Michael Jordan – a renowned name behind the National Basketball Association (NBA), also a successful American businessman. He is currently the minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, powered by the NBA.
Michael is one of the best former professional basketball players of all time. Since childhood, he has had a passion for basketball. Let’s see how his passion becomes his profession within a detailed essay.
From his childhood days, education, family, to his career, source of income, net worth, awards, achievements, legacy, everything is covered in the below section.
Let’s dive into the detailed explanation:
The King of Basketball!
Michael Jeffery Jordan was becoming one of the global icons of the NBA. Primarily known as Michael Jordan, also holds some common nicknames – Air Jordan, MJ, Mike, Black Cat, GOAT, etc.
Being a former professional basketball icon, Jordan is also a minority owner of a professional basketball team, the Charlotte Hornets.
A Quick Expedition:
From participating and playing 15 seasons in the NBA between 1984 to 2003, he won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan was a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels while playing collegiate basketball. He played for the Tar Heels in the 1982 national title as a freshman. Jordan became a league star after joining the Bulls in 1984.
He earned a reputation as one of the best defensive players and delighted spectators with his prolific scoring, where he was called for the first time by his nicknames, “Air Jordan” and “His Airness”.
Jordan secured a three-peat by winning NBA titles in 1992 and 1993 after winning his first with the Bulls in 1991. As well as a then he recorded 72 regular season wins in the 1995–96 NBA season.
Here is a brief overview of Jordan’s early life:
Michael Jordan- Quick Bio
| Michael Jordan Bio | Details |
| Real Name | Michael Jeffery Jordan |
| Nicknames | His Airness Air Jordan MJ RosterGuard Mike Black Cat Mr. June G.O.A.T. Superman Captain Marvel Black Jesus Magic Mike |
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1963 |
| Age | 62 as of 2025 |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. at Cumberland Hospital |
| Residence | Jupiter, Florida |
| Gender | Male |
| Schooling | High School – Emsley A. Laney(Wilmington, North Carolina)College – North Carolina (1981–1984) |
| Nationality | American |
| Status | Married |
| Partners | Juanita Vanoy (1989-2006)Yvette Prieto (2013) |
| Hobbies | Gambling |
| Belong to the Industry | Sports |
| Profession | Basketball Player, Entrepreneur, Spokesperson |
| Source of wealth | Charlotte Hornets, endorsements, Self Made |
| Net Worth | $3.51 B, [Ranked #1078 in World] |
Michael Jordan’s Birth Details & Family Details
Birth Details:
Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, USA. His full name is Michael Jeffrey Jordan. Although he was born in New York, his family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, when he was a kid. Michael was raised there and spent most of his early life in North Carolina.
Family Details:
Michael Jordan comes from a strong and supportive family:
Father: James R. Jordan Sr. – He worked at General Electric and served in the Air Force. He had a big influence on Michael’s work ethic and love for sports.
Mother: Deloris Jordan – She worked in banking and is also an author. She is a strong, supportive mother who deeply supports her children’s education and values.
Siblings: Michael has four siblings:
Larry Jordan – Older brother, also a famous basketball player.
James R. Jordan Jr. – Older brother, served in the military.
Deloris Jordan – Older sister.
Roslyn Jordan – Younger sister.
Michael is very close to his family. They played an important role in shaping his personality and determination.
Family Tree Table
| Family Members | Names |
| Grandparents | William Jordan &Rosa Bell Jordan |
| Parents | James R. Jordan, Sr. &Deloris Jordan |
| Siblings | James Jr., Roslyn, Larry, Deloris E. |
| Spouse | Juanita Vanoy (1989-2006)Yvette Prieto (2013) |
| Children | Marcus Jordan, Jeffrey Michael Jordan, & Jasmine M. Jordan |
Michael Jordan’s Education Details
High School:
Michael attended Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina.
He played basketball, baseball, and football. In his early years, he was cut from the varsity basketball team, but he worked hard and became a star player by his senior year.
College:
Michael went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1981. He studied cultural geography. In those days, Jordan played for the UNC Tar Heels basketball team under coach Dean Smith.
In 1982, he made the game-winning shot in the NCAA championship game, which brought him national attention.
He left college early in 1984 to join the NBA, but he later returned to complete his college degree.
