Wheaties continued its practice of paying homage to great African-American athletes during Black History Month by putting former New York Knicks center Willis Reed on its box.
The limited edition Wheaties box honors Reed for his courageous performance in playing through a serious leg injury to score two jump shots in the opening minutes of the seventh game of the 1970 NBA Championship Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Fueled by Reed’s inspiring presence, the Knicks ultimately won that game to take the championship.
“I’m honored to see my picture on the cover of the Wheaties box,” said Reed at a press conference at the NBA Store in midtown Manhattan. “So many extraordinary sports legends have shared this experience, and I’m proud to be part of that team.”
In 1970, Reed won the NBA Regular Season MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and NBA Finals MVP, marking the first time in NBA history that the same player won all three awards.
Other Wheaties Black History Month honorees have included Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Josh Gibson, Satchell Paige, James “Cool Papa” Bell, Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Walter Payton, Bill Russell and Julius “Dr. J” Erving.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Willis Reed into the Wheaties family,” said Matt Beliveau, Wheaties marketing. “He is a true champion, on and off the court, and we’re excited to honor his accomplishments.”
Wheaties is the official cereal of the National Basketball Association.
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