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, or MJ, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. He played 15 seasons in the NBA (1984-2003), securing six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever and played a crucial role in globally popularizing basketball and the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s, ultimately becoming a global cultural icon. He is currently a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets.

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 would become an American businessman and former professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

1968: Family moved to Wilmington

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

1981: Acceptance of basketball scholarship

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

1982: National Championship with UNC

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

1982: Game-winning shot

In 1982, as a freshman, Michael Jordan made the game-winning jump shot in the NCAA Championship game against Georgetown.

1983: NCAA All-American First Team selection

In 1983, Michael Jordan was selected to the NCAA All-American First Team.

1984: Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year awards

In 1984, Michael Jordan won the Naismith and the Wooden College Player of the Year awards and entered the NBA draft.

1986: Graduation from North Carolina

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

September 2, 1989: Michael Jordan Married Juanita Vanoy

On September 2, 1989, Michael Jordan married Juanita Vanoy in Las Vegas.

1991: Purchase of Highland Park Lot

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

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, by two teenagers, Daniel Green and Larry Martin Demery, who carjacked his Lexus.

October 6, 1993: Jordan Announces Retirement

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

February 7, 1994: Signing 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, pursuing the dream of his late father to be a Major League Baseball (MLB) player.

1995: Completion of Highland Park Mansion

In 1995, Michael Jordan completed the construction of his 56,000-square-foot mansion in Highland Park, Illinois.

1998: Release of Autobiography "For the Love of the Game"

In 1998, Michael Jordan wrote in his autobiography "For the Love of the Game", that he was preparing for retirement as early as the summer of 1992.

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

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September 25, 2001: Return to the NBA with the Washington Wizards

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

January 4, 2002: Jordan Files for Divorce, Later Reconciles

On January 4, 2002, Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences but reconciled shortly after.

April 16, 2003: Jordan's final NBA game

On April 16, 2003, Michael Jordan played in his final NBA game in Philadelphia. He scored 13 points and received a three-minute standing ovation from the crowd.

2004: Jordan Founded Michael Jordan Motorsports

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

June 15, 2006: Jordan Buys Stake in Bobcats

On June 15, 2006, Michael Jordan purchased a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats, later known as the Hornets, becoming the team's second-largest shareholder and taking control of basketball operations.

December 29, 2006: Jordan's Divorce is Finalized

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

September 2009: Jordan Inducted into Hall of Fame

In September 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, with former Bulls teammates and coaches in attendance. His emotional reaction during the speech spawned the "Crying Jordan" meme.

February 2010: Jordan Seeks Majority Ownership of Bobcats

In February 2010, Michael Jordan sought majority ownership of the Charlotte Bobcats, and by February 27th, an agreement was reached for him to buy the team, pending NBA approval.

2011: Jordan Proposes to Yvette Prieto

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

2012: Listing of 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: Announcement of Jordan Expecting Child

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

2013: End of Michael Jordan Motorsports

At the end of the 2013 season, Michael Jordan Motorsports, Michael Jordan's motorcycle road racing team, ceased operations.

February 11, 2014: Birth of Twin Daughters

On February 11, 2014, Yvette Prieto gave birth to Michael Jordan's twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel.

2019: Minority Stake Sale in Hornets

During the 2019 NBA offseason, Michael Jordan sold a minority piece of the Charlotte Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Daniel Sundheim, while retaining majority ownership and his role as chairman.

2019: Jordan Becomes a Grandfather

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

September 21, 2020: Jordan Announces NASCAR Team

On September 21, 2020, Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin announced the formation of a NASCAR Cup Series team, named 23XI Racing, with Bubba Wallace as the driver, beginning in 2021.

August 2023: Jordan Finalizes Sale of Hornets

In August 2023, Michael Jordan finalized the sale of his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall for approximately $3 billion, ending his 13-year tenure as majority owner while retaining a minority stake.