Whether you live in the U.S. or the sub-Saharan desert, you have probably heard about Michael Jordan. We know him as the world's greatest basketball player, as the star of Space Jam, and as the man who brought us Air Jordan sneakers. But there's more to the basketball superstar than what first meets the eye.
Today, we will take a look at Michael Jordan's incredible sports career, from his college days to his Washington Wizards' spell. But we will go even further. We will meet the man behind the myth, the witty businessman behind the record-breaking endorsement deals, the loving father behind the celebrity. And all the way through, we will take a look at the traumatic moments that almost broke the superstar.
The Boy Before the Legend
The son of Deloris and James Jordan, Michael was born in 1963 at Fort Greene, Brooklyn's Cumberland Hospital. A few years later, his family moved to Wilmington in North Carolina. There, Jordan attended the Emsley A. Laney High School, where he proved to be a skilled athlete. Still, he was at first denied a place in the varsity basketball team, after being considered too short for the game.
But Jordan was a determined young man. Not taking no for an answer, he became the star player of his high school basketball team, averaging over 25 points per game. In the Summer of 1980, he grew four inches and caught the eye of multiple college basketball programs. He ended up choosing the University of North Carolina, where he rose as one of the most impressive players college basketball had ever seen.
Breaking College Basketball
A cultural geography major, Jordan's time at the University of North Carolina was not so much about the books. Playing as a shooting guard and small forward, he led his college team to victory in the 1982 NCAA Championship. Two years later, he made his way into the 1984 NBA Draft after winning the Wooden College Player of the Year award.
Jordan's glorious career in the NBA was about to start. Strangely enough, the Chicago Bulls managed to sign him with the third overall pick. During the first and second pick, the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers could not imagine that they had snubbed one of basketball's all-time greats.
A Star is Born
Few NBA rookies have ever managed to cause an impact in the way Michael Jordan did. The undisputed 1985 Rookie of the Year, Jordan became an immediate favorite amongst the Chicago Bulls fans. But he was so good that fans of opposing teams even chanted his name!
A night-to-day NBA superstar, Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game and was voted as an All-Star in his very first season. He was getting so much attention from the fans and press that he even stirred the nerves of some veteran players, who believed Jordan was overrated.
#23 For Eternity, But Not Always
After joining the Chicago Bulls, Jordan picked the now-iconic #23 shirt because of his older brother, Larry Jordan. The Jordan boys were extremely competitive, and Larry played with the #45 during his high school years. Using the #23 was Jordan's way of honoring his older brother since 23 is roughly half of 45.
But Michael wasn't always wearing the #23 during his professional basketball career. In a game of the 1990 season, he was forced to use the #12 after someone stole his original shirt. That night, Jordan lost his number, but he didn't lose his mojo. He ended up making a terrific game and scoring 49 points against Orlando Magic.
A Star On and Off the Field
The best athletes of all-time are more than just sportspeople. They are also public figures; demi-gods in the eyes of the fans. Jordan's status outside the playing field was immediately recognized by some of the U.S.'s most popular brands. His first endorsement contracts included giants of the industry, like Coca-Cola, McDonald's, and Gatorade.
Most notably, Jordan was associated with Nike from early on. In 1984, he even became a partner of the sportswear brand, with the creation of the immensely-popular Air Jordan signature style.
The Best of All-time
But let's forget about endorsement deals. Basketball was Michael Jordan's kingdom. A six-time NBA champion, Jordan was "crowned" NBA's Most Valuable Player on five different occasions between 1988 and 1998. In 1999, ESPN named him the greatest North-American athlete of the century.
Meanwhile, Jordan was one of the most marketed athletes of his generation. His name, personality, and basketball skills allowed him to be an international ambassador of the NBA. He helped American basketball to reach new frontiers and become popular all over the world.
A Shocking Early Retirement
In 1993, Michael Jordan shocked the world of sports by announcing his early retirement from the game. The news exploded all over the world, as the NBA was about to lose its greatest star way sooner than expected.
