DOD photo by D. Myles Cullen, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Why we think Michael Jordan is a Type 3
Ambition and drive. Jordan's relentless drive to be the best and his commitment to hard work are legendary. He was never satisfied with anything other than being #1.
Overcoming failure. When Jordan was cut from his high school varsity basketball team, he used the setback as motivation to work even harder, ultimately earning a spot on the team the following year. The rest, as they say, is history.
Competitiveness. Jordan was known for his fierce competitiveness, always striving to beat his opponents and teammates alike. There are countless scenes from the documentary, “The Last Dance,” that show his competitiveness, including the one where Jordan is gambling with a Bulls security guard in the locker room playing the “pitching pennies” game.
Pushing through adversity. In the 1997 NBA Finals, Jordan played a pivotal Game 5 (the "Flu Game") against the Utah Jazz while suffering from flu-like symptoms. Despite his physical condition, he scored 38 points, leading the Chicago Bulls to a crucial victory.
Clutch performances under pressure. Jordan's career is filled with numerous game-winning shots, including his iconic buzzer-beater against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1989 playoffs and his final shot as a Chicago Bull in the 1998 NBA Finals. He loved the spotlight.
Comebacks and need to stay relevant. Jordan retired from basketball twice before ultimately returning each time. His first retirement was in 1993 to pursue a career in professional baseball, but he returned to the NBA in 1995. After his second retirement in 1999, he returned again in 2001 as a player for the Washington Wizards. These comebacks showcase his drive to achieve and compete at the highest level as well as his need to stay relevant.
Nike partnership. Jordan's collaboration with Nike led to the creation of the Air Jordan brand, one of the most successful and iconic lines of athletic footwear and apparel. His involvement in the design, marketing, and promotion of the brand further exemplifies his commitment to success. He now earns more in annual royalties than he did from his entire playing career.
Speaking about using setbacks as fuel. In his 2009 Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech, Jordan recounted a list of perceived slights and setbacks that fueled his competitive drive.
Teammate confrontations. Throughout his career, Jordan was known to be hard on his teammates, pushing them to their limits and, at times, engaging in heated confrontations. For instance, during a practice in 1995, he got into a physical altercation with teammate Steve Kerr.
Intense rivalries. Jordan had intense rivalries with other players, including Isiah Thomas, Reggie Miller, and Charles Barkley. Some of these rivalries led to strained relationships and confrontations.
Excessive focus on image and legacy. Jordan was highly conscious of his public image and reputation. He cultivated his persona as a sports icon and successful businessman. Jordan's obsession with his legacy has sometimes manifested as an unhealthy fixation on how he will be remembered.
Trendsetting fashion. Jordan was known for his fashion-forward choices, both on and off the court. His shaved head, hoop earring, and signature Air Jordan sneakers were trendsetting at the time and drew attention to his personal style (this is also indicative of his 4 Wing).
Attention-seeking and competitive antics. During games, Jordan would often engage in trash-talking or make dramatic gestures, such as shrugging his shoulders after making six three-pointers in the first half of Game 1 of the 1992 NBA Finals.
Michael Jordan quotes that show he is a Type 3
"To be successful, you have to be selfish, or else you never achieve. And once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish."
"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen."
"I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come."
"I've failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed."
"I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win."
"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."
"If you quit once, it becomes a habit. Never quit!"
"The game has its ups and downs, but you can never lose focus of your individual goals, and you can't let yourself be beaten because of lack of effort."
"I realized that if I was going to achieve anything in life, I had to be aggressive. I had to get out there and go for it."
"You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them."
"There is no 'I' in the team but there is in win."