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Michael Jordan may be back on the sidelines of the NBA, but his love for the sport remains strong.
The Chicago Bulls legend, 62, spoke with NBC’s Mike Tirico as coverage of the league switched networks and the Hall of Famer embarked on a new role as a “special contributor.”
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NASCAR Cup Series owner Michael Jordan watches from atop his team’s pit during Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 10, 2025. (Matthew O’Haren/Imagn Images)
He told Tirico that he still loves the game and wished he could somehow get back on the court.
“In all honesty, I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play basketball today because that’s who I am,” Jordan said. “That type of competition, that type of competitiveness is what I live for and I miss it.
“I miss that aspect of playing basketball. Being able to challenge myself against what people see as great basketball. But it’s better for me to be sitting here talking to you rather than tearing my Achilles tendon and being in a wheelchair for a while.”
Chicago Bulls guard (23) Michael Jordan reacts to a call with an official against the Orlando Magic at Orlando Arena. (USA Today Sports)
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Jordan said he still wants to talk about basketball and “give back” to the players currently in the NBA.
“I think, more or less, as a basketball player it is being able to transmit messages of success and dedication to basketball,” he added.
Jordan has been away from the game for about two years after he sold his stake in the Charlotte Hornets in August 2023 for more than $3 billion. He has focused his attention on 23XI Racing and the pursuit of a NASCAR championship.
Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (23), right, faces Utah Jazz player Bryon Russell (3) in Game 5 of the 1998 NBA Finals on June 12, 1998. (Anne Ryan/USA Today)
Jordan is considered the greatest NBA player of all time. He was undefeated during his NBA Finals, has five NBA MVP awards and was a 14-time All-Star. He played most of his career with the Bulls before ending up with the Washington Wizards.