Jordan pointed out that he wanted to leave the NBA because he was no longer passionate about basketball. But many believed there were more deep-seated reasons behind his decision. Namely, the tragic murder of his father by two teenage boys in 1993, as well as his troubling gambling addiction.
Why Leave When You're the Best?
With three consecutive NBA titles on his pocket, one legendary participation in the 1992 Olympic Games of Barcelona, and an undisputed status as basketball's greatest, why would Michael Jordan leave? His decision would not only affect the NBA deeply, but it would also cost millions to his sponsors, to the Chicago Bulls, and to the sports broadcasting industry.
Not to mention Jordan was still very young and in formidable physical condition. So, why do it? Only Jordan himself can know the true answer. But, as it turns out, there's a dark side to being the world's greatest basketball player...
Trauma & Addiction
Before his retirement in 1993, Michael Jordan was struggling with the shocking murder of his father. Motivated by greed, two young men from North Carolina dumped the body of James Jordan in a swamp after carjacking his luxury Lexus. To Michael, it was impossible not to feel a bit responsible, since his fame helped to motivate the actions of the two criminals.
Additionally, he was at the time struggling with gambling addiction. He later claimed to have lost $57K in one single night before a game against the New York Knicks. It was a time of impulsive and reckless behavior for the world's greatest basketball player, who was in clear need of a change.
From Basketball to Baseball
A proficient athlete in many different sports, Jordan was a big fan of baseball. After his retirement, he decided to join the Minor League Baseball in 1994. He played briefly for the Scottsdale Scorpions and the Birmingham Barons, helping the league to achieve never-seen-before levels of popularity and attention from the media.
Jordan was not a bad baseball player, but he was far from being the boss he was on the basketball court. In 1995, after seeing his beloved Chicago Bulls becoming a shadow of the champions they once were, Jordan decided to return to the NBA.
"I'm Back"
With a two-word press release statement, the entire world learned about Jordan's return to the NBA. "I'm back", said the prodigal son of the court, before joining the roster of the Chicago Bulls once again. Experts in the press started raising doubts regarding his physical condition and mental disposition.
His first comeback season was tough, with the Chicago Bulls losing to Orlando Magic in the play-offs. Meanwhile, fans were concerned about Jordan's lack of focus, especially because he seemed to be spending a great deal of time working on... cartoons.
Michael Jordan, the Actor
In 1996, amidst Jordan's comeback to the NBA, the movie Space Jam was released. Now an all-time classic, the flick featured Michael Jordan in the main role, as well as a crew of Looney Tunes characters, such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Sylvester. It was yet another surprising career move for the legendary NBA superstar.
Jordan's acting skills weren't good enough to earn him an Oscar nomination, but Space Jam was a profitable movie that's still popular today; more than 20 years after its initial release. Besides Space Jam, Jordan has also appeared in the 2018 animation picture Year 3000.
1996, The Year of the Redemption
With Space Jam's fun over, it was time for Michael Jordan to do what he always did best: play basketball! With the legendary #23 back in the team, and remarkable players like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman on the roster, the Chicago Bulls were ready to make a new attempt at winning the NBA title.
In 1996, they did not only manage to get the championship back to Chicago, but they did it unequivocally. With 72 wins and 10 losses, they set the record for most wins in a single regular NBA season. As for Jordan, he averaged 30.4 points per game and was once again named as NBA's Most Valuable Player. All doubts regarding his comeback form were loudly dissipated.
Ready for the New Millennium
In 1999, it was time for Michael Jordan to retire once again. At this point, he was credited as one of the best basketball players of all-time; he was considered a legend amongst the Chicago Bulls fans, and he was by far the world's most popular name in the game. But he wasn't prepared to quit the NBA just yet.
Trading the pitch for the office, he became the president of basketball operations of the Washington Wizards, a historic NBA team that was looking to get back to its glory days. If there was ever a man up for the job, that man was Michael Jordan!
Immortalized on the Small Screen
With Michael Jordan's retirement in 1999, TV studios didn't waste any time. Fox Family Channel premiered Michael Jordan: An American Hero in April, with actor Michael Jace playing the legendary basketball superstar.
