LeBron James Gifts Sneakers To FAMU Football Team Before Celebration Bowl

The sneakers the athletes received were Nike's APB x LeBron XX sneakers, which include the team's logo

Maybe it was the shoes!

Before playing Howard University in the HBCU National Championship title game, the Florida A&M football team was given some signature Nike sneakers by LeBron “King” James. A video was posted to social media showing the FAMU players opening and viewing the sneakers for the first time.

According to The Tallahassee Democrat, the FAMU football team, the Rattlers, have been wearing the custom-designed cleats from LeBron since the season started and signed a six-year deal with sneaker giant Nike. The football team, as well as other sports clubs at FAMU, have been outfitted with LeBron uniforms, sneakers and apparel.

“FAMU is an elite institution with a rich tradition of firsts and our student-athletes deserve an experience that is second-to-none,” FAMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Kortne Gosha said at the time. “My executive team and I are focused on setting a new standard. Our top priority is to align with the best quality and most innovative products, brands and resources. This partnership allowed us to reimagine and challenge the norms of our industry.”

The Nike APB x LeBron XX sneakers include the team’s logo. James wore them when he became the league’s all-time scoring leader last year.

FAMU came from behind to beat Howard University Saturday, 30-26, in Atlanta at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The victory not only gave the 11-1 squad the national championship. This was FAMU’s first Celebration Bowl in program history, and the team became the second SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) school to win a Celebration Bowl title. This was also Howard’s first appearance at the Celebration Bowl.

Kelvin Dean Jr. took home offensive MVP honors after running for 87 yards and scoring two touchdowns, while Isaiah Majors won the defensive MVP award after catching an interception, recording a sack, and four solo tackles. Quarterback Jeremy Moussa went 19-32, throwing for three touchdowns and 289 yards.