The notion, for most of NBA history, was that athletes couldn’t thrive in the business world. Due to reputations or lack of viable examples, it was impossible to imagine such a scenario. However, one man brought a change to that idea. While he was dazzling on the court, he was equally influential off it. Even though most point to the change Johnson brought to the perception of the NBA, he doesn’t receive enough credit for his role in shaping the modern athlete’s post-basketball endeavors.

However, his trailblazing ways have finally given him a payoff. But it wasn’t without its own challenges. Breaking down the unlikeliness of the achievement and the struggles he had to overcome, Shannon Sharpe gave the Los Angeles Lakers legend his deserved flowers.

Magic Johnson – a true trailblazer

While names like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and LeBron James are taking the mantle forward, the establishment was a product of Magic. During a time when athletes turning to business wasn’t the norm, he set a new standard. Now, as he officially enters the billion-dollar club, few give respect to the unnatural waters the 5-time Champion was evading.

On his podcast with “Ocho” Chad Johnson, NFL veteran and media member Shannon Sharpe had some words about Magic’s path. Firstly, he brought to attention how little of a contribution Magic’s NBA earnings made to the total. During the course of his 12-year run, Magic made just $40 million. For comparison, as the 3-time Super Bowl Champion shed light on, LeBron James has made $480 million.

But, that discrepancy wasn’t the biggest struggle for Magic. “What I did on the basketball court might have gave me an opportunity to sit at the table. But, I had to prove to people I can sell coffee at Starbucks. I had to prove to people that I can get people into my movie theatres. Because at the end of the day, those people gonna want a return on their investments.”

Sharpe further explains the mentality that the business owners would have about the transactions. Just working with the 3-time MVP wouldn’t be enough, a monetary return was essential.

Read More: “45 Years, $5 Billion”: Magic Johnson Could Have Reached Billionaire Status Before Michael Jordan if Not for One Major Disadvantage

There was a unique insight that Chad also gave to the transition, one that the NFL Hall of Famer seemingly was in agreement with.

The money and the relationship

Calling it “the most difficult transition,” Johnson gave his theory about why Magic found success in the business world. “Magic Johnson had a certain aura, a certain savvy…It carried over from off the court to on the court and to the boardrooms and the meetings with the higher-ups.”

That charisma and personality might have led the Hall of Famer to something even more essential than the monetary returns. “It’s more than just becoming a billionaire. It’s about the relationships you built over time that gets you into rooms, gets you into doors…That wouldn’t be possible without that business knowledge.” 

Watch This Story: “Rest in Peace”: Mourning the Loss of His “Idol”, Magic Johnson Joins Samuel L. Jackson and More in Honoring “Shaft” Star

A truly miraculous journey, Earvin’s path to the 10-figure mark is nothing short of extraordinary. As he joins 3 other elite athletes, his path truly feels Magical.