Ahmad Rashad is a lot of different things. He’s an all-time Viking wide receiver who, like Dalvin Cook, has had a four-touchdown game. For those of us who grew up in the 90s, he was the host of NBC‘s Saturday morning NBA show, Hang Time with Ahmad Rashad. And to Michael Jordan, he happens to be a close friend.
Rashad, who was seen often throughout ESPN’s 10-part documentary on the 1998 Chicago Bulls, The Last Dance, watches NFL games with Jordan. If anyone seems to have access to Jordan‘s thoughts, it’s Rashad. According to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, those thoughts now extend to Vikings rookie Justin Jefferson.
This is incredible for two reasons. One, having the greatest athlete in the history of athletes be a fan of yours is so cool. A pure competitor from start to finish, Jordan’s stamp of approval means the world to anyone who’s ever tried to play any sort of sport. I can’t imagine anyone reading this can even begin to grasp hearing something like that.
One time at an AAU tournament former Minnesota Twin Al Newman told me I had a nice crossover, and I’ve been bragging about that for 20 years. If Jordan ever said he was impressed with me in any way, you would have to kick me out of society, because I would become immediately insufferable. I would have t-shirts made with the complement printed on them, and probably send off for custom bobbleheads of Michael Jordan and I shaking hands.
That brings us right to No. 2. Jefferson took it all in stride. Imagine hearing that MJ thought you were good at something and playing it cool. To simply play it chill and say it’s a great honor is both impressive and likely speaks to how highly Jefferson thinks of himself.
This is great news Vikings fans. You absolutely want the sort of guy who assumes other greats think he’s great.
Jefferson also showed his age by pointing out that his dad was a fan LOL. Nothing makes you feel older than “the guy who gave birth to me thinks you’re great.”
The NFL media, former and current players, and analytics experts across the league are all lining up to tell us how great Jefferson is. The league itself is not far behind, simply based on their actions. Last week, the Packers had Jaire Alexander shadow Jefferson over Adam Thielen, telling us all exactly what defenses think of the rookie’s talent.
This is all amazing, but as far as I’m concerned, none of it is remotely as fun as a Michael Jordan stamp of approval. Hopefully our young super star can deliver.
