Michael Jordan once revealed his plans for life after his NBA career. While playing in the NBA often seems glamorous due to the fame and fortune of its stars, Jordan’s achievements in the 1990s with the Chicago Bulls set a standard rarely matched. He earned the highest salary in the league and secured six NBA championships. By 1998, after winning his sixth title, Jordan appeared ready to step away from basketball to enjoy a more normal life.
Although he later returned for two seasons with the Washington Wizards, he initially thought his second retirement would mark the end of his playing days. Fans were curious about what he intended to do after dedicating 13 years as an NBA icon.
In an ESPN interview, Jordan explained that stepping away from basketball meant giving up something he deeply loved, but he valued spending quality time with his family. He admitted that while he wasn’t sure what he would miss, he recognized the sacrifices that came with his intense focus on the game. He saw embracing family life as a new and exciting challenge, something that would be both difficult and enjoyable.
Since then, Jordan has stayed connected to the NBA, notably as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets. More recently, he has taken on a new role as a special contributor to NBC’s NBA analyst panel for the 2025-26 season.
Fan Take: Michael Jordan’s journey from legendary player to family man and now to NBA analyst reminds fans of the human side of basketball icons. His continued involvement in the sport, even off the court, shows how his influence shapes basketball’s legacy and future perspectives.