As much as the movie ‘Air’ circles around Michael Jordan, his mother Deloris is probably the most vital character in the story. She is one of the most important people in MJ’s life. It was because of her motherly instincts that His Airness even considered negotiating a deal with Nike. Without surprise, the six-time NBA champion wanted the role of his mother portrayed by one of the most accomplished actors. And so he chose Viola Davis.

The Academy Award-winning star is well known for her versatile and stunning portrayal of characters. However, if it was a few years ago, Davis would have been offended by Michael Jordan’s request. During a recent interview for her upcoming movie, she revealed how a trip to Africa changed her entire perspective.

Viola Davis is honored to play the mother of Michael Jordan

Stars Ben Affleck and Davis did an interview with iHollywoodTV to discuss ‘Air’ in depth. The 57-year-old actor revealed her initial thoughts on playing mothers in movies. Davis claimed she felt a sense of insult when offered such roles in the past. That changed after a trip to Africa. It was on that land that she understood what a mother truly represents. The “deepest honor” is how Viola Davis described playing a mother’s role.

The unique personality of Deloris Jordan left Davis inspired. She takes immense honor in playing her and says she was “flattered” to know Jordan requested for her to portray his mother.

She said in the interview, “In the past, I was always so offended by that. And then I went to Africa, and I found out mother is probably the deepest honor that you can give to someone because they would all call me mother. So it’s deeply honoring. I’m deeply honored to play his mom, and especially when I see the kind of woman she is which is something that strikes me as very, very, very unique. So I’m flattered that someone like Michael Jordan would see me as someone like that.”

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Growing up, Jordan was a ‘momma’s boy. He held her opinion to a very high standard. And for good reason. She had a calming personality. Not only that, but Deloris Jordan was observant of her surroundings. She was instrumental in pushing Michael Jordan to meet Nike. While her son was ready to take off, she kept a level head and some of the most important decisions. Those calls today are the reason Michael Jordan is the phenom he became.

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Without Deloris Jordan, the story of not just the Air Jordan brand, but His Airness itself would be incomplete. She was the force that pushed Jordan into doing the right things. Her influence kept the Chicago Bulls legend humble and focused which eventually earned him his honors.