Sport · 1963–
Michael Jordan Life & Career Timeline
Six championships and a global basketball legacy.
18 MomentsGet your own timeline now — free
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About this timeline
About Michael Jordan
From North Carolina and an iconic college shot to the Chicago Bulls dynasty, Olympic gold and worldwide cultural influence.
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Choose any Moment on the timeline to read its story, see why it matters and continue to the original source. Connected Moments open the other person’s timeline.
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team.
Michael Jordan biography
Michael Jordan timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Brooklyn
Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in New York and grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Source: www.nba.comJoins North Carolina
Jordan entered the University of North Carolina basketball programme.
Source: www.nba.comThe championship-winning shot
As a freshman, Jordan made the late shot that won the NCAA championship game.
Source: www.nba.comOlympic gold and NBA draft
Jordan won Olympic gold and was selected third overall by the Chicago Bulls.
Source: www.nba.comNBA Rookie of the Year
A spectacular first season earned Jordan Rookie of the Year honours.
Source: www.nba.comMVP and Defensive Player of the Year
Jordan combined the league MVP award with Defensive Player of the Year.
Source: www.nba.comFirst NBA championship
The Bulls defeated the Lakers, beginning their championship era.
Source: www.nba.comDream Team gold
Jordan joined the celebrated U.S. Olympic Dream Team.
Source: www.nba.comFirst three-peat
Chicago won a third consecutive NBA title.
Source: www.nba.comFirst retirement
Jordan stepped away from basketball and pursued professional baseball.
Source: www.nba.com“I’m back”
A two-word announcement marked his return to the Bulls.
Source: www.nba.comChampionship return
A 72-win Bulls season ended with another NBA title.
Source: www.nba.comThe Flu Game
Jordan’s determined Finals performance became one of basketball’s enduring stories.
Source: www.nba.comThe Last Shot
Jordan’s late jumper secured his sixth championship with Chicago.
Source: www.nba.comReturns with Washington
Jordan returned to play two final NBA seasons with the Wizards.
Source: www.nba.comBasketball Hall of Fame
Jordan entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Source: www.nba.comJoins NBA on NBC
NBC Sports announced that Jordan would become a special contributor when NBA coverage returned to NBC and Peacock for the 2025–26 season.
Why it matters: The role brought his perspective back into current NBA coverage in a new broadcasting capacity.
Source: www.nbcsports.comJoins NBA on NBC as a special contributor
NBC Sports announced that Jordan would contribute when NBA coverage returned to NBC and Peacock for the 2025–26 season.
Connected: Basketball
Source: www.nbcsports.comExplore related timelines
This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Michael Jordan or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Joshua Massel / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answers
About the Michael Jordan timeline
Who is Michael Jordan?
From North Carolina and an iconic college shot to the Chicago Bulls dynasty, Olympic gold and worldwide cultural influence.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1963–.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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