Michael Jordan’s ‘magic pill’ declaration will make fans cry in Bulls jerseys

Michael Jordan not only is he considered the greatest basketball player of all time. He’s also one of the fiercest competitors ever to grace American professional sports, doing everything possible to give himself a physical and mental edge over the rest of the league. Some may call his obsession with winning unhealthy or maniacal, but the man’s ambition knew no bounds. That unique quality has helped the six-time NBA Finals MVP become arguably the most recognizable athlete ever.

It is also extremely difficult to turn off. Although Jordan didn’t play in an NBA game more than 20 years ago, still has endless desire to compete. Unfortunately, the 62-year-old’s body does not match his immortal spirit.

“I love {basketball} like you wouldn’t believe,” Jordan told Mike Thirick via ClutchPoints at the start of his new role as special associate for NBC’s coverage of the NBA. “Honestly, I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play basketball today, because that’s who I am. That kind of competition is what I live for, and I miss it… But I’d rather be sitting here talking to you than popping my Achilles and {being} behind the wheel for a while.”

“I have an obligation to play basketball. Not financially, I’m fine. … I wish I could take a magic pill, put on some shorts and go out and play basketball today, because that’s me. … I miss it.”

— Michael Jordanpic.twitter.com/CV8VIv8N7p

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 22, 2025

A 10-time All-NBA first-team selection and 10-time scoring champion, he thrived on finding ways to motivate himself. He helped bring it Chicago Bulls to the top of the mountain in the 1990s, and would use any perceived slight, be it from a player, coach or member of the media, to keep an elite standard of excellence.

There were certainly negative consequences to such an intense commitment to winning, as several of Jordan’s former teammates will attest, but that mindset is a huge part of his identity. No. 23 may not get that feeling back, but thanks to his renewed involvement in the NBA, he can spend some time focusing on the game he willingly devoted so much of his life to.

“I have an obligation to the game of basketball,” Jordan Thirico said.