“We’ll celebrate on his boat next week,” Chris Chelios NOT UPSET as longtime friend Michael Jordan misses out on No.7 jersey retirement ceremony

NBA icon Michael Jordan sends out congratulatory message after missing out on Chris Chelios’ jersey retirement ceremony.

“We’ll celebrate on his boat next week,” Chris Chelios NOT UPSET as longtime friend Michael Jordan misses out on No.7 jersey retirement ceremony

Chris Chelios and Michael Jordan [Image Credit: ArcaMax/ X/ SI]

Chicago Blackhawks honored Chris Chelios on Sunday prior to the game between the Hawks and Detroit Red Wings. The ceremony was attended by not only thousands of fans, friends, and family but also by several celebrities across sports. In attendance, there was – ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull, HOFer Dennis Rodman, and Pearl Jam Lead singer Eddie Vedder.

Unfortunately, the only one who couldn’t attend the ceremony was none other than his longtime friend and GOAT Michael Jordan. Due to unfortunate circumstances in personal life, the NBA legend failed to attend the ceremony. However, he sent a congratulatory video which was played at United Center.

YouTube video

As per reports, MJ said he had a death in the family on Sunday. Jordan and Chelios have been friends for 30 years. The video tribute started with Jordan saying,

FS Video
Hey, man, unfortunately, Chelios, I can’t make it again this week…Look, you’re a very deserving man, and I’m proud to see your jersey up there with my jersey.
Michael Jordan as per NBC Sports Chicago.

Chris Chelios did not feel bad at all about his friend’s absence as he stated that “we’ll celebrate on his boat next week.” He said they spoke even the day prior to his No.7 retirement ceremony and “he’s here in spirit.” “He’s always been there for me,” Chelios said.

Chris Chelios recalls how Michael Jordan was ‘too smart’ to ever join in a scrimmage

Talking further about their 30-year-old friendship, Chris Chelios recalls the time when the Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls used to hang out often. Their frequent interactions created lasting bonds with each other. Although, Chelios did have a complaint about Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan and Chris Chelios [Image Credit: SFGate/NHL]
Michael Jordan and Chris Chelios [Image Credit: SFGate/NHL]

He said that they often used to get into scrimmage but MJ was “too smart” to participate in the mess. MJ “became a dear friend to mine…Without a doubt, the king,” Chelios commented. He said that watching MJ train with his trainer Tim Grove, made him want his personal trainer to better himself up.

The ceremony event concluded with a warm and emotional round of applause, cheers, and ovation as No.7 was hung in the rafters along with eight other names. The United Center also celebrated Patrick Kane’s return to the arena following his exit from the Blackhawks.

Chelios humorously threatened Kane not to take his spotlight away or he’ll have the board shut him up. The United Center on Sunday housed two icons of the franchise as fans roared in celebration, laughter, and fulfillment. It was surely an event that’ll be etched in the minds of all attendees for years.

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