Michael Jordan is the epitome of confidence. His aura is intimidating for possibly anyone and everyone. There are countless stories of how “scared” people were when they first met Jordan. Be it people who have no ties with basketball or be it players who turned out to be legends. The persona of Michael is so rare and special in the sporting world that it always complimented the way he played his basketball. His attitude and his game went hand in hand perfectly.

However, as it is common for every man or woman, the way we are raised is the way we behave. And for Michael Jordan, he was raised in an environment where he had to be competitive in order to bring the best out of him. Even if that meant listening to some of the insults from his father for not knowing certain things. The things that his father expected of him as a man. 

Michael’s elder brother Larry once narrated an incident, “I remember one time, my father told Michael, ‘Go get my 9/16 wrench,’ and Michael said, ‘What’s that?’ And my father just sent him in: ‘Go back inside with the women.’ Michael was fine with that. It just wasn’t in his DNA.”

Also read: Emotional Michael Jordan Confessed Regrets About Losing Father: “He Never Met My Fiancée. He Never Got to See My Kids Grow Up. He Died in ‘93”

The Jordan family was unsure as to what was Michael’s DNA for a long time. But he was someone who would not want to get his hands dirty. He would much rather watch his father and brothers fix their car than to work with them. These kinds of things never bothered him. Even if that meant listening to a few taunts and insults on his masculinity from his father.

James R Jordan Sr’s impact on his son, Michael Jordan

The Jordan family was a tough but loving one. Michael was the youngest among the five siblings. So it was natural that the whole family encouraged and appreciated him a lot. However, the Jordan family included some of the most competitive individuals. Along with the two brothers, Michael’s father also had a certain sense of competitiveness to him. Now this was a time in the 60s and 70s so his father’s mindset was as common for anyone at the time. And this actually explains the “go back inside with woman” comment. So, Michael become the player he was because of the things he learned from his father. Even if his father was hard on him.

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He learned how rough the world can be and how loving it can be as well. His talent spoke for himself always so the fame and the success followed it. But MJ’s attitude, determination and hunger to stay at the top came from his father. Almost every son owes a lot to his father and so did Michael. James used to take Michael to different practices and pushed him to become better. He used to accompany him at games as well. That is why it was extra special for him. He decided to play baseball for one season as a tribute to his father after losing him. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Michael Jordan’s baseball stats and highlights.

Michael’s father was murdered in 1993 after he saw his son win his first three-peat. He could never see the extent of Michael’s success but he was obviously proud to witness his son become the global icon. Michael Jordan always kept his father in the highest regards. Clearly his impact on Michael was immensely crucial.