Appearence & Looks
| Physique | Key facts |
| Height | 6’ 6” (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 98 kg (216 lb) |
| Style | Classic and CasualOn and off the court, Michael Jordan’s style combined athletic skill with new streetwear (exemplified by his signature trainers and self-assured, trend-setting blaze). |
| Eye Colour | Yellow |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Grooming | Most notably characterised by his “bald head” |
| Favourite Shoe | Air Jordan 11 |
| Shoe Size | 13 |
| Tattoos | An “Omega Horseshoe” on his left breast |
| Common outfits | Oversized Suits, Long, Baggy Basketball Shorts, Tracksuits, Nike Air Jordans, Leather Jackets, Jeans |
| Accessories | Baseball caps and beanies, Hoop earrings, Double gold chains, classic Rolexes and brands like Purnell and A. Lange & Söhne, scarves, belts, metal-framed sunglasses |
Career – The Journey Starts!
With a clear passion for basketball, Jordan pursued basketball since his school days, but for several reasons, including a height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m), he was refused more than 5 times. But the rejection does not control him, so he tries more and more.
After several refusals, he attended many collegiate basketball programs, including Duke, North Carolina, South Carolina, Syracuse, and Virginia. Jordan majored in cultural geography at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after accepting a basketball scholarship there in 1981.
College Career – The Battle Started Here!
At Dean Smith’s team, Michael joined as a freshman. There, he finished 10th in the league in scoring and 5th in field goal percentage, averaging 13.4 points per game on 53.4% shooting, earning him the title of ACC Freshman of the Year.
He also participated in the 1982 NCAA Championship game and made history by winning the jump-shot, led by Patrick Ewing. And that is the major turning point of his career, admired by Michael own. After one-by-one playing the major 3 seasons, Jordan averaged 17.7 ppg on 54.0% shooting and added 5.0 rpg and 1.8 apg.
Jordan’s selection to the NCAA All-American First Team was agreed upon for both his junior (1984) and sophomore (1983) seasons. A year before he was supposed to graduate, Jordan left North Carolina to enter the 1984 NBA draft after earning the Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year awards.
Jordan was awarded the finest athlete in ACC history and chosen for the men’s basketball team’s 50th anniversary in 2002.
Professional Career – Success Chase Him!
NBA Draft and Rookie Season (1984–1985)
In 1984, Michael Jordan entered the NBA Draft. He was picked third overall by the Chicago Bulls. His impact was immediate. He scored over 28 points per game in his rookie season. Fans loved his exciting dunks and fast moves.
He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1985. His jersey number 23 became iconic.
Injury and Comeback (1985–1986)
In his second season, Jordan broke his foot and missed most of the games. Some thought he would never be the same again. But he came back strong. In the 1986 playoffs, he scored 63 points in one game against the Boston Celtics. This performance showed the world his true potential.
Rising Superstar (1986–1990)
From 1986 to 1990, Jordan became one of the top players in the NBA. He won scoring titles and became an All-Star every year. He was known for his work ethic and leadership. However, the Bulls kept losing in the playoffs to stronger teams like the Detroit Pistons.
Jordan worked hard on his body and skills. He trained with personal coaches and added muscle. He was determined to win a championship.
First Three-Peat (1991–1993)
In 1991, Michael Jordan and the Bulls finally broke through. With the help of coach Phil Jackson and teammate Scottie Pippen, they won their first NBA Championship. They beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals.
In 1992, the Bulls won again, this time against the Portland Trail Blazers. Jordan showed his skill by hitting six three-pointers in one half during Game 1.
In 1993, the Bulls completed their first “three-peat” by beating the Phoenix Suns. Jordan won his third Finals MVP award.
First Retirement and Baseball Career (1993–1995)
In October 1993, Jordan shocked the world by retiring from basketball. His father had been murdered, and Jordan lost his passion for the game. He decided to try baseball, a sport his father loved.
Jordan signed with the Chicago White Sox and played for their minor league team. He struggled to find success in baseball but worked hard and stayed humble.
Return to Basketball and Second Three-Peat (1995–1998)
In March 1995, Jordan returned to the NBA. He announced his comeback with two simple words: “I’m back.” He wore jersey number 45 for a short time before returning to number 23.
In the 1995–96 season, Jordan led the Bulls to a 72–10 record. They won the NBA Championship by beating the Seattle SuperSonics. It was one of the best seasons in NBA history.
The Bulls repeated as champions in 1997 and 1998. They beat the Utah Jazz in both Finals. In Game 5 of the 1997 Finals, Jordan played through sickness in the famous “Flu Game.” In 1998, he hit the game-winning shot in Game 6, sealing his sixth title.
Jordan retired again in 1999. Many believed it was the perfect ending to his career.
Second Retirement and Front Office Role (1999–2001)
After retiring, Jordan became part-owner and President of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards. He helped manage the team and advised young players. But he missed playing and still felt he could compete.
