Michael Jordan Siblings: The Silent 4 Partners in Building a Legacy
Michael Jordan became the basketball GOAT, but his fame was key to making him a legend. He was the fourth of five kids born to James and Deloris Jordan. Michael Jordan siblings were older brothers Larry and James Jr. (called Ronnie), older sister Deloris, and younger sister Roslyn.
Growing up mainly on their family’s five-acre property in Wilmington, North Carolina, the Jordan kids were super competitive, especially MJ and Larry who were closest in age. Their backyard was the arena for nonstop sports battles in hoops, baseball, and football. Michael says going up against Larry made him hungry to be the greatest.
Ballin’ against his bro lit a fire under MJ. It pushed him to practice hard, get his skills up, and drive him to be the MVP. That competitive energy from his family led MJ to win 6 NBA championships, 5 MVP awards, and get voted into the Hall of Fame.
Michael Jordan had his family’s support from moving to North Carolina to dominating high school ball. But the sibling rivalry, mostly with Larry, shaped MJ into the GOAT. It gave him the grit to keep pushing and strive to be the best ever.
MJ’s epic career shows how competing with his sisters and bro in their backyard games molded him into a legend. The Jordan family was tight and always challenged each other. For Michael, those battles were the start of his journey to hoop immortality.
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Michael Jordan Siblings
Larry Jordan
Michael Jordan’s older brother, Larry, was key to making him the legend he became. Born in ’62, Larry was the athletic star in their house at first. He showed mad skills that often outshone young Michael’s game. Their dad, James Sr., saw Larry’s talent too, fueling their sibling rivalry.
The competition between Michael and Larry wasn’t just brotherly – they intensely wanted their dad’s attention and praise. They battled hard in their Wilmington backyard, playing hoops or baseball until one brother dominated. As Larry said, their games got so heated they’d end up fighting!
Michael was driven to outplay Larry, especially after not making varsity sophomore year. Practicing nonstop, Michael grew taller, got better, and soon surpassed Larry’s skills. Though Michael became the superior player, Larry didn’t resent his success. He respected his bro’s hard work and was happy to watch Michael’s rise.
Larry had his basketball highlights too. He played college ball at North Carolina A&T and in the World Basketball League. But unlike Michael, Larry didn’t go pro. He built a business career and eventually worked for the Charlotte Bobcats.
Michael credits Larry for molding him into a champion. Trying to outdo Larry gave Michael the relentless drive that made him a legend. The Larry vs Michael rivalry shows how family fuels excellence – their competitive bond left a huge mark on basketball history.
James Ronald Jr. (Ronnie)
Michael Jordan’s oldest sibling, Ronnie, took a very different path – dedicating his life to the military. Right after high school, Ronnie enlisted in the Army in 1975, drawn to serve his country. This kicked off an over 30-year career in the armed forces.
Ronnie felt called to military service ever since joining the Junior ROTC program in high school. The Army wasn’t just a career for Ronnie – it became his purpose in life. Starting as a private, he worked his way up the ranks over decades of service, eventually attaining the distinguished role of Command Sergeant Major in the Army’s Airborne Corps.
Showing his unwavering dedication, Ronnie completed three separate tours of duty in Iraq. After mandatory retirement in 2004, he voluntarily extended his service for a year to deploy with his unit. This sacrifice highlights Ronnie’s commitment to his fellow soldiers and sense of duty.
At Ronnie’s massive retirement ceremony at Fort Bragg in 2006, he received praise from Presidents Bush and Clinton for his lifetime of service. Their mother Deloris made sure Ronnie got the full spotlight that day, even though Michael Jordan was absent at first.
Unlike basketball superstar Michael at 6’6″, Ronnie was just 5’7″ in height. But he commanded immense respect through his selfless sacrifice for his country. Ronnie kept his personal life very private, unlike Michael’s worldwide fame. His legacy lives on through his heroic military service.
Roslyn Jordan
Roslyn Jordan, born in 1964, is MJ’s youngest sis and carved her own path as a children’s book author. While brother Michael became a sports icon, Roslyn followed a creative writing journey. She’s penned inspiring kids’ books that earn praise and touch readers worldwide.
