Sam McCracken, Founder of Nike’s Native American-Focused N7 Business, to Retire in 2025

Sam McCracken, a 28-year Nike veteran who founded the brand’s Native American community-focused N7 business, has announced his plans to retire in 2025.

McCracken announced his retirement plans on LinkedIn, where he called his tenure with Nike “an incredible ride.”

“To all of you who have trusted me to do the work that I was called to do, thank you. To those who have embraced and pushed me on how we could support our community even more, thank you. To the Athletes and Ambassadors who have shared in this mission and have helped it grow, thank you,” McCracken wrote.

Nike confirmed with FN that McCracken will retire from the company in 2025 after he onboards the next N7 leader.

McCracken, who currently holds the general manager of N7 title, started his career with Nike in 1997 at its Wilsonville, Ore., distribution center. Just three years later, McCracken became the manager of its Native American business.

Since then, McCracken has led the development of more than 25 N7 product collections and brand stories.

Aside from product, McCracken has also been a driving force for the N7 Fund, which was established in 2009 and focuses on creating access to sport for Native American and Indigenous youth in the United States and Canada.

Nike also stated McCracken’s leadership with its Native American Network & Friends has helped drive ongoing education, visibility and representation for its Indigenous community, which includes a recruitment and retention strategy.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.