Michael Jordan's journey to becoming the greatest NBA player in the 1990s wasn't just built on hard work and consistency; it was shaped by the adversity he faced from a young age.
For the five-time MVP, much of his mental strength came from his admiration for Muhammad Ali - not only for his sheer domination in his sport through rigorous hard work but also for his tireless efforts to be viewed as a normal person regardless of the racial bias, even off the court.
Jordan on what he learned from the legendary boxer
Growing up in North Carolina during a time when the state was considered a headquarters for the second wave of the Ku Klux Klan, Mike experienced the harsh realities of racism early on: from textbooks to team jerseys, even playground equipment and gym facilities in the area were, in some cases, directly influenced or supplied by white supremacists networks. These experiences meant that from his school days onward, the future six-time Finals MVP had to navigate and resist systemic racial injustices.
So, when MJ reached the pinnacle of the NBA and global stardom, he made an honest confession during an interview in 1993. Despite being treated like a larger-than-life celebrity everywhere he went, the 6'6" shooting guard expressed his desire to be seen as a regular human being — equal in dignity, regardless of skin color. Perhaps witnessing Ali trying to echo this sentiment during his peak stardom years only inspired Jordan's desire to do the same.
"He crossed many barriers, many lines. He was a pioneer in the sense, to see these people viewed as people instead of their race or color or whatever. That's my ultimate goal, to be viewed as a person, first. Even though I know my race is black I'm just a person like you and any other person," Jordan said. "If you can see me as that, then I think you've made a big step towards curing racism in this world."
Muhammad Ali inspired millions in the black community, including Mike
During an era when African Americans were still seen as second-class citizens, especially in the Southern US regions, Ali became a symbol of black pride and resistance. Even though Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the moral compass of the civil rights movement, Muhammad, after becoming heavyweight champion, arguably connected more directly with everyday Black Americans. Through his eloquence and unapologetic pride, the legendary boxer fought for racial justice and equal recognition of Black excellence in sports. His efforts helped pave the way for future Black icons like Jordan and even Mike Tyson to thrive in the public eye during the 1990s in their respective fields.
So, while Jordan may have never been as politically outspoken as Ali, he did openly acknowledge the impact the after had on him, especially when it came to wanting to be respected not just as a superstar but as a man who deserved equal treatment, no matter his fame or race. In that sense, Ali didn't just shape how Jordan approached fame — he helped define what it meant to carry greatness with dignity.