The show was never as popular as Jordan himself, but it served as an important reminder of his significance to both the world of sports and the American culture in general. It followed the story of Jordan, from his North Carolina childhood to his NBA glory days.
The Second Comeback
With the Washington Wizards struggling to win, Michael Jordan decided to leave the office and get back on the pitch once again. But more than by bad results, his decision was likely motivated by the tragedy of 9/11. In 2001, the United States was a country united by a common cause, and Jordan wanted to play his part.
He donated the entire salary of his first year with the Washington Wizards to 9/11-related charity causes. This way, he helped to raise awareness of the issue and contributed over $1 million in financial aid.
Old But Bold
To play for the Washington Wizards, Jordan was forced to give up his minor ownership of the team. It was a heavy price to pay, but the legendary #23 was ready to commit to helping the struggling team on the court. At first, he was seen as a reserve player, but a series of player injuries and bad performances got him a regular place in the starting line-up.
At this point, Jordan admitted he was unusually old for basketball. But he was still one of the greatest players. Despite ending up in the injury list, he helped the Washington Wizards with 25 points and five assists in his first comeback season.
Problems Off the Field
Michael Jordan's second NBA comeback was going smoothly. But he was experiencing some problems off the field. His then-wife, Juanita Jordan, filed for divorce in January 2002. Of course, the news started an unwelcome media frenzy.
But one month later, Jordan and Juanita announced that they would attempt reconciliation. But there was more good news: recovered from a knee injury, Jordan was going to play for one more season; his last year ever in the NBA.
A Knife in the Back
In Jordan's final year in the NBA, he was the only player in the Washington Wizards roster to compete in each of the 82 games of the season. He was vital in the team's success and averaged an impressive 20 points per game. But in 2003, he retired for the third and last time.
Hoping to return to his board position, Jordan was unexpectedly fired from the Washington Wizards as the team's president of basketball operations. In a shocking move, majority owner Pollin decided to dismiss Jordan from all functions, claiming that his managerial decisions were reckless and damaging for the club. It was the end of the short-lived Michael Jordan-era in Washington.
Keeping Busy
Jordan's dismissal from the Washington Wizards led him to leave the NBA for good. Away from basketball for the first time since his baseball days, the legend decided to keep busy by venturing into golf, motorsports, and the clothing industry. Since 2004, he developed his clothing brand and founded the Michael Jordan Motorsports company.
A lover of motorcycles himself, Jordan also started riding to keep in shape. Additionally, he played golf with friends and family and entered a couple of celebrity golf tournaments. It turned out there was a life after basketball for the great Michael Jordan after all.
Sharing Lessons & Life Stories
Now that Jordan's NBA days were over, it was time to revisit the past and share the lessons learned throughout an astoundingly successful career. Introducing yet a new version of himself to the world, Jordan became an author. He released several books about his life and other matters, including the best-seller Rare Air: Michael on Michael.
Other Michael Jordan books include Driven From Within, I Can't Accept Not Trying, For the Love of the Game: My Story, and I'm Back!: More Rare Air.
A Champion-worthy Divorce
For once in his life, Michael Jordan's name was top-of-the-list for the wrong reasons. In 2006, his marriage with Juanita hit the point of no return. Jordan was always very good at keeping his private life away from the press, but this time there was no hope of reconnection for the couple. After 17 years together, they filed for divorce.
The divorce settlement made waves in the media for being the biggest celebrity divorce ever registered. At the time, Juanita received a record amount of $168 million. The real reasons behind the separation were never officially divulged by the couple.
Back to Basketball Operations
In 2010, Michael Jordan decided to get back to the NBA, and he did it in style. He became the first former player to own an NBA team when he bought a share of the Charlotte Bobcats from the businessman Robert L. Johnson. Johnson was the first black man to own an NBA team.
Now known as the Charlotte Hornets, Jordan's new team is still looking out for their first-ever NBA title. But Jordan's association with the Charlotte Hornets is just one of his many recent business ventures.
