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 considered one of the greatest of all time. He played 15 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Chicago Bulls, winning six NBA championships. Jordan's exceptional athletic abilities, competitive spirit, and charismatic personality made him a global icon, instrumental in popularizing basketball and the NBA worldwide during the 1980s and 1990s. He is also a successful businessman.

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. Also known by his initials MJ, he would go on to become a global cultural icon.

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1968: Family Moved to Wilmington, North Carolina

In 1968, the Jordan family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina.

1981: Accepted 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.

1982: National Championship with North Carolina

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

1986: Completes Degree at North Carolina

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

September 2, 1989: Marriage to Juanita Vanoy

On September 2, 1989, Michael Jordan married Juanita Vanoy in Las Vegas. They had three children together.

1991: Purchased Lot in Highland Park for Mansion

In 1991, Michael Jordan purchased a lot in Highland Park, Illinois, with plans to build a 56,000-square-foot 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. Two teenagers, Daniel Green and Larry Martin Demery, carjacked his Lexus and dumped his body in a South Carolina swamp. The body was discovered on August 3. Green and Demery were sentenced to life imprisonment.

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 mentioned that the murder of his father, James R. Jordan Sr., three months prior influenced his decision.

1993: Third NBA Title and First Retirement

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

February 7, 1994: Jordan Signs with Chicago White Sox

On February 7, 1994, Michael Jordan signed a Minor League Baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox. He reported to spring training in Sarasota, Florida, and was assigned to the team's minor league system on March 31. This decision was driven by his late father's dream of Jordan becoming a Major League Baseball player. The White Sox were owned by Jerry Reinsdorf, who continued to honor Jordan's basketball contract.

1995: Mansion Completed in Highland Park

In 1995, the 56,000-square-foot mansion that Michael Jordan planned in 1991 was completed in Highland Park, Illinois.

1997: NBA Entertainment crew shot over the course of the 1997–98 NBA season

In 1997, an NBA Entertainment crew shot about 500 hours of film of Jordan's and his teammates' off-court activities.

January 19, 2000: Return to NBA 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, controlling all aspects of the team's basketball operations and personnel matters.

September 25, 2001: Return to the NBA

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

January 4, 2002: First Filing for Divorce from Juanita Vanoy

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

April 16, 2003: Final NBA Game

On April 16, 2003, Michael Jordan played his final NBA game in Philadelphia. He scored his final points from the free throw line and received a three-minute standing ovation when he was subbed out with one second left in the game.

December 29, 2006: Final Divorce from Juanita Vanoy

On December 29, 2006, Michael and Juanita Jordan were granted a final decree of dissolution of marriage. Juanita received a $168 million settlement, the largest celebrity divorce settlement at the time.

2011: Jordan proposed to Yvette Prieto

On Christmas 2011, Jordan proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Cuban-American model Yvette Prieto.

2012: Mansion Listed for Sale

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

April 27, 2013: Marriage to Yvette Prieto

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

November 30, 2013: Announcement of Pregnancy

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

February 11, 2014: Birth of Twin Daughters

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

2019: Became a Grandfather

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

2019: $1 Million to Bahamas Recovery

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

June 5, 2020: $100 Million Donation for Racial Equality

On June 5, 2020, Michael Jordan and his brand announced a joint statement that they would be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to racial equality, social justice, and greater access to education.

2023: $10 Million Donation

In 2023, Michael Jordan donated $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for his 60th birthday.

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2024: The equivalent of Juanita's settlement in 2024

On December 29, 2006, Michael and Juanita Jordan were granted a final decree of dissolution of marriage. It is reported that Juanita received a $168 million settlement (equivalent to $262 million in 2024)