Viola Davis reveals what she didn’t know about Michael Jordan’s mom before ‘Air’

Viola Davis, who stars in the Ben Affleck-directed film Air, about the beginnings of the Air Jordan shoe, has revealed what she learned about Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris Jordan, and her role in protecting “her son’s legacy.”

The EGOT actor’s role in the film comes after MJ Davis asked to play his mother in “Air,” Affleck revealed to The Hollywood Reporter in a profile released Thursday.

Davis reflected on the importance of motherhood and Deloris Jordan’s ability to fight for her son in an interview with the publication.

“Mothers are the most important figure in everyone’s life, so I was very flattered and moved when I was asked to play Michael’s mother,” Davis said.

“I know Michael Jordan, but I didn’t know that Deloris brokered this deal to give him a big stake in the shoe in exchange for protecting her son’s legacy. I wanted to know more about this woman who had the strength and courage to fight for the worth of her son.”

Davis noted that she was interested in the project because Deloris Jordan had the qualities of an “incredible woman.”

“Having Deloris this insight and progressive vision to assert herself in the negotiation room – which I know can be the hardest part of the job – makes her an incredible woman,” Davis said.

FILE – 1988: Michael Jordan sits next to his mother Deloris Jordan for the ABC special ‘Superstars And Their Moms.’

Photo by Steve Kagan/Disney General Entertainment Content/ABC Photo Archives via Getty Images

Davis’ thoughts on Deloris Jordan come after Affleck noted that her character had a line in the film at the time the NBA great was solicited.

Davis’ husband Julius Tennon stars alongside her in Air as the father of basketball legend James R. Jordan Sr.

The film, slated for release on April 5, will also star Matt Damon as Nike employee Sonny Vaccaro, Affleck as Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Chris Tucker as Jordan Brand Vice President Howard White.