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, 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

November 1984: Compared to Julius Erving

In November 1984, Michael Jordan's talent was clear from his first NBA season, and he was being compared to Julius Erving.

1984: Creation of Air Jordan Shoe

In 1984, Nike created a signature shoe for Michael Jordan called the Air Jordan, leading to popular commercials featuring Spike Lee as Mars Blackmon and eventually the establishment of the "Jordan Brand" division.

1987: Back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest championships

In 1987, Michael Jordan's athletic leaping ability, highlighted in his back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest championships influenced a generation of young players.

1988: Back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest championships

In 1988, Michael Jordan's athletic leaping ability, highlighted in his back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest championships influenced a generation of young players.

1991: Gatorade "Be Like Mike" Commercials

In 1991, Michael Jordan began a long relationship with Gatorade, appearing in over 20 commercials, including the "Be Like Mike" campaign featuring a song sung by children aspiring to emulate Jordan.

1992: Super Bowl Commercial with Bugs Bunny

During the 1992 Super Bowl XXVI, a Nike commercial aired featuring Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny playing basketball together, marking the beginning of their association.

1992: Dream Team Member

In 1992, Michael Jordan played for the "Dream Team" in the Olympics.

November 1, 1994: No. 23 Retired by the Bulls

On November 1, 1994, Michael Jordan's No. 23 was retired by the Bulls in a ceremony that included the erection of a permanent sculpture known as The Spirit outside the new United Center.

September 1996: Named greatest athlete of the past 50 years by Sport magazine

In the September 1996 issue of Sport, Michael Jordan was named the greatest athlete of the past 50 years.

1996: Founding of Boys & Girls Club

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

1996: Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History

In 1996, Michael Jordan was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team selection

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

1998: Known as a clutch performer

By 1998, the season of his Finals-winning shot against the Jazz, Michael Jordan was well known throughout the league as a clutch performer.

1998: NBA Finals Jersey

In September 2022, Jordan's jersey worn at the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals was sold for $10.1 million.

December 1999: Ranked as the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century

In December 1999, an ESPN survey of journalists, athletes, and other sports figures ranked Michael Jordan the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century.

1999: Greatest North American Athlete of the 20th Century

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

2001: Dominance compared to Shaquille O'Neal

During the 2001 NBA Finals, Phil Jackson compared Michael Jordan's dominance to Shaquille O'Neal, stating that Jordan would get fouled on every play and still have to play through it.

2002: Greatest athlete in ACC history

In 2002, Michael Jordan was named the greatest athlete in ACC history.

2002: Tributes paid to Jordan in his final season

In the 2002-03 season, many tributes were paid to Michael Jordan throughout the NBA, recognizing that it would be his final season.

April 11, 2003: Miami Heat retired Jordan's No. 23 jersey

On April 11, 2003, the Miami Heat retired Michael Jordan's No. 23 jersey, even though he never played for the team, in recognition of his impact on basketball.

2008: Jordan's Endorsement Income

In 2008, Michael Jordan's yearly income from endorsements was estimated to be over $40 million, which contributed to his setting records in player salary and significantly increasing the market capitalization of his client firms.

June 2009: Forbes Earnings

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 an exhibit dedicated to Michael Jordan.

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.

2009: Induction into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

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

June 2010: Forbes Ranking

In June 2010, Michael Jordan was ranked by Forbes as the 20th most powerful celebrity in the world, having earned $55 million between June 2009 and June 2010.

2010: Second Hall of Fame induction

In 2010, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team and North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

June 2014: Jordan Becomes a Billionaire

In June 2014, Michael Jordan became the first NBA player to become a billionaire, after increasing his stake in the Charlotte Hornets.

2014: First billionaire NBA player

In 2014, Michael Jordan became the first billionaire player in NBA history.

2015: FIBA Hall of Fame induction

In 2015, Michael Jordan was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.

2015: Jordan's Income

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

2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2016: Jordan Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2017: Highest Career Earnings

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

2017: "Dream Team" member in Hall of Fame

In 2017, Michael Jordan was named as a 'Dream Team' member in Hall of Fame.

August 2020: Shoe Auction Record

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.

2020: The Last Dance documentary series

In 2020, Michael Jordan was the central focus of the Emmy-winning documentary series The Last Dance.

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October 2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

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

2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team selection

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

2021: Selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Michael Jordan was selected 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.

September 2022: Jersey Sold for Record Price

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.

December 2022: NBA MVP Trophy Named After Jordan

In December 2022, the NBA unveiled a new MVP trophy named in Michael Jordan's honor, replacing the original Maurice Podoloff trophy and to be awarded beginning with the 2022-23 season.