Fans who have followed Michael Jordan’s career closely will undoubtedly recall his unique habit of sticking out his tongue during basketball games. This distinctive trait, especially prevalent during unforgettable plays, has become an iconic symbol associated with the legendary Chicago Bulls player. In a November 1986 interview with Sports Illustrated, Jordan disclosed that he actually acquired this habit from his father, making it a personal touch that further connects the basketball icon to his roots.
MJ’s father, James Jordan Sr., was a former Air Force officer who had a job at a textile mill. While working with his tools, James Jordan would often stick his tongue out subconsciously. This eventually became a habit that Michael himself picked up, and it stayed with him throughout his NBA career.
Michael Jordan revealed the reason behind the iconic “tongue-out” look
Michael Jordan was always extremely close to his father. As a kid, he looked up to his dad and would imitate a lot of things that he did.
This included sticking his tongue out while working. MJ explained to Sports Illustrated that his dad also had the same habit, and would stick his tongue out while doing “mechanical stuff.”
Jordan seemed disappointed and claimed that he knew kids around the world would imitate him. However, he was concerned of children biting their tongues off while trying to imitate him:
“My father used to have his tongue out when he’d be working, doing mechanical stuff, and I just picked it up from him. Coach [Dean] Smith wanted me to stop it when I was back at UNC. But it’s not a conscious thing. I can’t play with it in.”
Michael Jordan’s tongue-out habit simply became a part of his iconic look
Michael Jordan obviously worked on stature and confidence and wanted to seem scary to his opponents. His enigmatic presence was often seen to have a commanding effect on the opposition.
What’s more, Jordan was also known to push his teammates to the brink and demanded their best at all times. Once, when both Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen were out for the Bulls, Jordan demanded Toni Kukoc to deliver, and not embarrass the Air Jordans that he was wearing.
Kukoc responded with producing some of the best displays that he ever came up with, for the Bulls. While Jordan obviously cannot be given all of the credit, his drive and will to win often brought out the best in him and his teammates.
