Michael Jordan's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Michael Jordan. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1969: Willis Reed's MVP Sweep in 1969-70 Season

Michael Jordan matched only the second sweep of the MVP awards in the All-Star Game, regular season, and NBA Finals after Willis Reed in the 1969-70 season.

1982: NCAA Championship Game-Winning Shot

In 1982, Michael Jordan made the game-winning jump shot in the NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, marking a major turning point in his basketball career.

1982: National Championship

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

1983: Pan American Games Gold Medal

In 1983, Michael Jordan was selected to play for the United States national team and won a gold medal at the Pan American Games.

1984: Jordan wins an Olympic Gold Medal

In 1984, Michael Jordan was part of the U.S. men's basketball team that won the Olympic gold medal.

April 20, 1986: Jordan Scores 63 Points Against Celtics

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

1987: Jordan Wins Slam Dunk Contest

In 1987, Michael Jordan won the Slam Dunk Contest championship, showcasing his athletic leaping ability.

1988: Jordan Wins Defensive Player and MVP Awards

In 1988, Michael Jordan won both the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards, setting seasonal and career records for blocked shots by a guard.

1988: Jordan Wins Slam Dunk Contest

In 1988, Michael Jordan won the Slam Dunk Contest championship, showcasing his athletic leaping ability.

1990: Jordan's Performance and Bulls' Success in 1990-91 Season

In 1990, Michael Jordan averaged 31.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 53.9%, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 5.5 assists per game, leading to his second MVP award. The Chicago Bulls finished first in their division for the first time in sixteen years and achieved a franchise record of 61 wins during the regular season.

1990: Bulls' franchise record in 1990

In 1990, the Chicago Bulls set a franchise record with 61 wins during the regular season.

1991: Bulls' Dominance and Jordan's Second MVP Award in 1991-92

In 1991, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls established a 67-15 record, surpassing their previous franchise record. Jordan won his second consecutive MVP award, averaging 30.1 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game and 6.1 assists per game.

1991: First NBA Title

In 1991, Michael Jordan won his first NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.

1992: Second NBA Title

In 1992, Michael Jordan and the Bulls won their second NBA title.

1992: Jordan's performance during the 1992-93 season

In 1992, Michael Jordan had a campaign with 32.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 5.5 apg, including a second-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

1992: Olympics

In 1992, Michael Jordan was part of "The Dream Team" at the Summer Olympics.

1992: Jordan wins an Olympic Gold Medal

In 1992, Michael Jordan was part of the U.S. men's basketball team that won the Olympic gold medal.

1993: Third NBA Championship and Finals MVP for Jordan in 1993

In 1993, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their third NBA championship. Jordan achieved a Finals-record 41.0 points per game during the six-game series and won his third consecutive Finals MVP award.

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.

November 1, 1994: Jordan's Number Retired and Sculpture Erected on November 1, 1994

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

September 1996: Jordan Named Greatest Athlete of Past 50 Years

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

1996: David Thompson Presents Jordan at Hall of Fame

In 1996, David Thompson presented Michael Jordan at the Hall of Fame. Jordan had selected Thompson, a Class of 1996 member, to present him.

1996: Fourth NBA Title

In 1996, Michael Jordan led the Bulls to their fourth NBA championship and a then-record 72 regular season wins.

1996: Jordan Named One of 50 Greatest Players

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

1996: Bulls End Season with 69-13 Record in 1996-97

In the 1996-97 season, the Bulls concluded the season with a 69-13 record, narrowly missing a second consecutive 70-win season.

1997: Fifth NBA Title

In 1997, Michael Jordan and the Bulls secured their fifth NBA championship.

1997: "The Flu Game" and Fifth Finals MVP in 1997

In 1997, during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan, despite being ill, scored 38 points and led the Bulls to victory, in what became known as "The Flu Game". He later won his fifth Finals MVP award.

1997: Bulls' 62-20 Record and Jordan's MVP Award in 1997-98

In the 1997-98 season, the Bulls achieved a 62-20 record. Michael Jordan led the league with 28.7 points per game, earning his fifth regular season MVP award.

June 14, 1998: Jordan's Clutch Performance in Game 6 on June 14, 1998

On June 14, 1998, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan executed a series of plays that are considered to be one of the greatest clutch performances in NBA Finals history.

1998: Jordan's Clutch Performance

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

1998: Sixth NBA Title

In 1998, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their sixth NBA championship.

1998: Jordan's Game-Winning Shot and Sixth Championship in 1998

In 1998, Michael Jordan made the climactic shot of his Bulls career, a top-key jumper over Bryon Russell, securing the Bulls' sixth NBA championship. He was also voted Finals MVP for a record sixth time.

December 1999: Jordan Ranked Among Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century

In December 1999, Michael Jordan placed second to Babe Ruth in the Associated Press' list of 20th-century athletes and was voted the greatest basketball player of the 20th century by the same organization.

1999: Greatest North American Athlete

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

2002: Greatest Athlete in ACC History

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

February 21, 2003: Jordan Scores 43 Points at Age 40

On February 21, 2003, Michael Jordan became the first 40-year-old to score 43 points in an NBA game.

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 career.

2008: Chief Wish Ambassador

In 2008, The Make-A-Wish Foundation named Michael Jordan its Chief Wish Ambassador, recognizing his long-standing support for the organization.

August 2009: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Opens Jordan Exhibit

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

September 2009: Jordan's Hall of Fame Induction Speech

In September 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and gave an emotional induction speech. During the speech, Stephan Savoia, an Associated Press photographer, captured Jordan crying, which later became the "Crying Jordan" meme on social media.

2009: Hall of Fame Induction

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

June 2010: Forbes Ranking

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

2010: 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 ("The Dream Team").

June 2014: Billionaire Status

In June 2014, Michael Jordan became the first NBA player to achieve billionaire status after increasing his stake in the Charlotte Hornets to 89.5%.

2015: Highest Retired Athlete Income

In 2015, Michael Jordan's income was an estimated $110 million, making him the highest-paid retired athlete at that time, primarily from Jordan Brand income and endorsements.

2016: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2017: Highest Career Earnings

In 2017, Forbes designated Michael Jordan as the athlete with the highest career earnings, solidifying his financial legacy.

October 2021: Named to 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.

December 2022: NBA Unveils MVP Trophy Named After Jordan

In December 2022, the NBA unveiled a new regular season MVP trophy named in honor of Michael Jordan. Beginning with the 2022-23 season, this trophy replaced the original trophy, named in honor of former NBA commissioner Maurice Podoloff.

December 31, 2025: Highest-Paid Athlete

As of December 31, 2025, Michael Jordan was ranked as the highest-paid athlete in history by Sportico, with earnings estimated at $4.5 billion when adjusted for inflation; the official announcement was made in April 2026.

April 2026: Highest-Paid Athlete in History

In April 2026, Sportico ranked Michael Jordan as the highest-paid athlete in history as of December 31, 2025, with earnings estimated at $4.5 billion adjusted for inflation.