Michael Jordan, Who Has a Sandwich Named After Him at UNC, Supported Their Big Rivals Growing Up: ?Really Liked Them?

NBA Legend Michael Jordan is certainly the best player to come out of UNC. He had a historic career there. In fact, he became so famous that he even got to have a sandwich named after him. But when Jordan was growing up, he initially supported one of the biggest rivals of UNC.

His Airness played at the University of North Carolina for three years from 1981 to 1984. He had a great tenure at the college and hit one of the greatest shots of all time in his first year. And his exploits at UNC helped him get drafted number 3 overall to the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA draft.

But initially, Jordan supported another team and it was none other than the great rivals of his alma mater UNC, North Carolina State University.

Michael Jordan used to root against North Carolina all the time

In his early years, Michael Jordan grew up supporting North Carolina State. In a 1984 interview, he revealed the astonishing fact that shocked a lot of fans. He said, ” I was a very avid NC State fan. I really liked them very much, I was really a David Thompson fan-with his style of play. And I just couldn’t stand Carolina, I don’t know why.”

READ MORE: ?It?s Very Dangerous?: Despite Being a Global Icon, Young Michael Jordan Did Not Want His Fans to Imitate Him

“It’s just something I didn’t like about Carolina. You know when I got the chance to visit both schools, and I saw the family-like atmosphere in North Carolina, that fitted me well,” he added.

David Thompson was one of the greatest dunkers of all time and Jordan was inspired by him. And he went to North Carolina State. Thompson was called the Skywalker for his exceptional leaping abilities and Jordan credited him for creating the meaning of the vertical leap.

Jordan found UNC more suited to him and he ended up going there. After a great career at the school, he was drafted into the NBA. And he quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league. And upon reaching his prime, MJ became practically unstoppable.

WATCH THIS STORY: Savage old man Tom Brady trolls goat Michael Jordan for soft hands in a round of golf

He won six titles and six Finals MVP awards, along with five NBA MVP awards. And he is credited with making the game global. Michael Jordan is regarded as arguably the greatest player of all time, and he credits that to his roots at UNC.