MJ’s Big Day With Birthday: His Airness a Nifty 50

February 17, 2013 @ admin → No Comments

In case anyone was unaware, Sunday (Feb. 17, 2013) is Michael Jordan’s 50th birthday. There no doubt will be articles in the newspaper (you remember what those are, yes?) and online, features on television and online, interviews, etc. to commemorate the occasion.

Michael Jordan and fiancee Yvette Prieto at his 50th birthday bash Friday in Houston that featured his latest Air Jordan XX8 sneaker.

To capture Jordan in something that might take a few minutes to read or view likely is impossible. Well, as far as capturing a complete picture. There simply is too much — on the basketball court and off — to do justice to the man who has had a profound on the sport and beyond.

So we won’t try to do that here. Rather it will be a snapshot of the man. One seldom seen.

Fortunate enough to be among the media that chronicled the last two Chicago Bulls championship teams, I was at the United Center one night to attend another Bulls contest — which generally meant another Bulls victory with Jordan having a starring role. After the media had gathered around MJ’s empty locker to be in position for postgame comments from His Airness. After Jordan had granted a few minutes to give the media a few minutes of his time to talk about another Bulls victory.

When he had finished what he deemed a reasonable time answering question, Jordan departed the Bulls locker room and glided down the hall in the bowels of the United Center to an area where a few of his friends were waiting for him.

Resplendent in a tailored suit (as he generally was home and away), MJ greeted the group and began what appeared to be a congratulatory conversation. Smiles, high fives, hugs.

As the converation continued, Jordan then showed off some moves seldom seen my most of his adoring public. He started making guratomg as if he might be on a dance floor. As graceful — well, almost — as anything he did on the basketball court. Not that it mattered.

What was important — at least from my perspective — was witnessing an unfiltered Jordan enjoying himself in a casual atmosphere. No cameras. No one to help orchestrate the scene. No agenda. Merely pure joy. Michael Jordan being just another guy. A human being rather than some basketball megastar and global icon.

Michael Jordan, human being. A curious concept for those who saw him as something and someone else.

Of all the marvelous moments Michael Jordan provided during his career, that one was my favorite. As well as the most endearing and enduring.

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For more moments — and for some videos — regarding Jordan — here are 23 regarding No. 23: