Michael Jordan left the NBA court in 2003, having cemented himself as arguably the greatest basketball player to have ever lived. It is an incredible distinction that many believe will be almost impossible for any other NBA player to match. If LeBron’s near 20-year prime hasn’t been able to swing the opinion, it’ll be incredibly hard for somebody in the modern era to match the accomplishments of MJ.
In the ’90s, Michael Jordan was the most recognizable American sports athlete in the world. His impact and influence were so immense that they almost felt inescapable. Everyone wore his shoes, the news was full of stories of him winning championships, and he was putting on a show for all viewers on an almost nightly basis.
However, many people did escape the aura of Michael Jordan, No. 23 for the Chicago Bulls. One of those people was his own daughter, Jasmine, who admitted she had to use Google as a kid to figure out why her father was famous.
“When I was a child, and growing up during the time, I didn’t really understand what was happening because I was so young, and it just didn’t really resonate with me until I got older,” Jasmine said. “I laugh because I actually Googled my dad at one point just to figure it out. I was like, why is everyone so intrigued by you, you’re just dad, you’re not that cool. But lo and behold, he was kind of a big deal. So it’s definitely been something that’s been eye-opening.” (h/t Sports Illustrated)
Living with one of the greatest athletes ever and not knowing the insane accomplishments he has made outside the house is quite incredible. However, this goes to prove that Jordan was just able to be himself around his family, and his children didn’t realize what their father did every night to provide for them.
MJ is a billionaire and has secured his family for generations. Everything he achieved on and off the court rightly makes him deserving of GOAT status.