Michael Jordan admits being nervous before making outdoor free throw in first time shooting a basketball in years [VIDEO]

NBA legend Michael Jordan swishes a free throw in viral video after saying he was nervous picking up a basketball for the first time in years

NBA legend Michael Jordan proved that greatness never fades, even after years away from the game. A video showing the 62-year-old basketball icon sinking a flawless free throw on an outdoor court has taken social media by storm, racking up over 79,000 likes and sparking countless debates about his enduring legacy. What makes the moment even more remarkable is Jordan’s candid admission that he was “nervous” because it was the first time he had picked up a basketball in years.

The video, shared by Bleacher Report on October 23, captures Jordan on a sunny afternoon at what appears to be a private residence, surrounded by children wearing his iconic #23 jersey and excited adults. The casual setting stands in stark contrast to the pressure-packed arenas where Michael Jordan built his legendary career, yet the six-time NBA champion treated the moment with the same intensity that defined his playing days. His nervousness, he later revealed during his debut appearance on NBC’s NBA coverage, stemmed from not wanting to disappoint the young fans watching him.

Jordan’s Perfect Form Remained Intact Despite Long Hiatus

When Michael Jordan stepped up to the free-throw line on that outdoor court, basketball fans worldwide held their collective breath. The video shows Jordan taking his time, carefully positioning his feet and bouncing the ball to find his rhythm. His mechanics were flawless—knees bent, elbows tucked in, and eyes locked on the rim. The ball left his hands with a smooth wrist flick, arcing perfectly through the air before swishing cleanly through the net without touching the rim.

The swish itself became a powerful testament to muscle memory and the thousands of hours Jordan spent perfecting his craft during his Hall of Fame career. Throughout his playing days, Michael Jordan maintained an impressive 83.5% free-throw percentage, and this single shot demonstrated that those fundamentals remain deeply ingrained even after years away from competitive basketball. At 62 years old, his ability to execute with such precision speaks volumes about the discipline that made him one of the greatest athletes in sports history.

What struck viewers most was how natural Jordan looked despite his admitted rust. The balance, core strength, and hand-eye coordination required for such a perfect shot don’t typically survive years of inactivity, yet Michael Jordan made it appear effortless. His follow-through was textbook perfect, with his shooting hand hanging in the classic “cookie jar” position that coaches teach young players. The shot was pure artistry, reminding everyone why Jordan’s name remains synonymous with basketball excellence.

The Backstory Behind Jordan’s Rare Public Appearance

The timing of the video’s release wasn’t coincidental. Just days earlier, on October 21, Michael Jordan made his debut appearance on the NBA on NBC’s return, where he shared the story of this very free throw. During the broadcast, Jordan described the experience as one of the most nerve-wracking shots of his entire life, which initially raised eyebrows among fans who remembered his ice-cold demeanor during championship-clinching moments.

Jordan explained that the informal setting and his long absence from the game created unexpected pressure. Unlike the roaring crowds of the United Center or Madison Square Garden, this audience consisted of wide-eyed children who idolized him and adults eager to witness greatness up close. The weight of their expectations, combined with uncertainty about whether his body would remember what his mind knew so well, created a unique form of anxiety that Michael Jordan hadn’t experienced on professional courts.

When the video surfaced the following day, it validated Jordan’s story and dispelled any skepticism. The footage, credited to a fitness account called MyBodyTutor, appeared to have been filmed during a private event, possibly a coaching session or community gathering. The green-surfaced outdoor court, surrounded by chain-link fencing and trees, provided an intimate backdrop that highlighted the human side of a sports icon often viewed as superhuman.

Social Media Erupts With Praise and GOAT Debates

The basketball community’s response to the Michael Jordan free throw video was immediate and overwhelming. Within hours of Bleacher Report posting the clip, thousands of comments flooded in, with most celebrating Jordan’s enduring abilities and reinforcing his status as the greatest of all time. Fans pointed out that making a perfect free throw after years of inactivity is impressive for any former athlete, but for someone of Jordan’s stature, it felt like watching history repeat itself.

The video inevitably reignited the perpetual debate between Michael Jordan supporters and LeBron James fans about who deserves the GOAT title. Many Jordan loyalists used the moment to argue that true greatness transcends time, pointing to the effortless swish as proof that Jordan’s skills were built on superior fundamentals. Some comments directly compared the viral moment to LeBron’s recent performances, with fans arguing that Jordan’s mystique and rarity of public appearances make his moments more impactful.

Not everyone viewed the video through rose-colored glasses, however. A small minority of skeptics questioned why such a casual moment generated so much attention, while others noted that hitting one free throw doesn’t diminish the accomplishments of current NBA stars. Despite these dissenting voices, the overwhelming sentiment remained positive, with basketball enthusiasts of all ages expressing admiration for Michael Jordan’s ability to create memorable moments even in retirement.

