The Free Throw That Made Michael Jordan Sweat, According To The Legend Himself

NBA icon Michael Jordan recently shared an interesting anecdote about feeling nervous while attempting a free throw—not during the high-stakes NBA Finals, but on his landlord’s private basketball court. This revelation came during an interview with Mike Tirico, where Jordan admitted he hadn’t played basketball in several years. When asked if he casually shot hoops, he candidly responded, “I haven’t picked up a ball in years.” The last time Jordan shot a basketball was at the Ryder Cup, where he met the owner of the house he was renting. The owner, alongside his grandchildren, requested that Jordan attempt a free throw. “When I stepped up to shoot the free throw, it was the most nervous I’ve been in years,” Jordan reflected, noting the high expectations set by the kids who had heard tales of his past glory. Tirico quipped, “I hope you swished it,” to which Jordan confidently affirmed, “Absolutely.”