Years ago, Michael Jordan said that his goal was never to be perceived as a “nice guy.” All he cared about was winning. And as recently as The Last Dance went public, His Airness didn’t see a day when he wasn’t accused of being harsh and mean, even by his own ex-teammates. People have constantly slammed him for not being as accommodating as other NBA legends on the hardwood. That can easily be considered his weakness. But actually, off the court, he isn’t as intense as you may think. And something that we’ve come to realize is that if Jordan cares for someone, he will go out of his way to make it count.

Since retiring from the sport, Jordan hasn’t shied away from giving back to the community. With a Nike deal as huge as the multi-billion-dollar one he possesses, the Chicago Bulls legend could’ve chosen to disappear from the limelight and live off royalties on a faraway island. But he hasn’t. Instead, he continues to make sizable contributions to those who need them. But Jordan donates much more than money, as seen in his gesture not too long ago, when he fulfilled someone’s wish to “hug Michael’s neck one more time.”

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare hospice shared a social media post featuring Ms. Etta, one of their patients. She was formerly the transportation coordinator at Emsley A. Laney High School in North Carolina, the same school Jordan once attended. According to the hospice center, Ms. Etta constantly remembered Jordan when she reminisced about her favorite memories and past students. She wanted to embrace Jordan’s presence one last time. So, after several attempts to reach the Bulls legend, one day, Wendy, a LifeCare social worker, got a phone call from an unknown number.

“Is this Ms. Etta?” the caller asked, per Wilmington local news WECT 6, noting that it was Jordan himself on the line. Wendy, who was at home during the phone call, recognized the gravity of the situation, got into her car, and drove to Ms. Etta so she could have the reunion she had longed for with the Bulls icon.

“They laughed, reminisced, picked at each other, and shared a moment that brought tears to everyone in the room,” the hospice’s post read. “A memory her family will carry with them forever. It is about living as comfortably and fully as possible. It is about creating moments of connection, peace, laughter, and love. Sometimes those moments are quiet. Sometimes they are unforgettable. And sometimes… they even involve the GOAT.”

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare hospice did not share footage or exact quotes from their conversation. So, no one outside the room knew how long the call lasted. But as unpredictable as Jordan is, let’s not rule out him talking about this phone call in his next interview. His Airness attended Laney High School from 1978 to 1981. Those few years were when the spotlight hadn’t yet landed on him. In fact, he did not even make the varsity basketball team in his sophomore year, primarily because of his height, but worked harder and returned the following year, earning his spot and never looking back.

Years later, Jordan did not forget the high school that gave him the platform to shine early. In 2019, he donated more than $1.1 million to Laney High School, directing the funds toward improving facilities and expanding student resources. Ms. Etta was also not the first school staffer that Jordan personally helped. Earlier this week, pictures of His Airness and an old man in a wheelchair went viral, mainly on African local media.

Jordan was reportedly with 80-year-old Mr. Wilson, who still worked as the janitor at his high school due to financial hardship, according to African Diaspora International. But as soon as he realized, Jordan raced to put together a retirement fund for the elderly man, pay off all medical bills, and make accessibility renovations at his home, including widened doorways, ramps, a roll-in shower, and handrails, so Mr. Wilson could live safely and comfortably.

Before his 60th birthday, Jordan also made a record-breaking $10 million donation to Make-A-Wish, the largest ever individual contribution in the nonprofit’s history. When asked about why he keeps making major contributions, the former NBA star said, “For the past 34 years, it’s been an honor to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids. Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration.” And after witnessing Jordan’s sweet gestures, especially the Ms. Etta video call, the fanbase has nothing but praise.

Michael Jordan showered with praise for doing “the part that matters”

“[GOAT] doing [GOAT] things. He does things like this often and does not announce or publicize it. Gotta love a cheerful and humble giver who does it out of love and not for clout,” one comment said, highlighting how Jordan always takes time to give back to his community. “Dope gesture by the [GOAT],” another user commented, echoing the sentiments of many who consider him the greatest not only for what he did on the hardwood.

Despite winning six NBA Championships, Jordan hasn’t forgotten his hometown. Back in 2024, he teamed up with Novant Health to open a third clinic, the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic on Greenfield St. in Wilmington. He made a $10 million monetary donation and said he’s “profoundly grateful to help make this day happen for my hometown.”

The reactions online weren’t only about the Chicago Bulls‘ legend but also about Ms. Etta. “MJ’s smile to Ms. Etta is so genuine. Love to see it,” a fan commented. “Best there ever was, best there ever will be,” another netizen said, showing how fans regard him even after his playing days are long gone.

Even during his NBA career, Jordan made it a point to look out for those in need. Back in 2001-02, he donated his entire season’s salary to 9/11-related charities. His own celebrity golf tournament (2001-2014) raised more than $7 million for a variety of international and local charitable organizations.

“Michael Jordan made sure the last wish happened and that’s the part that matters,” one comment said, putting into perspective what the NBA legend cares most about. Alongside helping the underprivileged in North Carolina live better lives, Jordan donated $250,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank in 2012. Half of that donation went toward food; the other half went toward a refrigerated mobile pantry that serves 25,000+ families, providing 1 million pounds of food each year.

The image Jordan had crafted of himself throughout his NBA career portrayed him as a villain. Players on opposing teams would fear even his presence, which helped him play mind games and win the battle before he even bounced the ball in front of them. That competitive edge was part of how he established his persona. So, these particularly touching moments showcase that His Airness has another side to him that’s a total contrast from the competitor he used to be.