Michael Jordan's Quote of the Day: 'If you do the work, you get rewarded…'

Michael Jordan, born in Brooklyn in 1963, stands as a towering figure in basketball history. His career boasts six NBA championships and two Olympic gold medals, solidifying his place among the sport's elite.

Born Michael Jeffrey Jordan on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, he was the fourth of five children to James and Deloris Jordan. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina. James worked as a mechanic, while Deloris was a bank teller. Jordan's six NBA titles were all won with the Chicago Bulls.

Jordan's passion for sports ignited early, initially focusing on baseball. He enjoyed playing catch with his father, a baseball enthusiast. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. he eventually gravitated towards basketball, inspired by his older brother, Larry. He pursued basketball relentlessly from that point forward.

Despite his future stardom, Jordan faced challenges early on. As a sophomore at Laney High School, he was cut from the varsity basketball team due to being undersized and lacking refinement. Determined to improve, he dedicated himself to intense training during the following summer. This hard work paid off handsomely. He grew four inches and excelled in his final two years, averaging 25 points per game and earning a selection to the McDonald's All-American team. Tragedy struck Jordan's life in 1993 with the murder of his father, leading to a temporary retirement from basketball.