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Darlington Today
By the People, for the People
Michael Jordan Sought 'Quieter Life' After NBA Fame Became a 'Burden'
The basketball legend opened up about his decision to retire and pursue other passions, including NASCAR ownership.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:10pm
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Michael Jordan's NASCAR team has found early success, but the basketball legend says the 'burden' of fame drove him to seek a quieter life outside of the spotlight.Darlington TodayIn a recent interview, NBA legend Michael Jordan reflected on the immense fame and pressure he faced during his illustrious basketball career, explaining that it ultimately became a 'burden' that drove him to seek a 'quieter life' outside of the sport. Jordan, who is considered one of the greatest players of all time, co-founded the NASCAR team 23XI Racing in 2020 as a way to channel his competitive spirit in a new arena.
Why it matters
Jordan's comments shed light on the challenges that come with being a global superstar, even for the most successful athletes. His decision to step away from basketball and pursue other interests highlights the importance of work-life balance and mental health, especially for public figures under constant scrutiny.
The details
During the interview with CBS Mornings, Jordan said the 'burden' of living up to the public's high expectations for him as a basketball player ultimately drove him to retire in 2003. 'When I say I wanted to retire and get to a quieter life, I wanted to get away from basketball in terms of what I represented in that arena and how big I'd gotten,' he explained. Jordan, who has won six NBA titles and achieved two separate 'three-peats', said the pressure of maintaining that level of success was exhausting. He now finds a similar competitive drive in his NASCAR team, which has found early success on the track.
- Jordan retired from the NBA for the third and final time in 2003.
- Jordan co-founded the NASCAR team 23XI Racing in 2020.
The players
Michael Jordan
Considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Jordan won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and was a 14-time NBA All-Star. He has since transitioned to owning a NASCAR team, 23XI Racing.
Denny Hamlin
A NASCAR driver who co-founded 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan in 2020.
What they’re saying
“When I say I wanted to retire and get to a quieter life, I wanted to get away from basketball in terms of what I represented in that arena and how big I'd gotten.”
— Michael Jordan
“It was such a huge burden for me in that sport. Here [in NASCAR], the burden is not quite the same. It's something that I think that keeps me alive and vibrant.”
— Michael Jordan
What’s next
Jordan's NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, will look to continue its early season success as the 2026 season progresses.
The takeaway
Jordan's decision to step away from the spotlight of the NBA and pursue other passions, like NASCAR ownership, highlights the immense pressure and 'burden' that can come with being a global sports superstar. His comments underscore the importance of work-life balance and mental health, even for the most successful athletes.
