“Don’t Go to the Deep End, I Can’t Save You”: Helpless Father Michael Jordan Confessed His Fears on National TV with a Smile in His Face in 1997

Michael Jordan has taken the standards of being the quintessential sports hero to the next level with his multi-faceted personality. The six-time NBA champ was a flawless athlete who was capable of being successful in any sport he set his mind to. At the same time, 1.7 billion worth MJ has been a staggering influencer for decades and has succeeded in the field of business and management. As a father and a family man too, Michael Jordan has been a caring parent, who has been an active influence on his kids since their early years. However, back in 1997, helpless father Jordan once confessed his fears on national TV with a smile on his face, as he made a big revelation about a rare life skill he lacked.

In September 1997, Michael Jordan made an appearance on the Rosie O’Donnell Show alongside Daytime Emmy winner host Rosie O’Donnell. During a conversation about his kids’ talents in the interview, Jordan revealed that they liked to play all kinds of sports. The 15-time All-Star shared that one of his sons liked playing hocking while admitting that he has no knowledge about the sport. Moreover, MJ revealed a rare skill he lacked in life that rendered him helpless under some circumstances.

Michael Jordan once revealed his biggest fear as a father

As per the video of the 1997 interview posted by a basketball page on YouTube, while talking about the sports Jordan played, host Rosie O’Donnell asked the Bulls giant if he knew how to skate and swim. In response, Michael Jordan stated, “No, I’m fearful of water.” Subsequently, O’Donnell reminded the audience, “Yeah two people that you knew drowned when you were a bit young.” Jordan agreed with the host by saying, “Yeah I don’t mess underwater that much.”

While Jordan did not know how to swim, he shared that his kids were pretty good swimmers. In fact, the six-time MVP also ended up sharing one of his worst fears as a father of two boys with a smile. MJ said, “They love it, they swim like a fish. I tell them, don’t go to the deep end, I can’t save you.”

The slightly dark joke about his lack of swimming skills left O’Donnell and the audience laughing. However, Jordan also admitted that his dedication to his children would have probably gotten the better of him in a serious situation. MJ reckoned, “But you know, I would probably jump in.”

READ MORE: “Too Much Negativity and It’s Going to Poison You”: Bulls Boss Bad Mouthed His Own Players, Setting Different Rules for Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen

Thus, Jordan shared one of his fears on the show during a display of humility. By confessing his fear of swimming, the Bulls legend showed that he is also human and his passion and focus on achieving big is what has made him special. However, as a sportsperson, Jordan was both methodical and passion-driven.

Jordan’s sporting endeavors

Apart from contributing to the domination of the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, Michael Jordan had his eyes on excelling in several sports during his early days as an athlete. In addition to his love for basketball, Jordan was quite intrigued by baseball and golf. While Jordan took a shot at going pro in baseball in 1994, MJ also expressed his desire of playing pro golf several times during the early days of his NBA career.

WATCH THIS STORY: Dennis Rodman, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Other NBA Stars who Have Featured in TV Shows

Moreover, Jordan continues to stay heavily invested in sports with his shoe business and his own NASCAR team. He also owns the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA.