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Michael Crabtree and Earl Thomas Got Retro Air Jordan VI Cleats for the NFL Playoffs

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Seems Michael Jordan’s postseason success is providing some inspiration in the NFL. Back when MJ won his first title in 1991, he did so while wearing the Air Jordan VI. This weekend 49ers wideout Michael Crabtree and Seahawks free safety (advisor) Earl Thomas both sought to channel that championship mindset by wearing custom-made cleat versions of the shoe in their playoff games.

On Saturday in Seattle, Thomas went with a mid-cut version with a vibrant “action green” cleat plate. Dubbed the "Oreo" shoe, Thomas and Marshawn Lynch made for a candy-friendly combination. The Crabtree kicks we’ll see on Sunday have a low-cut black/white upper with the number 15 on the heel. The metallic gold cleat plate with red studs adds ample sparkle to the look.

While Crabtree and Thomas wore retro Air Jordan XII cleats all season, this is the first time the Air Jordan VI has gone studded since T.O. wore them while on the Cowboys. If San Fran can get by Carolina this afternoon, you may see a player in retro Jordan VI cleats covering a player in retro Jordan VI cleats next weekend in CenturyLink Field. So, you could finally check that off your list.

Tim Newcomb covers stadiums, design and tech for Sports Illustrated. Follow him on Twitter at @tdnewcomb.