Magic Johnson Celebrates Michael Jordan's 63rd Birthday

NBA legend pays tribute to his longtime friend and rival's legendary career and enduring legacy.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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NBA icon Earvin 'Magic' Johnson honored his longtime friend and rival, Michael Jordan, with a heartfelt birthday tribute celebrating Jordan's legendary NBA career and lasting impact on the game of basketball. Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, turned 63 this week, prompting an outpouring of recognition from the broader basketball community.

Why it matters

Michael Jordan's 63rd birthday celebrations serve as a reminder of his significant contributions both on and off the court, as well as the enduring bond between two of basketball's most iconic figures, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Their mutual respect and friendship have endured beyond their playing days, highlighting the sport's rich history and inspiring future generations.

The details

Jordan's career achievements are among the most impressive in professional basketball, including 14 NBA All-Star selections, six NBA championships, six NBA Finals MVP awards, and five NBA MVP awards. He led the Chicago Bulls through 13 seasons filled with memorable moments and championship victories, solidifying his legacy as a fan favorite and a symbol of basketball excellence worldwide. Magic Johnson, a Hall of Famer in his own right, shared a heartfelt message acknowledging Jordan's friendship and recent success as a NASCAR team owner, illustrating the multiple dimensions of Jordan's enduring influence.

  • Michael Jordan celebrated his 63rd birthday this week.
  • Magic Johnson's birthday tribute was posted on February 18, 2026.

The players

Michael Jordan

Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history, Jordan had a legendary career with the Chicago Bulls, winning six NBA championships and numerous individual awards.

Earvin 'Magic' Johnson

A Hall of Fame NBA player who spent his entire 13-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five NBA championships and earning numerous accolades for his versatility and leadership on the court.

Denny Hamlin

Michael Jordan's business partner in his NASCAR team.

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What they’re saying

“Happy Birthday to my great friend MJ! The year is off to a great start with a recent NASCAR win with his business partner Denny Hamlin at the Daytona500, and I'm so excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for you!”

— Earvin Magic Johnson (Twitter)

The takeaway

Michael Jordan's 63rd birthday celebrations highlight his enduring legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, both on and off the court. The mutual respect and friendship between Jordan and Magic Johnson, two of the NBA's all-time greats, serve as a testament to the sport's rich history and its ability to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.