Early Life and Education of Michael Jordan: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Michael Jordan. From birth to education, explore key events.

Michael Jordan, also known as MJ, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player widely regarded as the greatest of all time. He played 15 seasons in the NBA, predominantly with the Chicago Bulls, leading them to six NBA championships. Jordan's impact transcended the sport, as he played a pivotal role in popularizing basketball globally and becoming a cultural icon in the 1980s and 1990s.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

February 17, 1963: Michael Jordan's birth

On February 17, 1963, Michael Jeffrey Jordan, also known as MJ, was born. He would later become a professional basketball player and businessman.

Others born on this day/year

1968: Family moves to Wilmington

In 1968, Michael Jordan's family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina.

1981: Accepts Scholarship to UNC

In 1981, Michael Jordan accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in cultural geography.

1986: Graduation from UNC

In 1986, Michael Jordan returned to North Carolina to complete his degree in geography.

1990: Acquisition of Nissan Dealership

In 1990, Michael Jordan's automotive group acquired a Nissan dealership in Durham, North Carolina.

1991: Purchased Land for Mansion

In 1991, Michael Jordan purchased a lot in Highland Park, Illinois, to build a 56,000-square-foot mansion.

1992: Preparing for Retirement

As early as the summer of 1992, Jordan was preparing for retirement. The added exhaustion due to the "Dream Team" run in the 1992 Summer Olympics solidified Jordan's feelings about the game and his celebrity status.

July 23, 1993: Murder of James R. Jordan Sr.

On July 23, 1993, Jordan's father, James R. Jordan Sr., was murdered at a highway rest area in Lumberton, North Carolina.

October 6, 1993: Jordan Announces Retirement

On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from basketball, citing a loss of desire to play.

1993: Third NBA Title and First Retirement

In 1993, Michael Jordan and the Bulls secured a three-peat, winning their third consecutive NBA title. Jordan abruptly retired from basketball to play Minor League Baseball.

February 7, 1994: Signing with the Chicago White Sox

On February 7, 1994, Jordan signed a Minor League Baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox.

March 18, 1995: Jordan Announces Comeback

On March 18, 1995, Jordan announced his comeback to the NBA with a two-word press release: "I'm back."

1995: Opening of Lincoln-Mercury Dealership

In 1995, Michael Jordan's automotive group opened a Lincoln-Mercury dealership.

1995: Mansion Completed

In 1995, Michael Jordan's mansion in Highland Park, Illinois, was completed.

January 13, 1999: Second Retirement

On January 13, 1999, Jordan retired for the second time, citing factors such as Phil Jackson's contract expiring and the looming departures of key teammates.

January 1999: Jordan's Second Retirement

In January 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time from the NBA.

January 19, 2000: Joins Wizards as Executive

On January 19, 2000, Jordan returned to the NBA as part owner and president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards.

2001: Jordan Returns with Wizards

In 2001, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA for two seasons as a member of the Washington Wizards.

2001: Interest in Comeback

In the summer of 2001, Jordan expressed interest in making another comeback, inspired by Mario Lemieux.

2004: Owner of Michael Jordan Motorsports

Since 2004, Michael Jordan has owned Michael Jordan Motorsports, a professional motorcycle road racing team.

2006: Part-owner of Charlotte Hornets

In 2006, Michael Jordan became part-owner and head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Hornets (then named the Bobcats).

June 2009: Closure of Lincoln-Mercury Dealership

In June 2009, Michael Jordan's Lincoln-Mercury dealership closed.

2010: Controlling Interest in Charlotte Hornets

In 2010, Michael Jordan bought a controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets.

2012: Mansion Listed for Sale

In 2012, Michael Jordan listed his mansion in Highland Park, Illinois, for sale.

2013: End of Motorsports Team

In 2013, Michael Jordan Motorsports, a professional motorcycle road racing team, ended the season.

2013: Granted 200th Wish

In 2013, Michael Jordan granted his 200th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

2015: Jordan Donates Settlement to Charities

In 2015, Michael Jordan donated an undisclosed settlement from a lawsuit against supermarkets to 23 different Chicago charities.

2016: First Billionaire Player and Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Michael Jordan became the first billionaire player in NBA history and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

2017: Part Owner of Miami Marlins

In 2017, Michael Jordan became a part owner of the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball.

2017: Jordan Funds Family Clinics

In 2017, Michael Jordan funded two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a $7 million donation.

2018: Closure of Steakhouse in New York

In 2018, Michael Jordan's steakhouse in New York City's Grand Central Terminal closed.

2019: Raised Over $5 Million for Make-A-Wish

As of 2019, Michael Jordan has raised more than $5 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

2019: Donated to Hurricane Dorian Relief

In 2019, Michael Jordan gave $1 million to aid the Bahamas' recovery following Hurricane Dorian.

June 5, 2020: Jordan Announces Donation for Racial Equality

On June 5, 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Michael Jordan and his brand announced they would donate $100 million over 10 years to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice, and greater access to education.

September 2020: Investor and Advisor for DraftKings

In September 2020, Michael Jordan became an investor and advisor for DraftKings.

September 21, 2020: NASCAR Team Announcement

On September 21, 2020, Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin announced they would field a NASCAR Cup Series team with Bubba Wallace driving, starting in the 2021 season.