Michael Jordan’s “Cursed” Sentiment Over Ex-Teammate’s Gloomy Confession Gets Echoed by 4x NBA Champion Shaquille O’Neal

Most athletes have spoken about the dread of leaving their pitch behind. Post-retirement life after all you’ve known is the grind is difficult for anyone. Michael Jordan knows that very well. He set a precedent for NBA pros to expand beyond the hardwood court and became successful at it. It doesn’t mean he wasn’t scared of what comes after being driven by basketball for decades. Shaquille O’Neal also relates. Which is why he had to turn everyone’s attention to Jordan’s introspection.

‘Big Diesel’ was already established in his entertainment and music at the peak of his NBA career. He’s only gone farther since retiring from the NBA. That transition is always a journey, as Shaq reveals through MJ.

Shaquille O’Neal brings Michael Jordan’s competitiveness to the fore

Michael Jordan was on ABC’s Australian Story series in 2021 when he made a significant quote. It was in connection to his Chicago Bulls teammate, Luc Longley. But more than one NBA star can relate to what he said. One of them is Shaquille O’Neal.

O’Neal shared a snippet of the interview on his Instagram Stories for his 32 million followers to see. Jordan was responding to Longley’s past comments about moving on from a lifetime of competition after retiring from the NBA. Jordan agreed “110%” with his teammate.

“I’m cursed from a competitive standpoint,” Jordan revealed his weakness in 2021. “I cannot watch or compete or be a part of things without competition.” He’d also say, “I was such a competitive player, and each and every day, I felt the need to always get ahead of my opponent.”

After knowing just that all his life, Jordan says, “You don’t shed that armor that you actually have coated yourself with based on your lifestyle and work ethic..”

Michael Jordan retired in 2003, after Shaq had secured a three-peat. O’Neal would add a fourth title to his resume before retiring in 2011. Both the formidable titans on the court and extremely competitive. Both have built an impressive multi-faceted empire beyond pro-basketball.

Jordan inspired NBA players to build a life beyond the NBA with his successful Jordan Brand and all his businesses. Shaq created a notion that just because an athlete is retired, they don’t have to stop being everywhere – from commercials to movies. Their competitive mindsets fueled a major part of their lives. It does feel like they adapted that drive to their post-NBA lives too.

MJ and Shaq find that balance

‘His Airness’ set a precedent for many NBA players. Instead of getting comfortable in their NBA contracts, more players are investing into future brand expansions. On the other hand, ‘Big Aristotle’ took the dread out of retirement. From media appearances to multi-faceted businesses alongside his music and entertainment careers, O’Neal is never not busy.

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In fact, these two legends are competitors in the restaurant business, too. O’Neal’s even opening multiple locations of Big Chicken Shaq on Bulls’ turf. But he’s always set MJ as his GOAT and benchmark too.

As Jordan said, “You have to find your way around it. And that’s frustrating. And sometimes it’s even tough, you know.” O’Neal’s progress reflects how he had been following the same philosophy. Despite the highs and lows, both have made life after the NBA competition work. Their legacy reflects that.

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