Michael Jordan Opens Up About the Burden of Being a Role Model

NBA legends are often seen as flawless heroes—Michael Jordan included. The six-time NBA champion endured criticism, brutal playoff rivalries, and questions about his impact on team success. But he rose above it all, leading the Chicago Bulls to two iconic three-peats in the 1990s and solidifying his place as one of the greatest to ever play.

However, Jordan wasn’t comfortable being idolized as a perfect figure.

“I’m not a perfect person; I’m just like you,” he once told Pat Riley. “Any mistake I make gets magnified 10 times. It’s tough.”

Unlike Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Bill Russell, who embraced their platform for social justice, Jordan echoed Charles Barkley’s famous stance that athletes shouldn’t be forced to be role models. He revealed how exhausting it was to be constantly judged, with personal choices—like gambling—blown out of proportion.

Jordan’s truth was simple: he wanted to be seen as human. Despite his global fame, the pressure to appear flawless weighed heavily—even on the GOAT.