Claiming that Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan was a competitive force on the basketball court might be an understatement. While this nature of his was common knowledge amongst his rivals, Jordan?s competitiveness was something that even his teammates used to marvel at. Many players have tried to take advantage of this, only to suffer defeat upon turning up the pressure. 20 years after Jordan revealed his inner thoughts about his competitive nature, a World Series champion gave his own verdict regarding the same.

Back in 2003, Michael Jordan sat down for an interview with TNT. Titled the ?Farewell Salute?, the show focused on Michael Jordan?s past journey and what lay ahead for him post-retirement from the NBA.

Michael Jordan revealed his biggest motivation in life

During the interview, the then 40-year-old Jordan was asked about his ?competitive spirit?. The interviewer asked if Jordan ever met anyone who was as competitive as he was. Jordan didn?t have to think long before replying back with a ?No?. The reason behind the answer was that Jordan believed that he had a far better ?competitive drive? than anyone else he had ever met.

?I thrive on that. I think that my biggest motivation in life is to compete, find different competitions in certain things in life, and try to overcome that,? said Jordan during the interview.

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Despite having completed a 16-year NBA career, facing different basketball players from all walks of life, His Airness felt that he was still yet to find someone who held the same competitive spirit as him. By asserting the fact in the interview, Jordan led the world to know that even after retirement, he still reigned supreme.

Almost two decades after Michael Jordan bid adieu to the world of the NBA, his competitive spirit continues to remain a topic of discussion. While he may not get the opportunity to show his nature on the basketball court anymore, Jordan has other ways to show the people who he is.

John Smoltz discusses His Airness? ?Competitive Drive?

Back in September 2022, MLB legend John Smoltz was invited for an interview on ?The Dan Patrick Show?. They discussed various issues. The interviewer also touched base on Michael Jordan and how he liked to play ?for a lot of money?. The MLB analyst used this opportunity to discuss just how deep Jordan?s competitive drive went.

?Jordan will play for anything. He just doesn’t care what it is. He’s just going to beat you,? said Smoltz during the interview. The 8x MLB All-Star felt that MJ?s desire to play for money was ?insignificant? when compared to his ?ability to want to win?.

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?He just wants to beat you. And that’s the competitive drive that when we were in our heyday, in our own sport, loved to be a part of,? Smoltz revealed. What are your thoughts on Jordan?s competitive drive? Let us know in the comments below.