BJ Armstrong spent six memorable seasons alongside Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. During which he had the unique opportunity to observe not just Jordan’s relentless pursuit of excellence as a player, but also his role as the face of the NBA.

Throughout this period, Armstrong noted that MJ’s ambition extended beyond just winning championships and collecting accolades. It was about becoming the best version of himself both on and off the court. Despite the immense popularity and the spotlight that followed Jordan, Armstrong revealed that Mike consistently shied away from embracing the fame that came with being a superstar.

He noted that amidst all the attention and success, His Airness maintained a remarkable humility, never allowing his teammates to feel inferior or as if he were on a pedestal far above them.

“The character, the Air Jordan figure that he created, was something that I think he did because, truthfully, he wasn’t fully comfortable being a star,” BJ said of Jordan in a piece he wrote for Sky Sports in 2022. “I don’t know that for sure, but his ability was so ridiculously incredible that he had to create something which allowed him to cope with it.”

“One of the things that’s always I found interesting about him is that on a deep level, I don’t think he ever wanted to be a star,” he further revealed. 

“I don’t ever think it’s occurred to him to say, ‘I’m playing the game so I can be this transcendent superstar.’ It was more like something that he knew he had to tolerate and put up with,” Armstrong wondered.

“It didn’t enter into the equation of the real reasons why he wanted to play, but I think he understood that it was part of what was going to come with the territory when he made the commitment to be the very best version of himself.” Armstrong continued. “I think it was so incredibly simple to him that he never even thought twice about it because he never ever allowed Air Jordan to enter into the locker room or a conversation.”

Jordan knew Air Jordan had to exist

Armstrong is also certain that Jordan’s perception of his own superstardom was distinctly different from that of other elite NBA players of his caliber. Unlike those who bask in the glow of their popularity, MJ viewed his status through a unique lens.

For him, being a global icon was not just about personal glory and financial success. Instead, Jordan saw his brand and image as integral components of his responsibilities as a professional athlete. Nothing more, nothing less.

Armstrong emphasized that Jordan approached his stature with a sense of duty. He believed that projecting a strong public persona was essential, not for him but for the fans who admired him and the organization that supported him.