Michael Jordan wasn’t just thoroughly competitive on the basketball court, it extended beyond that, permeating every aspect of his life. His unwavering determination to be the best, while undoubtedly inspiring others watching at a distance, also imposed significant pressure on himself. Though the five-time MVP thrived in pressured situations, he once acknowledged that his natural, uncompromising competitiveness also brought with it an unimaginable burden.
MJ on the downside of his competitive nature
While Mike’s competitive drive had made him an icon and added another chapter to his overarching mythos, wanting to be the best also had its fair share of downsides. Before His AInress’ 50th birthday, ESPN Analyst Wright Thompson spent considerable time with the six-time Finals MVP.
During this period, Thompson observed that MJ’s competitive nature manifested in virtually all activities, from playing Suduko to Bejeweled on his iPad, he only wanted to win.
However, when Mike was asked about his competitiveness, the 14-time All-Star acknowledged it as one of his most potent attributes, which was instrumental in shaping his public persona as the GOAT. Moreover, he emphasized that since this trait came naturally to him, it always ended up increasing the pressure on him.
"I can't help myself," Jordan said . "It's an addiction. You ask for this special power to achieve these heights, and now you got it and you want to give it back, but you can't. If I could, then I could breathe."
Related: "Frequently it was heated" — Steve Kerr claims Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen's conversations in practice usually had tension
Jordan willingly increased the pressure on himself
Throughout his NBA career, the six-time NBA champ was often criticized for being unnecessarily harsh on his teammates, constantly pushing them to work harder. However, this admission shows that Mike was really his own biggest rival, driven by a natural competitiveness that made him push himself and everyone around him to perfection.
Despite being a six-time NBA Champ and Finals MVP, one of the biggest stains on his legacy is how MJ punched Kerr and how some of his championship-winning teammates considered Scottie Pippen a more suitable leader for the Bulls than him, it does seem that the New York native himself was subconsciously aware not add pressure on others as he did for himself.
That being said, while there’s no denying that Michael's honesty might seem surprising to many, it also highlights how even the greatest athletes are human. While they may seem tailor-made to deliver in all situations, they're also fighting their own battles to stay at the top.
Related: "That guy sent me a message tonight, and I didn't like the message" - When Michael Jordan dominated Charles Barkley and the Suns in their first clash of the season
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