Amanda Knapp
Michael Jordan is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. During his legendary career, Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards. Jordan first retired from basketball in 1993 at the age of 30, but he returned to the Bulls in 1995 and retired for the second time in 1999. In 2001, Jordan made a brief comeback with the Wizards before retiring for the third and final time in 2003 at the age of 40.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First retirement | 1993 |
| Age during first retirement | 30 |
| Team during first retirement | Chicago Bulls |
| Second retirement | 1999 |
| Age during second retirement | 36 |
| Team during second retirement | Washington Wizards |
| Third retirement | 2003 |
| Age during third retirement | 40 |
| Team during third retirement | Washington Wizards |
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What You'll Learn
Michael Jordan's first retirement in 1993
On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan, arguably the most recognizable athlete in the world, announced his retirement from basketball. Jordan had just won his third consecutive NBA championship with the Bulls, and was only 30 years old. In a press conference, Jordan stated that he had lost his desire to play basketball and that he had nothing left to prove. He also mentioned that the tragic murder of his father, James, three months earlier had shaped his decision. Jordan's first retirement stunned fans and the sports world, with many questioning the reasons behind his sudden exit.
Jordan's decision to retire came as a surprise to many, as he was considered to be at the peak of his career. He had established himself as one of the greatest players in basketball history and a global icon. During the 1993 NBA playoffs, there were signs that Jordan was struggling with the pressures of his massive celebrity and the hassles that came with it. He was spotted gambling in Atlantic City the night before a crucial playoff game, and there were rumours of significant gambling losses and winnings. However, Jordan denied that his retirement was related to these rumours.
Jordan's father, James, played a significant role in his son's basketball career. James had been by Jordan's side during each of the Bulls' championship runs. The iconic photo of a weeping Jordan, cradling the Larry O'Brien Trophy after the Bulls' first championship win over the Lakers in 1991, captured the close relationship between father and son. Jordan later revealed that he had discussed retirement with his father prior to his death and that his father had advised him to retire after his first title.
In the lead-up to his retirement announcement, Jordan hinted that he might not be closing the door on his basketball career permanently. He stated that retirement meant having the freedom to choose his path and that he might desire to return to the sport in the future. True to his word, Jordan's retirement did not last long. He returned to the Bulls in March 1995 and led them to three more championships from 1996 to 1998.
Jordan's first retirement in 1993 was a shocking moment in sports history. It prompted discussions about the impact of superstardom, the importance of family, and the fleeting nature of athletic careers. Despite his brief hiatus, Jordan solidified his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, with his post-retirement successes only adding to his iconic status.
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Jordan's return to the NBA in 1995
Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest NBA player of all time, initially retired from basketball in 1993. Jordan's retirement from the NBA came as a shock to the basketball world, as he was only 30 years old and at the peak of his career. During his initial retirement, Jordan pursued a career in professional baseball, playing for the Chicago White Sox.
However, in March 1995, Jordan decided to return to the NBA, announcing his comeback with a simple two-word statement: "I'm back". This announcement sent shockwaves through the basketball world and created a huge buzz among fans and the media. Jordan's return to the court with the Bulls was highly anticipated, and his first game back against the Indiana Pacers was nationally televised, attracting an estimated 35 million viewers—the most-watched NBA game in history. Jordan wore the number 45 jersey, his baseball number, as his iconic number 23 jersey had been retired by the Bulls following his initial retirement. Despite an 18-month hiatus from the NBA, Jordan scored 19 points in his return, showcasing his enduring talent and dominance on the court.
Jordan's 1995 comeback solidified his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players ever. After his initial retirement in 1993, Jordan's return proved that he still had the skill, determination, and competitive drive to dominate the league. He demonstrated his unwavering commitment to excellence, and his impact on the court was immediate and profound. Jordan's ability to lead his team to victory and captivate audiences worldwide cemented his status as an icon and an inspiration to generations of basketball players and fans.
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His second retirement in 1999
Michael Jordan is considered one of the NBA's all-time greats, with a legendary career spanning 15 seasons in the league. Jordan first retired from basketball in 1993, at the age of 30, after winning his first three-peat of championships with the Chicago Bulls.
