Fresh off his best year as a pro including winning the 2011 Street League overall title, the 22-year-old skateboarder from Kansas City, MO begins 2012 by announcing he’ll be joining the powerhouse team of Nike Skateboarding.

For Nike SB the signing of Malto is the equivalent of the Kansas City Chiefs signing a free agent like Payton Manning, or the KC Royals signing slugger Prince Fielder. This major signing for Nike Skateboarding adds Malto to an already impressive lineup including P-Rod, Eric Koston, Omar Salazar, Theotis Beasley, and Shane O’Neill.

Malto patiently waited until 2012 to announce his signing with Nike by tweeting an Instagram photo to his 14904 followers. “I’ve always been a fan of Eric Koston and Paul Rodriguez. Being on the same team as them is truly amazing. Plus, Nike has always been the leading brand in sports, with the most incredible athletes past and present–including my favorites Michael Jordan and Kevin Durant. It’s just an honor to be associated with a company like Nike. I feel like we can do awesome things in and for skateboarding!”

Here’s a small glimpse of what Malto has to look forward to as a member of the Nike skateboarding family.

Check out Skateboarder Mag’s tribute to Malto with their best his Best of 2011 Picks.

Malto 2011 News Years Eve SB Party from Ryan Lovell on Vimeo.