"I am so humbled" - Overwhelmed Magic Johnson highlights moments with Cookie Johnson & Denzel Washington at Presidential Medal ceremony

Five-time NBA champion Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. received the nation’s highest honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, on Saturday. After the ceremony, he posted an Instagram post highlighting moments from the event.

Johnson shared nine photos and three snippets of the event. The LA Lakers legend also acknowledged the importance of receiving the award.

"I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right now. It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award," Johnson wrote. "Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this kid from Lansing, MI would one day grow up and receive one of the highest civilian awards of the United States," he added.

The post also included several pictures of Magic with his wife, Cookie, posing with other awardees. Johnson also thanked his family in the caption. Magic Johnson and Cookie have been married for over three decades.

"This award is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has helped me become the person and businessman I am today — my parents Earvin Sr. and Christine, wife Cookie, my kids Andre, EJ and Elisa; my brothers and sisters, friends, mentors, and colleagues. It also belongs to everyone who has dedicated themselves to the causes of freedom, justice, and equality," he said.

Further, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer congratulated all his co-awardees and acknowledged his “great friend” Denzel Washington in the post.

"I want to congratulate my great friend Denzel Washington on receiving his President Medal of Freedom today as well! What a moment!" Magic Johnson added.

In one of the snippets, the 6-foot-9 point guard was seen crouching down as US President Joe Biden put the medal on him, which drew laughter from those present.

Saturday’s event marked the final time that President Biden bestowed the award. According to a White House press release, the medal is presented to individuals “who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”

Magic Johnson pays tribute to victims of New Year’s Day violence

Magic Johnson has amassed 5.2 million followers on X and occasionally shares his thoughts about the NBA. Several times, he also weighs in on national issues. On Thursday, he penned a tribute to the victims of the New Orleans violence that occurred on New Year’s Day.

"Praying for the families of the victims in New Orleans following the senseless act of violence New Year’s Day," Johnson wrote.

Multiple casualties were reported as a man drove a truck into New Orleans’s Bourbon Street. The driver reportedly engaged with the authorities before dying in a shootout. Investigations also revealed that the assailant had several weapons in his vehicle.

Magic Johnson is among the many who sent prayers and sympathies to the families impacted by the senseless act of violence.