NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson recently sat down with TODAY’s Craig Melvin for an emotional interview, reflecting on his journey from a basketball icon to a proud ownership group member that has taken over the Washington Commanders in the NFL. As he spoke about the historic milestone, Johnson couldn’t contain his emotions, shedding tears of joy and gratitude for the opportunities that have come his way as a “proud Black man.”
In the interview, which aired on July 21, Earvin Johnson expressed his deep gratitude for the extraordinary path his life has taken, leading him to become a part-owner of the Washington Commanders. The NBA legend took a moment to compose himself as he reflected on how far he has come in his career and the significance of this latest achievement, especially as an African American.
“You got me choking up now,” Johnson said, putting his hand to his chest as he struggled to contain his emotions. Overwhelmed with tears of joy, he spoke about the great opportunity before him and the blessings he has received. The former Los Angeles Lakers point guard acknowledged the significance of being a Black owner in the NFL and the importance of representation for African Americans in positions of power.
As part of a small group of Black owners in the NFL, including Mellody Hobson and Condoleezza Rice, Johnson is making history and breaking barriers in sports ownership. The sale of the Washington Commanders represents another significant addition to his impressive portfolio of sports teams, which already includes ownership stakes in Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers, Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC, and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
With each ownership stake, Johnson has been breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes, showing that African Americans can excel in various fields, including sports ownership. As a role model and inspiration to many, he is determined to lead by example and pave the way for more diversity and representation in the world of sports ownership.
Taking to Twitter on July 20, Johnson shared his overwhelming joy, tweeting, “God is so good…I still can’t believe it! I am currently living in an answered prayer. Since beginning my journey as an athlete and now businessman and team owner, it’s all been a dream that has come full circle.” His journey from a young basketball player to a successful businessman and team owner is a testament to his unwavering dedication and the blessings he has received throughout his life.
While Johnson’s ownership group may explore the possibility of renaming the Washington Commanders, his focus is currently on the work ahead. With the determination to create a positive impact, Johnson is eager to contribute to the team’s success and bring about positive change in the NFL.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s journey from basketball legend to team owner is a remarkable story of perseverance, determination, and faith. As he breaks barriers and makes history as part of the Washington Commanders’ ownership group, Johnson serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring African American entrepreneurs and athletes. His emotional interview with TODAY’s Craig Melvin reflects the magnitude of this milestone and the gratitude he feels for the opportunities that have come his way. Magic’s journey continues to inspire and uplift, proving that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of magic, dreams can indeed come true
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Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
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