You think a Michael Jordan meme of recent times, you think “And I took it personally” (though not the exact words uttered). One would thank ‘The Last Dance’ documentary for that. But that wouldn’t make the best MJ meme if you asked a generation. A tearful Jordan, in his grey suit, ironically blank-faced, reached an audience as a meme back in 2012. Though picked up much later, it has been in use across the planet to convey the many emotions. The heartfelt moment behind the image marks fifteen years today.

Back in September 2009, Jordan was being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Chicago Bulls legend would receive about a minute-long standing ovation and then the loudest of cheers from his loved ones at the ceremony. The overwhelming sight had the 6x champion in tears as he took to the podium to deliver a speech. Just then, photojournalist Stephan Savoia captured the rare sight, giving the internet, arguably the greatest sports meme — ‘Crying Jordan.’

Clutch Points, today, recalls the moment on X. “15 years ago today, photographer Stephan Savoia shot this iconic photo of Michael Jordan just as he was about to be enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.”

Photographer Stephan Savoia also commented years later, “I think that it’s great that people can take things that happened to them in life. And add a moment to it that kind of makes it a little lighter. Somewhat humorous, and something we can all relate to.” The meme has been part of the culture and even President Obama once acknowledged it.

Awarding the nation’s highest civilian honor to 21 people, Michael Jordan was one of the receivers. In 2016, President Obama, during the Presidential Medal of Freedom honor called MJ the best player to be part of the two greatest teams of all time. As per him, it was the Dream Team and the 1996 Chicago Bulls. Later he credited His Airness, “He is more than just a logo, more than just an internet meme.” Even 6x NBA champion couldn’t control his laughter at the time.

Michael Jordan and his family’s reaction to the ‘Crying Meme’

After the success of Last Dance, MJ’s kids appeared on the BigBoyTv YouTube channel, revealing their initial reaction to the meme. The Eldest Jeffrey said, “ My first reaction is definitely laugh. It is just amazing that it lasted that long.”

While Jasmine had a short response unlike her elder brother, “I burst out laughing.” The second-eldest son who is in the news constantly, Marcus, said he even forwarded a few clips during the Last Dance series. “They both got a great kick out of it,” he explained when he sent those clips to the Director and his father, Michael Jordan.

Even MJ, who tends to stay away from the media, spoke about the meme during a hard time. For Kobe Bryant’s farewell, Jordan spoke about the meme and his affection for the Lakers legend. “Now [Kobe’s] got me — I’m going to have to look at another crying meme for the next…” The brief pause got the crowd erupted in cheers and laughter. “I told my wife I wasn’t going to do this because I didn’t want to see that for the next 3 or 4 years,” Jordan said. “That is what Kobe Bryant does to me.”

He had no issue becoming a meme this time because it was an emotional night for him and his ‘younger brother.’