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Jan. 13, 2009 On This Day 10 Years Ago
Jan. 13 , 2009 On This Day 10 Years Ago
Now I don't think I have to answer the questions as to "Who Michael Jordan was?" and "What he is famous for?". The answers are known worldwide. But what may not be known to many people is that this is the day Michael Jordan retired from the game (again).There is something different, though, about this retirement than the previous one. The reason for his previous retirement was a result of the death of his father, James Jordan. This time it was the end of an era.
When M.J. announced his retirement on this day ten years ago, it was the end of the Chicago Bulls era as NBA champions. During this era, M.J. and the Bulls won six NBA championships, in what is known as two "three-peats". The time of the first three-peat was from 1990-1993 and the second was from 1996-1998. There has not been a team like M.J.'s Bulls after this and there never will be. As he retired from that team, they had no other superstars. Ron Harper and Scottie Pippen had signed with other teams. Dennis Rodman also departed from the game. Phil Jackson had a new star to coach in Kobe Bryant. There was no one left in Chicago. But that's why this day was so special to so many people. Saying goodbye is never a good thing and is never easy, especially when you've had nothing but sheer success.
On this day in the United Center, where the Bulls played their home games and where Jordan's #23 jersey hangs, there was a press conference held by Jordan to announce his retirement. It was the most fascinating thing I've ever read about it. There were more than 800 reporters in the arena that day. 800 different people appeared to see and hear one man say farewell.
No one will ever be able to fill up those Air Jordan sneakers that he made so popular (I actually own about 50 pairs of his sneakers). This is why I feel that the scene at his retirement announcement will never be topped by any other professional athlete. Others may disagree and have strong reason to disagree, but M.J. just had that "something" about him that separated him from every other athlete. For example, Robert Horry has won seven championships compared to Jordan's six. But let me ask you this: Do you know the day that Robert Horry retired? Ten years after his retirement , will it be celebrated and spoken about like Jordan's? I don't think so. And no disrespect to Robert Horry at all, I'm just trying to prove my point. His career will not be decorated as Jordan's has and it never will be. That's just how it is.
I don't think the athletes who dominate other sports will attract the same attention that Jordan has either. When Peyton Manning retires, do you think 800 reporters will show up at a press conference on the field where the Colts play their home games? It may happen, but I find it doubtful. When Barry Bonds decides to announce his official retirement, I don't think he'll get the celebration that Jordan received. Again, it may happen , but it is highly doubtful. M.J. is just that guy.
No matter what we may think or hear, we can't deny the best of the best. The players in the NBA are the world's best players. And if millions of people are saying and have been saying that one player is better than everyone else, it must have some significance to it. We all know Jordan's ferociousness on the basketball court differs from everyone else, but there is one main difference, one main aspect of Jordan's career that he never had to deal with that has become sort of a burden for players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. And that is dealing with the title of "The Next Jordan".
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