Michael Jordan Quotes: Inspiring Words from the Greatest of All Time

Everyone who loves basketball knows Michael Jordan. He is, after all, considered as one of, if not the greatest basketball player of all time, according to NBA’s official website. During his career as a professional NBA player, Jordan played for 15 seasons, was awarded 14 MVP Awards, and won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls.

On 2003, he retired for the final time at the age of 40 and received a three-minute standing ovation after his last NBA game.

Besides having a legendary career as a basketball player, Jordan is also a gold medalist Olympian, celebrity, writer, brand ambassador, and father of five children. Today, as the principal owner of the NBA team, Charlotte Hornets, and according to Forbes, his net worth is $1.9 billion.

Listed below are some of the most iconic Michael Jordan quotes about teamwork and greatness, success, and many more.

Fun fact: Michael Jordan was cut from his high school varsity basketball team as a sophomore, but he used it as fuel to become unstoppable.

Most Iconic Michael Jordan Quotes

Before diving into themes, here are a few of MJ’s most legendary, widely recognized quotes—words that have shaped sports and culture.

I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.
—Interview, 1997

This captures the core of Jordan’s philosophy: effort is non-negotiable, even when success isn’t guaranteed.

I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.
—Nike “Failure” Commercial, 1997

Failure is a tool, not a stopping point. MJ’s willingness to own his mistakes inspired millions to embrace failure as a teacher.

Michael Jordan Quotes on Success & Winning

Success didn’t come easy—even for Michael Jordan. Here’s what he says about winning, achieving greatness, and the price that comes with it.

I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.
—Driven from Within (2005)

Jordan reminds us that the path to victory is built on consistency, not shortcuts.

Winning isn’t always championships.
—The Last Dance, 2020

Even for MJ, the process, progress, and lessons matter as much as the trophies.

Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.
—Interview, 1991

This quote is a rallying cry for action-takers and dreamers alike.

Michael Jordan Quotes on Failure & Perseverance

No one failed more publicly than Michael Jordan—but he never let failure define him.

Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
—I Can’t Accept Not Trying (1994)

He teaches us that tenacity outlasts temporary setbacks.

To learn to succeed, you must first learn to fail.
—Speech at Basketball Hall of Fame Induction, 2009

True growth starts when we stop fearing failure.

If you quit once it becomes a habit. Never quit!
—Interview, 2003

Jordan’s relentless refusal to give up is a lesson for life.

Michael Jordan Quotes on Hard Work & Discipline

The foundation of MJ’s career was his legendary work ethic.

The minute you get away from fundamentals—whether it’s proper technique, work ethic or mental preparation—the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you’re doing.
—I Can’t Accept Not Trying (1994)

Jordan believes success is built on fundamentals, not just talent.

You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.
—Interview, 1993

Self-belief fuels the grind.

I play to win, whether during practice or a real game.
—Interview, 1998

Champions don’t flip a switch—they bring intensity to everything.

Michael Jordan Quotes on Leadership & Teamwork

As a leader, Jordan pushed his teammates as hard as himself.

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.
—Interview, 1994

MJ elevates the power of the team over the individual.

Earn your leadership every day.
—Interview, 1997

Leadership, for Jordan, is an ongoing commitment—not a title.

There is no ‘I’ in team but there is in win.
—Interview, 1998

He acknowledges individual drive but always returns to the bigger picture.

Michael Jordan Quotes on Mindset & Motivation

The mental game was always Jordan’s secret weapon.

My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.
—Interview, 1995

MJ’s growth mindset set him apart from the start.

Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.
—Hall of Fame Induction Speech, 2009

Jordan encourages us to break boundaries—most of which are self-imposed.

Heart is what separates the good from the great.
—Interview, 2003

In MJ’s world, greatness is more about spirit than talent.

Michael Jordan Quotes on Legacy & Greatness

Jordan’s influence reaches far beyond basketball.

The game has its ups and downs, but you can never lose focus of your individual goals, and you can’t let yourself be beat because of lack of effort.
—I Can’t Accept Not Trying (1994)

Effort, not circumstance, shapes a lasting legacy.

I want to be perceived as a guy who played his best in all facets, not just scoring. A guy who loved challenges.
—Interview, 2001

He reminds us that true greatness is multi-dimensional.

I built my talents on the shoulders of someone else’s talent.
—Interview, 1998

Even the GOAT learned from others.

Jordan’s Legacy in Words

Michael Jordan’s quotes aren’t just about basketball—they’re blueprints for life. Whether you’re chasing a championship, building a business, or navigating your own journey, his words are a playbook for courage, resilience, and relentless growth.