President Joe Biden awarded Magic Johnson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. This award recognizes people who have had a big impact on the country’s values, security, world peace, or other important areas. After the ceremony at the White House, the Lakers legend shared his feelings on social media.
President Joe Biden gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom to many impressive people on Saturday, including Magic Johnson, Hillary Clinton, Bono of U2, Denzel Washington (Oscar winner), and Michael J. Fox (Back to the Future) star.
It was particularly funny when President Biden had to bend down to place the medal around Magic Johnson’s neck, given that Johnson is significantly taller than Biden. Johnson expressed his profound thanks, along with his deep emotions and pride after earning the honor.
Magic Johnson is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden.
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) January 4, 2025
I love how he squats down so President Biden can put the medal around his neck.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/9uxFuPWGd9
Magic Johnson said, “I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right now. It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award.”
He added, “Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this kid from Lansing, MI would one day grow up and receive one of the highest civilian awards of the United States.” Johnson’s honor is not only for his incredible basketball career but also for his contributions to business, philanthropy, and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Social Media cheers Magic Johnson for presidential honor
Magic Johnson joins famous athletes like Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan, who have also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This award recognizes his big impact on sports and his efforts to make the world better. Fans on social media are praising him, saying he deserves this honor.
@mcc2129 said, “God bless you @MagicJohnson !!!”
God bless you @MagicJohnson !!!!
— Creads (@mcc2129) January 4, 2025
@Stephen02375629 wrote, “You’re a great basketball player. And I cried the day you announced having HIV. You’re an all time great. But what did you do for this? I really want to know.”
You’re a great basketball player. And I cried the day you announced having HIV. You’re an all time great. But what did you do for this? I really want to know.
— Stephen Prosser (@Stephen02375629) January 5, 2025
@TheLakersAvenue wrote, “You deserve it 🐐”
You deserve it 🐐 https://t.co/rGtnf1cdNZ
— LAVE (@TheLakersAvenue) January 4, 2025
@Commonsensepre2 commented, “Proud to be associated with George and Hillary?”
Proud to be associated with George and Hillary?
— Commonsenseprevails (@Commonsensepre2) January 4, 2025
@LA_Booze noted, “Thanks Magic for your decency, moral commitments, and leadership in our communities. Your life is an excellent example of getting back up after falling . You set high goals and never quit or made excuses as you pursued them.”
Thanks Magic for your decency, moral commitments, and leadership in our communities. Your life is an excellent example of getting back up after falling . You set high goals and never quit or made excuses as you pursued them.
— Lawrence (@LA_Booze) January 5, 2025