Michael Jordan, the Businessman
After retirement, Michael Jordan put his NBA fortune to good use. A proper sports investor, he went way beyond the worlds of basketball, motorcycles, and golf. He was the owner of two car dealerships, and he even invested in the restaurant industry.
Along with designer David Rockwell, he created a chain of high-end restaurants that can be found all over the U.S. Michael Jordan's Steakhouse franchise was founded in 1997 and is present in numerous locations. The most famous one is his restaurant in New York City's Grand Terminal Station. Jordan's high-quality steaks can also be found in Connecticut, Washington, and Chicago.
The Crown's Jewel
Michael Jordan's most successful company is without a doubt the Air Jordan clothing brand. Air Jordan started as a private sneakers producer, making products exclusively for Jordan. But ever since it went mainstream it has been one of the U.S.'s most recognizable and popular brands.
Owned by Nike Inc., Air Jordan has been associated with many controversies. These include the murder of a young boy in 1989, who was choked to death because of a pair of Air Jordan sneakers.
Everybody Wants to Be Michael
Despite some controversies, Air Jordan has been growing steadily over the years. The epitome of Michael Jordan and Nike's long-time collaboration, the sneakers have found their way into pop culture and into the realm of professional sports. Used by countless basketball players and teams, the Air Jordan sneakers were even sponsored by baseball and American football athletes, and by the French soccer team Paris Saint-Germain.
Additionally, getting a personalized set of Jordan's has become a symbol of status and success. Famous musicians like Eminem, Drake, and Travis Scott are amongst the lucky few who were graced with a customized pair of Air Jordan sneakers in the last few years.
A Money-Making Machine
Like wine and steak, professional athletes and money go well together. But as we've grown accustomed, Michael Jordan is on a whole other level. A Forbes magazine favorite, he is amongst the world's wealthiest celebrities, and he became the first former NBA player to achieve a $1 billion net fortune.
In 2010, he was named the 20th most powerful star in the world. With the help of Air Jordan, the Charlotte Hornets, and many other smaller business ventures, Jordan has been as successful during his retirement as he was when he was winning championships for the Chicago Bulls.
Helping Those Who Need it the Most
Like many business moguls, Michael Jordan has been focused on sharing his wealth with the poor. His trademark celebrity golf tournaments helped to raise a lot of money for numerous charitable causes.
Some of Jordan's benefactors include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Nevada Cancer Institute, the United Negro College Fund, and the Special Olympics. Additionally, he founded the James R. Jordan Foundation, named after his father, which focuses on helping disadvantaged children to get a proper education.
Putting His Name Down in History
A phenomenon ever since he stepped on the pitch to play college basketball, Jordan's success story seems never-ending. In 2020, he counted with an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion. He was also recognized by Forbes as one of the highest-paid athletes in the U.S.
More than just a rich sportsman, Jordan is an African-American symbol with remarkable influence on the community. As of 2020, he is the fourth richest African-American, coming after Robert Smith, David Stewart, and, Oprah Winfrey.
An Inspiration and a Supporter
Michael Jordan's influence is transversal to people of all countries, colors, and status. He plays an especially important part in influencing the African-American community. Jordan has shown to every African-American kid that it is possible to follow your dreams and achieve greatness.
An American cultural symbol, Jordan is himself a proud African-American. In 2016, he donated $5 million to support the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, in Washington. This shows that, despite all of his wealth, Jordan is still in touch with what matters the most.
Family Business
Michael Jordan's oldest son decided to follow his father's footsteps and try a basketball career. Jeffrey Jordan made some headlines in 2010 while playing for the University of Southern Florida at the college level. Later, he joined the UCF Knights for a couple of seasons.
In 2012, Jeffrey was undrafted in the NBA Draft and decided to quit professional sports. Even though he wasn't gifted with the same talent of his father, he was a solid Point guard during college. He was later given a managerial position at Nike.
Finding Love Once Again
In 2011, Michael Jordan found love once again. He proposed to his then-girlfriend, the beautiful Cuban model Yvette Prieto, and the two tied the knot two years later, in 2013. They celebrated their love during a high-profile Florida wedding, which counted with the presence of celebrities such as Spike Lee and Tiger Woods.
