Dennis Rodman, known as “The Worm,” had a wild life that was as colorful off the court as it was on. His Hall of Fame basketball career is impressive—filled with accolades and championships. But his lifestyle was quite different from what many expect of elite athletes. Rodman loved to party. He often drank and didn’t always follow a healthy routine.
During his time with the Chicago Bulls, he was at his most vibrant. Despite his late-night escapades, Rodman never let it affect his game. He contributed significantly to the Bulls’ three consecutive titles from 1996 to 1998.
Michael Jordan, a legend in his own right, once expressed concern about Rodman’s lifestyle. He worried that if Rodman kept partying hard, he might not live to see 40. In a 2020 interview, Rodman shared his perspective. He called himself a “functional alcoholic.” He claimed that his intense workouts helped him maintain his performance, saying, “I was working out so much all day long.”
When Rodman started his NBA journey at 25, he was just a shy kid from the projects. Before his wild days, he was part of the Detroit Pistons’ infamous “Bad Boys” team but kept a low profile. His teammate John Salley even joked that Rodman used to order milk when they went out. It wasn’t until he joined the San Antonio Spurs that his partying took off. By the time he reached Chicago, things escalated. His life was filled with all-nighters, tattoos, and media scandals.
In a shocking moment, Rodman discovered that people were betting in Las Vegas on whether he would make it past 40. Amused yet troubled, he reflected, “Oh my God. That’s cool. Great. I’m here now. I’m 39.”
This realization hit hard. While Rodman never struggled with hard drugs, he acknowledged his issues with alcohol. “People think I’m doing drugs heavily, but I only drink alcohol,” he stated. This wake-up call prompted him to slow down.
Fast forward to today—Rodman is 64 years old and alive, defying the odds that many set for him. Over the years, he has adjusted his lifestyle. Although not the picture of perfect health, he continues to surprise those who doubted him, including MJ.
Rodman’s story isn’t just about basketball. It’s a reminder of resilience. He lived on his own terms and proves that life can be unpredictable, but persistence often wins out.
For more on Rodman’s journey and its impact, you can read this Basketball Network article.
Source link
Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls, basketball court, San Antonio Spurs
