While a lot of athletes are definitely into growing their sneaker collections, Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy is now interested in downsizing his 100+ pair collection of shoes.
Levy made the decision to sell off his vast array of sneakers because he found that sneaker collecting no longer aligned with his values. Per AOL:
I was trying to be a part of a culture that to me became about excessive consumerism and materialism. I’m making an effort to live smaller to an extent. This is a small step.
You see people literally killing each other over a Jumpman logo or another brand that couldn’t care less about you, as long as you’re spending money on each and every release. I had a blind faithful allegiance to keep up with the latest and “most exclusive” sneakers.
I get a lot of crap from people now for a worn pair of grey Nikes that I wear probably 90 percent of the time you see me. I’m making an effort to wear them until they no longer serve their function.
Get an absolute full wear out of them until I need a new pair. My plan is to wait for the sole to split or something… More important things to focus on.
To be clear, Levy also emphasized that he wasn’t bashing sneaker culture as a whole. He simply likened it to the way that art collectors seek to grow their own personal collections – “Same (crap), different toilet.”
Keeping in the spirit of Levy’s philosophy, the proceeds from his shoe sale will be donated to three organizations – Detroit Works, Builders and Empowerment Plan and one other entity that has yet to be decided. According to Levy, the two organizations that have been named “are centered on training and employing the homeless.”
So, if you’re a sneaker collector who wears a size 12 and wants to help out a good cause, you can view DeAndre’s sneaker sale over here on eBay.
About Ryan Wong