NBA star Jaylen Brown has added a new title to his résumé. He is now a sneaker creator, in addition to being an NBA champ, Eastern Conference Finals MVP, and NBA Finals MVP.
He currently has his own signature shoe under his new performance brand, 741. Brown introduced the brand Tuesday night on X with a caption, “Who’s ready?” with a picture of the shoe.
“With innovation at its core, 741 fuses advanced technology and minimalist design, redefining what it means to step into your potential,” 741 said in a press statement. “These sneakers are engineered for champions, built for those who seek excellence in every step.”
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The name 741 carries a deep personal significance for Brown, rooted in his connection to numbers and their spiritual meanings, according to this statement. Throughout his life, the numbers 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently, each representing spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings, respectively.
Together, these numbers align with Brown’s decision to step out on faith and pursue his own path, defying industry norms to create something truly reflective of his values, the statement said.
“741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership,” Brown said.
As per CBS News, Brown has been a sneaker free agent since 2021, though he has usually been seen in Nike while playing for the Celtics. Per the statement, he turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.
The creation of 741 was influenced by Brown’s desire to create a solution for the traditional athlete endorsement model. The brand is self-funded, including designing and producing from the ground up.
And according to Brown, turning down $50 million in offers is a necessary step toward building something lasting.
He said, “The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes. It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”
What is more, he noted that the inspiration for launching his own brand came from Kobe Bryant. Before his death, Bryant was preparing to launch his own sneaker line.
“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports along with society to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” said Brown, adding that this was the ideal time to get his own signature shoe after signing one of the largest contracts in NBA history.
