Michael Jordan Set for Rare Return to Chicago’s United Center but Not With the Bulls

It has been several years since Michael Jordan returned to the United Center in Chicago. Anyhow, the 6-time champion’s long overdue might come to an end soon, but that will not be for the Bulls. Recently, the famous NBA franchise held its first edition of the ‘Ring of Honor‘ to celebrate the most important members of their history. Jordan was expected to take part in it, but sadly, the 61-year-old couldn’t make it. Well, he has another chance now, and this time it will be to honor his best friend from the National Hockey League. 

Mark your calendars for February 25, because Chris Chelios is getting his No. 7 jersey retired by the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. The three-time Stanley Cup champion announced with pride that he will try to pull in all the influential people of his life for this honor. One of them is our beloved MJ, who is expected to step foot at the United Center once again. Chelios revealed that Jordan played a huge part in the earlier days of his career. 

He shared, “I’m going to have them try to bring everybody I possibly can that’s had an impact on me, and obviously (Jordan) was a big part of my ’90s.” Chelios joined the Blackhawks in 1990 and played nine years for the Chicago unit. Their first meeting was at a baseball game, where the two came to support the White Sox. In the following years, they went on to become brothers in arms, but in different leagues. 

Jordan and Chelios took their teams to the Finals in 1992. MJ brought home the trophy, but Chelios couldn’t after he fell short to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the later years, the 11x All-Star was not able to get a Stanley Cup for Chicago. However, his contribution to the city is nothing short of excellent.

Read more: Michael Jordan’s Wedding to Cuban Wife Yvette Prieto Was Made Further Prodigious by 16 Athletes’ Heartwarming Gestures

To honor something incredible that his friend Chelios has done, Jordan will mostly make a live appearance. 

When was the last time Michael Jordan came to the United Center?  

It has been nearly 14 years since Jordan returned to his den. The last time he made a live appearance was in June 2010, and once again, this time, it was not for the Chicago Bulls. He joined a huge crowd for Game 5 between the Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers. In the very next game, the Blackhawks brought home a trophy after nearly fifty decades. 

He was also “bummed” that he could not make it to the ‘Ring of Honor’ by the Bulls. At least, Chelios has given us a chance to witness the NBA Hall of Famer once again. What are your thoughts on the above story? Are you excited to witness MJ’s return?

Read More: Lionel Messi Set to Overtake Michael Jordan’s $10.1 Million Bulls Jersey Auction Record With His World Cup Memorabilia