Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in sports history. Born on February 17, 1963, in Wilmington, North Carolina, he rose to prominence during his college years at the University of North Carolina, where he won the NCAA championship in 1982 with a game-winning shot. Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984 and quickly became a dominant force in the NBA, known for his exceptional scoring ability and competitive drive.
Throughout his career, Jordan accumulated numerous accolades, including six NBA championships, six NBA Finals MVP awards, and five NBA MVP awards. He holds the records for the highest career regular-season scoring average (30.1 points per game) and playoff scoring average (33.4 points per game). Jordan was also a key figure in the 1992 "Dream Team," which won Olympic gold in Barcelona. His success extended beyond basketball; he became a global brand ambassador, notably with Nike's Air Jordan sneakers, which remain incredibly popular.
Following his retirement from basketball, Jordan transitioned into business, becoming part-owner and head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Hornets (then the Bobcats) in 2006. He increased his stake to a majority in 2010 but sold it in 2023. Jordan is also a co-owner of 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. In 2014, he became the first NBA player to reach billionaire status. His influence extends to media, with appearances in films like *Space Jam* and the documentary series *The Last Dance*. In 2016, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Despite selling his majority stake in the Hornets, Jordan remains a prominent figure in sports and business, celebrated for his enduring legacy in basketball and beyond.