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Will Smith was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night and mid-way through the interview, Jimmy surprised Will with a throwback photo. The picture shows Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Kid & Play backstage at a concert in Chicago with the Jumpman himself, Michael Jordan.
This picture prompted Jimmy to ask Will about what it’s like to hang out with Michael Jordan, the greatest NBA player in history. From there, Will Smith actually opened up a little bit and talked about how his close friends Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan are literally the most competitive human beings on planet earth. How they’ll challenge you to a water drinking competition on a whim just because they love winning so goddamn much:
It’s always interesting to see people talk about folks like Tiger and Jordan who are on that whole different level of competition. As Jimmy says, it seems ‘great when you’re playing basketball or golf but not when you’re having dinner.’ There are times you don’t want to be challenged into finishing your steak first. Or sinking six beer pong shots in a row. Hear me out, but sometimes, you want to string along your opponent for a few rounds just so you’re not speed drinking all night.
It is the relentless competitive drive which pushes Tiger and Mike to be the greatest ever but it’s also that same drive that can make them insufferable to hang out with for a lot of people. Or at least that’s the impression I’ve gotten over the years.