Without a doubt, the commercial value of a Wide Receiver is higher than that of a running back; moreover, Odell Beckham Jr. is among the most influential and marketable of the new generation of players, which is why Nike is willing to offer him a top-tier contract.
And now, by comparing Li Wei to Little Beckham and offering an even longer contract, they're showing their faith in Li Wei's professional career—
Sincerity, full measure.
At least, that's how Edwards sees it.
But clearly, Donald doesn't agree.
Edwards laughed genuinely, his eyes brimming with amusement, "Donald, you know that's impossible, we all understand what this number means, we can't disrupt the market order."
Two million five hundred thousand US dollars a year, for a three-year contract?
This is the current ceiling in the entire NFL, the standard of sponsorship contracts Nike has with a series of top stars, maybe with slight differences in details, but overall, this is the level of annual salary.
As a running back who's only played two official games in his professional career, aligning him with the league's ceiling right off the bat? How could that be possible?
Edwards thought that Donald was testing Nike's limits, merely talking big, so he needed to be firm, to make Donald realize that this was out of the question.
However, Donald's expression did not change, "History is meant to be broken, right?"
With one sentence, he revealed his determination.
Donald leaned in slightly, "Thirty years ago, when Jordan first entered the league, he was just an ordinary college student, yet Nike offered him a unique contract, betting on a future."
"I'm not asking for an identical contract, we all know times have changed. Look, I'm still being reasonable."
Jordan, there's only one; even for LeBron, Nike wouldn't sign a contract similar to Jordan's again.
"My question is, has Nike now lost the ambition it had back then?"
"Thirty years ago, Nike was just a company specializing in running shoes, far behind Adidas and Converse in market share, yet you made a choice that not only led Nike to become a global market leader but also made people recognize the commercial value of the Professional League."
"Now, the opportunity has emerged again."
Edwards didn't panic, but at this moment, he finally took Donald seriously, "So what you're saying is, Football's Jordan has appeared?"
Donald shook his head lightly, "What I mean is, Football's Li Wei has appeared."
Edwards chuckled softly, offering no comment.
But Donald wasn't fazed.
"Back then, Adidas and Converse were brimming with confidence, thinking they could stay comfortably positioned, believing Jordan was just another rookie, after all, he was merely picked third overall, not first or second, just the Top Scholar."
"They thought they could rest easy, there was no need to take risks, they just had to preserve what they had."
"So, Nike seized the opportunity."
"Now, times have changed, does Nike still have such courage?"
Even though Donald didn't spell it out, the subtext was as clear as day—
Nike is now in the position that Adidas used to be, and Under Armour is the Nike of the past.
Nike is committing the same mistake that Adidas made before; if Nike chooses to be cautious, then Under Armour wouldn't miss this rare chance.
It must be said, Donald is indeed formidable.
In just a few words, he took hold of destiny's throat, instantly flipping the situation on its head.
But the man before him was Edwards, a top executive at the apex of Nike's pyramid, and he was not one to be easily bluffed.
Edwards did not rush or panic, refusing to be led by the nose by Donald. He was certain of one thing—Donald's ambitions could only be realized with Nike; Under Armour simply didn't have that capability yet. Otherwise, Donald's recent speech would have been made in front of Under Armour's representatives, not him.
Edwards showed an intrigued expression, "But Li Wei is not Michael, and football is not basketball. These are two entirely different matters."
"Li Wei—I mean no disrespect to running backs, but a running back is just disposable, purely living off their youth, creating their own niche with physical prowess. If it were a quarterback, okay, then we'd sit down and really flesh things out, but a running back?"
Li Wei raised his hands and responded with a smile, "No problem."
Immediately after, Li Wei added, "I also have some connections with a few quarterbacks. Would you like me to contact them on your behalf?"
That single sentence, however, made Edwards freeze.
Donald privately chuckled to himself. Li Wei's interruption skill must have been maxed out, but he didn't show it outwardly. He continued, "We should look at it from another angle; it is precisely because it's seen as impossible that when miracles are written, they are all the more moving."
"Hey, who doesn't love an underdog comeback story?"
"To me, being a running back is actually a highlight for Li Wei."
"From preseason skepticism to current praise, the prejudice and discrimination associated with the label of running back are becoming Li Wei's greatest catalyst for causing waves."
"Just imagine, if even the North American market is surprised, what kind of impact will it have on the Asian market?"
Edwards, who came from a background in brand planning and marketing, immediately understood Donald's point, his eyes revealing deep thought.
Donald knew when to stop and to quit while he was ahead, especially when dealing with high-level executives like Edwards. Speaking too much could easily show weakness.
So, Donald prepared to wrap things up. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire
"I admit that if we want to maximize the brand effect with Li Wei, Nike is the best choice, and I believe this collaboration could create a synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
"However, Nike is not the only option."
"After all, the current football market is still ripe with untapped potential, where players rely on brands and brands also rely on players."
"Just as I said, today's football is like basketball was thirty years ago—tomorrow belongs to those who dare to explore, take risks, and break new ground."
"Mr. Edwards, Li Wei is ready, it's just perhaps you who are not."
Confidence, bursting—
Not just Edwards, but even Li Wei looked at Donald with new respect.
Without exaggeration, Donald believed in his future even more than Li Wei did.
Li Wei looked back at Donald.
Those words just spoken not only likened Li Wei to the current top stars of the NFL but also compared him with historical icons like Jordan and Federer, raising the entire negotiation to a whole new level, far exceeding expectations.
Donald noticed this and turned back to Li Wei with a faint smile, his expression one of self-evident truth, calming Li Wei down.
Edwards also realized that today's negotiations might not lead to a result; the fundamental position of both parties was different.
But what really made Edwards curious was whether Under Armour and Adidas could indeed fulfill Donald's ambition? A running back creating League history?
It seemed more like a fairy tale!
On the surface, Edwards did not show his skepticism but instead made a thought-provoking comment laced with irony and mockery.
"It seems you are full of confidence."
Was he mocking Donald for being out of his depth?