Adidas' Iconic Samba Soars Again with Dolphins Rookie Jacob Rodriguez

The story of Jacob Rodriguez's white Adidas Sambas has captured the attention of Miami Dolphins fans and media alike. The rookie linebacker's choice of footwear may seem old-school, but it's a nod to the rich history of the iconic brand.

Adidas was founded by Adolf Dassler after World War II, when he used surplus materials from the war effort to create his first shoes. One of his earliest creations was the Samba, designed for his local soccer team in Herzogenaurach, Germany. The shoe's unique outsole featured three cut-out rubber suction cups, providing players with enhanced traction and stability.

The success of the Samba helped push ASV, and Adidas, beyond the reach of Puma, its rival company founded by Rudi Dassler, Adolf's brother. Today, Adidas is the second-biggest sports brand on the planet, trailing only Nike, with an annual turnover of almost $25 billion.

Rodriguez's Sambas have been a topic of conversation among media and fans alike, with some even comparing him to Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals in 1936 wearing Dassler shoes. Rodriguez himself said his Sambas are 'super comfortable' and that Adidas got him right.