The Surprising Reason Michael Jordan Turned Down A Major Endorsement Deal

In the world of celebrity product endorsements, you never really know whether somebody is endorsing something because they actually feel strongly about it or because they just got paid to do so. Still, no one is famous enough not to have to perform the mental calculus involved in endorsing a product that doesn't reflect their own personal aesthetic standards. It may come as a surprise that early in his career with the Chicago Bulls, fledgling superstar Michael Jordan turned down a (for the time) huge endorsement deal simply because he didn't like the product's name. The name that MJ considered too silly to say on TV? Beanee Weenee.

Van Camp's Beanee Weenee, to be precise, is a mixture of baked beans and hot dog chunks, sold in a can and still around today. Back in the late 80s, they offered Jordan nearly one million dollars a year to hitch the Beanee Weenee wagon to his own rising star. In a 1992 Playboy interview recently rediscovered by Business Insider, he explained why he just couldn't do it, even though it was big money for him at the time:

"Two or three years ago Quaker Oats came to me to endorse Van Camp's pork and beans — Beanee Weenees, I think it was called…You ever heard of Beanee Weenees pork and beans? It was close to a million bucks a year. I'm saying, Beanee Weenees? How can I stand in front of a camera and say I'll eat Beanee Weenees?"

Now, Jordan is a billionaire too rich to even know Beanee Weenee exists, but back when the offer was made he had only made between $4 million and $5 million over the course of his career in the NBA. So saying no to a multiyear contract to roughly double what he was pulling in per year likely wasn't an easy decision – then again, with a name like Beanee Weenee, maybe it was.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Michael Jordan
• The Endorsed Product: Beanee Weenee
• The Offer and Decision
• Lessons Learned

Biography of Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, often referred to as "MJ," is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. Jordan gained national attention while playing college basketball for the University of North Carolina, where he won the NCAA Championship in 1982.

The Endorsed Product: Beanee Weenee

Beanee Weenee is a unique canned food product that combines baked beans and hot dog chunks. Produced by Van Camp's, it has been a staple in many American households for decades. The product's quirky name and its humorous appeal made it a memorable item, but it wasn't enough to entice Michael Jordan to endorse it.

The offer made to Jordan in the late 80s was significant, nearly one million dollars a year. But the question remains: could a product with such a silly name be taken seriously? Jordan's hesitance reflects a broader concern among celebrities regarding their endorsements. They must weigh the potential financial benefits against their personal brand and image.

The Offer and Decision

When Quaker Oats approached Michael Jordan to endorse Beanee Weenee, it was a moment of critical decision-making. He had just begun his rise to fame and was still establishing his brand. The financial incentive was tempting, but the name of the product posed a challenge for him.

In his interview, Jordan revealed his thoughts on the matter. He questioned how he could confidently promote a product with a name that made him chuckle. This highlights a crucial aspect of celebrity endorsements: the alignment of personal values and public image. For Jordan, maintaining his credibility was more important than a lucrative contract.

Lessons Learned

This story teaches us several valuable lessons about celebrity endorsements and personal branding. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of authenticity. Celebrities need to feel comfortable with the products they endorse, as this resonates with their audience.

Secondly, it showcases the significance of personal aesthetics and brand alignment. An endorsement should reflect one's values and image. Jordan's decision serves as a reminder that sometimes, money isn't everything, and maintaining integrity can be worth more in the long run.