The legendary number 23 felt nerves again—but this time, not in an NBA Finals. Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, recently admitted that he hadn’t touched a basketball in years until an unexpected moment brought back a feeling he hadn’t experienced since his retirement: the fear of missing a shot.

Why did Michael Jordan stop playing?

Since his final retirement in 2003, Jordan has chosen to stay away from the court, dedicating his time to his family, business ventures, and his passion for golf. During his debut as an NBA analyst for NBC, the six-time champion revealed that he hadn’t taken a single shot since hanging up his sneakers.

“I’ve spent years without touching a basketball,” Jordan confessed. “After my career, I needed to enjoy life without the constant pressure of competition. Spending time with my kids and staying away from the noise was the best thing I could’ve done.”

A free throw that made him tremble

His unexpected reunion with the ball came in the most casual way. While attending the Ryder Cup, the prestigious golf tournament, Jordan rented a house that happened to have a basketball court. The owner, well aware of who his guest was, asked him to take a shot.

The Chicago Bulls icon accepted the challenge—but what he felt caught him off guard.

“When I stepped up to take that free throw, I was more nervous than I’d been in years,” he admitted. “The kids there had only heard stories from their parents about what I did 30 years ago. I wanted to live up to their expectations… and that really put pressure on me.”

That simple moment reminded him why basketball had always been so special—not for the trophies, but for the connection it created with people.

“Making that kid smile with one shot made my whole week,” Jordan added.

The man behind the myth

At 62 years old, Michael Jordan remains a near-mythical figure. Yet his story reveals a rare, human side of him—the competitor who still feels the weight of expectation, even decades after leaving the game.

More than just a free throw, it was a moment that symbolized his enduring legacy. And even if he no longer dribbles the ball every day, one thing is certain: whenever Michael Jordan picks it up again, the world still holds its breath.