A Fan Waited 20 Years to Meet Michael Jordan—What MJ Did Left Him in Shock
For Teddy Owens, a single moment on television changed the course of his entire life. In June 1991, as a 12-year-old boy in Greenfield, Indiana, Teddy sat cross-legged in front of the family TV, breathless as the Chicago Bulls closed in on their first NBA championship. When the final buzzer sounded, Michael Jordan—Teddy’s hero—grabbed the trophy, looked straight into the camera, pointed, and said something lost in the roar of the crowd. Teddy was convinced: Michael Jordan had spoken directly to him.
That night, a spark ignited inside Teddy. He made a silent promise to himself: one day, he would meet Michael Jordan and find out what his hero had said in that unforgettable moment. Little did he know, that promise would become a 20-year journey filled with hope, heartbreak, and ultimately, a lesson that would change his life forever.
A Childhood Fueled by Hope
Teddy’s obsession quickly grew. His bedroom walls disappeared beneath Jordan posters and newspaper clippings. He spent his allowance at Stan’s Sports Cards, working odd jobs to afford new memorabilia. He carried a basketball everywhere and practiced for hours, mimicking Jordan’s famous tongue-out jump shot. But nothing compared to the letters—dozens of them—written in careful print and mailed off to the Chicago Bulls, Nike, and every address Teddy could find, all asking the same thing: “What did you say when you pointed at the camera?”
His family struggled through tough times—his father lost his job, and money was tight—but Teddy never stopped believing. Even when his collection was nearly sold to help pay the mortgage, he found a way to keep his dream alive. It was his grandmother, Ruth, who encouraged him most. She gave him a basketball-shaped piggy bank and whispered, “Save for what matters to you.”
Growing Up, But Never Letting Go
As Teddy grew older, life became more complicated. He made the high school varsity team, worked at a sporting goods store, and saved every spare dollar. He wrote a letter to Michael Jordan every month for years—84 in total—never receiving a reply. Local newspapers picked up his story, and classmates teased him for his “crazy” quest. Yet Teddy’s resolve never wavered.
After high school, Teddy’s friends moved away, and he juggled college classes with long shifts at work. He fell in love, then lost love, his Jordan obsession sometimes getting in the way. But the dream endured. When he finally saved enough for a trip to Chicago, he visited every place linked to Jordan: the United Center, old neighborhoods, and memorabilia shops. Each lead ended in disappointment.
Desperate for a breakthrough, Teddy landed a volunteer spot at a celebrity golf tournament in the Bahamas, where Jordan was rumored to play. There, Teddy came within feet of his idol—only for a family emergency to whisk Jordan away at the last moment. Teddy was left with nothing but a business card from Jordan’s caddy and another near miss.
From Obsession to Inspiration
For the first time, Teddy considered giving up. He packed away his collection and focused on work, but the memory of that childhood promise—and his grandmother’s unwavering faith—haunted him. When Ruth passed away, she left Teddy a pristine Michael Jordan rookie card and a note: “Don’t give up on what matters to you.”
Inspired, Teddy decided to channel his energy into something bigger than himself. He founded “Be Like Mike,” a free basketball program for local kids who couldn’t afford camps or equipment. The program grew rapidly, attracting volunteers, donations, and a community of young athletes learning not just basketball, but perseverance and teamwork.
The Answer at Last
Two years later, the Michael Jordan Foundation invited Teddy to present his program at a national youth basketball showcase in Charlotte, North Carolina. There, Teddy finally came face-to-face with Michael Jordan. Nervous but determined, he told his story—the letters, the years of waiting, and the question that had defined his life.
Jordan listened, watched the old championship clip, and smiled. “I was pointing at Magic Johnson,” he explained. “Telling him, ‘This won’t be the last one.’” The answer floored Teddy—not because it was extraordinary, but because it was so simple. Jordan added, “The fact that you thought I was talking to you—and it inspired you to do something meaningful—that’s what matters.”
The Real Promise
Teddy left Charlotte changed. The words he’d chased for 20 years were never meant for him, but the journey had given him so much more: resilience, community, and a new sense of purpose. Today, “Be Like Mike” continues to thrive, helping kids find hope and confidence through basketball. Teddy keeps in touch with the Jordan Foundation, and occasionally, with MJ himself.
Teddy Owens’ story is a testament to the power of dreams—and the unexpected ways they can shape our lives. Sometimes, the answers we seek aren’t as important as the journey itself, and the heroes we chase help us become heroes to others.
*If you’ve ever chased a dream, remember Teddy’s story: the journey matters as much as the destination. And sometimes, the real promise is the one you keep to yourself.*
