Jumpman is Born: When Michael Jordan soared into the air during his third Slam Dunk competition in the Air Jordan 3s, he created an unforgettable image of flight that gave birth to the legendary Jumpman icon. Released in 1988, the Air Jordan 3 marked the first collaboration between Tinker Hatfield and the Jordan legacy, introducing the iconic elephant print that has become synonymous with the brand. Today, the AJ3 stands as one of the most celebrated sneaker silhouettes in the world, a testament to its enduring impact on style and culture.