Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Otherwise, you could refer to me as Michaels personal assistant.
Or just think of me as his gofer.
I get taken care of, he told the papers Mitchell Krugel.
Real Jordan-heads know Koehlers actual origin story, which was recounted in those two articles.
When Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984, Koehler had just started a limousine company.
A client no-showed at the airport just as Jordan was walking out of the terminal.
Koehler was a basketball fan and recognized the third-overall pick in that years draft.
He walked up to him and immediately called him by the wrong name: Larry.
Despite the bad start, they struck up a conversation.
Jordan hopped in his car.
Koehler drove Jordan for $25 and got a $25 tip.
It was the start of a long friendship and personal assistantship.
I heard, Georgie, my boy, Koehler told ESPN.
Im going, Whos this?
and he says, Its M.J.
I said, I dont know any M.J. And he says, Yes, you do.
And Im like, Im not going to argue, I dont know who this is.
And hes like, Dumb [expletive delete], its Michael Jordan.
I could hear him grinning.
He eventually becamenot just his driverbut apparently his best friend!
He doesnt talk much; in 1993, he wasno-commenting reporterson Jordans first retirement.
He also called him Jordans driver, not his best friend.
He told theTimeshe was once crushed when 1,500 fans rushed a float during a parade.
Ill place the order and then Ill pay for it at the window, he told the paper.
When the girl brings the food, Michael will take it.
Inevitably, shell yell, My god, thats Michael Jordan!
Then people will rush to the window and well drive off.
Thats right: Michael Jordan and his best friend liked to play little pranks on McDonalds workers.
