Like a typical celebrity, Michael Jordan considered dealing with fame a challenge because of the expectations and demands that he continuously had to meet. The Chicago Bulls legend’s job wasn’t just to perform at an elite level on the court which he did throughout his career but also lead and be a good example off the court. For as much as it was an honor for him to accept that he was an inspiring role model, he also once admitted that it wasn’t an easy task to do so at all.

“I mean, a mistake for me is much more critical than a normal mistake by any person and I’m aware of that. At the end of the day, I have to be aware of it and it’s a different challenge. I don’t know how I’m going to continue to deal with it, but as long as I got my parents and wife and supporting cast, then certainly it’s going to be easier for me to grow,” said Jordan back in 1990 when he was just 27-years of age.

Jordan eventually got sick of the fame

Fast forward to a couple of years later, it was well documented that MJ eventually got sick of the limelight to the point that he’d hide inside his hotel room during his time on the road because he hated dealing with paparazzi. In fact, until this day, the six-time champion barely appears in public simply because he’d rather not deal with the off-court challenges that come with being the greatest basketball player to ever walk on the court.

Even before he won multiple championships, Jordan already had reservations about the fact that he was put on a pedestal and was this role model off the court because he was so good on the court. While there are certain perks that come with that — such as the millions of dollars that he made and that it boosted his stature as a basketball player, to name a few — he also had to be this person that he was not at times and that felt like suppressing his true identity.

“I think basketball does that for me. When I’m out there playing, I don’t have to worry about anyone bothering me. No interviews like you and endorsements. None of that bothers me when I’m on the court,” Jordan once answered regarding how he deals with the challenges of fame.

“But when I step off the court, it’s a different perspective that I have to face myself with. I think the media and the public has put me on a pedestal to a point where I’m a role model. I have to live up to that and that’s a different challenge in life,” Jordan added.

With one exception

While the five-time MVP was very candid about how he felt about dealing with fame throughout his career, what he never turned away from was the responsibility of being a role model to children. MJ had a soft spot for kids and that’s what also got him through the challenges he dealt with fame.

“I love kids. I think you know kids, are the next generation and with all the problems that society has, you have to be very positive and being a role model, I’m viewed as very positive which is great. Certainly, I’m trying to pass some of the good traits back to them, and I love being around them. They’re fun; I love to see them smile; when you see them try, it makes you smile. It’s just the enjoyment of being around kids that I really love.”

But when he wasn’t dealing with kids, Jordan had moments where the pressure got the best of him. His testimony is further proof that even if he was viewed as the best basketball player to ever walk on earth, he wasn’t spared from the stress and challenges that came with his status.