Michael Jordan's celebrity has transcended the sport that he became famous for playing and in which he was so magically adept. Not only was he the most important basketball player of his era but he remains the most celebrated hoops star in history and one of the most famous athletes of all times. After attending the University of North Carolina, he starred for the Chicago Bulls from 1984 through 1999, leading them to six National Basketball Association (NBA; see entry under 1940s—Sports and Games in volume 3) championships and winning five Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards.

Jordan is fabled as much for his graceful leaping ability, all-around physical dexterity, sharpness and intelligence, and fierce desire to win as for any of his scoring titles or MVP trophies. Additionally, in an era in which athletes were becoming increasingly controversial in the public eye for their greed and...