Amanda Knapp
Michael Jordan is a former collegiate and professional basketball player, widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six National Basketball Association championships between 1991 and 1998 and was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player five times. After his third retirement, Jordan pursued various ventures, including owning a motorcycle racing team, golfing in celebrity charity tournaments, and promoting his clothing line. He also ventured into basketball management and ownership, taking on roles with the Wizards and Charlotte Hornets. Jordan is also known for his successful film Space Jam and his philanthropic efforts in the Charlotte community. In 2014, he became the first billionaire player in NBA history, and as of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $3.8 billion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Retirement | Michael Jordan retired from basketball in 1993. |
| Post-retirement career | Jordan pursued professional baseball, film acting (Space Jam), and business ventures such as the Jordan Brand clothing line. He also played golf in celebrity charity tournaments and spent time with his family in Chicago. |
| Return to Basketball | Jordan returned to the NBA in March 1995 and played until his second retirement in 1998. |
| Post-retirement business ventures | Jordan became part-owner and head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Hornets (formerly Bobcats) in 2006, buying a controlling interest in 2010. He sold his majority stake in 2023. Jordan also owns Michael Jordan Motorsports, a motorcycle road racing team, and is co-owner of 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. |
| Awards and Recognition | Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, with a unique combination of athleticism and competitive drive. He won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. men's basketball team. Jordan was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player five times and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. In 2014, he became the first billionaire player in NBA history, and his net worth is currently estimated at $3.8 billion. |
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What You'll Learn
Jordan pursued a career in professional baseball
In October 1993, Michael Jordan, widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players ever, retired from the sport briefly and pursued a career in professional baseball. Jordan had just led the Bulls to their third consecutive championship when he decided to step away from the sport.
Jordan's decision to retire from basketball and switch to baseball came as a shock to many. By the time of his first retirement in 1993, Jordan had amassed numerous accolades and awards, including leading the Chicago Bulls to three consecutive NBA championships (1991-1993) and being named the NBA's Most Valuable Player four times (1988, 1991, 1992, and 1993). He had also won Olympic gold medals with the US basketball team in 1984 and 1992.
Jordan's foray into baseball was short-lived. He returned to basketball in March 1995, resuming his successful career with the Chicago Bulls. During the 1995-96 season, Jordan led the Bulls to a 72-10 regular-season record, which was the best in the NBA at the time. From 1996 to 1998, Jordan added three more consecutive championships with the Bulls, and he was named MVP of the NBA Finals each time.
Jordan's impact on basketball extended beyond his athletic achievements. His "Air Jordan" image, created by his extraordinary leaping ability and acrobatic maneuvers, revolutionized the sport and made him a cultural icon. Jordan's popularity attracted unprecedented levels of attention and endorsement opportunities, with his Nike Air Jordan basketball shoes becoming particularly famous.
After his third retirement from basketball, Jordan explored various endeavours. He spent time playing golf in celebrity charity tournaments, promoted his Jordan Brand clothing line, and rode motorcycles. He also remained involved in basketball operations, assuming a position with the Wizards and later becoming part-owner and head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Hornets (formerly the Bobcats). Jordan's involvement with the Hornets included philanthropic efforts, as he donated millions to various causes and charities in the Charlotte community.
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He acted in the film Space Jam
In 1996, Michael Jordan starred as himself in the live-action/animation hybrid film Space Jam. The film was directed by Joe Pytka and written by Leo Benvenuti, Steve Rudnick, Timothy Harris, and Herschel Weingrod. Space Jam follows Jordan as he is brought out of retirement by the Looney Tunes characters, who need his help winning a basketball match against invading aliens. The aliens intend to enslave the Looney Tunes and bring them to Moron Mountain, an amusement park in outer space.
Jordan's performance in Space Jam received mixed reviews. Some critics praised his performance, saying that he was ""very engaging" and that the film was "a happy marriage of good ideas." Others were more critical, with one reviewer stating that Jordan "just can't act." However, despite the mixed reviews, Space Jam became a cultural moment that holds up even years after its release.
