Michael Jordan

A hero is an individual who is admired for his qualities or achievements, and one who is perceived as a role model. Today, our view of heroes is slightly warped, with the idea that the few who are heroes are near perfect role models that possess supernatural abilities. However, there are certain individuals who do not necessarily fit within these supernatural requirements but can still be considered heroes. These heroes do not have extraordinary strength, invincibility or the ability to run 2,532 miles per hour. These people are indeed ordinary and can remain unnoticed every day. However hidden these heroes may be, they help others succeed because they find pleasure in their neighbor’s success and not from their own. These heroes recognize that the value of each person is equal and should not be diminished due to their flaws. Heroes are honorable figures who do what is right at all times and do not alter their image to receive acceptance. Ultimately, true heroes fight for others, not themselves, and do not get beaten down by the predicaments society is filled with.

“I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” -Michael Jordan. This quote reveals the persistent mentality that Michael Jordan possesses. This level of determination has been a part of Jordan’s exceptional characteristics since he was a child. Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, United States. He devoted almost all of his time to sports, primarily basketball. His father did not approve of his total devotion to sports, as Jordan did not put the same effort into academics. However, Jordan’s basketball career was not a smooth and easy road. At his high school, he was cut from the basketball team both freshman and sophomore years, as his skill level was not developed enough to match those of his teammates. While this was significant “failure” for Jordan, it was beneficial for his career because it taught him what disappointment felt like. He knew he never wanted to experience that again and developed a strong mindset to make sure of his success. According to NBA.com, “His top accomplishments would include the following: Rookie of the Year; Five-time NBA MVP; Six-time NBA champion; Six-time NBA Finals MVP; Ten-time All-NBA First Team; Nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team; Defensive Player of the Year; 14-time NBA All-Star; Three-time NBA All-Star MVP; 50th Anniversary All-Time Team; Ten scoring titles -- an NBA record and seven consecutive matching Wilt Chamberlain; Retired with the NBA's highest scoring average of 30.1ppg; Hall of Fame inductee.” In order to earn these titles, Jordan had to make use of his persistent qualities to succeed on the court. He trained hard and devoted his blood, sweat, and tears to the sport he loved and was paid with success. Jordan received a multitude of awards, which include several NBA titles, MVP titles, All-Star titles, and many more, but it has not affected his humility and his humble personality, as his success was earned with his hard work.

Michael Jordan - Laney High School 1980 - 02https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Michael_Jordan_-_Laney_High_School_1980_-_02.jpgMichael Jordan demonstrates determination throughout his career and lifestyle, and serves as a role model for others who have a dream of similar success. Basketball star Michael Jordan began his career with a difficult start when he “did not make the high school basketball team as a sophomore in his native Wilmington, North Carolina, but did make the team as a junior. After high school, he accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina” ("Michael Jordan." Encyclopedia of World Biography Online). Although Michael Jordan did not make the basketball team as a freshman or sophomore, he used that negative energy to power him forward and succeed. He persevered and grew as a junior, both physically and mentally, and eventually made the team, which was the first seed of his blossoming basketball career. Jordan’s parents did not believe that he had a chance to play college basketball, or take his interests any further. However, this did not stop Michael, as he went “against his parents' wishes [and] decided to go professional in 1984. The Bulls were limping through a decade of lackluster performance and were searching for an athlete who could galvanize the team as a player and a leader. Jordan fit the bill perfectly” ("Michael Jordan." Contemporary Black Biography). Jordan went against his parents' suggestions and decided to pursue his basketball career. While this was a risky decision at first, he persevered and proved himself worthy after increasing the Chicago Bull’s success. Although Jordan did not make the basketball team for his first two years in high school, or obey his parents, his perseverance proved himself worthy on and off of the court.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Michael Jordan, former basketball star and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, talk at the National Basketball Association's boardhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Army_Gen._Martin_E._Dempsey,_chairman_of_the_Joint_Chiefs_of_Staff,_and_Michael_Jordan,_former_basketball_star_and_majority_owner_of_the_Charlotte_Bobcats,_talk_at_the_National_Basketball_Association%27s_board_140417-D-VO565-002c.jpg Jordan continuously demonstrates his generosity with his many donations and actions to benefit the lives of those in need. Michael Jordan donated nearly “$7 million to launch medical clinics that he hopes will help at-risk communities in Charlotte. It's the largest philanthropic donation ever by the former NBA champion” (Maloney). Michael Jordan donated the most money in NBA history to a medical clinic in his hometown. Not only does Michael care about himself, but he cares about others, as well as his community that he grew up in. Not only did Jordan donate to the medical clinics in Charlotte, but he also donated “$5 million to support Washington D.C.'s Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture” (Neuharth-Keusch). Jordan’s gift was used towards the education of African Americans in sports. He hopes that with the money used, the sports gallery can celebrate the impact that African Americans have on sports. Lastly, “he decided to donate his entire Wizards salary to the recovery effort and the victims of the attacks. For someone worth hundreds of millions, this wasn’t a tremendous financial sacrifice. It was the sports equivalent of Oprah handing out TVs to her audience. But it was the thought and the gesture, extended during a sensitive time, that counted” (Staff, Basketball Forever). During the rough times of 9/11, Michael Jordan knew he had to help in any way possible. Some say that it is not the item given or amount of money donated, but is the thought that matters. However, Jordan accomplished both when he donated his entire Wizards salary to help aid others who were victims of the attacks.

