Dikembe Mutombo, beloved NBA Hall of Famer, died on Sept. 30 at the age of 58 following a battle with brain cancer. The seven-foot-two Congolese-American athlete, who was a leading shot-blocker in the league, is now remembered as a legend on and off the basketball court for his athletic skills and his humanitarianism.
Even if you weren’t a fan of basketball while Mutombo played, you might recognize him from his various endorsements, which led to a few memorable commercials.
Mutombo had an African-inspired signature sneaker line with Adidas, which included the tribal patterned Adidas Mutombo released in 1992. An Adidas commercial from that same year features the NBA star wearing the shoes, which also display his number 55, and blocking a shot; he says solemnly at the end, “Man does not fly in the house of Mutombo.”
Adidas released a statement following the announcement of Mutombo’s death: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Dikembe Mutombo. He was respected and loved by so many for his skills on the court and the impact he left off the court. Dikembe was a trailblazing humanitarian who believed in the brotherhood of basketball, using his platform to promote cultural exchange from Africa to the world, furthering the game and human rights with equal fervor. We are grateful for his legacy that will continue to inspire us for generations to come.”
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Another Adidas commercial from the ’90s showcased Mutombo’s signature sneaker in outsized proportions compared to its surrounding landscapes.
Also ingrained in many memories, Mutombo starred in a Geico commercial that is widely regarded as exceptionally funny. The ad features Mutombo disrupting the everyday activities of unsuspecting strangers, blocking trash from reaching a bin or laundry from landing in a basket. “Not in my house!” he tells them, accompanied, of course, by his signature finger wag.
Geico commented on the death of the iconic defensive player: “Today, we mourn the loss of a beloved sports legend and ardent humanitarian. We are honored to have been able to work with Dikembe Mutombo, and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Mutombo is survived by his wife Rose Mutombo, with whom he had three children and adopted four of her nieces and nephews.
