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, widely considered one of basketball's greatest players, significantly boosted the NBA's global popularity in the 80s and 90s. During his 15 seasons (1984-2003), he secured six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Beyond basketball, Jordan is a successful businessman and minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets. His estimated net worth is $3.8 billion as of 2025, making him one of the world's wealthiest celebrities.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1969: Reed's MVP Sweep

In 1996, Jordan became only the second player to sweep the MVP awards in the All-Star Game, regular season, and NBA Finals after Willis Reed in the 1969-70 season.

1975: Highest Nielsen Rating Since 1975

In 1995, when Jordan returned to the court with the Bulls to face the Indiana Pacers, the game had the highest Nielsen rating of any regular season NBA game since 1975.

1976: ABA-NBA Merger

Since 1976, the year of the ABA–NBA merger, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are the only two players to win six NBA Finals playing for one team.

November 1984: Jordan Compared to Julius Erving

By November 1984, Michael Jordan's talent in his first NBA season was so apparent that he was being compared to Julius Erving.

1984: Nike creates the Air Jordan

In 1984, Nike created a signature shoe for Michael Jordan called the Air Jordan, which led to the creation of the Jordan Brand.

April 20, 1986: Jordan's 63-Point Playoff Record

On April 20, 1986, after Michael Jordan set the single-game playoff record of 63 points against the Boston Celtics, Larry Bird described him as "God disguised as Michael Jordan".

1987: Jordan Wins Slam Dunk Contest

In 1987, Michael Jordan won the Slam Dunk Contest, showcasing his athletic leaping ability and influencing a generation of young players.

1988: Jordan Wins Back-to-Back Slam Dunk Contest Championship

In 1988, Michael Jordan won his second consecutive Slam Dunk Contest championship, further solidifying his influence on young players and his legacy in the NBA.

1991: Jordan in Gatorade Commercials

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

November 1, 1994: Bulls Retire No. 23

On November 1, 1994, the Chicago Bulls retired Michael Jordan's No. 23 in a ceremony, including the erection of "The Spirit" sculpture outside the new United Center.

September 1996: Jordan Named Greatest Athlete of the Past 50 Years by Sport

In the September 1996 issue of Sport, which was the publication's 50th-anniversary issue, Michael Jordan was named the greatest athlete of the past 50 years.

1996: David Thompson Inducted into the Hall of Fame

In 1996, David Thompson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and would later present Michael Jordan during his own induction speech in 2009.

1996: Foundation of Boys & Girls Club

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

1996: Jordan 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, recognizing his significant contributions and achievements in basketball.

1998: Jordan's Advice to Wizards Owner

During the 1998 labor dispute, Michael Jordan advised Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin that he should sell his team if he couldn't make a profit.

1998: Autobiography Reflects on Retirement Thoughts

In 1998, Jordan's autobiography "For the Love of the Game" revealed that he was contemplating retirement as early as the summer of 1992.

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

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December 1999: Jordan Ranked Greatest North American Athlete of the 20th Century

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

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, highlighting his lasting impact on sports.

2001: Jordan's Dominance Compared to O'Neal

During the 2001 NBA Finals, Phil Jackson compared Michael Jordan's dominance to Shaquille O'Neal, emphasizing Jordan's ability to play through fouls and create scoring opportunities.

2002: Selection to ACC 50th Anniversary Team

In 2002, Michael Jordan was selected to the ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team and named the greatest athlete in ACC history.

2002: Recognition of Jordan's Final Season

In 2002, recognition that the 2002-03 season would be Jordan's final season, tributes were paid to him throughout the NBA. In his final game at the United Center in Chicago, which was his old home court, Jordan received a four-minute standing ovation.

April 11, 2003: Miami Heat Retires Jordan's Jersey

On April 11, 2003, the Miami Heat retired Michael Jordan's No. 23 jersey, even though he never played for the team, as a tribute to his legendary career.

April 16, 2003: Jordan Plays Final NBA Game

On April 16, 2003, Michael Jordan played his final NBA game in Philadelphia, scoring 13 points. He received a standing ovation after being intentionally fouled out of the game.

2008: Yearly endorsement income

In 2008, Michael Jordan's yearly income from endorsements was estimated to be over $40 million.

June 2009: Earnings period for Forbes ranking

Between June 2009 and June 2010, Michael Jordan earned $55 million, contributing to his ranking as the 20th most powerful celebrity by Forbes in June 2010.

August 2009: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opens Michael Jordan exhibit

In August 2009, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opened an exhibit dedicated to Michael Jordan, celebrating his illustrious career.

September 2009: Jordan's Hall of Fame Induction

In September 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He chose David Thompson to present him and delivered an emotional induction speech that later 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 achievements.

June 2010: Ranked among world's most powerful celebrities

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

2010: Hall of Fame Induction as Part of the 'Dream Team'

In 2010, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team, known as "The Dream Team".

June 2014: Became a billionaire

In June 2014, Michael Jordan became the first NBA player to achieve billionaire status 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, marking a significant financial milestone.

2015: Highest income of any retired athlete

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

2015: Warriors Break Record

In 2015, the Golden State Warriors broke the Bulls' record of 72-10, which was the best regular season record in NBA history at the time.

2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2016: Jordan honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Michael Jordan was honored by President Barack Obama with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his contributions to sports and American culture.

August 2020: Auction of Shattered Backboard Game Shoes

In August 2020, the shoes Michael Jordan wore during the Nike exhibition game where he shattered the backboard on August 26, 1985, were auctioned for $615,000, setting a record for a pair of sneakers.

2020: The Last Dance Documentary Series

In 2020, The Last Dance, an Emmy-winning documentary series focusing on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, was released.

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October 2021: Jordan named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing him as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

2021: Jordan Selected to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Michael Jordan was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

2021: Ticket Stub Auction Record

In 2021, a ticket stub from Michael Jordan's NBA debut game on October 26, 1984, sold at auction for $264,000, setting a record for a collectible ticket stub.

September 2022: Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals 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, making it the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia in history.

December 2022: NBA unveils MVP trophy named in Jordan's honor

In December 2022, the NBA unveiled a new regular season MVP trophy named in honor of Michael Jordan. This trophy replaced the one named after Maurice Podoloff and will be awarded starting with the 2022-23 season.

2022: NBA Finals Television Ratings haven't reached Jordan's level

In 2022, the NBA Finals television ratings had not returned to the level reached during Michael Jordan's last championship-winning season, showing the lasting impact of his career on the sport's popularity.

2025: Estimated net worth

As of 2025, Forbes estimated Michael Jordan's net worth at $3.8 billion, making him the fourth-richest African-American and one of the richest celebrities.