During the 80s and 90s, every Chicago kid dreamed of being like Michael Jordan, and former NBA stars Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson were no different. But while many idolized MJ, these two followed his footsteps right into the league. Along the way, their story took a fascinating turn when Jordan didn’t just notice them—he picked them. The result? A tight-knit group of eight or nine young athletes backed by the Jordan Brand. Three decades later, Richardson is finally spilling the details about this unique squad.

Richardson opened up on The Second Half Podcast, revealing how Jordan’s sponsorship came to life. “I was kind of like, at 18, you ain’t gonna get much…I was getting really an apparel deal,” Richardson explained. That was until MJ stepped in. “Mike was like, ‘Don’t worry about it. I got y’all,’” Richardson shared.

The very next day, MJ’s agent gave them a call with news that changed everything. “Yo, like, I don’t know what MJ did, but he called, and Nike said y’all gonna be with him.” Arriving at the Jordan Brand, they realized they weren’t alone. “When we first got there, it was only like seven, eight of us. We just called ourselves the Navy Seal,” Richardson revealed. The name captured their mindset: disciplined, elite, and ready to rep MJ wherever they went. “They sent us everything,” he further added.

Drafted 18th overall in 2000, Richardson built a special connection with Jordan. And he revealed that on Pat Bev Podcast. “Have Mike handpick us and say, ‘You coming with me.’ Have MJ put his arm around you and tell you, ‘Come on, I got you,’” he said. Darius Miles, who also signed a deal with the Jordan Brand, described it as surreal. He said, “To go to the league and get the opportunity to represent Mike and wear Jordans…it’s a story I couldn’t even make up.”

Yet, despite the close connection, Richardson once revealed, he never texted or called MJ, despite having his number.

Why did Quentin Richardson never call Michael Jordan?

Quentin Richardson has known Michael Jordan for over two decades, both personally and professionally. Yet, despite having Jordan’s phone number all these years, the former Knicks forward confessed on The Sternberg Scoop that he’s never called or texted him. “Since 1998, bro, and I’ve never texted or called him once,” Richardson admitted.

Even though they’ve crossed paths at events and social gatherings over the years, Richardson still finds the idea of reaching out to Jordan too overwhelming. “Every time I see Mike, it’s like, ‘Holy sh*t,’” he said, still in awe after all this time. But it’s not fear—it’s respect. “What am I calling or texting to ask you about?” Richardson said.

To Richardson, Jordan isn’t just a sports icon; he’s practically untouchable. In fact, the only other player who comes close to evoking that same sense of awe is Magic Johnson. “The only person even in the same ballpark [as Michael Jordan] is Magic,” Richardson revealed, highlighting just how much MJ has influenced his life.

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But admiration hasn’t dulled his competitive edge. On the court, Richardson played like a man on a mission whenever he faced MJ. “I used to try and ki*l Mike,” Richardson said, recalling how he pushed himself against his idol. Perhaps it’s this blend of reverence and competition that made him a perfect fit for the Jordan Brand.