How Michael Jordan Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Michael Jordan across different fields.

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

1984: Creation of Air Jordan Shoe

In 1984, Nike created a signature shoe for Michael Jordan called the Air Jordan.

1991: "Be Like Mike" Gatorade Commercials

Since 1991, Michael Jordan has appeared in over 20 commercials for Gatorade, including the "Be Like Mike" commercials.

1992: Super Bowl Commercial & Music Video Appearance

In 1992, Michael Jordan appeared in a Nike Super Bowl commercial with Bugs Bunny and in the music video for Michael Jackson's "Jam".

November 1, 1994: Jersey Retirement and Sculpture Erection

On November 1, 1994, the Bulls retired Jordan's No. 23 jersey and erected a permanent sculpture outside the new United Center.

1996: Class of 1996

In 1996, David Thompson was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Michael Jordan selected him to present him at the Hall of Fame induction.

1996: Boys & Girls Club Dedication

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

1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team

In 1996, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team.

1998: Sixth NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 1998, Jordan led the Bulls to their sixth NBA championship, earning his sixth Finals MVP award and solidifying the highest television rating for any Finals series.

1998: Autobiography Release

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

1999: Greatest North American Athlete

In 1999, ESPN named Michael Jordan the 20th century's greatest North American athlete.

2002: ACC 50th Anniversary Team Selection

In 2002, Michael Jordan was named to the ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team.

2008: Yearly Endorsement Income

Since 2008, Michael Jordan's yearly income from endorsements has been estimated to be over $40 million.

June 2009: Earnings Between June 2009 and June 2010

Between June 2009 and June 2010, Michael Jordan earned $55 million.

August 2009: Michael Jordan Exhibit Opens at Hall of Fame

In August 2009, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opened a Michael Jordan exhibit in Springfield, Massachusetts, showcasing items from his college and NBA careers, as well as the 1992 "Dream Team".

September 2009: Induction into the Hall of Fame

In September 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He selected David Thompson to present him and gave an emotional speech, which was captured by the Associated Press, later becoming the "Crying Jordan" Internet meme.

2009: Hall of Fame Induction

In 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.

June 2010: Ranked as 20th-Most-Powerful Celebrity

In June 2010, Michael Jordan was ranked by Forbes as the 20th-most-powerful celebrity in the world.

2010: Hall of Fame Induction and North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

In 2010, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 'Dream Team'. He was also inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

June 2014: First NBA Player Billionaire

In June 2014, Michael Jordan was named the first NBA player to become a billionaire.

2015: FIBA Hall of Fame Induction

In 2015, Michael Jordan was inducted as an individual member of the FIBA Hall of Fame.

2015: Highest Income Retired Athlete

In 2015, Michael Jordan's income was an estimated $110 million, the most of any retired athlete.

2015: Warriors break Bulls Record

Two decades later, in the 2015-2016 season, the Golden State Warriors broke the Bulls' record of 72-10.

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.

2016: Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Michael Jordan was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

2017: Highest Career Earnings Athlete

In 2017, Forbes designated Michael Jordan as the athlete with the highest career earnings.

2017: "Dream Team" Hall of Fame Induction

In 2017, Michael Jordan was inducted to the FIBA Hall of Fame as part of the "Dream Team".

August 2020: Sneakers Auctioned for Record Price

In August 2020, the shoes Michael Jordan wore when he shattered the backboard in 1985 were auctioned for $615,000, a record for a pair of sneakers.

October 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, honoring his contributions to basketball.

2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

2021: Record Ticket Stub Sale

In 2021, a ticket stub from Michael Jordan's NBA debut game sold at auction for $264,000, setting a record for a collectible ticket stub.

September 2022: Jersey Sold for $10.1 Million

In September 2022, Michael Jordan's jersey from the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals was sold for $10.1 million, becoming the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia in history.