Top 50 Unknown and Interesting Facts About Michael Jordan
Top 50 Unknown and Interesting Facts About Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan, a former professional basketball player and American businessman, goes by his initials MJ. Between 1984 and 2003, he participated in 15 seasons of professional basketball and won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls. In the 1980s and 1990s, he played a significant role in the global popularization of basketball and the NBA, becoming as a cultural icon. “By acclamation, Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time.”
In this blog, we’ll explore 50 unknown and interesting facts about the legend himself, Michael Jordan.
1. Jordan Wasn’t Always the Best Basketball Player in His Family
Despite being known as one of the best basketball players ever, Michael Jordan wasn’t always the best player in his household. His older brother, Larry, often beat him in one-on-one games during their youth, pushing Michael to improve.
2. He Was Cut From His High School Varsity Team
In one of the most famous stories from Jordan’s youth, he was cut from the varsity basketball team during his sophomore year at Laney High School. The decision fueled his determination to improve and become a better player.
3. Jordan’s Middle Name is “Jeffrey”
Michael Jordan’s full name is Michael Jeffrey Jordan. Many fans are unaware of his middle name, but it’s been a part of his public identity for years.
4. He Originally Wanted to Play Baseball
Growing up, Jordan had a deep love for baseball. In fact, he considered pursuing a professional career in the sport before fully dedicating himself to basketball.
5. His Number Was 45 Before It Was 23
While most fans associate Jordan with the number 23, he originally wore the number 45 in high school. He chose 23 because it was roughly half of 45, which was his brother Larry’s number.
6. He Has Five Children
Jordan is a father to five children: Jeffrey, Marcus, Jasmine, and twin daughters Victoria and Ysabel, born in 2014.
7. He Won Two Olympic Gold Medals
Michael Jordan has two Olympic gold medals. The first came in 1984 as an amateur, and the second in 1992 as part of the legendary “Dream Team.”
8. He Scored 32,292 Points in His Career
Over his 15-year NBA career, Jordan scored 32,292 points, placing him fifth on the all-time scoring list at the time of his retirement.
9. He Has an Estimated Net Worth of Over $2 Billion
In addition to his basketball earnings, Jordan made significant money through endorsement deals, especially with Nike. He became the first NBA player to become a billionaire.
10. He Tried His Hand at Baseball
In 1993, following the tragic death of his father, Jordan retired from basketball and pursued a career in Major League Baseball. He played for the Birmingham Barons, a minor league team.
11. He Earned More From Endorsements Than His NBA Salary
Jordan’s salary in the NBA was significant, but he earned much more through endorsements, especially his deal with Nike, which led to the creation of the Air Jordan brand.
12. He Once Played a Game With the Flu
One of Jordan’s most iconic moments was his “Flu Game” in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals. Despite being extremely ill, Jordan scored 38 points, leading the Bulls to victory.
13. He Had a Close Relationship With His Father
Michael Jordan was extremely close to his father, James Jordan Sr. His father was a significant influence in his life and career, and his tragic murder in 1993 deeply affected MJ.
14. Jordan’s First Love Was Baseball
Before he became a basketball icon, Jordan’s first love was baseball. He played as a pitcher and outfielder during his childhood and even considered a career in the sport.
15. He is the Majority Owner of the Charlotte Hornets
In 2010, Jordan became the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, making him the first former NBA player to own a team.
16. He Donated His 1995-96 Salary to Charity
When Jordan returned to the NBA in 1995, he donated his entire $1 million salary for the 1995-96 season to various charitable causes.
17. Jordan Grew Six Inches Over One Summer
Michael Jordan experienced a significant growth spurt during his sophomore year in high school, growing from 5’10” to 6’4″, which helped him excel in basketball.
18. He Has a Phobia of Water
Michael Jordan developed a fear of water after witnessing a close friend drown. Despite owning a yacht and enjoying water sports, he’s admitted to being uncomfortable around deep water.
19. He Played Golf With Tiger Woods
Jordan is an avid golfer and has played with some of the world’s best, including Tiger Woods. He has said that if he weren’t a basketball player, he would have pursued golf professionally.
20. His First Contract Was Worth $6 Million
Jordan signed his first NBA contract with the Chicago Bulls for $6 million over seven years, a modest amount compared to today’s NBA contracts.
21. He Wore His College Shorts Under His NBA Uniform
Jordan had a superstition of wearing his University of North Carolina shorts underneath his NBA uniform for good luck throughout his career.
22. He Has a Famous Love for Cigars
Jordan is known for his love of cigars, a habit he picked up during his NBA career. He often smoked them before and after games, and he continues to enjoy them today.
23. He’s a Member of the Famed “Dream Team”
The 1992 U.S. Olympic basketball team, known as the “Dream Team,” is considered one of the greatest teams ever assembled, featuring legends like Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird.
