One of the most anticipated films of the last few weeks has to be Ben Affleck’s ‘Air.’ Ever since the ‘Last Dance’ docuseries, even the current generation wants to know how Michael Jordan became the phenom he is today. And a big part of the story was his iconic deal with Nike. Hollywood stars Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Chris Tucker are the headline stars of the movie. Recently, the trio made an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Tucker unfolded one of the most surprising details about His Airness.
From his NBA peers to any friend, one Jordan trait that is revered around the globe is his obsession with competing. No matter if it was the basketball court or golf, MJ went for the kill. However, when it comes to comedic actor Chris Tucker, he refuses to go up against him.
Michael Jordan won’t compete against Chris Tucker
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
During the opening segments of the show, Kelly Clarkson curiously asked the case about being familiar with Michael Jordan. The only one who knows the Chicago Bulls legend is Chris Tucker. He became pals with the Hall of Famer by taking his son to Jordan’s basketball camps.
The ‘Rush Hour’ star is close enough to get an exclusive invite to the billionaire’s golf course. Shockingly, it never became a battlefield between Tucker and MJ. While telling the story about his experience at the property, Tucker claims he is the one opponent His Airness isn’t willing to compete with.
Chris Tucker said, “He won’t play me in anything. I was down at his golf course and his friend was like ‘Would you play Chris?’. He said ‘No, no’. Because he loved to tease you. I went to his party one time at the All-Star weekend. He was like ‘What you doing here? How you get in here?’.?
It’s rare to see Michael Jordan refuse a contest. However, as Tucker said he mainly does it to get under his skin. It might be a tactic to bring out the animal within the actor, or Jordan probably doesn’t want to push the boundaries and see the actor as an enemy. However, the one place where there is no competition and just love is the actual creation of the film ‘Air’. So what part is Chris Tucker playing in the story?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Who is Chris Tucker in the movie ‘Air’?
The film ‘Air’ circulates the deal Nike orchestrated to bring in Michael Jordan as their headline athlete. As we know today, the partnership changed the entire course of sports sponsorships. Today, the Jordan brand is a sub-brand of Nike in itself. It has generated multiple billions in revenue. MJ himself has earned over a billion dollars from the deal.
There were several important figures in this historic tie-up. Tucker plays Howard White, who was one such individual. White was one of the people who influenced Michael Jordan to sign with Nike. Not only that, but he also worked closely with the basketball legend to help the brand become what it is today.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story:??Michael Jordan?s team principal reveals the Wizard of Oz behind his NASCAR team?
Due to his immense contributions to the growth and success of the Jordan brand, White is now the Vice President of the division. Tucker, who is appearing in movies after seven years will now take the screen outside of his traditional comedic role and switch gears to play White.