Happy Birthday Joakim Noah!

Normally for a birthday post we’d run off a bunch of stats like 2-time NCAA Champion, Defensive Player of the Year, 2-time NBA All Star, and tell you that Joakim Noah started his career in The League wearing Le Coq Sportif but I want to take this a different direction. Noah turns 30 today and the obvious, he’s one of the NBA’s best players. But what most people don’t get to see is how much he brings to the Chicago Bulls as a leader and teammate both on and off the court.

Last season, I had the chance to work with Joakim with Finish Line. He’s one of the most positive and passionate people I’ve ever met. During our interviews, Noah talked about Derrick Rose. His support and commitment to D-Rose as the team leader of the Bulls was inspiring. There was no hesitation or a shred of doubt that Derrick would be back and lead the team to a title. It’s this kind of passion and commitment that allows him to be so successful on the court.

I can only hope that I can surround myself with people as inspiring as Joakim Noah and hope that others can experience the type of person he is. If you didn’t know, he’s got a great foundation supporting children called Noah’s Arc Foundation, check out the site, support and give them a follow on Twitter.

Happy birthday, Joakim. I’ll forever be a fan.