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, often known as MJ, is a businessman and former professional basketball and baseball player. Dominating the NBA from 1984-2003, he secured six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players ever. He played a key role in globally popularizing the sport and the NBA in the 80s and 90s, becoming a global icon. As of 2025, he is also the world's richest athlete.

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, later known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, was born. He is also known by his initials MJ.

Others born on this day/year

1968: Family Moved to Wilmington

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

1980: Accepted Scholarship to UNC

In 1980, Michael Jordan accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in cultural geography.

1981: McDonald's All-American Game Selection

As a senior, Michael Jordan was selected for the 1981 McDonald's All-American Game, where he scored 30 points.

1982: National Championship

In 1982, as a freshman, Michael Jordan was a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels' national championship team.

1983: NCAA All-American First Team

In 1983, Michael Jordan was selected by consensus to the NCAA All-American First Team in his sophomore season.

1984: Left North Carolina

In 1984, Michael Jordan left North Carolina a year before his scheduled graduation to enter the 1984 NBA draft.

1986: Graduated from North Carolina

In 1986, Michael Jordan returned to North Carolina to complete his degree, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography.

September 2, 1989: Jordan Marries Juanita Vanoy

On September 2, 1989, Michael Jordan married Juanita Vanoy at A Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas.

1991: Jordan Purchases Land in Highland Park

In 1991, Michael Jordan purchased a lot in Highland Park, Illinois, to build a mansion.

1992: Jordan's thoughts about retirement

As mentioned in his 1998 autobiography, in the summer of 1992, Michael Jordan wrote that he was preparing for retirement as early as the summer of 1992, citing exhaustion from the "Dream Team" run in the 1992 Summer Olympics.

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

On July 23, 1993, James R. Jordan Sr., Michael Jordan's father, was murdered at a highway rest area in Lumberton, North Carolina. Two teenagers carjacked his Lexus and dumped his body in a South Carolina swamp.

October 6, 1993: Jordan Announces His Retirement

On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from basketball, citing a loss of desire to play. He later stated that the murder of his father three months prior contributed to his decision.

1993: Third NBA Title and First Retirement

In 1993, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their third consecutive NBA title, completing a three-peat. Jordan then abruptly retired before the 1993–94 NBA season to play Minor League Baseball.

February 7, 1994: Jordan Signs with Chicago White Sox

On February 7, 1994, Michael Jordan surprised the sports world by signing a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) contract with the Chicago White Sox to pursue his late father's dream of him becoming a Major League Baseball (MLB) player.

March 1995: Jordan Decides to Quit Baseball

In March 1995, Michael Jordan decided to quit baseball because he feared he might become a replacement player during the Major League Baseball strike and returned to the Bulls midway through the 1994–95 season.

March 18, 1995: Jordan Announces NBA Comeback

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

1995: Return to the Bulls

In 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls after a brief stint in Minor League Baseball.

1995: Jordan's Highland Park Mansion Completed

In 1995, Michael Jordan's 56,000-square-foot mansion in Highland Park, Illinois, was completed.

1996: Jordan Founded Chicago-area Boys & Girls Club

In 1996, Michael Jordan founded a Chicago-area Boys & Girls Club and dedicated it to his father.

1998: Preparing for Retirement

In his 1998 autobiography "For the Love of the Game", Michael Jordan wrote that he was preparing for retirement as early as the summer of 1992, citing exhaustion from the "Dream Team" run in the 1992 Summer Olympics.

For the Love of the Game - My Story By Michael Jordan

Check it on Amazon

January 13, 1999: Jordan's Second Retirement

On January 13, 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time, citing Phil Jackson's expiring contract and the looming departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.

January 1999: Jordan Claimed He Would Never Play Another NBA Game

In January 1999, Michael Jordan claimed that he was "99.9% certain" he would never play another NBA game.

1999: Second Retirement

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

January 19, 2000: Jordan Joins Wizards as Part Owner and President

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

September 25, 2001: Jordan Announces Return to NBA, Donates Salary to 9/11 Victims

On September 25, 2001, Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA to play for the Washington Wizards and stated his intention to donate his salary to relief efforts for the victims of the September 11 attacks.

2001: Return to NBA with Wizards

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

2001: Jordan expressed interest in comeback

In the summer of 2001, Michael Jordan expressed interest in making another comeback, this time with his new team, inspired by the NHL comeback of his friend Mario Lemieux the previous winter.

April 16, 2003: Jordan's Final NBA Game

On April 16, 2003, Michael Jordan played in his final NBA game in Philadelphia, scoring 13 points and receiving a standing ovation from teammates, opponents, and fans.

December 29, 2006: Jordan's Divorce from Juanita Vanoy Finalized

On December 29, 2006, Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy's divorce was finalized, with Juanita receiving a $168 million settlement.

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).

2010: Bought Controlling Interest in Hornets

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

2011: Jordan Proposes to Yvette Prieto

On Christmas 2011, Michael Jordan proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Yvette Prieto.

2012: Jordan Lists Highland Park Mansion for Sale

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

April 27, 2013: Jordan Marries Yvette Prieto

On April 27, 2013, Michael Jordan married Yvette Prieto at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.

November 30, 2013: Jordan and Prieto Expecting First Child

On November 30, 2013, it was announced that Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto were expecting their first child together.

February 11, 2014: Prieto Gives Birth to Twin Daughters

On February 11, 2014, Yvette Prieto gave birth to identical twin daughters named Victoria and Ysabel.

2019: Jordan Becomes a Grandfather

In 2019, Michael Jordan became a grandfather when his daughter Jasmine gave birth to a son, whose father is professional basketball player Rakeem Christmas.