The Michael Jordan name symbolizes greatness in the NBA. Leading his team to six championship wins and earning numerous accolades, Jordan garnered much success as a professional athlete. For most of his life, His Airness has credited part of his success to his ‘partners in crime’ i.e. his siblings. Growing up amongst them, MJ was able to form a competitive nature that led him to becoming the man who he is today.
Today, we trace the lives of those people who have the privilege of calling the NBA legend their Brother. And of course, the woman that drove them to success.
Michael Jordan’s mother wanted her children to excel
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MJ was the fourth child of James Jordan and his wife, Deloris. He has two older brothers, James Jr and Larry and an elder sister named after Deloris herself. Jordan’s younger sister, Roslyn, was barely a year younger than him. While Michael and Larry were the only ones in the family who were true athletes, the other Jordans’ had their own interests.
Deloris Jordan saw the potential that her children held. She made it her mission to ensure that she supported them, no matter what.
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“I always told my children, ‘Each one of you has special gifts, it’s how you use them,’” said Deloris during an interview with ESPN. “Each one had a talent, but how they approached it was different from the others.”
James Jr devoted 31 years of his life to the Armed Forces
James Jr is the name that was bestowed upon the first born child of MJ’s parents.
Despite not having an inclination for sports, he held a sense of admiration and respect for the armed forces. Just two days after graduating from high school, Michael’s eldest brother proceeded to enlist himself in the army.
Notably, MJ’s dad James R. Jordan Sr. enlisted in the Air Force upon graduation too.
James Jr, more commonly known as Ronnie, went on to serve in the United States Army for 31 years. He hung up his uniform and officially retired from the Armed Forces in 2006.
During the ceremony held in his honor, every other family member except the Chicago Bulls legend was present. Later, it was revealed that MJ chose to stay back and arrive only on the second day in compliance of his mother’s wishes.
“I wanted Ronnie to have his day,” said Deloris during an interview with ESPN.
Larry Jordan helped MJ to become a competitive player
Larry is the second eldest brother of Michael Jordan. When talking about his inspiration whilst growing up, Mike kept bringing up Larry’s name.Surprisingly, growing up, friends and family used to consider Larry to be the better athlete.
MJ was not disheartened by the fact that his brother may be a better player than him. Instead, it further fueled him to hone his skills. During a segment on ‘The Last Dance’, Jordan credited his brother for bringing out his competitive side.
“I don’t think from a competitive standpoint I would be here without the confrontations with my brother (Larry),” said Jordan during the documentary. “When you come to blows with someone you absolutely love, that’s igniting every fire within you. And I always felt I was fighting Larry for my father’s attention.”
Larry spend his college days at the University of North Carolina playing for their basketball team. He then proceeded to make his mark at the professional level through the World Basketball League.
During an interview with ESPN, Larry stated that he was never bothered that his younger brother was the one who achieved worldwide fame through basketball. For him, the opportunity to see MJ grow was enough.
Larry’s son, Justin, has proceeded to follow in his father’s footsteps. After playing at the NCAA Division I, Justin has proceeded to make his mark in the Charlotte Hornets, the team which was owned by his unclefor over 13 years.
Deloris E. Jordan found her passion in real estate and writing
Michael’s older sister, Deloris E. Jordan, shares the same name as her mother. Her first book, “In My Family’s Shadow,” highlighted her struggle in growing up in a family that had their share of talent, as well as struggles.
Asides from being a writer and inspirational speaker, Deloris E has ties with a couple of nonprofit organizations. She continues to work on her 28-year-long career with real estate and establish herself as a pioneer in her chosen field.
“I want people to remember me as an advocate for the underdog and a leader who is not afraid to follow,” said Deloris E. during an interview with Hustle Mama Magazine.
Being a single grandmother to over five children, Deloris claims to be living her “best life ever, mentally!”
Roslyn Jordan finished her education before her elder brother
The youngest member of the Jordan family, Roslyn found her talent and passion in writing.
Using her skills in the best of manner, Roslyn went on to publish three children’s books, with two of them being about her brother. Jordan once recalled how his sister used to take extra classes during their younger days.
This enabled her to not only finish high school the same year as Michael, it also allowed her to finish her course at the University of North Carolina before him.
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Michael Jordan thanked his siblings for starting the fire in him
Even after so many years, Michael Jordan has continued to build up a wholesome relationship with his siblings.
In 2009, MJ was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Three of his siblings were present during the prestigious ceremony. Jordan took the opportunity to thank them for all the things they did or contributed to place him on that stage. Marking each of their individual contributions, Jordan provided credit where it was due.
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“They started the fire in me,” said Jordan during the ceremony.
