Viola Davis , who stars in the Ben Affleck -directed film Air on the beginnings of the Air Jordan shoes, has opened up about what she learned of Michael Jordan s mother, Deloris Jordan, and her role in protecting her sons legacy.

The EGOT-achieving actors role in the film comes after MJ asked for Davis to play his mother in Air, Affleck revealed to The Hollywood Reporter in a profile published Thursday.

Davis, in an interview with the publication , reflected on the importance of motherhood and Deloris Jordans ability to go to bat for her son.

Mothers are the most important figures in anybodys life, so I was very flattered and deeply moved to be asked to play Michaels mother, Davis said.

I know Michael Jordan but didnt know that Deloris brokered this deal to get him a huge stake in the shoe and in turn, protected her sons legacy. I wanted to know more about this woman who had the strength and courage to fight for her sons worth, she continued.

Davis noted that she leaned into the project due to Deloris Jordan having the characteristics of an incredible woman.

For Deloris to have this insight and progressive vision, to stand her ground in the negotiation room which I know can be the hardest part of the job makes her an incredible woman, Davis said.