While Michael Jordan is globally recognized, his siblings remain less publicized. Here are key family facts:
Sibling Count & Order
- Oldest: James Ronald Jordan Jr. (born 1956)
- Second: Deloris E. Jordan (Polk) (born 1957)
- Third: Larry Richard Jordan (born 1958)
- Fourth: Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born 1963)
- Youngest: Roslyn M. Jordan (Gumbel) (born 1965)
Notable Connections & Roles
- Larry Jordan: Michael's primary childhood basketball competitor, widely credited for igniting his fierce competitive spirit. Larry played college ball at UNC-Charlotte.
- James Jordan Jr. (Ronnie): Had a career in the US Army. Tended to avoid the public eye surrounding his brother.
- Deloris Jordan (Polk): Married Eddie Payton, brother of NFL legend Walter Payton, creating a unique bond between the Jordan and Payton families.
- Roslyn Jordan (Gumbel): Held executive positions at Jordan Brand and Nike. Later became President of the Michael Jordan Foundation. Married to broadcaster Howard Gumbel.
Lesser-Known Family Aspects
- Larry's Influence: Many observers noted Larry may have possessed greater raw athletic talent than Michael during their teenage years, making their intense one-on-one games formative for Michael's development.
- Parental Loss: James Jordan Sr., the father of all five siblings, was murdered in 1993, a profound tragedy impacting the entire family.
- Private Lives: James Jr. (Ronnie) and Deloris Polk deliberately maintained lower profiles compared to Michael, Larry, and Roslyn.
- Acknowledged Tensions: The siblings' mother, Deloris Jordan, mentioned family conflicts and communication gaps during difficult periods in her memoir.
