Michael Jordan Announced “I’m Back” 20 Years Ago Today Via Fax

Today marks 20 years to the day that Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA with two simple words via fax machine: “I’m back.”

For much of the week prior to Jordan officially acknowledging his plans, media speculation kept a daily vigil for any inklings from Jordan’s friends and associates, as well as from Chicago Bulls personnel, of the basketball legend’s intentions. Ducking in and out of Bulls practices at the Berto Center north of Chicago seemed to all but confirm an imminent return but somehow it all felt too good to be true.

That is, until the world woke up on March 18, 1995 to those two simple words.

Watch the fan video tribute below for a visual summary of what the basketball atmosphere was like in the weeks leading up to March 18, 1995. Share your thoughts and recollections with us in the comments. And stay tuned for the upcoming retro release of MJ’s “I’m back” sneaker of choice – Air Jordan 10 “Chicago” ($190) on March 28, 2015 – as well as the Mitchell & Ness Bulls #45 Jordan jersey releasing tomorrow, March 19.

photos: @NBA, Tim Boyle/AP