This wildly popular Starting Lineup figure also came with Topps Exclusive Collector Cards

We've been thinking. During the mid-to-late 1980s and the early 1990s, there was a mythos surrounding Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan, the likes of which the NBA had not seen for two decades. At one point (perhaps circa 1994), it was argued that no one had achieved the legendary aura that seemed to enhalo Jordan ever. Not Walt Clyde Frasier. Not Dr. J. Not Bill Walton. Not Larry Bird. No one. At least not before retiring me and the benefit of hindsight and retrospect.

So we have to ask ourselves: what happened? Was it the multiple comebacks after stoically professed retirements? Was it the Wizards management bid that soured? Was it his foray into Minor League Baseball? Was it that last All-Star Game where the West conquered the East, leaving Jordan non-plussed and underscoring? Or maybe it's just a general declining mainstream interest in the NBA....

For whatever reason, Jordan's ethereal fame--the same otherworldly awe that earned him the nickname "Air"--seems to have waned during this, the 21st century. Not only has he kept a very low profile (Besides the occasional Hanes commercial and some press on celebrity golf tournaments, we haven't seen much of him at all.), but just take a look at the recent Nike ad campaign featuring scores of little kids who are basically saying, "What you did was great and all, but I plan to surpass you. I intend to usurp your unoccupied throne."

Not that Nike is slighting him at all--his new line of shoes is selling impressively. We just can't help but think that that ad campaign speaks volumes about where this generation is in its reverence of the Jordan legacy.

This week, we thought we'd relive the glory days, showing you a few of the once-wildly-popular Jordan toys and premiums--and invite you to weigh in on the following subjects: How will future generations view Michael Jordan's sports accomplishments? Are you a collector of Jordan memorabilia? If so, what's your most prized collectible? We'd love to hear from you.

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This wildly popular Starting Lineup figure also came with Topps Exclusive Collector Cards		The 1994 Upper Deck Rookie Card for MJ's short-lived career with the Sox.		Back of baseball rookie card
The Jordan version of Starting Lineup Headline Collection series was released in 1992. The collector's set featured career-making news headlines, an action figure, an ornate base and more. These sets are considered rare today.		Rare Limited Edition 1999 Silver Mattel Starting Lineup featuring Michael Jordan		Star 1984-85 Michael Jordan Rookie Card
In 1985, Crunch 'N Munch offered this Star Jordan card as a premium. This example is mint.		1986 Star Olympian Card in mint		In 2001, the documentary, Michael Jordan to the Max, debuted in select IMAX theatres. It's currently available on DVD.