Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., is one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. Renowned for his towering height of 7 feet 2 inches and his unstoppable skyhook shot, he played 20 seasons in the NBA, earning numerous accolades. Today, he remains not only a sports legend but also an influential author and activist.
From his legendary rivalry with Bruce Lee to his notable appearances in films, Kareem’s life has been rich and diverse. In this article, we will explore different aspects of his life, including his net worth, personal life, and his contributions to sports and society.
Summary of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Life
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) |
| Born | April 16, 1947, New York City |
| Net Worth | $25 million (as of 2024) |
| Famous for | Basketball career, skyhook shot, 6-time MVP |
| Bruce Lee Friendship | Appeared in Game of Death |
| Children | Habiba, Safa, Amir Abdul-Jabbar |
| Film Cameo | Airplane! (1980) |
| Presidential Medal | 2016 for social justice work |
| Current Age | 77 |
Key Takeaways
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired professional basketball player known for his impressive NBA career, skyhook shot, and contributions to the sport.
- As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $25 million, stemming from his NBA earnings, endorsements, and business ventures.
- Kareem was a close friend of Bruce Lee and even appeared in the martial arts film Game of Death.
- He has three children and was married to Janice "Habiba" Brown, with whom he shares a family.
- Kareem continues to influence society as an author and social activist, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA Career and Legacy
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Born on April 16, 1947, in New York City, he initially played under the name Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. before converting to Islam and changing his name in 1971. His career spanned two decades, during which he played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kareem’s signature skyhook shot became one of the most unstoppable moves in basketball. He holds several records, including being a six-time NBA champion and the league’s all-time leading scorer for nearly 40 years. His achievements made him an enduring figure in basketball, but his contributions to society didn’t stop on the court.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Net Worth
As of 2024, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. While he earned significant income during his NBA career, his post-basketball activities, including book sales, endorsements, public speaking, and acting, have also contributed to his wealth. He has written several books, including works on history, race relations, and his personal experiences.
In addition to his earnings from basketball, Kareem has had various endorsement deals over the years. Though his net worth may not be as high as some of today’s top NBA players, he remains financially stable, with a lasting legacy in multiple fields.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bruce Lee
One of the most intriguing aspects of Kareem’s life is his friendship with the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee. Kareem studied martial arts under Bruce Lee and appeared in Lee’s famous film Game of Death. Their relationship was more than just professional; both were deeply interested in philosophy and shared a love for martial arts. This unique friendship gave Kareem an even wider reach beyond the world of basketball.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Family and Children
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has three children: Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, Safa Abdul-Jabbar, and Amir Abdul-Jabbar. Despite the challenges that came with his high-profile career and personal life, he has remained connected with his family. He was married to Janice "Habiba" Brown from 1971 until their divorce in 1978.
Kareem’s children have largely stayed out of the public eye, although Amir Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem’s son, has occasionally been involved in sports and community activities, following in his father’s footsteps in terms of athletic interest.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Popular Culture: Airplane! and More
In addition to his basketball career, Kareem has made several memorable appearances in popular culture. One of his most famous cameos was in the 1980 film Airplane!, where he humorously played a co-pilot who is repeatedly mistaken for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This appearance showed off Kareem’s versatility and sense of humor, adding another dimension to his public persona.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Real Name and Religion
Kareem was born as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. but changed his name when he converted to Islam in 1971. His conversion was a significant moment in his life and career, as it reflected his desire to align more closely with his spiritual beliefs. Kareem has openly discussed how his faith has shaped his identity and influenced his worldview, including his activism.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Age and Continuing Influence
As of 2024, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is 77 years old, but his influence remains strong. Beyond his career achievements, Kareem has become a voice for social justice, civil rights, and education. In 2016, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, for his work as an activist.
He continues to write and speak on topics that matter to him, from racism to political issues, making him a significant figure in contemporary discussions on social justice.
FAQ
When did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar change his name?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar changed his name in 1971 after converting to Islam. He was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr.
How tall is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stands at 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters), a height that contributed to his dominance in the NBA.
What is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth is estimated at $25 million, earned from his basketball career, endorsements, and post-retirement ventures.
How many children does Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has three children: Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, Safa Abdul-Jabbar, and Amir Abdul-Jabbar.
What is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s relationship with Bruce Lee?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was friends with Bruce Lee and studied martial arts under him. He appeared in Bruce Lee’s film Game of Death.
How old is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2024?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is 77 years old as of 2024.
What are some of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s post-basketball achievements?
After retiring from basketball, Kareem became an author, activist, and public speaker. In 2016, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on social justice.
- Summary of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Life
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA Career and Legacy
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Net Worth
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bruce Lee
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Family and Children
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Popular Culture: Airplane! and More
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Real Name and Religion
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Age and Continuing Influence
- FAQ