'An unconscious habit that I picked up from my father' - Michael Jordan reveals the origin of his iconic tongue-out habit

"There's been a lot of speculation," said MJ. "It's an unconscious habit that I picked up from my father. Being a little kid and you watch your father work, he just used to stick his tongue out, and I took it up and made it a habit, and now I can't stop. I tried to stop; I tried playing with the mouthpiece in my mouth; it just didn't work. It just didn't feel natural."

To fully understand the gesture, you need to explore its origins. James Jordan, Michael's father, was a vital figure in his life. Known for his strong work ethic and hands-on parenting style, James instilled discipline and drive in his son. As a mechanic, MJ's father often worked with intense focus, his tongue unconsciously sticking out as he tinkered with tools.

Passing on the trait

For a young Michael, those moments were more than just casual observations; they were formative. Watching his father's movements while growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, created an imprint.

He took that behavior and made it a trademark with every iconic play. It became a Jordan family act.

"He [James] still does it, and my little son does it now with his little basketball," Jordan said.

Whether it was those high-pressure playoff duels with the Detroit Pistons early on in his career or the shot to win his sixth title against the Utah Jazz in his penultimate game for the Chicago Bulls in the 1998 NBA Finals, the tongue was often out.

The tongue gesture became more than just a habit; it symbolized familial bonds, generational influence, and the transference of a father's dedication to his son.

James Jordan's impact on "His Airness" went far beyond basketball. It shaped the man he became, evident not only in his playing style but also in his mindset and determination to excel. When his father died, MJ revealed his loss as one of his reasons for retiring in 1993.