Michael Jordan sat quietly in his spacious office, his gaze fixed on the sprawling city skyline. The weight of responsibility after basketball had been substantial—business deals, sponsorships, endless meetings—but none had felt quite like the call he had just received. It lingered heavily in his mind, gripping his thoughts with an urgency he couldn’t ignore.
The voice on the other end had been familiar yet startlingly fragile. It belonged to Mr. Thomas Waters, his childhood PE teacher. Mr. Waters hadn’t merely taught Michael basketball fundamentals; he’d instilled values that shaped him into the man he became—dedication, resilience, and unwavering belief. But now, the strength Michael had always seen in Mr. Waters had crumbled.
“Mike,” Mr. Waters had said, his voice tinged with vulnerability, “I’m struggling. Things have gotten rough—health, finances, everything. I didn’t know who else to call.”
Michael had listened, frozen, as Mr. Waters laid bare his struggles: unpaid bills, mounting medical expenses, the harsh realities of unemployment. After the call ended, Michael couldn’t shake the dissonance of hearing the man who had always been his rock now desperately reaching out for support.
Without hesitation, Michael summoned his assistant. “Get my financial advisor on the line. We need a plan for Mr. Waters.”
But Michael knew financial support alone wouldn’t heal the deeper wounds. This was personal. It required presence and genuine compassion. He swiftly arranged a trip back to Wilmington, North Carolina, where his journey had started and where Mr. Waters still lived, struggling silently in the same neighborhood that held Michael’s childhood memories.
Landing in Wilmington, nostalgia flooded Michael as he passed landmarks that shaped his youth—the school gym where Mr. Waters first recognized his talent, the park where he’d practiced tirelessly. The familiar streets drew him back to simpler times when life’s complexities felt distant, overshadowed by youthful dreams.
Arriving at Mr. Waters’ modest home, Michael took a deep breath before knocking. The door opened slowly, revealing an older, frailer Mr. Waters whose eyes widened in disbelief at seeing Michael standing there.
“Mike,” he whispered, emotion thickening his voice, “I never expected to see you here.”
Michael stepped forward, gripping his mentor’s hand warmly. “I couldn’t stay away once I knew you needed help.”
Inside, the home reflected a man barely hanging on—a stark contrast to the vibrant coach who’d once commanded respect on the basketball court. Michael saw photographs of a younger Mr. Waters smiling proudly, surrounded by his team. Now those memories felt distant, overshadowed by present hardships.
They sat at the kitchen table, where Mr. Waters shared the full extent of his challenges: diabetes, high blood pressure, overwhelming medical bills, and isolation from a community he once deeply influenced.
“I never thought I’d be here, needing help,” Mr. Waters admitted softly, pride and embarrassment wrestling in his expression.
Michael leaned forward, determined. “You taught me to never quit, to face challenges head-on. Now, it’s my turn to be there for you. We’ll figure this out—together.”
Over the next days, Michael mobilized his extensive network. He arranged medical assistance to alleviate Mr. Waters’ immediate burdens and connected him with local schools needing experienced mentors. Soon, Mr. Waters was offered a coaching position at Wilmington High School, reigniting a passion he thought was forever lost.
The first day Mr. Waters stepped back onto the basketball court, the atmosphere transformed. The young athletes, sensing authenticity in their new mentor, listened intently. Mr. Waters spoke not just about basketball, but life—about resilience, second chances, and the power of community.
“It’s not how many times you fall,” Mr. Waters encouraged them, “it’s about how many times you get up.”
As weeks turned into months, Mr. Waters thrived. His health improved, bolstered by renewed purpose. Michael regularly checked in, always humble about his role, redirecting credit back to Mr. Waters’ resilience.
One evening, Michael received a heartfelt call from Mr. Waters. “Mike, you gave me more than just support; you gave me my life back. I’m coaching again, feeling better than I have in years.”
