Celebrating its inaugural year, the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor recognizes past players, coaches, and front-office members who made lasting contributions to the organization throughout its history.

In perhaps the most unsurprising decision ever, Michael Jordan made the cut, joining several other key players from the unforgettable ’95-’96 Championship Team.

While making the list is a suitable enough honor by itself, the GOAT received additional praise by way of a tribute essay from former President Barack Obama. Himself a Chicago native, Barack Obama states:

“No other player before or since has possessed Michael’s combination of dazzling athleticism and flawless fundamentals; such a tireless work ethic and an unmatched competitive fire. Not only did he win with ruthless efficiency, but his performances displayed a grace and imagination that made the Chicago Bulls the greatest show in sports.”

The former President’s entire essay can be read below, but check out the entire Chicago Bulls Ring Of Honor microsite. The festivities officially begin on January 12th, 2024 during the Ring Of Honor Game between the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets game as members of the inaugural class will be honored with a special halftime presentation.

When Michael Jordan arrived in Chicago in 1984, a skinny kid with a full head of hair and a winning smile, everyone knew he was going to be good. After all, here was a player who, as a freshman, had hit the game-winning shot to propel the North Carolina Tar Heels over the Georgetown Hoyas in a national championship game, and had gone on to be a two-time first team All-American, an Olympic Gold Medal winner, and a national player of the year.

What people didn’t realize at the time – what maybe even Michael didn’t realize at the time – was that the same young man would become the greatest player the game had ever seen, a transcendent athlete who would fundamentally change the face of sports, commerce and American culture.

Of course, Michael’s on-court exploits are legendary. Six NBA championships, along with six Finals MVPs. Five regular season MVPs. Ten scoring titles and the highest playoff scoring average in history. Ten first team All-NBA selections. Nine All-Defensive first team selections – including a Defensive Player of the Year. No other player before or since has possessed Michael’s combination of dazzling athleticism and flawless fundamentals; such a tireless work ethic and an unmatched competitive fire. Not only did he win with ruthless efficiency, but his performances displayed a grace and imagination that made the Chicago Bulls the greatest show in sports.

And it wasn’t just excellence on the court that made Michael Jordan a singular figure. Through his revolutionary endorsement deals, his iconic ads and even a starring role in a box-office hit movie, Michael helped put American sports – and the African-American athlete – at the center of entertainment, fashion and popular culture, altering not only our nation’s commerce but also the way the rest of the world saw America.

There are only a handful of athletes in history – Ruth, Robinson, Ali – that can claim a comparable impact. Michael Jordan shares that rare air. Not bad for a kid from Wilmington, North Carolina who had once been cut by his high school varsity team.

Written by Barack Obama
44th United States President

The Chicago Bulls Ring Of Honor was established to celebrate and recognize past players, coaches, and front office members who made outstanding contributions and helped define the organization throughout its history. The first class includes Artis Gilmore, Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Johnny “Red” Kerr, Dick Klein, Jerry Krause, Toni Kukoc, Bob Love, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Jerry Sloan, Chet Walker, Tex Winter, and the 1995-96 team, which went 72-10 and won the 1996 NBA Championship.