Michael Jordan Spots a Disabled Veteran Selling Snacks—His Response Leaves Bystanders in Tears
Michael Jordan Spots a Disabled Veteran Selling Snacks—His Response Leaves Bystanders in Tears
It was a typical summer morning in Charlotte, North Carolina, the sun already warm and promising a scorching day. Toby Fletcher, a former Marine who had lost his right leg below the knee during his second deployment to Afghanistan, carefully arranged small containers of homemade beef jerky and trail mix on a folding table. His loyal German Shepherd, Ranger, sat by his side, sporting a vest that read, “Service Dog—Please Do Not Pet.”
Toby had been selling his snacks on the corner of Trade and Tryon Streets for months, earning just enough to pay his rent. Each batch was made with recipes passed down by his late grandmother, her culinary legacy offering him solace and a sense of purpose after his military career abruptly ended.
Business was usually slow, with hurried commuters rarely sparing him a glance, but today felt different. Toby noticed a sleek, luxury car—a shiny black Mercedes—had driven by several times, slowing down each pass. Finally, the car parked across the street. Curious but cautious, Toby watched as a tall figure emerged, wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, walking directly toward him.
“Good morning,” the man greeted warmly, picking up a bag of jerky. “These look great. You make them yourself?”
“Yes, sir,” Toby replied, straightening slightly in his wheelchair. “Family recipes.”
“Mind if I try some now?” the stranger asked, already opening a bag.
“Be my guest,” Toby said, intrigued by the man’s casual yet confident demeanor.
Taking a bite, the man’s expression brightened. “This is fantastic,” he said genuinely. “Reminds me of home.”
“Thank you. Glad you like it,” Toby responded, still unable to place why the man looked so familiar.
“How long have you been selling here?” the stranger inquired, sampling another flavor.
“About eight months,” Toby replied, “since I couldn’t land a steady job after getting out of the Marines.”
The man’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Military service?”
“Yes, sir. Marines. Two tours. Afghanistan,” Toby replied, his voice steady despite the memories that flashed in his mind.
The stranger removed his sunglasses, revealing eyes Toby instantly recognized. His heart jumped.
“You’re Michael Jordan,” Toby managed to say, momentarily stunned.
Jordan smiled softly, nodding. “Guilty as charged. But today, just a fellow North Carolinian and fan of good jerky.”
Toby chuckled nervously. “Well, this isn’t exactly Air Jordans. Just snacks.”
“Snacks with a story,” Jordan corrected gently. “Tell me more.”
Over the next twenty minutes, Toby shared his journey: from star high school quarterback, inspired to join the Marines after 9/11, to the roadside IED explosion in Afghanistan that changed his life forever. Jordan listened intently, occasionally nodding but mostly absorbing every word.
“What’s your vision for this snack business if resources weren’t an issue?” Jordan finally asked.
Toby paused, his dream clear but never before voiced aloud. “I’d open a small store,” he admitted. “Hire other disabled vets struggling to find work. Give them a chance at a second mission.”
Jordan nodded thoughtfully. “Purpose matters, doesn’t it? More than charity ever could.”
“Exactly,” Toby agreed fervently.
Jordan glanced around, noting the small but curious crowd now recognizing him. Turning back to Toby, he asked, “If I could help make your vision real—not as charity, but as a genuine business partnership—would you accept?”
Toby stared, momentarily speechless. “Are you serious?”
“Completely,” Jordan said firmly. “I invest in people. Good people with good ideas. Your jerky is outstanding, but your mission is even better.”
Word spread quickly. Local news soon arrived, cameras rolling, capturing Jordan’s genuine interest in Toby’s business. “It’s not just about snacks,” Jordan explained on camera, placing a supportive hand on Toby’s shoulder. “It’s about giving back to those who’ve sacrificed.”
Within days, plans materialized rapidly. Jordan secured a prime storefront downtown, purchased state-of-the-art production equipment tailored for disabled workers, and initiated an aggressive business and marketing plan. Toby’s humble stand quickly transformed into “Veteran Viddles,” a thriving business proudly employing disabled veterans from across North Carolina.
On opening day, hundreds gathered outside the new store. Toby wheeled himself forward, Ranger at his side, as he addressed the crowd. “This isn’t charity,” he said clearly. “It’s opportunity. For all veterans seeking purpose after service.”
Michael Jordan, watching proudly from the sidelines, stepped forward to share something personal. “Many know me for basketball,” he began, “but fewer know my father served in the military. After his discharge, opportunities were limited. I always wished I could do more for veterans facing similar challenges. Toby’s courage and vision inspired me to finally take action.”
The crowd erupted in applause, deeply moved by the heartfelt revelation.
In the months that followed, Veteran Viddles became a national sensation, featured in news outlets and praised for its unique mission. Orders poured in nationwide, fueling rapid growth. Toby, now CEO of a booming company, remained humble, ensuring every hire was a veteran in need of a new mission.
One afternoon, Jordan visited the bustling facility. Workers warmly greeted him, thanking him for believing in them. Toby met him near the entrance, extending his hand.
“You changed everything,” Toby said sincerely.
Jordan shook his head modestly. “No, Toby. You changed it. I just gave you the ball. You took the shot.”
Both men smiled, acknowledging the bond formed by trust, shared purpose, and mutual respect. It all began with a simple conversation on a street corner, over homemade jerky, between a disabled veteran and a legendary basketball star—a chance encounter that forever altered the trajectories of countless lives.
Michael Jordan fought back tears while explaining why he was so aggressive towards his teammates: ‘That’s how I played the game’
Michael Jordan’s tactics as a teammate might not go over well in 2020, but the Bulls legend says he was simply striving for greatness. @SportsCenter / Twitter
Michael Jordan got emotional while explaining his intensity towards his teammates as the seventh episode of “The Last Dance” came to a close.
Throughout the episode, Jordan had been shown as an aggressive competitor during Bulls’ practices, laying into teammates Scott Burrell and Steve Kerr in practices, whether through name-calling or outright bullying.
During the final moments of the episode, Jordan explained himself.
“When people see this, they’re going to say ‘Well, he wasn’t really a nice guy, he may have been a tyrant,'” Jordan said. “Well that’s you, because you never won anything. I wanted to win, but I wanted them to win and be a part of that as well.”
“I don’t have to do this. I’m only doing it because it is who I am,” Jordan said, getting choked up. “That’s how I played the game. That was my mentality. If you don’t want to play that way, don’t play that way.”
Jordan then called for a break from the interview, at which point the series cut to the credits.
—SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 11, 2020
Jordan was always known for his competitiveness and intensity. He wanted to win by any means necessary, even if it meant turning on his own teammates in practice.
With six titles in eight seasons, it’s clear he believes his methods worked.
