Magic Johnson to Serve as Grand Marshal of 137th Rose Parade
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Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson will lead the 137th Rose Parade as grand marshal on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California, Tournament of Roses officials announced Wednesday.
The 66-year-old Los Angeles Lakers legend will wave to spectators along the 5½-mile route down Colorado Boulevard, matching this year’s parade theme, “The Magic in Teamwork.”
Johnson is also scheduled to take part in the pregame coin toss for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the 112th Rose Bowl Game later the same day.
Standing on the lawn of Tournament House, Johnson told attendees he grew up in Lansing, Michigan, watching the parade every New Year’s Day. “Who would ever think I would be grand marshal?” he said, adding that he was grateful his mother will witness the moment.
He said the honor will give his children and grandchildren “a cool” perspective on his career, noting they did not see him play in the NBA.
Johnson follows Billie Jean King—last year’s grand marshal and a fellow Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner—in the role. Beyond the Dodgers, he holds stakes in the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, MLS’ Los Angeles Football Club, the NFL’s Washington Commanders and the NWSL’s Washington Spirit.
The five-time NBA champion and three-time league MVP earned Olympic gold with the 1992 “Dream Team” and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year.
Source: ESPN
