Many people wonder if there is any connection between the famous actor Michael B. Jordan and the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan. They share the same name and initials, but are they related in any way? The answer is no, they are not related at all. Here is the truth behind their names and how they feel about sharing them.
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How Michael B. Jordan Got His Name
Michael B. Jordan was born on February 9, 1987, in Santa Ana, California. He is not named after the basketball star, but after his father, Michael A. Jordan. His middle name is Bakari, which means “one with great promise” in Swahili.
He started his acting career as a child, appearing in TV shows like The Sopranos, The Wire, and All My Children. He later starred in movies like Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther, and Without Remorse.
How Michael Jordan Got His Name
Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. He is not named after anyone in particular, but his parents liked the name Michael. His middle name is Jeffrey.
He became one of the greatest basketball players of all time, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and earning numerous awards and records. He retired from basketball in 2003 and became the principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets in 2010.
How They Feel About Sharing Their Names
Sharing a celebrity’s name can be challenging, especially when the other person is more famous and accomplished. Michael B. Jordan revealed that he was teased about his name when he was younger and that it gave him a competitive edge.
He said in an interview with Good Morning America: “We had the same name and I always got teased about not being the real Michael Jordan. Honestly [it] gave me a competitive chip on my shoulder and made me wanted to compete at anything I did and create my own lane and have my own legacy.”
He also said that he played sports growing up and that he wanted to meet Michael Jordan someday as a peer, not as a fan. He said that he met him once “in passing” but it didn’t count to him.
Michael Jordan has not publicly commented on his namesake, but he is probably aware of him and his achievements. He might even be a fan of his movies, especially Black Panther, which featured another NBA legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as an actor.
Conclusion
Is Michael B. Jordan related to Michael Jordan the basketball player? No, they are not related at all. They just happen to have the same name and initials, but they have different backgrounds, careers, and personalities.
They are both successful and respected in their own fields, and they have inspired millions of people with their talents and passions. They are also both humble and gracious about their fame and fortune.
They may not be related by blood, but they are certainly related by spirit.