As one of the most prolific players in the NBA, it's only fitting that Memphis Grizzlies franchise star Ja Morant has a shoe to match his explosive play. Their most recent signature sneaker, the Nike Jaa 3, is easily the most unique one in their collection and offers one of the most spectacular colorways we've seen in the last year. Recently, Morant shared a glimpse of the upcoming “Ja Ruff” colorway that die-hard fans are much more familiar with.
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Upon being recruited by the Grizzlies and adopting Memphis as his new home, the city showed its love for Morant by inviting him to the Memphis Zoo in 2020. They even went the extra mile to name one of their newborn giraffes after the baby sensation – Ja Raf.
It's been exactly three years since Ja Morant met Ja Rafe and told him he now had a son.
"You hear me!?" Morant said. "I think I'll adopt you."
- Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) 20 November 2023
Once his signature sneaker launches in 2023, it was only fitting that Ja Morant used a giraffe-inspired colorway in his Nike Ja 1 sneakers. A year later, Morant teased a follow-up Nike Ja 2 "Ja Ruff" sneaker and eventually wore the sneakers in-game for the Grizzlies. Following this lead, Morant recently shared a “leak” of the Nike Ja 3 “Ja Rafe” colorway.
Nike Ja 3 "Ja Rafe" Leaked by Ja Morant
FIRST LOOK: Ja Morant recently leaked his “Ja Ruff” Nike Ja 3 PE 👀 @jamorant pic.twitter.com/PR6HJg7yH5
- Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) 15 February 2026
Ja Morant Unveils the Nike Ja 3 “Ja Raffe” 🦒
The Memphis Zoo named a baby giraffe after Morant in 2020
Learn more >> https://t.co/kg1f8dmM2c pic.twitter.com/xbSERN67Hl
- Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) 16 February 2026
The Wild pair returns in another brown/tan/pink theme that resembles the look of Morant's friend. Typically featuring paw prints throughout the upper, this Nike Ja 3 will feature brown giraffe spots on the mesh panels. The Nike Zoom outsole will feature alternating toe prints in brown and gray with a pronounced tan “A” towards the heel. The final detail features a pink Nike Swoosh with the writing "JA" across the upper, a humorous nod to Ja Raffe's pink tongue.
Previous “Ja Ruff” colorways have not released to the public and while the Nike Ja 3 is being reworked and released at a faster pace, don’t be surprised if Ja Morant keeps this collection special for himself and his giraffe “son.”