24. His Air Jordan Sneakers Revolutionized the Industry
When Nike signed Jordan to create the Air Jordan line in 1984, it changed the athletic shoe industry forever. The Air Jordan brand is still one of the most popular and lucrative shoe lines today.
25. He Has a Mansion That He Can’t Sell
Jordan has struggled to sell his massive Chicago-area mansion, which has been on the market for years. The 56,000-square-foot property is filled with customized features, including a full-size basketball court.
26. Jordan Was a One-Time Professional Gambler
MJ is known for his competitive nature, which extends beyond the basketball court. He’s a frequent gambler, often betting large sums on golf and card games with friends.
27. His Competitive Nature Was Legendary
Jordan’s drive to win was relentless. Whether it was basketball, golf, or even playing cards, Jordan hated to lose and would go to extreme lengths to secure victory.
28. He Was Rookie of the Year in 1985
Jordan made an immediate impact in the NBA, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1985 after averaging 28.2 points per game.
29. He Appeared on the Cover of Sports Illustrated 50 Times
Jordan has been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated more than 50 times, making him one of the most covered athletes in the magazine’s history.
30. He Once Scored 69 Points in a Single Game
On March 28, 1990, Jordan scored a career-high 69 points in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, further cementing his reputation as one of the game’s greatest scorers.
31. Jordan Won the NBA Dunk Contest Twice
Jordan’s high-flying dunks are iconic. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest twice, in 1987 and 1988, with his famous free-throw line dunk becoming an unforgettable moment.
32. He Has His Own Private Golf Course
In addition to his passion for golf, Jordan built his own private golf course in Florida, called “The Grove XXIII,” which caters to his high-profile friends and fellow athletes.
33. He Was the Face of Wheaties for Years
Jordan was the face of Wheaties cereal for many years, appearing on the box more times than any other athlete.
34. He Almost Played for the New York Knicks
In the summer of 1996, Jordan was a free agent, and the New York Knicks came close to signing him. However, he ultimately re-signed with the Chicago Bulls.
35. Jordan Once Tried to Buy the Milwaukee Bucks
Before purchasing the Charlotte Hornets, Jordan made an attempt to buy the Milwaukee Bucks but was outbid by Herb Kohl, the team’s former owner.
36. He Was Inducted Into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009
Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, a fitting recognition of his legendary career.
37. Jordan Is an Avid Fisherman
In addition to his love for golf, Jordan enjoys fishing. He frequently participates in fishing tournaments and has caught some massive marlins over the years.
38. His Nickname “Black Cat”
While “His Airness” and “MJ” are the more popular nicknames, Jordan was also called the “Black Cat” by many of his NBA peers due to his stealthy and dominant playing style.
39. Jordan’s Defensive Skills Were Underrated
While known for his scoring prowess, Jordan was also an elite defender. He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1988 and was a nine-time All-Defensive First Team selection.
40. He Had a Cameo in a Rap Song
Jordan made a brief cameo in the music video for the song “Jam” by Michael Jackson, further highlighting his crossover appeal in pop culture.
41. His Favorite Sneakers Are the Air Jordan 11s
Of all the Air Jordans he wore, Jordan has stated that the Air Jordan 11s, which debuted in 1995, are his personal favorite.
42. He Owns Several Restaurants
Jordan is a successful businessman off the court and owns several high-end restaurants, including Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
43. Jordan’s Pre-Game Ritual Included Listening to Music
Before games, Jordan would listen to music to get himself mentally prepared. His pre-game playlist included artists like Anita Baker and the Isley Brothers.
44. He Was Close Friends With Charles Barkley
Jordan and fellow NBA star Charles Barkley were very close friends for many years, though their relationship became strained later in life due to personal differences.
45. His Shoes Are the Most Counterfeited
Air Jordans are among the most popular shoes in the world, and they are also the most counterfeited. Jordan’s brand has fought numerous legal battles against counterfeiters over the years.
46. He Is a Philanthropist
Jordan has donated millions to various charitable causes over the years, including $100 million pledged in 2020 to combat racial inequality.
47. His Hands Are Enormous
Jordan’s hands are famously large, measuring 9.75 inches from palm to fingertip. This gave him an advantage in controlling the basketball, especially during dunks.
48. He Turned Down a Role in “Space Jam 2”
Despite his starring role in the original Space Jam movie, Jordan turned down a cameo role in Space Jam 2, which was led by LeBron James.
49. He Once Played in a Pickup Game With High Schoolers
Even after his retirement, Jordan’s love for the game is evident. He once surprised a group of high schoolers by joining their pickup game, showing he still had some basketball left in him.
50. Jordan Changed the NBA Dress Code
Jordan was known for his impeccable style off the court. His influence led to a shift in the NBA’s dress code, with players opting for more formal attire during public appearances.
