Ja’Marr Chase, the dynamic wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, recently showcased the “Fruity Pebbles” Nike LeBron 4 Vapor Edge cleats. These were a special gift from LeBron James, highlighting the close ties between high-profile athletes across different sports. The “Fruity Pebbles” colorway, originally a hit in the basketball shoe world back in 2006, is now making a comeback, this time reimagined as a retro cleat set to launch next spring.

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Nike’s strategy of reissuing LeBron retros as football cleats seems to be gaining traction. Last month, the Ohio State football team sported the Nike LeBron 4 “Graffiti” colorway, demonstrating the growing appeal of these designs in the football arena. Notably, USC quarterback Caleb Williams and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. have also been spotted wearing LeBron cleats during their games this season.

This move into football cleats is particularly significant given the popularity of Kobe Bryant’s retros in the basketball shoe market. While LeBron’s shoe line has enjoyed considerable success, its design has been limited, partly due to the heavier design tailored for someone with James’ physique. Repurposing these designs for football cleats could be an ingenious marketing strategy, allowing LeBron‘s line to carve out a unique niche in the football world.