Source: Wikipedia
Acclaimed as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jeffrey Jordan, fondly referred to as MJ or more aptly “Air Jordan,” is a former professional basketball player, businessman, and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets.
As a basketball player, Micheal Jordan single-handedly redefined the NBA superstar, his influence on the game setting an unmatched blueprint of excellence and phenomenal athleticism of fundamental soundness, an unquenchable competitive spirit, grace, power, speed, artistry and improvisational ability.
Jordan made his NBA debut as a rookie sensation with an unmatchable first step and acrobatic drives and dunks earmarking his career as an icon. His long and successful career saw him become a true champion who led the globalization of the NBA with his unique on-court abilities and personal sense of style that was marketed to the masses.
He won several accolades for his accomplishment, including Rookie of the Year, Five-time NBA MVP, six-time NBA Finals MVP, six-time NBA champion, Ten-time All-NBA First Team, Defensive Player of the Year Nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team, 14-time NBA All-Star, Three-time NBA All-Star MV and many more.
However, his impact was far more significant than championships. He was a superstar who managed an air of mystique as one of the most marketed sports figures in history. He had several endorsements with major brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, Gatorade, McDonald’s, Ball Park Franks, Rayovac, and Wheaties. In 1984, Nike created a brand signature shoe for Jordan, called the Air Jordan. The advertising commercial of the shoes purported that the shoes were the source of the Jordans extraordinary abilities causing a surge in sales and an even higher rate of ‘sneakers stealing where people were robbed of their shoes at gunpoint.
Besides his professional skills, Jordan’s style also played a huge part in revolutionizing the basketball game. The basketball player was notorious for sticking his tongue out of his mouth as he moved on the court or made a dunk – a habit he picked up from watching his father working. He also wore longer game shorts and explained that the extra length gave him more room to maneuver and tug at the hem for a good resting position, thereby starting the trend of baggy shorts that the entire league would follow.
In 1992, Jordan briefly retired following the murder of his father during a robbery. He reappeared later to compete in major league baseball for one season. In 1995, he returned to basketball stronger and better, averaging 30.4 points per game and led the Chicago Bulls to a victory against the Seattle SuperSonics for the NBA championship.
In 1999, the champion again retired and joined the Washington Wizard as part-owner and president of basketball operations. In 2003, Jordan hung his sneakers up for good and retired from the game. Since his retirement, Jordan became a successful businessman and was estimated to be worth over $1 billion by force between his Nike partnership and his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets.
Learn more about Michael Jordan by visiting his official website.
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