Michael Jordan surprises a lifelong fan with a heartfelt gesture
All it took was a 15-second video to go viral for a fan to have his dream come true. Jeffrey Harrison is fan of Michael Jeffrey Jordan. He's well known in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for playing pickup ball dressed up as Michael Jordan. He was a fan since he was 4 years old, and has recently gained popularity for playing regularly in Jordan gear.
This nigga got the full Jordan everything on lmao pic.twitter.com/gdcr4tnp3r
— Bubba Scarfs (@J_Hardiman23) July 5, 2016
Harrison said of the video, “I was guarding this guy and he never had a chance,” He has made a name for himself as the CDA MJ. Michael Jordan saw the video and gave the dedicated fan a gift of a lifetime. His Airness sent two boxes of Jordan gear to Jeffrey along with a letter. The gifts included shoes, t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts and other goodies.
Michael Jordan sent two boxes of gear to Jeffrey Harrison after seeing video of him playing hoops in his MJ uniform. pic.twitter.com/ZV0c7KpJcQ
— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) August 12, 2016
In the letter, Jordan wrote "I thought you might like this. My fans are really special to me. Thank you for your support over the years. Continue to believe in yourself. Play hard, and remember to enjoy the game. Your friend, MJ."
Jeffrey reading his letter from MJ. So amazing. pic.twitter.com/a8vUdpH64B
— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) August 12, 2016
Jordan also surprised the fan with a personal phone call.
The end of Jeffrey's phone call with Michael Jordan. I'll not soon forget this moment. pic.twitter.com/CCdcxMtDIZ
— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) August 12, 2016
Harrison is autistic and is thus unable to find a job. Basketball is his one true passion, and he usually starts his day by watching videos of Jordan. When he decks out in Jordan gear, he leaves no stone unturned. He even wears the calf sleeve which Jordan wore.
Harrison has been playing in Jordan gear since 2010, and he gained popularity on the 4th of July when his video went viral. He can even hit fadeaway shots on the court, and his fame goes beyond just dressing up as Jordan.
Michael Jordan had a hard reputation as a tough as nails competitor. He wasn't what you would call a compassionate or outspoken individual. When being asked to endorse a political candidate, he famously refused, saying, "Republicans buy sneakers too." Even in his Hall of Fame retirement video, Jordan was seen as a bitter individual.
But off late, Jordan has revised his standing by being outspoken about gun violence in the USA. Him sending gifts to Harrison continues in the vein of him showing another, softer, side of his character. One which his fan won’t soon forget.