However, Jordan's story was far from over. In 1995, he made his iconic return to the Bulls, and went on to win another three-peat of titles, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Jordan's second retirement came in 1999, at the age of 36. During a press conference on January 13, 1999, Jordan announced that he was stepping away from the court again. This time, his retirement was shorter-lived, and in 2001, he made a comeback, joining the Washington Wizards as a player.
Jordan's time with the Wizards marked a new chapter in his career. At 38 years old, he proved that age was just a number, signing a two-year contract and donating his salary to relief efforts. Jordan's final NBA game came against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he scored 15 points. With 1 minute and 45 seconds left, he left the floor to a standing ovation, bringing his illustrious playing career to a close.
Jordan's impact on the game didn't end with his playing career. He went on to become the first former player to become a majority owner in the NBA, purchasing the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Hornets) for $275 million. Jordan's influence extended beyond the court, with his post-retirement endeavours solidifying his status as a global icon and an inspiration to generations of aspiring basketball players.
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Jordan's final retirement in 2003
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, retired from the sport for the final time in 2003 at the age of 40. This was his third retirement from the game. Jordan's first retirement came in 1993, when he abruptly retired from the NBA after winning his third straight title with the Chicago Bulls. He then went on to play minor league baseball for about a year before making an iconic return to the Bulls in 1995. Jordan retired for the second time in 1999, but he returned to the NBA once again in 2001 as a member of the Washington Wizards.
Jordan's final retirement came at the end of the 2002-03 NBA season. In his final season, Jordan received numerous tributes from around the NBA. In his final game at the United Center in Chicago, his old home court, Jordan received a four-minute standing ovation from the crowd. In his final NBA game, Jordan scored 15 points in a 107-87 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. He left the floor with 1 minute and 45 seconds remaining in the game, after a fourth-quarter curtain call. After the game, Jordan stated, "I have given everything I could to the game. It's time. I know it. I feel it."
Jordan's final season was injury-plagued, and he only played in 60 games, the fewest he had played since his return from his first retirement in the 1994-95 season. Despite Jordan's efforts, the Wizards did not make the playoffs in his final two seasons. Jordan was often unsatisfied with the play of those around him and openly criticized his teammates to the media, citing their lack of focus and intensity. After his retirement, Jordan stated that he felt betrayed by the Wizards organization, as he was fired from his role as the team's president of basketball operations shortly after retiring.
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His post-retirement ventures
Michael Jordan is a retired NBA player who played for the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards. Jordan retired for the third and final time at the age of 40 in 2003. However, Jordan had two more comebacks after his initial retirement in 1993.
Post-retirement ventures
Jordan has been involved in various ventures post his retirement from basketball. Here are some of his notable endeavours:
- Brand Endorsements and Partnerships: Jordan has been associated with numerous brands throughout his career, which has contributed significantly to his net worth. Some of the notable brands he has endorsed include Nike, Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Hanes, and Gatorade. Jordan also has his own clothing line, Jordan Brand, which he continues to promote.
- Business Investments: Jordan has made several business investments and is currently the richest former NBA player and athlete in the world, with a net worth of $1.6 billion as of 2020, according to Forbes. He has invested in various businesses, including becoming a special advisor to the board and an investor in the sports betting firm DraftKings. He also co-owns a NASCAR team and has owned Michael Jordan Motorsports, a professional motorcycle road racing team.
- Team Ownership: In 2010, Jordan bought the Charlotte Hornets (formerly known as the Bobcats) and became the first former NBA player to become a majority owner of an NBA team. He has also been involved in the management of the Washington Wizards, holding the position of president of basketball operations from 1999 to 2003.
- Entertainment Industry: Jordan has made several appearances in the entertainment industry. He starred in the 1996 live-action/animated film "Space Jam," which was inspired by a Nike commercial featuring Jordan and Bugs Bunny playing basketball. He has also appeared in commercials with Looney Tunes characters and music videos, such as Michael Jackson's "Jam."
- Personal Life: Jordan has spent time with his family in Chicago and has been known to play golf in celebrity charity tournaments.
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Frequently asked questions
Michael Jordan retired from basketball for the first time in 1993.
Michael Jordan was 30 years old when he retired for the first time.
Yes, Michael Jordan retired three times in total. He came out of retirement twice, first in 1995 and then again in 2001.
