Damian Lillard Teams Up With Foot Locker For The “Greatness Does Good” campaign

Damian Lillard with Foot Locker – Daniel J. Edelman, Inc FTP

Earlier this week Foot Locker continued the tradition of it’s “Week of Greatness” around the globe with the announcement of the sixth annual campaign. The campaign focuses on bring good deeds to life by donating products to help the individuals impacted by recent U.S. and global events such as Hurricane Maria. Foot Locker along with partners like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Puma, Converse, Reebok and the New York Knicks.

At the center of this year’s Week of Greatness is a call to support the needs in Puerto Rico following the impact of Hurricane Maria, the strongest hurricane to reach Puerto Rico since 1932. In addition to delivering essential aid to help its associates, their families and the communities in need, Foot Locker is introducing sneaker donation bins in more than 1,650 of its stores around the world as a part of its partnership with non-profit, Soles4Souls. Customers are invited to donate new and gently-worn shoes in the store, starting Nov. 18 through Nov. 26, 2017. New shoes donated in the U.S. Will be shipped to Puerto Rico while using kicks – and all footwear donations made at Foot Locker locations outside the U.S. – Will benefit the Soles4Souls Micro-Enterprise program, driving commerce for entrepreneurs in developing rural areas.

“At Foot Locker, we believe that greatness is not only about what sneakers you wear, but it’s also about what you do while you’re in them,” said Dick Johnson, CEO, and President of Foot Locker, Inc. “This year, instead of bringing together the biggest stars in sports to create our well-known, humorous ads for the annual Week of Greatness, we are bringing global sneakerheads together to commit and champion Acts of Greatness.”

Foot Locker is joining its customers in donating, providing thousands of young pairs from its supply to support ongoing recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. The brand has committed to donating more than $1,000,000 towards humanitarian relief efforts around the globe, including $100,000 to support Soles4Souls from the Foot Locker Foundation. Top athletes, artists and influencers including Carmelo Anthony, Paul, George and Kyrie Irving will also devote their Acts of Greatness by donating their shoes to the cause, with additional support from their peers rolling in.

“I’ve partnered with Foot Locker before but this year’s Week of Greatness campaign is special because I get the opportunity to do something that’s important to me which is support the community and help those in need,” said NBA star, Damian Lillard. Later this week I’ll be working with Foot Locker on my ‘Act of Greatness’ in Portland, talking with teens about respecting each other and themselves, and spreading the #GreatnessDoesGood spirit.”

The Hype Magazine had the opportunity to speak with the Portland Trailblazer’s star point guard to discuss being able to give back coming from humble beginnings. The Adidas’ athlete also talks about some of his accomplishes that he has achieved in the music industry.

Thank you @Dame_Lillard. #GreatnessDoesGood pic.twitter.com/k9L3F2GXeO

— Foot Locker (@footlocker) November 17, 2017

You are a part of this “Greatness Does Good” campaign sponsored by Foot Locker. You come from humble beginnings how does it feel to pay it back in full?

It feels great just to be a part of something like this having the chance to help others. It is one thing to want to make it into the NBA and want to accomplish things for myself, but there is a tremendous feeling being able to give back and also when you are in a position like I am to be able to encourage others to do the same. That allows us to continue this body of work and increase it by being a part of this cause. So, it is a pleasure to be a part of this opportunity.

Damian Lillard with Foot Locker – Daniel J. Edelman, Inc FTP

What are some of your favorite kicks that you will be donating this year?

My favorite kicks that I will be donating are from my shoe line it exciting to me. It allows me the opportunity to contribute my brand of shoes and lets me put my stomp on the cause.

How does it feel to make your debut on Billboard as the 32nd emerging artist?

I felt great about that because it is one thing being an NBA player making music and the fans listen to it. Being named as one of the 32^nd emerging artists by Billboard that says more about individuals that are fans of music. Respecting what you are doing as a musician and that is where I want to be an artist. The same way I had to prove myself as an athlete is the same way I want to approach my music. I enjoy that grind and allowing me to grow and earn people’s respect when I release music.

You had the opportunity to collaborate with Lil Wayne on “Run It Up.” Is there anyone else that you would record a studio project?

There are a lot of artists that I would love to work within the studio. The individuals that I try to collaborate with are artists that I am a fan of and naturally being that I play basketball player I do not have to go overboard with the music. So, one of my goals to work with a lot of the artist that I listen to daily. Being able to work with a talented artist like Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Juvenile, and Jamie Foxx was cool in my opinion. There are other artists that I would like to work with, but I can go on and on.

Would you be interested in working with Lonzo Ball or Iman Shumpert in the studio?

I would welcome the opportunity to collaborate that is something I am open to as an artist.

Can you tell us what your inspiration was for the single “Shot Clock” that is a part of the NBA 2K18 Soundtrack?

It was a single that I created specifically for the NBA 2k18 Soundtrack and I wanted to generate a vibe for the person who is playing the game. Or when individuals participate in my career mode and park the 2k experience is more than a video game to some of its players. Some individuals grow up wanting to make it in the NBA but are not able to accomplish that goal. The video game allows them to help shape what they feel the direction of their journey should take in the future. I used my story as a template to create a song about different obstacles we face as aspiring athletes.

What keeps you motivated to want to continue pursuing your dream as a professional athlete?

I think when you train and start to see results it is only natural to strive for more. We play the game of basketball to become champions, win the Most Valuable Player Award. You want to be me named to the all-star game for your respective conference, and you also want to see your name on the all NBA list at the end of the year. There are so many things that we play this game for, and I have not accomplished those goals yet. I have no reason not to get up every morning because I have that desire.

Are you interested in any other fields outside of the entertainment business?

I would like to be able to be involved in some movies that I do not have to play myself. Being able to create film content would be exciting to me.

What do you want your legacy to be when it is all said and done?

I want my legacy to be known as a great basketball player, but an even better person doing great things away from the game of basketball. I also, want to be known as an individual that carried my success the right way.

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE ON TWITTER

Tags: 2 Chainz, Adidas, Converse, Damian Lillard, Foot Locker, GreatnessDoesGood, Iman Shumpert, Jamie Foxx, Jordan, Juvenile, Lil Wayne, Lonzo Ball, NBA 2k18, Nike, Portland Trailblazers, Puma, Reebok, The Hype Magazine

About the Author

Landon Buford Washington State Graduate Past Interviews include Grammy Award Winner Kenny G, David Banner, WNBA President Lisa Borders, What's Trending's CEO Shira Lazar, Ice Cube, NBC's Chicago PD LaRoyce Hawkins, Family Matters Darius McCrary, En Vogues Maxine Jones, Team USA Track & Field Member Norris Frederick, James Kyson, WNBA Great Lauren Jackson, and more.