‘Paranoid’ Michael Jordan Revealed How Juanita Vanoy And His Parents Helped Him Relax Before Games: “Don’t Have To Worry If They Got In An Accident”

Sport is a profession that involves a lot of superstition. Athletes in general are known for being a superstitious lot, and the NBA is no different. In fact, even Michael Jordan, the man known as the greatest of all time had his rituals. As he revealed in an interview with Playboy back in 1992, there were certain things he had to do before starting a game. And, the most important of his pre-game activities involved his parents and his ex-wife Juanita Vanoy.

Family has always been an important part of MJ’s life. After all, it’s his family that made him who he is today, especially his parents. Deloris Jordan and James Jordan Sr. were integral in helping His Airness get to the league. But, their role did not just end with raising him. They also helped him out on the business side of things and even played a huge role in helping him secure his historic Nike deal.

Michael Jordan had a pre-game routine that involved his parents and ex-wife Juanita Vanoy

Michael Jordan is undoubtedly a legend of the NBA. He was a stone-cold killer who gave his opponents nightmares. But, despite his incredible on-court abilities, even he had his struggles. And, in order to deal with them, like most other athletes he resorted to ritualistic behaviors.

Surprisingly, MJ also had a specific pre-game routine. As he revealed in an interview 31 years ago, there were certain things he did before playing a game. This included lacing up his shoes a certain way, wearing his North Carolina shorts, and wearing a new pair of shoes and socks each game. But, the most important part of his routine comes just before he steps onto the court.

Jordan always looked up into the crowd. Just so he could find his parents and ex-wife Juanita Vanoy. A sort of reassurance that allowed him to relax, knowing that they were safe and had managed to attend the game.

Playboy: “Do you have any superstitions?”

Jordan: “I go through the same routine before every game. I lace up my shoes in a certain way. I wear my Carolina shorts all the time. I wear new socks every game, new shoes every game. And I always notice where my wife or my parents are so I don’t have to worry if they got in an accident or didn’t get the tickets or whatever.”

Just goes to show that even all-time greats needed certain things to be in place before they go out onto the court and dominate their opponents.

MJ was married to Juanita Vanoy for 17 years before their relationship turned sour

Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy got married in 1989 and were married for 17 years. Together, they had three children, Marcus, Jeffrey, and Jasmine. And, while Jordan was out on the court winning six NBA Championships, Juanita was at home taking care of the family. But, in 2006, the two decided to part ways.

On paper, the couple cited irreconcilable differences as the reason behind their divorce. However, it was Michael’s infidelity that actually led to a separation that would cost him $168 million.

Since then, the two have moved on. Juanita is reportedly living a simpler life nowadays, away from the hustle and bustle of superstardom. As for MJ, he is currently married to Yvette Prieto, with whom he has twin daughters.