This week, in observance of the Chicago Bulls’ Ring of Honor, the franchise recruited notable individuals to compose essays honoring the inductees. Furthermore, nothing surpasses the magnitude of President Barack Obama’s eulogy for Michael Jordan.

Obama’s essay is on display in the Ring of Honor exhibit in the United Center atrium, which is free to the public during designated viewing hours and accessible to fans with tickets to the January 10th and 12th Chicago Bulls games.

“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,” the president wrote.

Unprecedented memorabilia from all thirteen members of the inaugural class and the 1995-96 squad, which set a record with 72 victories at the time, is displayed in the atrium.

Obama’s complete tribute to Jordan is as follows:

Everyone anticipated greatness from Michael Jordan when he arrived in Chicago in 1984 as a chubby child sporting a full crop of hair and a winning smile. Indeed, this individual had achieved the feat of securing a national championship game-winning shots for the North Carolina Tar Heels against the Georgetown Hoyas as a freshman. Subsequently, they were honoured as national player of the year and were honoured as a two-time first-team All-American and Olympic gold medalist.

Unbeknownst to individuals, and possibly not even Michael himself, at the time, was the fact that the aforementioned young man would go on to become the preeminent athlete in the history of the sport. This transcendent athlete would bring about a fundamental transformation in the realms of sports, commerce, and American culture.

Undoubtedly, Michael’s exploits during games are legendary. Six NBA titles, in addition to six Finals Most Valuable Player awards. Five MVPs for the regular season. The greatest scoring average in the history of the playoffs and ten championships. In the NBA, ten players were named to the first team. Nine first-team All-Defensive selections, one of which was named Defensive Player of the Year. Since then, no athlete has ever matched Michael’s combination of phenomenal athleticism and impeccable fundamentals, as well as his unwavering work ethic and unparalleled competitive spirit. His performances not only secured victories with ruthless efficiency but also exhibited a grace and ingenuity that elevated the Chicago Bulls to the pinnacle of athletic spectacle.

And it was not solely his exceptional performance in basketball that distinguished Michael Jordan as an individual of distinction. By means of his groundbreaking endorsement deals, renowned advertisements, and even a leading role in a critically acclaimed film, Michael contributed to the elevation of American sports and the African-American athlete to the forefront of popular culture, fashion, and entertainment. This not only revolutionized our nation’s commerce but also altered the international perception of America.

Only a limited number of athletes throughout history, including Ruth, Robinson, and Ali, can lay claim to an analogous influence. This uncommon air is shared by Michael Jordan. Not bad for a Wilmington, North Carolina native who was previously removed from the varsity team of his high school.

Commissioner of the NBA Adam Silver authored the eulogy essay for the 1995-96 squad. Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Magic Johnson, respectively, did the same for Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.