Michael Jordan, The GOAT of the NBA and a True Inspiration off the Court
Photo by Fredrick Lee on Unsplash
The first Jordan sneaker
Photo by: HI 622, CC BY-SA 4.0 Michael Jordan is one of the most well known athletes in the world. He has achieved a level of greatness that many NBA athletes today work hard to emulate. Jordan set such a high bar in his career. He was born to Deloris and James R. Jordan, Sr., February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. At a young age, his parents relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina. Michael Jordan attended University of North Carolina, and that is where his rise to greatness began. In his junior year in college he was the 3rd overall pick and landed with the Chicago Bulls. His career with the Bulls was historic. It was at this time in his career that he changed the game. His high flying dunks and scoring records were unbelievable. He was recognized around the world for his great athleticism. In 1984, Jordan entered into a five year sneaker deal with Nike for $2.5 million. The Jordan brand sneaker by Nike took off like a rocket. I remember long, long lines at the stores of people trying to get the chance to buy his new sneakers. Jordan's sneakers made $126 million dollars in one year. Jordan's brand expanded to apparel as well making him one of the wealthiest athletes at that time. Michael Jordan's brand sneakers and apparel are still popular today. When Michael Jordan retired in 2003, NBA states some of his accomplishments include:
Michael Jordan continues to be an Inspiration
In 2019, Michael Jordan partnered with Novant Health, and opened 2 health clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina, for people that are uninsured and can't afford healthcare. In May, 2024, Michael Jordan, partnering with Novant Health opened a third healthcare clinic in Wilmington, North Carolina. On February 19, 2025, Jordan opened the fourth healthcare clinic, also in Wilmington, North Carolina. Healthcare in this country is unaffordable for so many people. This hits close to my home for me because my sister passed away from a heart condition because she couldn't afford the healthcare and medicine she needed. My sister was also from Charlotte. These clinics didn't come in time enough to save my sister, but I am so grateful to Michael Jordan for making an effort to save so many other lives. Michael Jordan is truly making a difference in the lives of people that need healthcare, but just can't afford it. It is so refreshing to see someone of his greatness and wealth caring enough to reach out and help others that are less fortunate. According to Black Enterprise, a statement from Jordan says "Everyone is worthy of access to quality healthcare, no matter where you live or if you have insurance,” said Michael Jordan in a written statement. Michael Jordan has also contributed to the Make a Wish Foundation, and has granted 30 wishes. He founded the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club in Chicago in honor of his late father. Jordan has also contributed millions of dollars to various charitable organizations. Michael Jordan has proven to be a true inspiration and champion on and off the basketball court.
Sources:
NBA
https://www.nba.com/news/history-nba-legend-michael-jordan
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Jordan#:~:text=On%20October%2026%2C%201984%2C%20Michael,$126%20million%20in%20one%20year.
MSN
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/michael-jordan-opens-fourth-health-clinic-for-uninsured-patients-in-north-carolina/ar-AA1zCVW1?ocid=U147GDHP&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1
Black Enterprise
https://www.blackenterprise.com/michael-jordan-third-medical-clinic/
- Rookie of the year
- 5x NBA MVP
- 6x NBA Champion
- 6x NBA Finals MVP
- 14x NBA All-Star
- Won four Gold Medals
Michael Jordan continues to be an Inspiration
In 2019, Michael Jordan partnered with Novant Health, and opened 2 health clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina, for people that are uninsured and can't afford healthcare. In May, 2024, Michael Jordan, partnering with Novant Health opened a third healthcare clinic in Wilmington, North Carolina. On February 19, 2025, Jordan opened the fourth healthcare clinic, also in Wilmington, North Carolina. Healthcare in this country is unaffordable for so many people. This hits close to my home for me because my sister passed away from a heart condition because she couldn't afford the healthcare and medicine she needed. My sister was also from Charlotte. These clinics didn't come in time enough to save my sister, but I am so grateful to Michael Jordan for making an effort to save so many other lives. Michael Jordan is truly making a difference in the lives of people that need healthcare, but just can't afford it. It is so refreshing to see someone of his greatness and wealth caring enough to reach out and help others that are less fortunate. According to Black Enterprise, a statement from Jordan says "Everyone is worthy of access to quality healthcare, no matter where you live or if you have insurance,” said Michael Jordan in a written statement. Michael Jordan has also contributed to the Make a Wish Foundation, and has granted 30 wishes. He founded the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club in Chicago in honor of his late father. Jordan has also contributed millions of dollars to various charitable organizations. Michael Jordan has proven to be a true inspiration and champion on and off the basketball court.
Sources:
NBA
https://www.nba.com/news/history-nba-legend-michael-jordan
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Jordan#:~:text=On%20October%2026%2C%201984%2C%20Michael,$126%20million%20in%20one%20year.
MSN
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/michael-jordan-opens-fourth-health-clinic-for-uninsured-patients-in-north-carolina/ar-AA1zCVW1?ocid=U147GDHP&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1
Black Enterprise
https://www.blackenterprise.com/michael-jordan-third-medical-clinic/
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