The Story Behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Iconic Goggles: Why Did He Wear Them?
The Story Behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Iconic Goggles...
By Fan Arch August 23, 2024 08:26
In addition to being considered one of the best NBA players ever, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a cultural icon revered beyond the hardwood. His unique playing style, described by the untying skyhook shot, agreed with him as a solid rival on the court at the height of 7 feet 2 inches. But the thing people remember about his brow is that he almost always had to rock a pair of goggles, which ultimately worked out great for him.
A Basketball Icon
By the time he retired in 1989 from a storied NBA career, Abdul-Jabar was universally recognized as one of the greatest players to have ever stepped on a court. He was a college basketball star at UCLA under legendary coach John Wooden and led the Bruins to three straight NCAA championships. When the Milwaukee Bucks drafted him first overall in 1969, he wasted no time making an impact.
During a 20-year career, he earned countless awards and honors such as:
- Close it out: 6 NBA MVP
- 19-time NBA All-Star
- Six-time NBA champion
- 38,387 points
Most notable was his skyhook shot, a high release point on the way to nearly un-guardable for defenders. For all his dominance, Abdul-Jabbar had challenges with the injuries that would force him to eventually opt into wearing goggles.
The Beginning of the Goggles
The decision came after a string of eye injuries he suffered during his career. It dates back to a well-known story from his college days when he was playing for UCLA and got scratched in the left cornea by an opponent. Before this injury, he had dealt with more than one eye issue, most notably while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 1974, when a deeper scratch caused him to miss 16 games.
In an interview, Abdul-Jabbar said of wearing goggles: "Ahh man, I keep getting this type of injury, so I must have something to protect myself." The goggles weren't just style; they were necessary for a problem he'd already repeated, which could have ended his career.
How the Goggles Affected His Image
They would quickly become an iconic part of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He may have divided fans and media with his initial aviator-style goggles that looked oddly reminiscent of pilot goggles. Despite some tastes enjoying the wearability of his look, others found it comical or just unpopularity. Even Abdul-Jabbar bought into his goofy appearance; he joked that if he grew a mustache, people would have thought of him as "some old-time actor like John Gilbert or Clark Gable."
Over the years, it grew and evolved from a basic 'must-have' accessory to something that became part of his identity. It represented his ability to return from injury challenges and his dedication to fighting for what could be seen as a vain exercise of playing at the top level. This never happened, and the goggles became a sort of calling card, epitomizing his resolve to survive whatever obstacle he encountered.
Fan and Media Reactions
Abdul-Jabbar's goggles inspired mixed reactions. For others, they symbolized his toughness and the fact that he'd take on things head-on. Yet, the goggles were also easy fodder for jests, which led to a playful back-and-forth among on-air personalities and fans alike.
The news coverage often focused on the goggles, with some interpreting their utility and others using them for comedic effect. With or without mockery, the fact that Abdul-Jabbar was willing to wear them spoke volumes about his game and self.
Performance & Real-world Usability
The goggles also functioned as a medical device, allowing Abdul-Jabbar to keep playing without risking permanent injury. Indeed, playing in the league is a contact sport, and players are liable to get nicked up or worse at any moment—not unheard of for someone his size who puts himself on the block night after night. Practicing with such high-tech goggles helped him feel as if he was playing in a secure, shielded environment.
But wearing goggles had its drawbacks, too. Goggles were a field-of-vision issue for some players. For Abdul-Jabbar, there was a slight shift in the way he would play over his initial adjustment period, but it certainly did not affect him after that. This just shows the talent and character there is in him to keep his performance going while riding and wearing goggles.
A Lasting Legacy
How the goggles went from a protective measure against injury to an emblem of resiliency and identity spoke volumes about what Abdul-Jabbar ultimately represented in his career.
For him, the goggles were a reminder of his path, hardships, and successes as he transitioned from dominant player to cultural icon. They are still part of his unique brand, celebrated by fans and remembered as a one-of-a-kind footnote in basketball history. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's journey, highlighted by his signature goggles, still resonates with aspiring athletes everywhere, a testament to the value of persistence and eyewear in seeking greatness.
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