Windy City Love! Michael Jordan Gives NHL Great Chris Chelios His Flowers

Chicago definitely made them both.

Chicago hockey legend Chris Chelios, formerly of the Blackhawks, had his jersey number raised to the rafters at United Center Sunday, Feb. 26. Another Chicago sports legend, Michael Jordan, was scheduled to attend, but had to back out after a death in the family.

Instead, he sent a video message to Chelios.

According to NBC Sports Chicago, the ceremony took place Sunday, Feb. 25, before the Blackhawks played the Detroit Red Wings. The NBA Hall of Famer’s message was displayed on the stadium’s jumbotron.

“Hey, man, unfortunately, Chelios, I can’t make it again this week,” Jordan said in the video, which look to be filmed from a golf course. “I tried for the Ring of Honor. I couldn’t make it then. I had a death in the family on Sunday. Look, you’re a very deserving man, and I’m proud to see your jersey up there with my jersey. You and I have been friends for 30 years, so I wish you the best. I send a bunch of love, you know, go Blackhawks!”

The love Chelios has for Jordan was displayed in his speech as he made sure to mention the former basketball player.

“And we go, of course, to Michael Jordan, who became a dear friend of mine. Without a doubt, the king,” Chelios said. “And that old phrase they use, ‘I want to be like Mike,’ well, I really did want to be like Mike. And one thing I did, which I hadn’t done previously in my career, was train properly. And I just watched him after every game with Tim Grover, his trainer. And I thought to myself, well if Michael’s got a trainer, that might be my edge. I’ll get a trainer.”

And just like Mike, Chris Chelios now has his jersey hanging in the same rafters as the basketball legend.