Michael Jordan Accomplishmentshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Michael_Jordan_Accomplishments.jpgJordan earned his success through his grit and determination to succeed, despite the failures he continued to encounter. His success was proven when "he had accomplished: three consecutive NBA titles, three regular season MVP awards, three playoff MVP titles, member of the All-Star team every year that he was in the league, and seven consecutive scoring titles. In just nine seasons he had become the Bulls all-time scoring leader” ("Michael Jordan." Encyclopedia of World Biography Online). While one could talk for hours about Michael Jordan’s accomplishments, these are just his significant events that happened before he switched over to play Major League Baseball. Jordan not only dominated the NBA, "but also he managed to lead the first-ever U.S. Olympic men's basketball team manned by professionals. The "Dream Team" easily grabbed the Gold Medal in the 1992 Olympic Games--just weeks after Jordan's Bulls had won a second NBA championship” ("Michael Jordan." Contemporary Black Biography). Besides carrying his team to victory in the NBA, he also succeeded in the Olympics. He utilized his leadership skills and hard-working attitude throughout his career to earn his success. “Regarded by most as the NBA's greatest all-time player, Michael Jordan won six titles with the Chicago Bulls ... His total playing salary during his career totaled $90 million, but he has earned another $1.4 billion (pre-tax) from corporate partners” (“Michael Jordan.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine). While money and fame do not define the importance of a person, Michael Jordan proves successful with the highest net worth in all of sports history. He also proves to be successful with his several NBA titles, Olympic titles, and flourishing success in business and economics. He can be used as a role model for anyone with a dream, that hard work and dedication can bring success, despite your origins.

 Michael Jordan demonstrates determination, generosity, and success throughout his career and lifestyle, and serves as a hero for others who have a dream. He inspires others to follow their dreams, regardless of their background. While he is a very successful athlete, he continues to stay humble and demonstrates his caring and generosity for those who have not yet earned success for themselves. Not only does Jordan help people in need, but he also inspires others to continue during dark times and never give up even when all seems lost. He teaches us that it does not matter where one comes from, if one works hard for success, they will someday find it for themselves. Basketball legend Michael Jordan demonstrates the characteristics of perseverance, compassion, and success that define him as a human being. He is used as an inspiration for anyone with a dream and demonstrates to the world that hard work does indeed lead to success.

"Michael Jordan." Contemporary Black Biography, vol. 21, Gale, 1999. Biography In Context,    

https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1606001361/BIC?u=powa9245&sid=BIC&xid=b9b09487.

"Michael Jordan." Encyclopedia of World Biography Online, Gale, 1998. Student Resources In

Context,https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1631003449/SUIC?u=powa9245&sid=SUIC&xid=f23faabf.

“Michael Jordan.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, www.forbes.com/profile/michael-jordan/#d4bae392d83c.

Maloney, Jack. “Michael Jordan Makes Largest Philanthropic Donation Ever to Fund Clinics in Charlotte.”

CBSSports.com,9,Oct.2017,www.cbssports.com/nba/news/michael-jordan-makes-largest-philanthropic-donation-ever-to-fund-clinics-in-charlotte/.

Neuharth-Keusch, AJ. “Michael Jordan to Donate $5M to African American History and Culture Museum.”

USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 10 Aug. 2016, www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2016/08/09/michael-jordan-donates-african-american-history-and-culture-museum/88459824/.