belief that a player must do what it takes to win, and a mystique that often has his
opponents defeated before the referee tosses up the ball to begin a contest.
Descriptive Essay 2
Although the NBA is filled with players who can run faster, jump higher, and shoot
better than him, no player can equal his success on the court. Despite his uncanny ability,
Jordan has always possessed a strong desire for perfection. Phoenix Sun forward Charles
Barkley, a superstar in his own right, believes Jordan's desire is almost supernatural, "I
knew the moment I looked into his eyes that we were in trouble. Michael was pissed, and
when Michael is pissed you can forget it" (interviewed on Above and Beyond video).
Jordan's desire has enabled him to reach a pinnacle that only a select few in the world of
sports have attained. He believes that his type of success comes primarily due to desire.
A lack of desire is probably the reason Jordan decided to retire just two days before
the start of training camp prior to the 1993-94 season. Jordan, because of the death of his
father and feeling he had nothing else to prove, shocked the sports world when he
decided to hang up his "Air Jordans." However, Jordan did not retire from sports. Instead
he sought to accomplish his father's dream of a career in baseball. Many people wondered
why Jordan risked the chance of humiliation.
Here was a man who was at the top of his game and now he was willing to trade all
of his fame and success in basketball for chance at playing Major League Baseball. When
Jordan decided to return to basketball many people doubted his chances of equaling the
success he had enjoyed before his retirement. Jordan's doubters, however, did not take
into consideration his commitment to excellence. Jordan learned at a very early age that
the price of success was not only very high, but also very available to anyone who was
willing to work hard enough.
A commitment like Jordan's is rare, especially in the face of failure. Many people
Descriptive Essay 3
find it much easier to just give up or to blame someone else for their failure. Michael
Jordan seems to thrive on being told that he can't do a certain thing. Unfortunately, many
in today's society do not have Jordan's commitment to excellence, but that's how a lot of
people approach things, and that's why a lot of people fail. They sound like they're
committed to being the best they can be. They say all the right things, but when it comes
down to it, they're looking for reasons for failing instead of trying to find answers.
The proof of Jordan's commitment to excellence came about, ironically, because of
his failure in the 1995 playoffs. The eighteen month lay-off showed the world a rusty,
sometimes worn-out Michael Jordan, and left his many doubters plenty of ammunition
for questioning his return. Jordan's failure to provide a miracle during the 1995 NBA
playoffs merely fueled his already relentless attitude toward winning. It is easy to see the
relentlessness in Jordan's face during a game. He appears to be playing the game as
though his life depends on it. As I watched him perform during the 1996 NBA Finals, I
was amazed at the intensity within him. Former NBA star Magic Johnson revealed,
"Mike's attitude toward the game is simple. He believes the game is his and anyone who
tries to take the game from him will suffer the consequences" (Above and Beyond
Video).
Anyone who has ever watched Jordan perform on a basketball court cannot help
but see the emotion he emulates. It is my belief that perhaps Jordan's best contribution to
his team is the fact that he seems to make everyone play better. He is always giving the
credit for victory to his teammates and almost always tries to divert any accolades
towards him to someone else. He is the ultimate team player. Perhaps his ability to bring
Descriptive Essay 4
the best out of average-at-best teammates, adds to the mystique of Michael Jordan.
Whenever I watch him in action, I am amazed at the many miraculous feats he performs
on the hardwood.
Many NBA players join fans in their marvel at his spectacular play.
Jordan has transcended the NBA and the entertainment business. He is the most
recognizable athlete in the history of sports. I imagine, however, that the thoughts of
Jordan returning to the NBA sent shivers down the spines of many in the NBA, especially
those who have to try and guard him. It is the Jordan mystique that causes fans to spend
millions of dollars each year on the Nike shoes and apparel that Jordan endorses. Even
though Jordan's skills are not what they once were, they are still far superior to most
players in the NBA. As I watched Jordan and his beloved Bulls capture the 1996 NBA
title, I could not help but realize that this man was more than just a great basketball player
with great athletic skills. He is truly one of the few great American heroes.
Very few men are legends in their own time, but Jordan is much bigger than life.
Jordan has reached his destiny because of his dedication to what he believes in. Simply
put, Jordan is successful because of his refusal to fail. I wonder how many potentially
great Americans have quit seeking their dream because of some type of failure. That type
of reaction is not a part of Michael Jordan, because there is never any room for quitting
inside a Champion's heart.
Reference
Producer: NBA Entertainment Inc. (1996). Above and Beyond. Featuring: Michael
Jordan, Format: VHS, 50 min.