One of the NBA’s all-time greats, Michael Jordan’s legendary career spanned 15 seasons in the league. In perhaps the most iconic epic of an out-and-out champion, MJ won everything there was with the Chicago Bulls. During his gilded career, Michael Jordan retired twice – in 1993 and then in 1999 – before finally hanging up his boots in 2003.
Across his fifteen seasons in the NBA, Jordan won six Championships with the Chicago Bulls – all as Finals MVPs. To have done so in two iconic three-peat, from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998, is another incredible feat in itself.
Michael Jordan had an exceptionally consistent career, where he missed only 7 games except his injury season during his 12-year stint with the Bulls. So exactly why had Michael Jordan retired twice before finally bowing out in 2003, and how old was he then?
How old was Michael Jordan when he retired?
Michael Jordan took an abrupt retirement from basketball in 1993 when he was only 30 years old. Just prior to his retirement, Jordan had just completed his three-peat of NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls.
He then went on to play minor league baseball for about a year until making his iconic return for the Bulls in 1995. MJ then went on to win another legendary three-peat of titles with the Bulls, cementing his legacy as arguably the greatest ever.
Jordan retired from professional basketball for the second time in 1999 at the age of 36. However, MJ’s story had not yet drawn the curtains as he returned in 2001 for a short stint with the Washington Wizards. Finally, Michael Jordan took his last bow from professional basketball at the age of 40 in 2003.
Why did Michael Jordan retire?
Michael Jordan’s first retirement came in 1993 when the player said he lacked the motivation to continue playing. His father’s tragic murder had also affected MJ deeply.
Having won a three-peat of NBA titles by that time, Jordan decided to play minor league baseball for the Birmingham Baron. He made his return for the Bulls in March 1995 and went on to write the remaining epic.
After winning six titles with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan retired for the second time in 1999. Although many believed it was HC Phil Jackson‘s departure that had prompted MJ to quit his stint with the Bulls, Jordan insisted it was due to his lack of drive to continue and his desire to spend time with his beloved ones.
But Jordan’s love for basketball called him back to the court in 2001, and the NBA legend played a short stint with the Washington Wizards, where he appeared in all 82 games in the 2002-2003 season at the late age of 40. MJ hung up his jersey for the final time in March 2003, drawing the curtains to his legendary career.
Michael Jordan Post Retirement
Following his retirement, Michael Jordan has been involved with numerous business and sporting projects over the years. His partnership with Nike that launched Air Jordan remains one of the most popular sporting brands even today.
The first ever NBA legend to have gained billionaire status, MJ has evolved into a global icon and an inspiration to generations of aspiring basketball players. He has invested and partnered with various renowned brands and projects even years after retirement.
Jordan now lives with his wife, Yvette Prieto, and their twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel, in Jupiter, Florida.
FAQs
Q. Which team was Michael Jordan playing for when he finally retired from the NBA?
Michael Jordan was playing for the Washington Wizards when he finally retired from the NBA.
Q. When did Michael Jordan retire for the first time?
Michael Jordan retired in 1993 for the first time after winning his first three-peat of Championships with the Bulls.
Q. When did Michael Jordan finally retire from the NBA?
Michael Jordan finally retired from the NBA at the age of 40 in 2003.