In addition to Jordan, Space Jam featured a star-studded cast, including Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, Billy West, and Danny DeVito. Several NBA players also made cameo appearances, including Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, and Bill Murray. The film premiered in Los Angeles on November 10, 1996, and was released theatrically in the United States on November 15, 1996, by Warner Bros. It received a rating of 6.5 on IMDb and 3.5 stars from Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times.
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He became a part-owner of the Charlotte Hornets
Michael Jordan is a former collegiate and professional basketball player widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He led the Chicago Bulls to six National Basketball Association championships between 1991 and 1998 and was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player five times. Jordan's influence on the game was so profound that the popularity of the NBA in the U.S. declined after his last title in 1998.
After his third retirement from the NBA, Jordan assumed he would return to his position as Director of Basketball Operations with the Wizards. However, he was fired from this role in 2003, which left him feeling betrayed. Over the next few years, Jordan spent time playing golf in celebrity charity tournaments, promoted his Jordan Brand clothing line, and rode motorcycles.
In 2006, Jordan became a part-owner and head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Hornets, then known as the Bobcats. He held a minority ownership stake in the team until 2010, when he was approved by the NBA's Board of Governors as the majority owner. Jordan's purchase of the team from previous owner Bob Johnson allowed him to rename them the Hornets, reuniting the city with the nickname of its first NBA franchise.
Jordan has been deeply involved in the Charlotte community from a philanthropic perspective, donating millions of dollars to various causes and charities. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he opened a second Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic to help communities in the North End of Charlotte access medical help. In 2023, Jordan sold his majority stake in the Hornets, but his impact on the team and the city will long be remembered.
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Jordan played golf in celebrity charity tournaments
After his retirement from basketball, Michael Jordan kept himself occupied with a variety of pursuits. Notably, he participated in celebrity charity golf tournaments, showcasing his skills on the golf course while also contributing to worthy causes. Jordan's involvement in these tournaments attracted attention and helped raise awareness and funds for charitable initiatives.
Jordan's passion for golf is well-known, and he has been an avid golfer for many years. He is often seen on the golf course, and his love for the sport has led him to participate in various celebrity tournaments, blending his sporting talents with his desire to give back.
Jordan's participation in these charity golf tournaments provided him with a platform to utilise his fame and sporting prowess for a good cause. By teeing off alongside other celebrities and prominent figures, Jordan helped to generate interest and excitement around these charitable events, attracting media attention and potentially increasing donations and support for the chosen charities.
While the specific details of each tournament and the charities they supported may vary, Jordan's presence undoubtedly added a layer of prestige and glamour to these events. His involvement not only highlighted his commitment to philanthropy but also demonstrated his willingness to leverage his celebrity status for the benefit of others.
Playing golf in celebrity charity tournaments was just one of the ways Jordan chose to spend his time after stepping away from basketball. It reflects his desire to stay connected to sports while also contributing to society and making a positive impact through charitable endeavours.
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He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
On November 22, 2016, Michael Jordan was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. The award is the nation's highest civilian honour and recognises individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavours.
Jordan was recognised for his 15 seasons in the NBA, including his six championships with the Chicago Bulls, his comeback with the Washington Wizards, his five MVP awards, and his 14 All-Star games. He is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time and his name is synonymous with excellence.
The 2016 group of award recipients was described by President Obama as a "`particularly impressive class", which included actors Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Robert Redford, and Cicely Tyson; musicians Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross; philanthropist Bill Gates; comedian Ellen DeGeneres; and broadcaster Vin Scully.
The award ceremony took place in the White House East Room and was one of the final acts of President Obama before leaving office in January 2017.
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Frequently asked questions
After his father was murdered, Jordan decided to retire from basketball in 1993. He briefly pursued a career in professional baseball before returning to basketball in 1995.
Yes, Jordan assumed the role of Director of Basketball Operations with the Wizards after his third retirement. He was fired from this role in 2003. He later became part-owner and head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Hornets (then the Bobcats) in 2006.
Jordan has been involved in several ventures outside of basketball, including his Jordan Brand clothing line, Michael Jordan Motorsports, and 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. He also spends time playing golf and with his family in Chicago.