Despite the 16-year age difference, Jordan and Prieto have been very happy together. Just one year after getting married, the lovebirds welcomed two beautiful twin daughters to the world.
A Loving Father of 5
On the night of the 11th of February, 2014, these two cuties were introduced to the world. Ysabel and Victoria are the two identical twin daughters Jordan shares with Prieto. But long before getting married for a second time, Jordan was already a loving father.
Jordan's role as a father is often forgotten, especially since he tries hard to keep his private life away from the spotlight. But Ysabel and Victoria have three older half-siblings. Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine Jordan are Michael's sons from his previous marriage with Juanita Jordan.
The Ultimate MVP Award
In 2016, Michael Jordan was awarded the biggest civil honor in the United States. Looking friendly besides former President Barack Obama, Jordan was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is reserved for individuals who have made "especially meritorious contributions" to the country.
An undisputed legend and ambassador of the NBA, an extremely successful businessman, and a hardworking humanitarian, Jordan was honored alongside names like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles Dodgers' announcer Vin Scully, Tom Hanks, and Ellen DeGeneres.
The GOAT
GOAT stands for Greatest of All Time and there's not a GOAT discussion that doesn't include Michael Jordan. All over the Internet, basketball fans have passionate discussions about who's the best player to have ever graced the game. Even though not all agree Jordan deserves the crown, he's widely recognized as the ultimate basketball GOAT.
Other candidates include notable players such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and even player/coach Bill Russell. But when it comes to numbers, titles, and pure influence, nobody seems to be able to beat the mighty Jordan.
Unbelievable Stats and Achievements
Michael Jordan was a record-breaking player with unbelievable stats, even after retiring. During his 15 NBA seasons, he averaged a whopping 30.12 points per game. A man used to thriving under pressure, his PPG average was even higher during the playoff games, reaching 33.45.
Jordan was not only remarkably consistent, but he was also a winning player. He turned the Chicago Bulls into NBA's most feared team, landed six championships, and awed the crowd with memorable exhibits of athleticism. In 1986, he delivered a historic performance in a game against the Boston Celtics, scoring an unbelievable 63 points.
He Overcame It All
More than just the best basketball player in the history of the game, Michael Jordan is a man of incredible resilience, intelligence, and kindness. He overcame two NBA retirements, the trauma of tragically losing a father, and a gambling addiction that threatened to ruin his sports career.
He thrived even after leaving the game, helping the Charlotte Hornets to achieve the playoffs, as well as never-seen-before levels of media attention. But there's a secret childhood trauma that Jordan has still not been able to surpass...
Water Phobia
Few people are aware that Michael Jordan suffers from a deep phobia of water. Jordan's irrational fear of water was motivated by a childhood experience. Shortly after seeing one of his friends drown in front of him, he nearly drowned at a baseball camp. And so the fear of drowning stayed with him throughout his adult life.
Fortunately, there's no swimming involved in being an NBA champion. But Jordan's water phobia proves that even the best amongst the best are as human as the rest of us.
A Human With a Big Heart
While Michael Jordan's fear of water allows him to be a little bit more relatable, his extensive charity work demonstrates how good of a person he is. A man with a big heart, Jordan doesn't stand quiet in the face of tragedy. After helping 9/11 survivors in 2001, he raised $3 million to support the victims of the 2018 hurricane Florence.
Hurricane Florence started on the African island of Cape Verde and struck the United States and the Bermuda islands violently. It killed over 50 people in the U.S. and resulted in millions of dollars in damage.
What's To Learn From Michael Jordan?
An ultimate basketball legend, Michael Jordan is the idol of countless aspiring athletes. But the example of his success can teach a lesson to every single one of us. You don't have to be good at sports to admire Jordan and to draw some valuable lessons from his unbelievably successful career as an athlete, public figure, and businessman.
Jordan's example of resilience, kindness to others, competitive spirit, and will to succeed is something we can take into our own lives. If Michael did it, so we can!