Michael smiled warmly, replying softly, “You were always there when I needed someone to believe in me. Now, it’s simply my turn.”
Word of Michael’s quiet generosity rippled throughout Wilmington, inspiring former students and community members to rally behind Mr. Waters, further strengthening the support system around him. Donations poured in, and volunteers stepped forward, offering mentorship and guidance to younger generations.
Michael had initiated something far greater than mere financial relief; he’d sparked a community-wide embrace of gratitude and reciprocity. Watching Mr. Waters reclaim his dignity and purpose, Michael understood deeply: true success wasn’t measured by accolades or wealth, but by the lives uplifted through genuine acts of compassion.
In quiet moments, reflecting on the impact of this journey, Michael recognized a deeper victory—one rooted not in fame, but in humanity, in the enduring bonds formed through mutual support and respect.
As he watched Mr. Waters flourish, mentoring a new generation to believe in themselves just as he once had with Michael, he realized this was his true legacy. It wasn’t about championships or records—it was about lifting others, just as someone once lifted him.
And for Michael Jordan, that was the greatest victory of all.
Michael Jordan was considered one of the most fierce and dedicated competitors in the history of sports. You may recognize the famous basketball player from nicknames such as “MJ,” “Air Jordan,” “His Airness,” “The G.O.A.T” (Greatest of All Time) or even “Black Jesus.”
His win-at-all-costs attitude was unquestioned, and yet, in a recently unearthed video from the ’80s, “His Airness” demonstrated a kinder side and a commitment to helping others through philanthropic endeavors. With 2.4 million views and counting, it’s clear people love seeing Jordan redefine greatness once again.
The video shows a seemingly sweet game of wheelchair basketball starring 16-year-old Eric Barber in a one-on-one competition with the six-time world champion and 14-time All-Star Michael Jordan.
The spirited young Barber quickly takes it to an unsuspecting Jordan, accumulating a sizable lead. A cheeky Kareem Abdul-Jabbar style sky hook gives the 16-year-old an opportune 14-4 advantage. As the crowd’s applause elevates, a noticeably irritated Jordan—he doesn’t like to lose—starts dipping into his vast competitive experience to mount a comeback.
Just as the tide seems to turn through an impressive display of (seated) jumpers, bank shots and some signature intense defense, Barber finds his sweet spot burying a 15-footer to end an entertaining game. Big smiles can be found on all in attendance and even the great Michael Jordan himself. The fans on the scene were treated to a surprisingly intense and creative game.
According to the borgenproject.org, a humanitarian enterprise addressing areas of poverty and world hunger, an estimated 100 million people in the world need a wheelchair. More challenging, 75 million, that’s literally two-thirds, can not afford one. Philanthropic programs such as Wheelchair Foundation receive donations and put their efforts into action. Wheelchair Foundation has delivered or committed to distribute 1,157,425 wheelchairs to date.
When it comes to activities leading to inspirational action such as that witnessed in the heartwarming video featuring “MJ” and young Eric Barber, the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, founded in 1949, continues to host events and leagues across America throughout the year.
Today, the multibillionaire Michael Jordan hasn’t lost his love and passion for helping others in need.
His charitable contributions of time and dollars continue year after year. In 2020, he made a pledge of $100 million dollars focusing on social justice, economic justice, and education and awareness. He intended to distribute those funds to organizations such as NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) and the Formerly Incarcerated & Convicted People and Families Movement (FICPFM).
It would appear that competitive spirit has found its way into this historic athlete’s generosity. However, if Jordan wishes to move up the list of accomplished major donors, he still has some considerable work ahead. When it comes to putting your money where your mouth is, Bill and Melinda Gates sit on top, having donated an incredible $15 billion dollars through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Some consolation to the former champion’s loss highlighted in the video that’s making its way through social media: Eric Barber went on to represent four U.S Paralympic wheelchair basketball teams, taking home two bronze medals in the process. “The GOAT” never had a chance.