Children in Jordan Jerseys Witnessed Basketball History

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the video is the presence of several children wearing Michael Jordan jerseys, particularly the iconic purple #23. These young fans, who were born long after Jordan’s final championship in 1998, represent a new generation discovering his legend through stories, highlight reels, and rare moments like this. Their excitement was palpable as they watched the basketball icon prepare for his shot, their faces reflecting the same awe that fans felt watching Jordan in his prime.

Before taking the free throw, Michael Jordan took time to explain basketball rules to the children gathered around him. The video’s audio captures him discussing regulations like when players can break from the free-throw line, noting how rules have changed since his playing days. This mentorship moment transformed what could have been a simple photo opportunity into an educational experience, with Jordan sharing knowledge accumulated over decades at the sport’s highest level.

The children’s reactions after the swish—rushing toward Jordan for high-fives and celebrating as if they’d just witnessed a championship-winning shot—demonstrated the timeless appeal of Michael Jordan’s presence. These young fans may never have seen him play live, but the video captured them experiencing firsthand the charisma and competitive spirit that made Jordan a global icon. Their enthusiasm serves as a reminder that greatness creates connections across generations.

Jordan’s Competitive Fire Burns Bright at 62

Even in a low-stakes backyard setting, Michael Jordan’s competitive nature was on full display. The fist pump immediately following the swish, the emphatic pointing at the group as if to say “I told you so,” and his beaming smile all reflected the same fire that drove him to six NBA championships. This personality trait—the inability to treat any competition casually—has defined Jordan throughout his life, from basketball courts to golf courses.

Jordan’s admission of nervousness actually reinforces rather than contradicts his competitive reputation. The fact that he cared enough about making the shot to feel anxious shows that Michael Jordan still approaches every challenge with the mindset of someone who refuses to accept failure, even when failure would have been completely understandable. His perfectionist mentality doesn’t allow room for excuses like “I haven’t played in years” or “It’s just a casual gathering.”

This psychological makeup separates legends from merely great athletes. While many retired players might laugh off a missed shot in such circumstances, Michael Jordan treated the free throw with genuine respect, preparing properly and executing with full commitment. The video captured authenticity—a rare glimpse of vulnerability followed by the triumphant validation of a perfectly executed shot, reminding viewers why Jordan’s mentality became a blueprint for excellence across all sports.

The Video’s Connection to Jordan’s Current Low Profile

Michael Jordan has maintained a relatively private life since selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, making public appearances rare and therefore more impactful. His emergence for NBC’s NBA coverage marked a significant moment for basketball broadcasting, as NBC returned to airing NBA games after years away. The network undoubtedly hoped Jordan’s participation would generate buzz, and the free throw video delivered exactly that.

The timing of the video’s release—one day after Jordan’s NBC debut—led some observers to speculate about coordinated promotion, though no evidence suggests the video was strategically held back. More likely, the person who filmed the moment recognized its value after hearing Michael Jordan discuss it on national television and decided to share it with the world. Regardless of intent, the synchronicity between Jordan’s televised story and the video’s appearance created perfect viral conditions.

While active NBA players flood social media with daily content, Michael Jordan’s scarcity makes each appearance feel like an event. He doesn’t need constant visibility to maintain relevance; instead, his carefully measured public moments carry weight precisely because they’re uncommon. This video exemplifies that dynamic—a simple free throw becoming international news because of who attempted it and the years of silence that preceded it.

Why This Moment Resonates Beyond Basketball

The viral success of the Michael Jordan free throw video extends beyond sports fandom into broader cultural territory. At its core, the clip tells a universal story about aging, legacy, and whether skills learned at the highest levels can survive years of dormancy. Jordan’s perfect swish answers that question affirmatively, offering hope to anyone who’s wondered if they could still perform something they once mastered.

There’s also something deeply relatable about Jordan’s nervousness. The man who hit countless clutch shots with games on the line admits to feeling pressure in front of neighborhood kids—it humanizes an icon often portrayed as superhuman. This vulnerability makes Michael Jordan more accessible to fans who’ve always viewed him as existing on a different plane. The video shows that even the greatest of all time experiences doubt, but greatness lies in overcoming it.

Finally, the moment serves as a bridge between generations. Older fans who watched Michael Jordan dominate the 1990s NBA see confirmation that their hero’s skills weren’t exaggerated by nostalgia, while younger fans get tangible proof of why their parents and coaches constantly invoke Jordan’s name. In an era of hot takes and recency bias, this simple free throw became evidence in basketball’s eternal debates about greatness, excellence, and what it means to be the GOAT.

The post Michael Jordan admits being nervous before making outdoor free throw in first time shooting a basketball in years [VIDEO] appeared first on Hip Hop Vibe.

source https://hip-hopvibe.com/news/michael-jordan-nervous-free-throw-video/