story

“My name is Clinton Gray. Class of 2007.
I'm EJ Reed. Class of 2007.
Derrick Moore. Class of 2007.
To be a Tennessee State University alum is such an amazing feeling. You're just embodied with such rich history.”

“So many inventions and so many great things happened on that campus. When you graduate you got to have some sense of pride. Since we've been in business, 2017, opened our first restaurant in north Nashville…”

“…we've always talked about how important TSU was to our evolution. That brotherhood, that love, that unity, that ability to work together was instilled at the great Tennessee State University.”

“As a freshman coming on campus there were only three groups on campus. The football team, the track team, and then the group that got everybody up in the morning because they were super loud right outside the dorms and that was the band. You know, we all just kind of created a bond…”

“…and to be able to mesh all three of those sports within design of this shoe, it means a lot to us. Everything about this shoe takes me back to campus. The tiger builds, the girls track team. We're just renowned for being a phenomenal HBCU track team.”

“We have the boys, which is representative of the footabll team. You know, on the back of the shoe we had to incorporate the band. World renowned HBCU band. Just walked away with a prestigious award last year.”

“The crown jewel of the shoe is the Slim and Husky's on the tongue. And then on the inside of the shoe we got the Slim and Husky's logo with three of our images on there. That takes the cake. The blood, sweat, and tears we put into this brand from day one…”

“…to have it on a Nike front and center and tell our story is priceless. This 1912 on the side of the shoe makes you remember freshman orientation. They make you remember the history of Tennessee State. From the year it was founded to all the accolades, all the accomplishments…”

“…the awesome alumni that came through, so this 1912 on the low is one of the dopest pieces on the shoe. My stand out would probably be the Get Geek'd on the inside of the tongue. You find any TSU tiger…”

“…they know when somebody say Get Geek'd what time it is. There's no tiger print on any pair of shoes that's the same. And I think that's representative of somebody's unique experience at Tennessee State University.”

“Two of us were athletes, we were all roommates but we all still had very different experiences. And I think that resonates with anybody that attended the university. Hopefully when they get a pair of these they feel the uniqueness and feel like this was their time at Tennessee State University…”

“…and they can take pride in that. I just envision the kids, they gone get with it. Seems like just yesterday coach was calling Mo and my name to stay after practice to run some laps because we was having too much fun.”

“To get to this point and to be able to represent our university, it just means so much.”

“I’m Mo. I'm EJ. I'm Clint and thank you for watching Behind the Design of the Tennessee State University Nike Terminator.”

Behind the Design

Terminator High 'TSU'