35 years after his AIDS diagnosis – “Magic” Johnson explains why he survived

It is the message of a person who fought for his life - and won. 35 years after his shocking HIV diagnosis, Earvin “Magic” Johnson shared a moving statement on social media. "Look how far God has brought me since my HIV diagnosis 35 years ago! It is truly thanks to his grace and mercy that I am still here and doing so well," wrote the basketball legend of the Los Angeles Lakers (five NBA titles with the club) on the X platform.

Johnson continued, "God has never given up on me and I have kept the faith. He has blessed me beyond measure with His unconditional love and kindness. Through His guidance, He has continued to open doors for me that I always knew were possible. I am grateful for all the prayers from my family, friends and fans over the years and am living proof that nothing is impossible for God."

On November 7, 1991, Johnson, then 32 years old, began one of the most memorable press conferences in sports history with the words “First of all, I wish you all a nice afternoon.” The superstar then got straight to the point: “Due to the HIV I contracted, I have to resign from the Los Angeles Lakers today.”

“Magic” Johnson's AIDS illness opened many eyes

Shocking news, not just for the sports world. Until then, HIV and the resulting deadly disease AIDS had been associated primarily with homosexuals and drug addicts. Now a heterosexual man, an idol for millions, had become infected. That opened many eyes.

Johnson, who stated that he became infected through unprotected sexual intercourse, made it clear at the press conference that he did not want to admit defeat. "I'll beat it. I'll have fun. See you again," he said. "Life still goes on for me, and I'll be a happy man. I'll carry on, be there and have fun." A year after his retirement, Johnson returned to the NBA. In 1996 he finally ended his active career.