MICHAEL JORDAN

The image of Michael Jordan smoking a cigar is iconic and symbolizes his victorious, larger-than-life presence in the world of sports. Jordan’s love for cigars began early in his NBA career, but they became particularly symbolic during his championship years with the Chicago Bulls. After securing each of his six NBA championships, Jordan would light up a cigar in the locker room as part of his post-game celebration, cementing it as a personal ritual of success.

One of the most memorable cigar moments came after the Bulls’ 1996 NBA Finals victory over the Seattle Supersonics, securing the team’s fourth championship and marking Jordan’s first title since returning from his initial retirement. That victory carried immense personal meaning for him, as it came on Father’s Day, honoring the memory of his late father, James Jordan. The image of Jordan, relaxed yet intense with a cigar, conveyed a mix of triumph, relief, and personal pride.

In the years that followed, cigars remained part of Jordan’s persona, and he was often seen with one in moments of reflection or celebration. His confidence, strength, and charisma were embodied in these images, transforming the act of smoking a cigar into a lasting emblem of his champion’s spirit and his drive to be remembered as one of the greatest of all time.