads will eventually prevail, because while it's respectable that Under Armour does good work with Sanders' football programs, the people need "Prime Time" back pumping up his own line. Peer athletes like Penny Hardaway, Scottie Pippen and Bo Jackson have even had post-career signature models released in recent years. With Sanders, you not only have a Nike legend, but a personality that's arguably the biggest of them all.

A testament to Sanders' influence, Nike Sportswear continues to bring back his signature sneakers, including the Air DT Max '96. Released during the golden age, the DT Max '96 was on shelves alongside shoes like the Air Jordan 11, Air Penny, Air More Uptempo and Air Griffey Max and was as coveted as any of them. The trainer's jagged panel design helped it stand out on the streets and the field.

The DT Max '96 will return in the original black and white colorway this spring. Sanders hasn't changed his mind about working with Nike yet and Nike isn't in any hurry to compensate the legendary defensive back, but these re-releases won't quite feel right until Prime is back in the fold.

Nike Air DT Max '96
Release Date: Spring 2018
Color: Black/Varsity Maize-White
Style #: 316408-003

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