Mike Tirico isn't having it with the critics. The veteran NBC broadcaster is pushing back against the backlash surrounding Michael Jordan's limited role with the network, insisting the NBA icon's brief TV stint shouldn't be judged so harshly.
When NBC announced Jordan would join its NBA coverage for the 2025-26 season, fans dreamed of deep-dive analysis from the six-time champion. Instead, they got a single lengthy interview — the centerpiece of Jordan's MJ: Insights to Excellence docuseries — and reports later emerged that Jordan wouldn't return for the following season.
Speaking at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit, Tirico offered a spirited defense of Jordan's decision to step away after just one year. He argued that Jordan's scarcity is exactly what makes his appearances so special.
"I think Michael Jordan hadn't been on TV for a long time for a reason. He likes being Michael Jordan," Tirico said. "There's an aura, even still, when he's on camera, there's an aura about Michael Jordan that is just different. Sitting across from him, it's just a different feel. And I think he is above the day-to-day conversation of 'Hey, who's the best point guard in the NBA right now? And who's best this or the best that?' So I think in a controlled setting, talking about topics that he's still passionate about with the sport, he loved it."
Tirico's remarks echo a broader sentiment about Jordan's carefully curated public persona. The former Bulls superstar has rarely opened up on camera over the past two decades, making any appearance a notable event. Tirico, who sat opposite Jordan for that interview, clearly treasures the experience.
"Michael hasn't sat down with a lot of folks over the last 20 years, and I'm honored that we did it," Tirico said. "And I think if people look at the content of what was there, and not what their expectations were or the other stuff, I think they'd come away and say, 'You know, it's pretty interesting to hear what he said.' So glad Michael did it. Lucky to have the time around him. And if he ever does it again, I hope I'm the guy on the other side of the couch. If not, I'll be sitting there and listening to him; that's for darn sure."
While Jordan's future with NBC remains uncertain, Tirico will be back on the mic calling NBA games for the network this season. The broadcaster's defense of Jordan also highlights a larger conversation about flexible scheduling in sports, a topic Tirico has championed in other contexts — though here, he's focused on protecting the mystique of one of basketball's greatest legends.
For fans hoping Jordan would become a regular fixture on NBA broadcasts, Tirico's comments may be a bitter pill. But the veteran announcer believes the quality of Jordan's insights matters more than quantity. "If they look at the content, they'd come away thinking it was pretty interesting," he said, urging critics to appreciate what was shared rather than what wasn't.
Jordan's decision to step back isn't surprising to those who know his history. He's always been selective about his media appearances, preferring to control his narrative. His philanthropic efforts, like the recent $10 million gift honoring his mother, show a man who values legacy over limelight.
Tirico's defense also draws a parallel to other athletes who've faced scrutiny for their choices. Just as Jon Rahm walked away from LIV Golf over contractual disagreements, Jordan is making his own call about how much of himself to share publicly. The lesson, Tirico suggests, is to respect the athlete's agency.
Whether Jordan returns to NBC remains to be seen, but Tirico's words make one thing clear: the two shared a moment that the broadcaster will never forget. And if Jordan ever decides to grace the airwaves again, Tirico wants to be the one holding the microphone.
