During the Chicago Bulls’ early reigns in the 1990s, there was a big man who truly caught the attention of everyone not just due to his solid play and two-way imposing presence at the frontline, but also because of his eye-catching goggles. And that's none other than Horace Grant.
Horace wore goggles when he unfortunately got diagnosed with myopia, a vision condition in which near objects appear clear, but objects farther away look blurry. Fitted with prescription lenses, he was allowed by the league to wear them starting in the 1990-91 season. From there, it ultimately served as a notable trademark for the big man.
Behind the goggles
To correct his eyesight, Grant underwent a LASIK surgery. And while the successful procedure allowed him to play goggles-free, the Bulls power forward still opted to rock the facial gear throughout his career with a purpose.
As shared by Grant, his decision to continue wearing goggles came in when parents and older fans praised him for being an inspirational figure for their kids with eyeglasses.
“The first couple years, they were prescription goggles. I had grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers and dads coming up to me, letting me know that it inspired their grandkids and kids to wear goggles or glasses. A lot of kids would get bullied for wearing glasses and goggles, so I guess I made it pretty cool to wear them. So then I just continued to wear them without the prescription in it,” he said.
More than basketball
Other than serving as a vital cog of the Bulls' first three-peat, Horace was also truly instrumental in expanding basketball influence outside the court. With him and the Bulls dominating the NBA, his influence couldn't get wider amongst the audience and fans to break the stigma around eyeglasses.
As we see plenty of kids and hoopers playing basketball while wearing goggles we can only give ample credit to Horace for serving as one of the key examples and game-changers.
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