Michael Jordan, Poised With Gambling Addiction, Once Warned Tom Brady’s Teammate to “Not F*ck It Up” in Super Bowl

The two greatest players in two of America’s biggest sports. Michael Jordan and Tom Brady. When comparing players to the GOAT level, the two remain above and beyond everyone else. As a result, it has also translated into mutual respect between the two. However, as one of Brady’s best teammates, with whom he won 3 out of his 7 Super Bowls, would reveal, it wasn’t just admiration for their work. A famous gambler, or infamous depending on who you ask, Jordan once actively put money on Tom coming through on the game’s biggest stage.

The year was 2015. While the New England Patriots legend was on his way to a GOAT-worthy career, the mark wasn’t set in stone yet. Names like Peyton Manning and others were still present in the conversation. However, Michael had full belief in him. And before Super Bowl XLIX, he would put his money where his mouth is.

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As star wide-receiver Julian Edelman would reveal, a chance run-in with Derek Jeter and Michael Jordan made him privy to Mike’s interest in their squad. With the Super Bowl approaching, Edelman would go out with his family for dinner. “The week before Super Bowl 2014, I took my folks to dinner, and I roll up, and I see Derek Jeter and Michael Jordan.” 

After being “starstruck” seeing the two, he would go to introduce himself. While Jeter was far more welcoming, the Chicago Bulls legend appeared standoffish during their interaction. However, there was a reason for his hesitant behavior.

“And as soon as the conversation’s about to end, like five minutes in, I’m about to leave, Jordan comes up to me. He goes, ‘Hey kid, I got a bunch of money on you. Don’t f— it up.'” Thankfully, the Patriots, amid a dynastic run, were able to pull it out.

But, with a 28-24 nailbiter, the bout may have given the 6x NBA Champion genuine fits. Something not completely uncommon for a man notorious for his gambling ways.

Michael Jordan – NBA Legend and Gambling Addict

During, and after, his NBA career, the 5x MVP was notorious for his gambling ways. Alongside his smoking habits, they would even serve as a major reason for the end of his friendship with Charles Barkley. Further, numerous reports in 1993 suggested that his first retirement was due in large part to his mounting gambling debts.

Further, those same gambling problems would lead Mike to make a statement about paying back his wife each time he lost money. Throughout his time in the limelight, gambling has been one vice he hasn’t been able to overcome.

However, as the story from Julian Edelman to People.com would reveal, it wasn’t always a bad decision for Michael to believe in his heart. Because, even with those problems, it did not stop him from amassing close to $4 billion and counting.

Read More: Michael Jordan Got a 6-Word Lesson From Ex-Wife Juanita Upon Uncovering His Gambling Losses in 1993