For almost as long as I can remember, I’ve been a UNC Tar Heel fan. Growing up in eastern North Carolina in the early 80’s, you were either an NC State fan or UNC Tar Heel fan. Since my first recollection of any type of basketball was the 1982 Championship game (and mainly getting cans of UNC cola when they won), I’ve been collecting UNC and a little later, Michael Jordan cards, memorabilia and autographs.

In the mid-90’s, at the height of Jordan’s fame, I was able to meet him 6 or 7 times at various places in North Carolina…first at a bar on Franklin St in Chapel Hill when I was a student at UNC in 1995 and other times at celebrity golf classics in NC (Jimmy V, Michael Jordan’s own Celebrity Golf Classic). The final time was in the heat of “The Last Dance” season, as I interned with the Charlotte Hornets. Luckily, I was able to obtain his autograph in-person on 2 of those occasions, pictured below, along with numerous photos I was able to take during those golf tournaments. (All images copyright Matthew Coppedge, AirShow23).

Jordan Signing AutographsThat's me standing behind MJ in the green, white and blue polo holding an Olympic jersey for him to sign. Wasn't able to get him to sign that, but he did sign the press pass I'm wearing around my neck later in the day at the tournament.

Although taking a hiatus from the hobby from 2008 through 2022, I have ventured back in and developed this website for a number of reasons.

First, it’s been said by many that since Jordan has had an exclusive contract with Upper Deck since 1992 for his autographed memorabilia, that the only authentic Jordan signatures are from Upper Deck. While the contract part is true, I completely disagree on the view about authentic Jordan signatures.

MJ became tremendously famous after hitting the game winning shot at UNC on March 29, 1982 to win the NCAA Championship. From that time until his contract with Upper Deck in 1992, he signed 10 YEARS worth of autographs, some years as one of the most famous people on the planet. I would have no idea the number, but my guess is that it would probably be in the tens of thousands. Given this, and the fact that I prefer unique items with vintage Jordan signatures because of the rarity and the signature style, I’ve made sure to educate myself on the nuances of these signatures and developed relationships with other knowledgable collectors to assess all Jordan signatures.

In addition, although difficult to obtain his signature in-person, it is not nearly impossible. On the occasions where I’ve been able to obtain his autograph, he’s been gracious and we even shared a few laughs. Add those in over the last 30+ years, and you certainly do have the opportunity to find and purchase authentic Jordan autographs that were not commissioned by Upper Deck under contract.

NBA at 50 Book Signed for me During the 1997-98 SeasonNBA at 50 Book I was able to have Jordan and Pippen sign in 1998

Along this collecting path, I’ve met some really awesome collectors that are so much more knowledgeable than I am about Jordan autographs and have been able to learn a tremendous amount from. There are a few I would I like to acknowledge here.

First is the man who was the biggest contributor to my education and learning about early Jordan autographs, Darren Shikina who ran a website called RareAir23.com, dedicated to Jordan vintage autographs. The site hasn’t been updated since around 2010, however it is still live and contains a wealth of information that I’d recommend anyone who is interested in early Jordan autographs read and study. Such a great website and the inspiration behind the sharing of information here on this site. So much appreciate him sharing his knowledge and expertise on these autographs and I feel my website, AirShow23.com is just an extension and building upon the foundation of his knowledge and work.

Next are Wesley Gretah and Eric John, a couple of likeminded Jordan collectors who know Jordan autographs like very few out there. These two run some Facebook groups dedicated to Jordan collectors and can spot most forged Jordan signatures from a mile away. There is no way I would have been able to build my collection or this website without their expertise. And any time I have a Jordan signature without a COA I am looking to purchase, I run that signature by these two as I trust them, I trust their opinion and they are awesome at what they do.

And second, I love to give back any knowledge I have obtained over the last 30 years. So I see this site as a dedicated resource for educating collectors on the signature styles Michael Jordan used throughout his career. Knowledge is power, so I encourage anyone who is interested in purchasing Jordan autographs to study authentic examples (on here, on auction sites, authentication sites and any other resources you can find) and learn the different changes his autograph went through during his career. This will help any collector learn what to look for and to be as educated as possible when it comes to Jordan autographs.

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