Since the NBA started, it had seen many superstars. There were a few in the start and by the 80s, the league had it seen its fair share. However, they lacked a global star who could have transcended the league to the next level until they found ‘His Airness’, Michael Jeffery Jordan. Moreover, he also faced huge expectations and struggles as a leading African American athlete.
When Jordan came into the league, he was a young star with all the potential. Then slowly became the face of the league. Fans were mesmerized by Jordan and they wanted to be like him. The league was recording some of the highest views in history.
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Michael Jordan accepted the massive pressure put on him
Within a few years, Jordan was loved by millions. His aura matched his phenomenal displays on the court. Fans, especially kids, wanted to be like him. This put enormous pressure on Jordan. He had to make sure he lived up to such high expectations and not let anyone down. But he was more than willing to take it on.
Jordan was interviewed by Maria Shriver in 1992 when he was at the peak of his powers. Maria is a famous journalist, and she is also the ex-wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He said that the image of Jordan had overtaken his personal life. He was then asked if there was an unrealistic amount of pressure put on him for being a successful African American athlete.
Jordan said, ” Certainly, and I accept it. I’d like to come in contact with people that I try to help, talk and communicate with and let them know I’m a friend, instead of someone you put on a pedestal.”
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“That’s my biggest fear in life right now is that I make a mistake that can be misinterpreted and it can be taken out of proportion and totally demolished the positive image or positive things that I try to project.”?
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Jordan had ridiculous expectations of him, and he delivered every single time. Let it be on the court or off it, Jordan was a winner and tried to keep those standards always high.