THE CHICAGO BULLS LEGEND WIDELY REGARDED AS THE GREATEST BASKETBALL PLAYER OF ALL TIME
Michael Jordan
b. 1963 · Male Athlete
Early Life
Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he famously did not make his high school varsity basketball team as a sophomore.
He used that early setback as motivation, developing his game and earning a scholarship to the University of North Carolina.
Rise to Fame
Jordan hit the game-winning shot for North Carolina in the 1982 NCAA championship game, announcing himself as a rising star in college basketball.
He was selected third overall in the 1984 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, quickly becoming one of the league’s most electrifying and popular players.
Career Highlights
Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s, earning multiple NBA Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP awards along the way.
He also won two Olympic gold medals with the United States men’s basketball team and built the Air Jordan sneaker brand with Nike into one of the most successful athlete partnerships in history.
Personal Life
Jordan was previously married to Juanita Vanoy, with whom he has three children, and later married Yvette Prieto, with whom he has twin daughters.
After retiring as a player, he became the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets NBA franchise, taking on a prominent role in the business side of the league.
Net Worth & Legacy
Michael Jordan’s net worth is estimated in the billions of dollars, built through his Nike partnership, team ownership, and other business ventures.
From a high school player cut from varsity to a six-time NBA champion and global business icon, Jordan has built a legacy as one of the most influential athletes of all time.