Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an American sporting and cultural icon who made a name for himself as one of the best basketball players in history. He dominated the game throughout the 1970s and early ’80s.
After receiving offers to play at UCLA, Kareem won three national championships with the Bruins. He maintained his dominance in the NBA while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and then the Los Angeles Lakers.
Abdul-Jabbar won six titles and six MVP honors and ended as the league’s all-time scorer. He is regarded as one of the best players in NBA history and retired in 1989.
Besides being a basketball coach, Abdul-Jabbar has also been an actor, a best-selling author, a martial arts instructor under Bruce Lee, and an actor in the movie Game of Death.
| Real Name | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |
| Nick Name | Kareem |
| Profession | Football player |
| Well Known for | Football superstar |
Early Life of Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar was born in Harlem, New York, on April 16, 1947. His birth name is Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. He was born into a family consisting of his mother, Cora Lillian, and father, Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr. He holds American nationality and is of White ethnicity.
He received a lot of attention during his growth spurt, which caused him to be taller than others because he was very young.
He got into basketball at a young age. He was the school’s squad captain, leading Power Memorial Academy under Jack Donahue to three New York City Catholic championships. After this, he was dubbed “The Tower from Power.”
After enrolling at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), the seven-foot-one-inch star quickly won three collegiate titles while pursuing his degree.
| Date of Birth | April 16, 1947 |
| Place of Birth | Harlem, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Islam |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Parents | Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr. and Cora Lillian |
| Sibling | Unknown |
| School | New York City High School |
Career
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had an extremely talented, dedicated, and versatile career. It was in college when he joined UCLA from 1966 to 1969 under coach John Wooden, a UCLA basketball legend. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Bruins to three consecutive NCAA championships, establishing dominance in this sport.
The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Abdul-Jabbar first overall in the 1969 draft; he played his entire 20-year career with the NBA. Following his 1975 trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played for six years until retiring in 1989, he spent his first six years as a player with the Bucks. The “skyhook,” an unstoppable strike shot that has surpassed all previous shots in the game’s history, is the perfect example of Abdul-Jabbar’s innovations over his career.
After Retirement
Beyond professional basketball, his retirement life is taking on new dimensions. He turned to coaching and worked with several teams in the National Basketball Association, albeit briefly as head coach in the United States Basketball League. But it was off the court where Abdul-Jabbar extended himself further.
He was a prolific writer, writing several books ranging from autobiographies to historical pieces and even fiction. His journalistic career didn’t lag as well, for he often wrote in various media outlets, commenting on issues ranging from sports to social and political concerns. Abdul-Jabbar’s eloquence made it an obvious choice to comment on everything under the sun.
Besides the passion that drives him as a writer, Abdul-Jabbar acted in several films and TV shows. One of his greatest roles was when he appeared in the comedy classic “Airplane!” where he had some immortal lines, like deadpan delivery of phrases.
Perhaps most importantly, Abdul-Jabbar has used his bully pulpit as an activist and social commentator. He vociferously supports social justice; one of his specific areas of focus is African American history and civil rights. His role as U.S. Cultural Ambassador has extended his influence abroad, promoting education and cultural understanding.
Through his multifaceted career, Kareem has left behind the status of a basketball legend and stands out today as a respected intellectual, cultural icon, and social activist. He has left an unforgettable mark on American society far beyond the confines of the basketball court.
Social Media Accounts
Youtube
Height, Age, Weight, Star Sign, and Net Worth
| Age | 77 Years |
| Height | 7’2”inches |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Star Sign | Aries |
| Eye and hair color | Brown eyes and Bald hair |
| Net Worth | $22 million approx. |
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will turn 77 in 2024. He is 7 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 75kg. He has brown hair and bald eyes.
Kareem’s approximate net worth is in the range of $25 million. His professional career as a basketball player has brought him a substantial financial sum, and it continues to be his primary source of income.
Because Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has acting expertise outside of sports, he also earns a respectable living in that arena. He has also become well-known for being a best-selling author.
Furthermore, during his last five seasons, Kareem collected little more than $8.5 million with the LA Lakers during those four years. He was among the highest-paid players in the league at the time despite the amount appearing little.
Personal Life
Regarding his private life, he wed the lovely Habiba Abdul-Jabbarhe, and the couple had three children together: Sultana, Kareem Jr., and Habiba. In 1978, the couple divorced and went their ways. Adam, his son who appeared alongside him on the TV series Full House, was born when he dated Cheryl Pistono.
Interesting Facts
- At the age of 24, he changed his birth name from Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr after accepting Islam.
- He was additionally determined to have a type of leukemia in 2008.
- Kareem started serving as a spokesperson for Novartis, the business that made his cancer treatment.
- In April 2015, he received a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, which prompted an admission to the hospital.
- On his 68th birthday, he had triple coronary bypass surgery at the UCLA Medical Center.
- He was listed as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a talented basketball player and a proficient martial artist. He has been a martial arts practitioner for a long time and holds a black belt in Shotokan karate.
- He has 1.1 million followers on his Instagram account and an amazing 2 million followers on X (Twitter).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an American sporting and cultural icon who has established himself as one of the best basketball players in history.
Q2. How old is Kareem?
As of 2024, Kareem is 77 years old.
Q3. Is he married?
Yes, he married the lovely Habiba Abdul-Jabbarhe, and the couple had three children together: Sultana, Kareem Jr., and Habiba.
Q4. How tall is Kareem?
He stands 7 feet 2 inches tall.
Q5. How much does Kareem have a net worth?
As of 2024, Karaeem’s net worth is about $25 million.
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