Milwaukee Bucks legend Marques Johnson still dunking at 70

The five-time NBA All-Star continues his annual tradition of posting a birthday dunk video on social media.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 8:36pm

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Marques Johnson, a retired NBA All-Star who played for the Milwaukee Bucks from 1977-89, has made a tradition of posting a video of himself dunking on his birthday every year since 2011, when he was inspired by Blake Griffin's famous dunk over a car. Now 70 years old, Johnson continues to defy expectations by still being able to dunk, using it as motivation to stay fit and healthy. The tradition has inspired other former NBA stars to keep dunking well into their later years.

Why it matters

Johnson's annual birthday dunk videos have become a feel-good story that resonates with basketball fans and former players alike. It demonstrates that with dedication and discipline, even elite athletes can maintain their physical abilities well into their later years. The videos also highlight the enduring appeal of the dunk as a signature skill in basketball.

The details

In 2011, shortly after his 55th birthday, Johnson was inspired to try and replicate Blake Griffin's famous dunk over a Kia sedan. He headed to a local gym with his son and was able to dunk over a pair of toy Matchbox cars. This one-time joke has since turned into an annual tradition, with Johnson posting a new birthday dunk video every year. Despite being 70 years old, Johnson remains in shape and is still able to dunk, though it sometimes takes multiple attempts. His most memorable dunk came in 2012 at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, where he wanted to be the first to dunk after the arena's renovations.

  • In 2011, shortly after his 55th birthday, Johnson first attempted to dunk over toy cars.
  • Johnson has posted a new birthday dunk video every year since then.
  • On February 23, 2026, Johnson posted his 70th birthday dunk video on X.

The players

Marques Johnson

A five-time NBA All-Star who played for the Milwaukee Bucks from 1977-89, as well as the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors. He was the first-ever recipient of the John R. Wooden Award, given to the nation's top college basketball player, when he was a senior at UCLA in 1977.

Blake Griffin

An NBA player who famously dunked over a Kia sedan during the 2011 NBA Dunk Contest, inspiring Johnson to attempt a similar feat.

Josiah Johnson

Marques Johnson's son, who is a host and executive producer of Gilbert Arenas' podcast 'Gil's Arena'.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't really plan on doing it every year. As it turned out, we've been able to put something together pretty much every year since then. It gives me motivation and inspiration to, as I get older, continue to work out, continue to take care of myself and continue to respect my body and make sure I stay as fit as I possibly can.”

— Marques Johnson, Retired NBA Player (The Athletic)

“It's that last connection to our youth as players. Being able to dunk, it was always, for guys, a big part of your basketball personality. Just to be able to see how long you could do it, and if you could still do it in your advanced years. It's still special. And I'm sure that's kind of how others feel about it.”

— Marques Johnson, Retired NBA Player (The Athletic)

What’s next

Johnson plans to continue posting his annual birthday dunk videos, though he says each one will be his last.

The takeaway

Marques Johnson's annual birthday dunk videos have become an inspiring tradition that showcases the dedication and discipline required for elite athletes to maintain their physical abilities well into their later years. The videos have resonated with basketball fans and former players alike, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the dunk as a signature skill in the sport.