Michael Jordan had a surprising superstition he adhered to before every game
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Michael Jordan is renowned as one of the greatest athletes of all time, with an impressive list of accolades and a career that solidified his status in sports history. Alongside his accomplishments, Jordan also harbored some pre-game superstitions that played into his routine. Despite his exceptional skills and unparalleled success, Jordan shared a commonality with numerous other athletes—an adherence to superstitions. This is prepared by SSP.
One peculiar ritual that Jordan faithfully followed before every game involved wearing brand-new shoes. While many athletes might have lucky items such as shoes, gloves, or socks, Jordan insisted on donning a fresh pair of cleats for each match. However, his preference for new footwear did not stem from a fear of bad luck associated with wearing the same pair twice. In an interview on NBA 2K14's 'Michael Jordan Uncensored: Part Two,' he revealed that the sensation of sporting new shoes added a boost to his performance and mindset.
The NBA legend explained, "I always wore a brand-new pair of shoes every game." For Jordan, the act of putting on new shoes and the accompanying gear fostered a sense of energy and a desire to demonstrate his capabilities on the court. It was this feeling that he sought to replicate each game, contributing to his enduring success.
Although superstitions can be common among athletes, some psychologists caution that they may have adverse effects on performance. Dr. Josephine Perry, a sports psychology consultant, explained in Athletics Weekly that such rituals might limit an athlete's adaptability in response to unexpected circumstances, potentially throwing them off their game. Additionally, opponents could exploit these superstitions to disrupt an athlete's focus and performance.
While these concerns are valid, it is evident that Jordan's devotion to his pre-game superstition did not hinder his game significantly. His unwavering commitment to wearing new shoes before each match only seemed to add to his excellence on the court. And with a career earnings total of $3.75 billion (adjusted for inflation), Jordan not only became a legendary player but also amassed substantial wealth through endorsement deals.
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