Rodriguez's White Hot Stance: Old-School Adidas Sambas Make Statement in NFL

The story of Jacob Rodriguez's white Adidas Sambas during Miami Dolphins' practice has brought attention to this old-school cleat. The Samba is a shoe designed by Adolf Dassler in 1949, shortly after World War II. Dassler used surplus materials, including rubber from fuel tanks and canvas from tents, to create the shoe's outsole with three cut-out suction cups, providing players with enhanced traction and stability.

The Samba became a pop culture phenomenon in the 1980s, worn by celebrities such as Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Lawrence. Adidas is now the second-largest sports brand globally, trailing only Nike, with an annual turnover of almost $25 billion. The Samba is its second-best-selling shoe, behind only the Stan Smith.

Rodriguez said his Adidas Sambas are 'super comfortable' and that Adidas 'got me right.' His choice of footwear has sparked interest in traditional brands among NFL players, who often opt for designer cleats instead. If Rodriguez continues to progress as he has started, the old German sports brand might power him into the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation.