Michael Jordan\u2019s presence in NASCAR has always been larger than life. Literally and figuratively! As co-owner of 23XI Racing, the NBA legend brought star power, deep pockets, and a winning mindset to the Cup Series. His partnership with Denny Hamlin has already produced victories, with Tyler Reddick emerging as one of the team\u2019s brightest stars. On track, Reddick\u2019s aggressive style has kept 23XI in the headlines, just look at his second-place finish in the Southern 500, while off track, Jordan\u2019s involvement adds a unique dynamic.<\/p>\n
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Fans have seen Jordan at the track celebrating, motivating, and yes, sometimes interacting with his drivers in ways that spark conversation. But lately, it\u2019s not Reddick\u2019s performance behind the wheel that\u2019s drawing chatter. Instead, it\u2019s how Jordan shows his support, and not everyone sees it the same way.<\/p>\n
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Michael Jordan\u2019s hands-on style with Tyler Reddick<\/p>\n
On the Rubbin is Racing podcast, Barstool\u2019s Large didn\u2019t hold back. \u201cI hate the way Jordan touches Tyler Reddick, like he\u2019s an infant. Comes over and he sort of like tosses his hair. Yeah, like he\u2019s a [ventriloquist] dummy,\u201d\u00a0Large made his feelings known. For context, Michael Jordan<\/a> stands at 6\u20196\u201d, while Reddick is listed at just 5\u20195\u201d.<\/p>\n View this post on Instagram<\/p>\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The difference in stature makes their interactions look almost exaggerated, fueling debates over whether it comes off as playful encouragement or something more awkward. Tyler Reddick<\/a> himself has admitted that he is nervous meeting the basketball legend. \u201cThe first time I met Michael. I was really nervous, honestly,\u201d Reddick said. \u201cYou\u2019re meeting one of the greatest to ever do it. I remember just being nervous and trying not to say the wrong thing or act like a fool or anything crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n But it is amazing to see how far their bond has grown. In fact, as reported by FOX Sports on November 6 last year, Reddick is sure that if he can capture the title, he is certain of a bear hug from Jordan. The same one he received after his Homestead win. On that afternoon, Jordan called Reddick \u201ca little kid.\u201d Despite being in his late 20s, Reddick says it\u2019s okay for the 6-time NBA Champion to call him that:<\/p>\n \u201c[He] can do whatever he wants as long as we keep getting race-winning race cars like that and keep fighting like we have been this year. I would rather Michael say I\u2019m a little kid than him say nothing at all. I\u2019m quite OK with it.\u201d<\/p>\n Coming back, Large also revealed that some of his perspective stems from personal bias: \u201cI hate Michael Jordan. So, I\u2019m a little biased. Because I\u2019m a Knicks fan. I had season tickets when Jordan was the guy.\u201d Throughout the 1990s, Jordan and the Chicago Bulls repeatedly crushed the New York Knicks\u2019 playoff hopes. Most memorably in 1993, when Jordan averaged 32.6 points per game to eliminate them en route to his third championship. For Knicks fans, Jordan\u2019s dominance left a scar that still colors how some view him today.<\/p>\n Not everyone on the podcast agreed, though. Quigs pushed back, saying: \u201cI personally didn\u2019t notice it, but I feel like that would be something Tyler Reddick hates and just has to pretend like it\u2019s not a big deal.\u201d<\/p>\n Whatever may be the case, one thing is rock solid, and that is Michael Jordan\u2019s faith in his drivers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tyler Reddick turns Michael Jordan\u2019s advice into fuel<\/p>\n Coming off Darlington, Tyler Reddick\u2019s emotions were a mix of pride and pure frustration. Finishing second at one of NASCAR\u2019s toughest tracks is no small feat, but for a driver hungry to break through, it felt like a missed opportunity. Reddick admitted he was sideways trying to push for the win, a gamble that didn\u2019t quite stick.<\/p>\n