CONGRATULATIONS: UNC Legend Michael Jordan Named to TIME 100’s Most Influential in Sports — A Legacy That Transcends Generations

In a moment that feels as inevitable as it is profound, TIME magazine has named Michael Jordan—the University of North Carolina basketball icon and global sports titan—as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports. This recognition is far more than a career accolade; it is a reflection of a legacy that reshaped the very idea of what it means to be an athlete, an icon, and a cultural force.

From Chapel Hill to the Global Stage

Before he became the face of basketball, before the six NBA championships and the billion-dollar brand, Michael Jordan was simply #23 at UNC, a wiry freshman with explosive potential. It was in Chapel Hill that the legend was born—honed under Dean Smith’s disciplined system, forged in the crucible of March Madness.

That 1982 NCAA Championship game remains frozen in time: 19-year-old Jordan rising for the game-winning jumper against Georgetown. That single shot did more than win a title—it announced the arrival of a generational talent. It was the first spark of a fire that would soon engulf the world.

For UNC, Jordan isn’t just a chapter in their storied basketball tradition. He’s the catalyst. The barometer. The North Star.

“Michael didn’t just raise the bar—he changed where the bar was placed,” said Hubert Davis, current UNC head coach and former Tar Heel himself. “What he means to our university goes beyond stats. He represents excellence in every form.”

More Than a Player — A Blueprint

Jordan’s selection by TIME comes not only in recognition of his past but also his continued impact. In an age dominated by social media personalities and short-lived fame, his influence remains enduring, even transcendent. At 62 years old, Jordan is still the gold standard by which athletes are measured—not just in basketball, but across all sports.

His brand, Jordan, under the Nike empire, remains one of the most successful athlete-endorsed lines in history. Yet it’s not just about the shoes—it’s about what they represent: grit, excellence, style, and swagger.

“Michael Jordan didn’t just sell sneakers. He sold belief,” said TIME’s feature essay. “He proved that an athlete could be an empire, that cultural influence could match athletic performance.”

This influence permeates today’s sports culture. Whether it’s LeBron James donning the number 23 in homage, or NFL players quoting Jordan’s infamous “I took that personally,” the MJ Effect is everywhere. His competitive fire, immortalized in ESPN’s The Last Dance, continues to inspire the next generation of athletes, entrepreneurs, and dreamers alike.

Off the Court — A Billion-Dollar Blueprint for Black Excellence

Jordan’s influence extends far beyond the court. As the first Black majority owner of an NBA franchise, he shattered ceilings not just for athletes, but for businessmen of color around the globe. His leadership of the Charlotte Hornets (and now, his continued role in NBA governance) helped pave the way for broader representation in league ownership and executive leadership.

In 2020, amid global protests for racial justice, Jordan and the Jordan Brand committed $100 million to organizations dedicated to racial equality, social justice, and access to education. It was one of the largest philanthropic moves by an athlete in recent history—bold, decisive, and deeply personal.

“Being Black in America is tough,” Jordan said in a rare public statement at the time. “We have been beaten down for so many years. It sucks your soul. I’m pained by the deaths. I’m pained by the continuous injustice. We have had enough.”

That moment wasn’t about brand strategy or public relations. It was about responsibility. About legacy. About using unparalleled influence to create real-world change.

A Global Icon

TIME’s recognition also underscores Jordan’s global reach. Long before the NBA was a truly international product, Michael Jordan was the man who introduced the world to basketball on a cinematic scale. His 1990s Bulls games were broadcast across continents, and Space Jam made him a fixture in households far beyond the U.S.

In China, Europe, Africa, and Latin America, the Jumpman logo is more than just a silhouette—it’s a symbol of aspiration. A beacon of what’s possible.

And now, with the NBA’s global initiatives in full swing and more international stars rising every year, Jordan’s trailblazing path continues to ripple outward.

Still Carolina Blue at Heart

Despite the unimaginable heights he’s reached, Michael Jordan has never stopped giving back to the place that gave him his wings—Chapel Hill.

In 2021, Jordan donated $5 million to the University of North Carolina to fund scholarships for underrepresented students. He has remained active with the university, attending games, mentoring players, and maintaining a close connection with the program.

“He never forgot where he came from,” said Roy Williams, legendary UNC coach. “Michael might be a global icon, but deep down, he’s still that kid from Wilmington who wore Carolina blue with pride.”

Indeed, for every NBA fan who sees him as a Chicago Bull, for every sneakerhead who worships the Jordan 1s, there’s a North Carolina fan who remembers the young MJ, humble, hungry, and just getting started.

The Final Word

To be named one of TIME’s 100 most influential figures in sports is no small feat—it requires not just talent, but vision. Not just greatness, but grace. Not just success, but significance.

And Michael Jordan, perhaps more than anyone in the modern era of sports, embodies all of those things.

From a dorm room in Chapel Hill to the summit of sports history, Jordan’s journey is one of myth and muscle, legend and legacy. He gave us moments that made our jaws drop, yes—but more importantly, he gave us permission to dream bigger, work harder, and walk with purpose.

As TIME so aptly recognized, his influence is not measured merely by rings or points or net worth—but by the hearts he inspired, the boundaries he broke, and the world he helped shape.

Congratulations, MJ.

From UNC to the world—you were never just a player.

You are the standard.

Sources:

• TIME Magazine 100 Most Influential in Sports 2025
• University of North Carolina archives
• NBA and Jordan Brand press releases
• ESPN’s The Last Dance