Michael Jordan turns 50 next week, which has led to a ton of discussion about his legacy in recent days.
For all his skill and achievements, MJ will be remembered for one thing above all else — his unrelenting competitiveness.
Through his trash talk, high-stakes betting, and refusal to lose, MJ developed the persona of the most competitive athlete in sports history.
We picked out the 17 anecdotes that gave Jordan this reputation.
He punched Bulls teammate Steve Kerr in the face during a scrimmage
Kerr said he talked back to MJ during training camp, and then:
"He punched me in the face…It was one of the best things that ever happened for me. I needed to stand up and go back at him. I think I earned some respect. But, we have a great relationship ever since…you gotta prove it and then once you prove it, you're fine."
Source: Dan Patrick Show
He once trash-talked Bill Clinton on the golf course
They two were playing golf together when MJ forced the former president to play from the furthest away tees.
"You're going to play from the little girls' tees?" Jordan asked him.
Source: WSJ
At age 50, he is currently trying to lose 45 pounds to get down to his playing weight of 218
Source: ESPN
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