It’s the meme of all memes—the “Crying Jordan.”
A little backstory: The image is an AP photo from Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame induction speech in Sept. of 2009. It was reportedly first used in its photoshopped head form in 2014 before blowing up as a meme later in 2015. Now, the Crying Jordan is damn near ubiquitous, plastered on unfortunate sports figures as well as wider pop culture events and references on the reg.
Quite simply, His Airness is now His Memeness. And below, we’ve got some of the best all-time uses of arguably the most famous meme out there today.

In their Aug. 26, 2017 matchup against Colorado State, the Oregon State Beavers held up the Crying Jordan meme as a play call sign. True to form, they immediately fumbled on the ensuing play, eventually dropping the contest by a score of 58-27. Here's video:

Stephen Curry has a good sense of humor even when the hometown team takes an L in the biggest game of the year.
Bonus: An edit of when Panthers kicker Graham Gano missed the field goal in the Super Bowl. Check out the video of the play.

Well, that’s more than mildly disturbing.

One of the more apt applications of the Crying Jordan meme outside of sports that we’ve seen.

Don’t laugh—this could be you in about five years.

This is from the 2016 national title game (UNC vs. Nova). It’s okay—this Carolina fan will remind everyone that the Heels returned to win it all in 2017. (Jordan, however, didn’t return to the ’17 title game because he’s superstitious.)

This one gets our vote because of a combination of background subtly and near-perfect execution.

Hopefully, no one attempts to carry on the conversation the following morning, either, for your sake. (see below)


Excellent integration with Harden’s famously baller beard; additional kudos for the inclusion of the “Uncle Denzel” meme.

James to his barber: “Give me that GOAT look.”
Barber: “Say no more, fam.”

Yup, these are an actual, real-life thing as of 2016. More info. here.

Never forget. (And unfortunately for Cavaliers fans, no one ever will.)