Roslyn’s first book was a collab with their mom Deloris – 2000’s “Salt in His Shoes“ about young Michael pursuing his hoops dream. It hit the New York Times bestseller list in 2001 with its inspirational story and awesome illustrations.
After this success, Roslyn and her mom kept writing: 2004’s “Did I Tell You I Love You Today?” tenderly explores a mother’s daily love, and 2007’s “Michael’s Golden Rules” highlights sportsmanship through baseball.
Beyond writing, Roslyn also started a business and became a Christian mental health counselor. To build her counseling skills, she earned a Psychology degree from UNC, a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, trauma training certification, and a Bible Institute certificate.
In counseling, Roslyn helps people heal by nurturing identity and relationships based on faith. Through writing and counseling, she’s contributed inspiring kids’ stories while supporting mental health – her own meaningful legacy distinct from her famous siblings.
Deloris E. Jordan
Deloris Jordan, MJ’s second oldest sister, overcame major challenges to inspire others. Born in 1959, Deloris grew up in North Carolina but lived mostly in Pennsylvania as an adult. She faced lots of hardship – two divorces, suicide attempts, and more. But Deloris found comfort in writing, using it to heal.
In 2001, she wrote “In My Family’s Shadow” about growing up amidst brother Michael’s fame, revealing trauma like alleged abuse by their dad. This candid book was Deloris’ brave attempt to confront her past, process her pain, and reconcile with family.
In 2020, Deloris penned “You Are Stronger Than Your Situations” – a message of hope for those struggling with despair. She sought to empower readers to push through adversity using their inner might.
Beyond writing, Deloris is a motivational speaker, minister, and real estate agent. She shares her experiences of uplifting others through speeches and books. She also has a merchandise line promoting resilience and hope.
Despite major ups and downs, Deloris turned hardship into inspiration. As a mother of three, she embodies overcoming trauma and transforming pain into hope. Through her work, Deloris has not only healed but also lights the way for others in darkness.
Her story shows the power of the human spirit to rewrite one’s story regardless of the past. Deloris Jordan’s life is one of courage, reflection, and seeking healing for herself and others.
MJ’s Relationship with His Siblings
Michael Jordan’s rise from a young hoops fan to NBA legend was tied to support, friendship, and sometimes rivalry with his siblings. Born in Brooklyn before moving to North Carolina, Michael was the fourth of five kids – each blazing their own trail while staying close through shared experiences.
The Jordan siblings’ bond was clear when Michael entered the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. Brothers Ronnie, Larry, and sister Roslyn were there, representing the family unit behind Michael’s iconic career. His touching words about each sibling showed their huge impact on his competitive drive and success.
After an impressive military career, Ronnie took on a key role with Michael’s Charlotte Hornets team as an executive. Like the other Jordans, Ronnie jumped between paths – from service to sports – in his own way.
Larry’s hoops dreams mirrored Michael’s. He showed skills playing briefly in the World Basketball League. Later he worked in sports business with Michael’s Hornets after time in sportswear and collectibles. As Hornets VP, Larry extended the family’s hoops legacy.
That basketball tradition continued with Larry’s son Justin starring at UNC Greensboro and scouting for the Hornets. It highlights the family’s lifelong hoops passion.
The Jordans staying close through holidays like Thanksgiving show their tight bond beyond busy lives. The competitive spirit on the court and in family games of 21 carries on with Michael’s sons Jeffrey and Marcus and Larry’s son Justin.
Facing life’s difficulties head-on, Deloris shared her story to inspire others. Though not as public in basketball, her perspective adds depth to the diverse Jordan siblings.
When Michael sold his Hornets majority stake in 2023 but kept a minority role, it marked a shift while the family essence remained.
Through fame, hoops milestones, and challenges, the Jordan bond is one of support, shared experiences, and an unbreakable connection beyond sports. In ups and downs, they exemplify blended passions, mutual encouragement, and an enduring family tie steering through life’s complex road.
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Kenya Lee
