Phil Knight By Clay_Phelps.exe Feb 24, 1938 Phil Knight is born. Sep 17, 1963 Makes a deal with a Japanese shoe company called Onitsuka. Dec 13, 1968 Phil's company becomes very successful selling Onitsuka's "Tigers". Jan 25, 1971 Phil leaves Onitsuka to create Nike, as we know it today. Oct 17, 1972 Nike Cortez is released. Nov 18, 2004 Phil Resigns as CEO of Nike