Final NBA Comeback – Washington Wizards (2001–2003)
In 2001, Michael Jordan came out of retirement again. He joined the Washington Wizards as a player. He was older and slower but still skilled. He averaged over 20 points per game and played two more seasons.
He retired for the final time in 2003. His last NBA game was emotional, and fans around the world celebrated his career.
Life After Basketball
After retirement, Jordan became a successful businessman. He became the owner of the Charlotte Hornets (formerly the Bobcats). He was the first former NBA player to become a majority team owner.
His brand, Air Jordan, is one of the most popular athletic shoe lines in the world. He remains a global icon and role model.
NBA Career – 6 Winning Championship Statistics (Regular Season)
In his journey, he participated in 1072 regular-season games and 179 playoff games during his NBA career. But the most successful journey of his NBA career is these 6 winning championships in the regular season—look at the statistics:
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | RPG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
| 1990–91 | Chicago | 82 | 82 | 37.0 | .539 | 6.0 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 31.5 |
| 1991–92 | Chicago | 80 | 80 | 38.8 | .519 | 6.4 | 2.3 | .9 | 30.1 |
| 1992–93 | Chicago | 78 | 78 | 39.3 | .495 | 6.7 | 2.8 | .8 | 32.6 |
| 1995–96 | Chicago | 82 | 82 | 37.7 | .495 | 6.6 | 2.2 | .5 | 30.4 |
| 1996–97 | Chicago | 82 | 82 | 37.9 | .486 | 5.9 | 1.7 | .5 | 29.6 |
| 1997–98 | Chicago | 82 | 82 | 38.8 | .465 | 5.8 | 1.7 | .5 | 28.7 |
Career Key Table
| Key Facts | Details |
| Playing Career | 1984–1993, & 1995–1998 (Chicago Bulls)2001–2003 (Washington Wizards) |
| Position | Shooting Guard and Small Forward |
| Number | 23, 12, & 45 |
| NBA Draft | 1984: 1st round, 3rd overall pick |
| Drafted By | Chicago Bulls |
| Charlotte Hornets Position & League | Minority owner, NBA |
Awards & Recognition
Throughout his career, he has been given not just a few, but many honours for demonstrating the talent of his work. Look at the table:
| Achivements | Awards & Years |
| NBA Championships & Finals MVPs | 6x NBA Champion (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) 6x NBA Finals MVP (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) – holds the record for most Finals MVPs. |
| Regular Season Awards | 5x NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998) 10x NBA Scoring Champion (1987-1993, 1996-1998) – all-time 3x NBA Steals Champion (1988, 1990, 1993) NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988) NBA Rookie of the Year (1985) |
| All-NBA & All-Defensive Teams | 10x All-NBA First Team (1987-1993, 1996-1998) 1x All-NBA Second Team (1985) 9x NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988-1993, 1996-1998) NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985) |
| All-Star Selections & Awards | 14x NBA All-Star (1985-1993, 1996-1998, 2002, 2003) 3x NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998) 2x NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (1987, 1988) |
| International & Collegiate Achievements | 2x Olympic Gold Medalist (1984 Los Angeles, 1992 Barcelona – “Dream Team”) 1x Pan American Games Gold Medalist (1983) 1x FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medalist (1992) NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion with North Carolina (1982) Naismith College Player of the Year (1984) John R. Wooden Award (1984) |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (Class of 2009 – individual career) Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (Class of 2010 – as part of the “Dream Team”) FIBA Hall of Fame (Class of 2015 – individual career, Class of 2017 – as part of the “Dream Team”) United States Olympic Hall of Fame (2009) |
| Special Honours & Recognition | Presidential Medal of Freedom (awarded by President Barack Obama in 2016) NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team (1996) NBA 75th Anniversary Team (2021) The NBA Most Valuable Player Award Trophy is named in his honour. No. 23 Jersey Retired by Chicago Bulls No. 23 Jersey Retired by Miami Heat (despite never playing for them, in recognition of his impact) No. 23 Jersey Retired by North Carolina Tar Heels AP Athlete of the Year (1991, 1992, 1993) Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (1991) |
Michael Jordan’s Famous Books
Jordan has written several books focusing on his life, basketball career:
- Rare Air: Michael on Michael (Harper San Francisco, 1993).
- I Can’t Accept Not Trying: Michael Jordan on the Pursuit of Excellence (Harper San Francisco, 1994).
- For the Love of the Game: My Story (Crown Publishers, 1998).
- Driven from Within (Atria Books, 2005).
