On Saturday, legendary basketball player and businessman Magic Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden, adding this prestigious honor to his already impressive list of achievements.
“I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotions right now,” Johnson wrote on social media. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to be selected by President Biden for this esteemed award. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that a boy from Lansing, Michigan, would one day grow up to receive one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.”
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a native of Lansing, began his path to greatness at Everett High School, later leading Michigan State University to the 1979 national championship. In the NBA, he won five championship titles and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player three times while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
President Biden, while presenting the medal in the East Room of the White House, highlighted the honorees’ contributions to advancing the culture and progress of America. “It is my honor, for the final time as president, to award these truly outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving our country,” Biden said.
Johnson, now 65 years old, is recognized as one of the greatest point guards in basketball history. He revolutionized the game with his exceptional ball-handling, passing, and scoring abilities, despite his considerable height.
After concluding his sports career, Johnson became a highly successful businessman, holding ownership stakes in teams such as the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, and Los Angeles Football Club.
As of 2022, Magic Johnson became the highest-paid motivational speaker, surpassing Tony Robbins, Joe Rogan, Robert Kiyosaki, and Brian Tracy. Having earned $40 million as an NBA player, he multiplied his fortune by 30 times through a sophisticated investment strategy. According to Forbes, Magic Johnson is one of only four athletes with a net worth in the 10-digit range, joining the ranks of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods.
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