Well, I saw the ending of the career of the only figure, other than my dad, that I really idolized tonight. Gotta admit, I got a little teary. I saw him in person first his rookie season at a game in the Silverdome against the Pistons...he had one of his dunks that's in every hi-lite reel. I saw him play in Chicago, both in the old Chicago Stadium and also in the United Center. I got my photo taken with his Corvette. I've owned several pairs of Air Jordans. More Jordan/Nike clothes than you could imagine. It's safe to say I wanted to "Be like Mike."
People always asked me why I thought he was so great...what made me idolize him. It's really simple. Michael Jordan was the best in the whole world at what he did, but that was never enough. He would still work every day to make himself better. Most people would make it to the top and be satisified with that, but not Michael Jordan. To be the best wasn't enough...to be the best, and still continue to get better...that's what being Michael Jordan is all about. That's why I did and do idolize him.
I totally agree. I never liked basketball until a few years ago when I caught a playoff game with MJ and realized how good he was. How much he loved the game, how much he changed the game, and how much he brought out in the other players. He is not content with being better than everyone else because he knows he can still do even better for himself. And to him it was never a competition, he was in it for the game.
I am so glad that there are millions of kids that look up to him rather than most of those other athletes who are only worried about the money, the fame, and the lifestyle. MJ did what he did for the love of the sport and because he wanted to do his very best, which is what he did.
He is the true definition of a "go getter", someone who always pushes himself to the next level. The game will never be the same without him.
# Posted by: Steve at April 18, 2003 11:04 AM