Filmography
Being an icon of basketball, he is also a well-known actor in the Hollywood industry. Here are his famous film collections:
| Name of the Films | Release Year |
| Space Jam | 1996 |
| He Got Game | 1998 |
| Black Panther | 2018 (most successful movie by box office – grossed $1.34 billion worldwide) |
| Chronicle | 2012 |
| Creed II | 2018 |
| A Journal for Jordan | 2021 |
| Fruitvale Station | 2013 |
| Just Mercy | 2019 |
| The Last Dance | 2020 (Docuseries) |
| Dangerous: The Short Films | 1993 (Michael Jackson video compilation, not a film, Michael Jordan is in) |
| My Wife and Kids | 2001 (TV Series) |
| That Awkward Moment | 2014 |
| Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1 | 2018 (Documentary) |
| What If…? | 2021 (Animated TV Series) |
| Fahrenheit 451 | 2018 |
| Hardball | 2001 |
| Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox | 2013 (Animated Movie) |
| Meeting Michael | 2020 (Documentary) |
| Michael Jordan to the Max | 2000 (IMAX Documentary) |
| Michael Jordan’s Playground | 1990 (Direct-to-video documentary/film) |
| Sinners | 2025 |
| The Wire | 2002 (TV Series) |
Michael Jordan’s Net Worth Milestone
Michael Jordan is one of the richest celebrities in the world, with an estimated $3.5 billion net worth. Here are some key net worth milestones:
| Year | Revenue |
| 1984 | ~ $90 million |
| 2006 | ~ $450 million |
| 2010 | ~ $725 million |
| 2014 | $1 billion |
| 2019 | $1.5 billion |
| 2023 | $3 billion |
| 2025 (Current) | $3.5 Billion |
Key Contributors to His Wealth
Nike & Air Jordan Brand
- Annual earnings: Over $150 million
- One of the most successful athlete-brand partnerships in history
Charlotte Hornets Ownership
- Purchased the majority stake in 2010 for $275 million
- Sold the majority stake in 2023 (franchise valued at around $3 billion)
Endorsements
Long-term deals with brands like:
- Gatorade
- Hanes
- McDonald’s
- Upper Deck
- Wheaties
Investments
- Stake in DraftKings
- Ownership in Cincoro Tequila
- Other real estate and private business investments
Royalties and Licensing
- Continued earnings from the use of his name, image, and brand
Philanthropy
Jordan believes in giving back:
- Donated millions to charities for education and racial equality.
- In 2020, pledged $100 million over 10 years for social justice causes.
- Supports Boys & Girls Clubs, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
- Helped open Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics to serve poor communities in North Carolina.
Interesting Facts About Michael Jordan
- Jordan wore jersey 23 because his brother wore jersey 45.
- He played baseball professionally for a short time.
- His “Flu Game” in 1997 was played while he was very sick.
- Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse grew in fame in 4 locations, including Chicago, Washington, South Korea, and Connecticut.
- Jordan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
- His shoes – Air Jordans – changed sneaker culture forever.
- Jordan is the first NBA player to become a billionaire.
- Michaeel has lots of inspirational quotes.
- Jordan once scored 69 points in a single game.
- He owns a golf course called Grove XXIII.
- Jordan was cut from his high school team, but he used it as fuel.
- His signature move – the “fadeaway jump shot” – is still studied by players today.
- Michael Jordan has a reputation for enjoying Delmonico steak
- Michael Jordan’s mansion in Chicago has found a new owner, John Cooper, for $9.5 million.
Likes & Dislikes
| Likes ✅ | Dislikes ❎ |
| Apart from basketball, Jordan is an avid golfer and also hosted his own charity tournament – the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational. | While he was a great offensive player, he was not known for his on-the-ball defensive skills. |
| Likes to enjoy betting with teammates on various activities. | He has a phobia of water. |
| Jordan has a strong affection for the colour blue. | His aggressive style of play and hustle led to a greater risk of injuries, shortening his career. |
| He likes the adidas shoe collection. | He struggled to choose a specific shade of blue, even when it came to the Ryder Cup. |
| Eternal love with athletes – LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Stephen Curry. | He couldn’t play with drive-and-dish point guards. |
| Michael Jordan has enjoyed a Delmonico steak. | His opponents are Isaiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, and Karl Malone. |
Michael Jordan’s Social Media Era
| Instagram – 27.2 million followers |
| Facebook – 10 million followers |
| Twitter – 4.4 million followers |
| YouTube – 429k subscribers (with 48,895,963 views) |
Michael’s Popularity – Not Due To Genetics, But To Hard Work
Many people think stars are born. But in Michael Jordan’s case, his excellence came from hard work. He was not the tallest or the strongest player at first. He was even cut from his high school basketball team. But he trained hard every day.
