
Michael Jordan is back! It’s official. Fans got a small glimpse into Jordan’s new show with NBC titled “MJ: Insights to Excellence.”
During his sit-down with NBC’s Mike Tirico, Jordan explained why he’s doing this partnership with NBC. He also shared insight into his mindset with the NBA, and how he wishes for a “magic pill.”
“You never really know when you’re in the prime of your career how much time you really do not have for family,” Jordan began. “That’s what I have time to do now. The most valuable asset I have is time. So that’s probably why you don’t see enough of me, because that time I’m trying to spend with family members and things that I’ve been missing out on for such a long time.”
Tirico asked Jordan if he still played basketball during his free time, which Jordan claimed he didn’t. The longtime NBC analyst then asked Jordan when the last time he shot a ball was.
Jordan explained that it was years ago while attending the Ryder Cup. He rented a house for the event and the homeowner had a special request: shoot one free throw on the property’s basketball court.
Jordan, who was now in front of the owner’s grandkids, claimed he was nervous to take the shot.
“When I stepped up to shoot the free throw, it’s the most nervous I’ve been in years,” Jordan said. “The reason being is those kids heard the stories from their parents about what I did 30 years ago.”
When asked if he swished the shot, Jordan replied, “Absolutely.”
As to why Jordan agreed to take on this new role with NBC, he stated it was his duty to “pay it forward.”
“I have an obligation to the game of basketball,” Jordan explained. “To be able to pass on messages of success and dedication to the game.”
Lastly, Tirico asked Jordan if he still loved the game. Jordan’s answer was poetic and true to his famous killer mindset.
“I love it like you wouldn’t believe,” Jordan said. “In all honesty, I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play the game of basketball today, because that’s who I am. That type of competition, that type of competitiveness, is what I live for, and I miss it. I miss that aspect of playing the game of basketball.”
Watch the full clip below.
“We have an obligation to pay it forward. That’s part of what this is all about.”
Watch Michael Jordan’s first conversation with Mike Tirico in the first edition of MJ: Insights To Excellence. pic.twitter.com/7tfzGm6SpM
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 22, 2025
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