Feb. 17, 1963
Overview:
Michael Jordan is one of Sports living legends. His accomplishments on and off the court make him a world icon. He is respected and revered wherever he goes. There is only one Michael Jordan.
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Michael Jordan, Basketball Legend
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Country:
United States of America
Type
of hero: Trailblazer
Attributes:
Basketball Great, Sports Legend, World Icon
Biography:
Michael Jordan is probably the most recognizable sports figure in the world. His accomplishments on and off the basketball court have made him a cultural icon and sports legend. His basketball skills and achievements are legendary. On playgrounds all around the world there are people who are sticking out their tongues as they drive to the basket, or who are attempting to soar into the air like “His Airness.”
Michael Jordan revolutionized the game of basketball. He brought an excitement never before seen in the game. Sure there were great players such as, Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell but they specialized in only certain aspects of the game. Michael Jordan could do it all. He could pass, rebound, defend, ball handle, score and could jump so high it seemed as if he floated through the air. His basketball accomplishments include: a 1982 college championship with North Carolina University, the gold medal in the 1984 Olympic game, 1985 NBA Rookie of the year, named NBA MVP five times (1988,1991,1992,1996,1998), and six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. When Sportswriter Jack McCallum was asked “What would be Jordan’s greatest accomplishment?” He responded, “was evident from the earliest moments of his career: He was better than his hype.”
Michael Jordan was born February 17, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York. As a child he was never an amazing athlete, in fact he was cut his freshman year of high school basketball and didn’t even make varsity as a sophmore. However Jordan’s tremendous work ethic lead to his greatness. He played, and practiced, and played and practiced and then played some more. As a 5’ 10” freshman in high school, Jordan shot up to be 6’ 6” by his freshman year in college. His father said he probably willed himself to grow. After college the rest is history.
In July 1993 tragedy struck the heart of Michael Jordan. His father, his lifetime friend and mentor was murdered in Lumberton, North Carolina. Jordan and his father were very close and in October of that same year Michael Jordan retired from basketball. He decided to go and fulfill one of his father’s lifetime dreams of playing baseball. Jordan signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Socks, and played ball with the Birmingham Barons and Scottsdale Scorpions. But, he soon found himself back in on the court.
On March 18, 1995 Jordan announced his return to the NBA. During the next three years he and his teammates won three consecutive NBA championships, silencing critics who said he would never be the Michael Jordan of old.
Jordan now has a front office position for the Washington Wizards. He retired from basketball in 1999 ending an era of greatness. He is probably the best all-around basketball player ever to glide on the court. His charming personality and basketball prowess won him literally millions and millions of fans. Through endorsements he became one of the wealthiest sports figures in history, earning $80 million dollars in income besides the $36 million dollar he was paid for the 1997-1998 season. He has donated countless sums of cash to charities and is recognized as an active and giving humanitarian. Michael Jordan changed the face of basketball and professional sports forever. He truly is a living legend who leaves everyone wanting to “Be like Mike.”
Citations
& References:
References
Pietrusza, David. People in the News: Michael Jordan. San Diego: Lucent Books, Inc. 1999
Aaseng, Nathan. Sports Great Michael Jordan. New Jersey: Enslow Publishers, Inc. 1992
Smith, Jessie Carney. "Black Heroes of the 20th Century." Ed. Jessie Carney Smith. Detroit: Visible Ink, 1998, pp. 399-404.
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