Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, to James and Deloris Jordan, a mechanic and a bank teller, respectively. He was the fourth of five children. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved the family to Wilmington, North Carolina, due to concerns about the safety of the streets in Brooklyn.
As a young boy, Michael developed an interest in sports, initially focusing on baseball, which he played with his father in their backyard. He later turned to basketball, inspired by his older brother Larry, whom he idolized. Michael's hard work and dedication eventually paid off, and he became a standout player at Laney High School.
Following high school, Michael earned a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina, where he played under legendary coach Dean Smith. During his freshman year, he was named ACC Freshman of the Year and helped the Tarheels win the 1982 NCAA Championship. He was named Naismith College Player of the Year in 1984 and decided to leave college early to enter the NBA draft.
Michael was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA draft. He made an immediate impact, averaging 28.2 points per game and earning Rookie of the Year honors. Over the course of his career, he won numerous awards, including five regular season MVP awards, six NBA championships, and six NBA Finals MVP awards.
Tragedy struck Michael's life in 1993 when his father, James, was murdered. Three months later, Michael announced his retirement from basketball, citing a lack of desire to play. He spent the next year pursuing other interests, including a brief stint in minor league baseball.
In 1995, Michael announced his return to the NBA, and he went on to lead the Bulls to three more consecutive championships. He re-retired in 1999 and became part owner of the Washington Wizards. He attempted another comeback in 2001, playing two seasons with the Wizards before retiring for good.
Michael has since become part owner of the Charlotte Bobcats and has been involved in various business ventures. He has also been involved in several charitable endeavors, including the Michael Jordan Foundation, which focuses on supporting education, health, and family-related initiatives.