Jordan practised more than anyone else. He stayed on the court longer. He studied his opponents. Jordan worked on his body, his mind, and his skills.
His work ethic made him a champion.
Controversies Surrounding Personal & Professional Life
Even legends face criticism. Jordan had a few controversies:
- Gambling issues: He was known to gamble large amounts of money. Some thought this may have led to his first retirement.
- Team behaviour: He was tough on teammates. Some said he bullied them to push them harder.
- Father’s death: After his father was murdered in 1993, rumours tied it to gambling debts, though this was never proven.
Despite these, his achievements on the court remained unmatched.
Affairs
Michael Jordan kept his private life mostly secret. But a few stories made headlines:
- He married Juanita Vanoy in 1989 and had three children.
- They divorced in 2006. It was one of the most expensive divorces in sports history.
- Michael is also rumoured to be in a relationship with Karla Knafel, and the news was revealed to the public when Knafel uncovered she was pregnant. Jordan claimed Knafel tried to extort him out of $5 million in exchange for her silence.
- In 2013, he married Yvette Prieto, a Cuban-American model. They have twin daughters.
Some reports have claimed Jordan had affairs during his first marriage, but he rarely spoke publicly about his personal matters.
Recent Activities
After retiring, Jordan stayed active:
- NBA Ownership: He became the principal owner of the “Charlotte Hornets”.
- Business: His brand, Air Jordan, under Nike, remains a top seller.
- Documentary: In 2020, he appeared in the popular Netflix documentary “The Last Dance”, showing his final season with the Bulls.
- Golf: Jordan loves golf and often plays in charity events.
- Jordan Brand: He continues to sign new athletes and grow his brand.
Career Challenges & Fluctuations
Jordan’s career was not always smooth:
- 1985: Broke his foot, missed most of the season.
- 1987–1990: Couldn’t win against the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs.
- 1993: Retired suddenly after his father’s death.
- 1995: Came back but lost to Orlando Magic in playoffs.
- 2001–2003: Returned with the Washington Wizards but didn’t make the playoffs.
Conclusion
Michael Jordan’s life shows us the power of hard work, passion, and stability. From missing the varsity team to becoming the greatest of all time, his story is one of triumph and legacy.
He inspired millions and left an impact beyond basketball.
Michael Jordan is not just a player – he is a global symbol of excellence!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many NBA titles did Michael Jordan win?
Ans: He won 6 NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
Q2. How many times did he retire?
Ans: He retired three times: in 1993, 1999, and 2003.
Q3. Did he play any other sports?
Ans: Yes, he played minor league baseball during his first retirement.
Q4. Is Michael Jordan a billionaire?
Ans: Yes, as of recent reports, his net worth is over $3.5 billion.
Q5. How many children does Michael Jordan have?
Ans: He has five children, including twins with his second wife.
Q6. Why is he called “His Airness”?
Ans: Because of his ability to fly in the air during dunks.
Q7. What is “The Last Dance”?
Ans: A documentary about his last season with the Chicago Bulls (1997–98).
Q8. What was his jersey number?
Ans: He mostly wore #23, but also wore #45 and #12 in special cases.
Q9. Who were his biggest foes?
Ans: Notable opponents include Isaiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, and Karl Malone.
Q10. What is Michael Jordan doing now?
Ans: He drives businesses, supports charities, and remains active in sports ownership.
Q11. How old was Michael Jordan when he retired?
Ans: At the age of 40, Michael decided to retire from the basketball industry for the final time.
Q12. Did Michael Jordan die?
Ans: No! Michael Jordan was still alive, aged 62 as of 2025.
Q13. How many rings does Michael Jordan have?
Ans: Michael Jordan has 6 NBA championships.
Q14. Is Anthony Edwards Michael Jordan’s son?
Ans: No! Anthony Edwards is not Michael Jordan’s son.
Q15. What is the name of Michael Jordan’s restaurant?
Ans: Michael Jordan’s restaurant is called Michael Jordan’s Steak House in Chicago.
Q16. Who killed Michael Jordan’s father?
Ans: Michael Jordan’s father, James Jordan Sr., was killed by Daniel Green and Larry Demery in a robbery on July 23, 1993. Green shot Jordan Sr. while he was sleeping in his car.
Q17. Did Michael Jordan’s son get arrested?
Ans: On charges of cocaine possession, MJ’s son, Marcus Jordan, was arrested.