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Michael Jordan may be back on the sidelines in the NBA, but his love for the sport is still strong.
The Chicago Bulls legend, 62, spoke with NBC’s Mike Tirico as coverage of the league changed networks and the Hall of Famer began a new role as a “special contributor.”
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NASCAR Cup Series owner Michael Jordan looks on from atop his team’s pit box 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 floor.
“Honestly, 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 sit here and talk to you as opposed to hitting my Achilles 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 basketball and “pay it forward” for the players in the NBA currently.
“I think, more or less, as a basketball player to be able to convey messages of success and dedication to the game of basketball,” he added.
Jordan has been out of the game for about two years after selling his stake in the Charlotte Hornets in August 2023 for more than $3 billion. He has turned his attention to 23XI Racing and the pursuit of a NASCAR championship.
Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (23), right, goes up against 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 to be the greatest NBA player of all time. He went undefeated during his NBA Finals, has five NBA MVP awards and was a 14-time All-Star. He played the majority of his career with the Bulls before ending up with the Washington Wizards.
