MICHAEL JORDAN turns 50 on Sunday . . . and he hasn't played ball in 10 years.  Yet he STILL earns $80 MILLION A YEAR.  How does that happen?

He still has a ton of endorsements, not to mention investments in various companies.  His corporate partners include Nike, Gatorade, Hanes, Upper Deck, 2K Sports, Five Star Fragrances and Presbyterian Healthcare.

He also owns six restaurants, a North Carolina car dealership, a motorsports team . . . and of course, 80% of the Charlotte Bobcats.

Jordan even out-earns all ACTIVE athletes except one:  Boxer FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR., who made $85 million in 2012.