Will Smith is one of those names in the entertainment industry who doesn’t need an introduction. His success story is an inspiration to many aspiring actors around the globe. From becoming a Grammy-winning rapper to an Oscar-winning actor, he has come a long way. After decades, he is still regarded as one of the most bankable stars. The Bad Guys star is the only artist to have starred in eight consecutive films, making profits of over $100 million.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r8epLYUoVk

In 2007, the American superstar was called “the most powerful actor in Hollywood” by a magazine. And this might be surprising for many that he even turned down a scholarship offer to become a musician. While the 54-year-old star started his acting career with the popular sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which became a watershed moment for hip-hop and black television. But do you know that the actor was rejected by Michael Jordan during that peak time?

Michael Jordan once declined a request from Will Smith

During his latest appearance on the All The Smoke show, Will Smith revealed how he once begged Michael Jordan for a new pair of shoes. Decades ago, the actor kick-started his career as an actor with the 90s cultural television show. The American star used to wear Jordan shoes on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air show, and he liked the idea of popularizing the brand through the show and asked for a new pair.

“I was literally calling Jordan like ‘Mike, please, please don’t give them to nobody. Let me be the first person, I gotta be the first person to wear it,” explained the Suicide Squad star.

But the NBA legend turned him down at that time saying, “Man, I don’t run that,” since the 59-year-old football icon was only an endorser for Nike’s Air Jordan sneakers. However, in 2013, Jordan did honor the contribution of the Ali star and named a new pair of Air Jordan ‘Bel-Air.’ Later in 2018, they released a new version of shoes and named them French Prince, which is commonly associated with the actor.

As for now, Will Smith is celebrating the success of his film Emancipation. Although the historical drama has received mixed reviews from critics, viewers are appreciating Will’s acting.

Have you watched the movie yet? If yes, share your views with us in the comment section!