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New York Times

Jaylen Brown and Bill Nye: How this unlikely duo teamed up to launch a new sneaker

BOSTON — There are many ways to measure success: financial goals, public adoration, mastery of a craft. There also is a marker few get to experience. It's the moment of fame when a person can simply declare they want something, and somehow, it finds its way to them. Earlier this season, Jaylen Brown announced to the universe that he wanted to meet one of his idols. It wasn't a fashion icon or a movie star. It was Bill Nye the Science Guy. How can I meet Bill Nye the science guy 🐐 — Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) November 3, 2024 'A lot of people sent it to me: 'Did you see Jaylen Brown's tweet?'' Nye told The Athletic. 'So, my people got in touch with his people, if I can use that expression, and I went to a Washington Wizards game, and we met in the tunnel, if I understand that correctly.' A post shared by Bill Nye (@billnye) 'Bill Nye the Science Guy' was an educational television show that ran on PBS from 1993 to 1999 that helped foster a passion for STEM fields during the ensuing technological revolution of the 21st century. Brown is one of the many adults today whose worldview was shaped by Nye growing up — even if the show was in syndication by the time Brown hit kindergarten. Advertisement As Brown's basketball career developed, he realized he wanted to go about being an NBA star in a distinct way. He spoke out against the sneaker powerhouses and built his own brand, 741 Performance, hosting a formal brand tipoff at Boston's Museum of Science last Friday. But as he was planning the event, he realized something was missing. The evening started with a speech from Brown to a packed theater about the importance of scientific education and his journey to carve out his own space in the sneaker industry. Rapper Ferg (who has dropped the A$AP moniker) then came down to reveal the 'White Noise' colorway of Brown's 741 Rover basketball shoe. Jaylen Brown introduces his 741 'White Noise' sneakers at an event at the Museum of Science in Boston. #Celtics — gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) February 22, 2025 But to make it a true science museum function, you need a star in a lab coat. Enter surprise guest Nye, stage left. 'Good looking guy like (Brown), he asked me to come, so I came!' Nye said with a laugh. Nye and 14-year-old host Jazlyn Guerra, known professionally as Jazzy's World TV, joined Brown for a panel discussion on Brown's initiatives. The stage was a fitting image of three generations of thought leaders: A teenager who built a following for interviewing celebrities before she made it to high school; a basketball player who talks about systemic inequality almost as much as pick-and-roll coverages; and a bowtied TV host who is revered by millions. As the crowd of about 175 people filled the cascading theater to watch the discussion, it quickly turned into Nye giving monologues about Brown's decision to use the evening to shine a light on the importance of education. 'To launch something at this capacity, you only get one shot, and I wanted to do my launch event and make it symbolic,' Brown said. 'I created something and I got all these people here about something that just came from this brain. … Bill made that happen for me, so I'm forever grateful.' Advertisement Though the 'Bill Nye the Science Guy' program claimed to portray a fictionalized version of Nye, it only takes a minute of conversation to see he is the real deal. His boundless energy contrasts sharply with Brown's reserved monotone, but each aims to deliver a similar message in their own ways. 'That's my whole goal, to make learning cool again. That's exactly what Bill Nye was doing,' Brown said. 'I like to use my platform to show things that I think are more important. I get that sports is super important, but so is education. I use my platform to shine a light on that.' After the event ended, Brown brought in youth from his Bridge Program for a private meeting with the hosts. The Bridge Program is an educational initiative Brown founded in partnership with MIT to give minority children access to top-level STEM educational experiences. The Celtics star had kids from his program on stage with him when he signed his Supermax contract two years ago and constantly keeps them involved in the biggest moments of his life. 'When you see the spark in the students' eyes, it's magical,' Nye said. 'Then, the other thing is (Brown is) making the world better for all of us. Saving the world is good.' Nye saw events such as Brown's as the natural evolution to his show decades ago. He cited studies showing that 10-year-olds were the ideal target audience to develop a lifelong passion for science. He aimed to get young viewers excited about science so they would respect and embrace it when they're older and in positions of power. 'It's overwhelming. We made a show in a warehouse in Seattle, and it's taken over the world,' Nye said. 'It's really wonderful, but, of course, we're not done.' Once Brown discovered the power of his voice to influence the youth, he decided he wanted to follow in Nye's footsteps. In light of mentioning on 'The Tonight Show' earlier this month that he'd like to be the next Bill Nye one day, Brown said this night at the museum is just the first step in that plan. Advertisement 'I would love to do some educational content,' Brown said. 'I'm working on some stuff right now that maybe I can turn into a show or something like that. But I would love to do something in the educational space and share my love of learning to the world.' Brown consistently dedicates his time, effort and creativity to his causes, a distinguishing factor for a player of his stature. 'He's trying to get the kids in the communities that he plays in to embrace school and academic achievement, especially science,' Nye said. 'It's really gratifying that he wanted to meet me and share this vision of a better tomorrow through science education. 'I just think it's cool.' (All photos courtesy of the Boston Museum of Science)