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 retired professional basketball player, considered one of the greatest of all time. He played 15 seasons in the NBA between 1984 and 2003, securing six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan played a key role in globally popularizing basketball and the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s. He currently holds a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. With a net worth of $4.3 billion as of 2026, he's also one of the world's wealthiest celebrities.

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.

Others born on this day/year

1968: Family Moves to Wilmington

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

1980: Accepts 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.

1986: Completes Degree at UNC

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. They later had three children together.

1991: Jordan Purchases Land in Highland Park

In 1991, Michael Jordan purchased a lot in Highland Park, Illinois, where he began planning the construction of a 56,000-square-foot mansion.

1992: Jordan's Exhaustion due to 'Dream Team' in 1992 Summer Olympics

In the summer of 1992, added exhaustion due to the 'Dream Team' run in the 1992 Summer Olympics solidified Michael Jordan's feelings about the game and his celebrity status.

July 23, 1993: Murder of Jordan's Father on July 23, 1993

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 his body was later found in a South Carolina swamp.

October 6, 1993: Jordan Announces His Retirement on October 6, 1993

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

1993: Third NBA Title and First Retirement

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

February 7, 1994: Jordan Signs MiLB Contract with White Sox on February 7, 1994

On February 7, 1994, Michael Jordan surprised the sports world by signing a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) contract with the Chicago White Sox, fulfilling a dream of his late father.

March 1995: Jordan Returns to the Court in March 1995

In March 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the court with the Bulls against the Indiana Pacers, scoring 19 points. The game had the highest Nielsen rating of any regular season NBA game since 1975.

March 18, 1995: Jordan Announces NBA Comeback on March 18, 1995

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

1995: Jordan Mansion Completed

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

1996: Jordan Founds Boys & Girls Club in 1996

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

1998: Jordan's Autobiography 'For the Love of the Game' in 1998

In 1998, Michael Jordan wrote in his autobiography 'For the Love of the Game' by Michael Jordan 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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January 13, 1999: Jordan's Second Retirement on January 13, 1999

On January 13, 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time due to Phil Jackson's contract expiring, the pending departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and an owner-induced lockout of NBA players.

1999: Second Retirement

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

January 19, 2000: Jordan Returns as Part Owner and President of Basketball Operations on January 19, 2000

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

2001: Inaugural Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational

In 2001, Michael Jordan initiated the annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament, dedicated to raising funds for various charitable causes.

2001: Wizards Draft Kwame Brown in 2001

In 2001, as president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards, Michael Jordan used the first pick in the NBA draft to select high school student Kwame Brown.

2003: Third Retirement

In 2003, Michael Jordan retired for the third and final time from the NBA.

2003: Retirement from NBA

In 2003, Michael Jordan retired from the NBA, ending his illustrious professional basketball career.

2004: Jordan Owned Michael Jordan Motorsports

In 2004, Michael Jordan founded Michael Jordan Motorsports, a professional motorcycle road racing team.

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

On December 29, 2006, Michael Jordan's divorce from Juanita Vanoy was finalized. Juanita received a $168 million settlement, which was the largest celebrity divorce settlement on public record at the time.

2011: Jordan Proposes to Yvette Prieto

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

2012: Jordan Lists Mansion for Sale

In 2012, Michael Jordan listed his Highland Park, Illinois 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.

2013: End of Michael Jordan Motorsports

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

2013: 200th Wish Granted

In 2013, Michael Jordan granted his 200th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, highlighting his continued involvement with the organization.

February 11, 2014: Prieto Gives Birth to Twin Daughters

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

2014: Final Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational

In 2014, the final Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament was held, concluding a series of events that raised money for charities from 2001 to 2014.

2015: Donation from Lawsuit Settlement

In 2015, Michael Jordan donated an undisclosed settlement from a lawsuit against supermarkets that used his name without permission to 23 different Chicago charities.

2016: Donations to NAACP and Institute for Community-Police Relations

In 2016, amid public unrest, Michael Jordan made $1 million donations each to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Institute for Community-Police Relations to foster trust between communities and law enforcement.

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.

2019: Hurricane Dorian Relief Donation

In 2019, Michael Jordan donated $1 million to aid the Bahamas' recovery following Hurricane Dorian, supporting disaster relief efforts.

June 5, 2020: $100 Million Pledge

On June 5, 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Michael Jordan and his brand announced a joint commitment to donate $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations focused on racial equality, social justice, and access to education.

September 21, 2020: Jordan and Hamlin Announce NASCAR Team

On September 21, 2020, Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin announced they would be fielding a NASCAR Cup Series team with Bubba Wallace driving, beginning competition in the 2021 season.

2020: Jordan Claims Food Poisoning in The Last Dance in 2020

In the 2020 docuseries "The Last Dance", Michael Jordan claimed his illness during "The Flu Game" was due to food poisoning.

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2021: 23XI Racing Begins Competition

In 2021, Michael Jordan's NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, began competition in the NASCAR Cup Series with Bubba Wallace driving.

2022: 23XI Racing Adds Second Car

In 2022, Michael Jordan's NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, added a second car, No. 45, driven by Kurt Busch.

2023: $10 Million Donation to Make-A-Wish

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

2023: 23XI Racing Fields Third Car at Daytona 500

In 2023, Michael Jordan's NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, fielded a third car, No. 67, driven by Travis Pastrana, in the Daytona 500.

October 2024: Jordan and Hamlin Sue NASCAR

In October 2024, Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and his team, along with Front Row Motorsports, sued NASCAR over the new charter agreements.

December 11, 2025: Settlement Reached in NASCAR Charter Lawsuit

On December 11, 2025, Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports settled their lawsuit against NASCAR over new charter agreements after 8 days in court.