As part of the Chicago Bulls’ Ring of Honor festivities this week, the team recruited some heavy hitters to write about the inductees. There’s nothing bigger than the eulogy President Barack Obama wrote for Michael Jordan.
Obama’s article is displayed in the “Ring of Honor” exhibit in the United Center atrium, which is free and open to the public during designated viewing hours, and fans can also purchase tickets for the Jan. 10 and Jan. 12 Bulls games.
“Michael helped place American sports and African-American athletes at the center of entertainment, fashion and pop culture, changing not only our country’s business but also how the rest of the world viewed America,” Obama wrote.
The atrium is filled with never-before-seen memorabilia, including those from the inaugural 13 players and the 1995-96 team that won a then-record 72 games.
Here is the full text of Obama’s tribute to Jordan:
When Michael Jordan arrived in Chicago in 1984, a scrawny kid with bushy hair and a big smile, everyone knew he was going to be a great player. After all, this is a player who hit the game-winning field goal in the national championship game as a freshman to help the North Carolina Tar Heels defeat the Georgetown Hoyas and was a two-time first-team selection. -American, Olympic gold medalist, national team player of the year.
What people didn’t realize at the time—perhaps even Michael didn’t realize it at the time—was that the same young man would become the greatest player the game has ever seen, a transcendent athlete who would fundamentally change the face of sports. , Business, and American Culture.
Of course, Michael’s performance on the court was legendary. Six-time NBA championship, six-time Finals MVP. Five-time regular season MVP. Ten scoring titles and the highest playoff scoring average in history. Selected to the NBA All-NBA First Team. Nine-time All-Defensive First Team selection, including Defensive Player of the Year. No other player before or since could combine dazzling athleticism and flawless fundamentals quite like Michael. Such a tireless work ethic and unparalleled competitive passion. Not only did he win with ruthless efficiency, but he performed with the grace and imagination that made the Chicago Bulls the greatest show in sports.
What made Michael Jordan an extraordinary figure was not just his excellence on the court. Through his revolutionary endorsement deals, iconic commercials, and even starring in a box-office blockbuster, Michael helped place American sports and African-American athletes at the center of entertainment, fashion, and pop culture, changing more than just our lives business in the country, and the way the rest of the world views America.
Only a handful of athletes in history — Ruth, Robinson, Ali — have been able to have a similar impact. Michael Jordan also possesses this rare quality. Not bad for a kid from Wilmington, North Carolina, who had been cut from his high school varsity team.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver penned this article to pay tribute to the 1995-96 team. Magic Johnson and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder did the same for Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, respectively.
For more information about the Bulls Ring of Honor, visit the official website here.
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