Michael Jordan has influenced many lives on and off the court. The Chicago Bulls legend became the face of the NBA during his peak. He made his presence known all around the world. He has touched so many lives with his brilliance and inspired people to keep chasing victories. Renowned sportscaster Rachel Nichols revealed one such unforgettable memory. Recently, the reputed journalist revealed how Michael Jordan inspired her to be more confident and focus on what she was set to achieve during his second three-peat hunt with the Bulls.

Rachel Nichols has been working as a journalist in the NBA since she was quite young. She is among the most prominent female sports journalists in the world. Nichols recently made an appearance at Kevin Garnett’s KC Certified show. While talking about her sports media journey, Rachel Nichols shared an unforgettable memory involving Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan encouraged Nichols to speak up

During the conversation, Rachel Nichols shared that she was a big Georgetown basketball fan, and admired John Thompson while growing up. The 49-year-old started working as a stringer during her college years at the Northwestern University of Chicago. Nichols worked as a college stringer during the Chicago Bulls‘ second three-peat run in 1998. She used to go to the Bulls games, representing various newspapers and earning a small payment in return for her report.

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Nichols shared that once during a post-practice conference, MJ noticed her and encouraged her to ask a question when she was nervous.

Rachel Nichols said, “MJ was like, you can’t freeload. If you’re here, you gotta actually be a part of this.”

Further, Nichols felt that it was an amazing opportunity for her to cover the Bulls’ great Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Steve Kerr. She learned to speak up for herself around the Chicago Bulls, partly due to Jordan at the age of 19.

Nichols suggested that it was tough for her to be a female journalist in the world of sports. However, the encouragement from Jordan back in the day stayed with her and inspired her to make an effort; despite the obstacles.

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What do you think about this exchange between the two? Have you met any of the NBA stars? Let us know in the comments below.