One of Chicago’s all-time athletes is Dennis Rodman, also known as The Worm. Rodman is a five-time NBA Champion, 3 of which with the Dream Team here in Chicago. Rodman thrived on the glass, averaging 15.3 rebounds per game with the Bulls. And yet, what I remember most isn’t his stats. As my dad and I rewatched playoff games, I was drawn to his hair. An obnoxious neon print covered his head in every game I watched. I couldn’t believe someone so good could be so fun.
My love for Dennis Rodman started young. I admired his spunk and his style. I was too young to have witnessed the Dream Team live, but living in the Chicagoland area, Rodman’s fame was never forgotten. For any 10-year-old basketball player like myself, unable to shoot the ball with any real form, he showed me that it didn’t always matter. Watching back his 1996 performance with the Bulls proved that impact isn’t just in points but in the stops and pressure of defense
Defense became my specialty in basketball and soccer. I found passion in watching other people call the shots and then coming in and stealing the ball right from under their noses. It was satisfying being scrappy and feeling good about earning assists for my team. Defense is hectic, aggressive, and everything Dennis Rodman is. It also allowed me not to make decisions. I never had to decide what my next move was because I never had that responsibility; I just went after the ball.
It turns out it makes perfect sense. Dennis Rodman was an amazing defender and one of the worst decision-makers. At the age of 13, I found out some questionable things about him, including his obscure party lifestyle and legally marrying himself. I guess it should have come as no shock that he also wasn’t a notable father. I remember feeling so torn that my idol was no hero but a crazy retired NBA star.
But while Dennis left me uncertain, another Rodman would come in to inspire me.
Trinity Rodman is everything and nothing like her father. Watching the USWNT on my TV, her obnoxious neon pink hair caught my eye so fast. She was a ball of athleticism and had that spunk I only ever saw in one other athlete, her dad. I didn’t know they were related until the announcer said her name, and it all clicked.
Trinity Rodman was the offense. She sprinted down the sideline, making her move against the defender, finding the back of the net so often. She called the shots on the field and also off the field. Rodman has been vocal about racial and gender inequalities and proudly stands her ground.
In a tweet, Trinity Rodman posted on Father’s Day, she thanked her mom for being the only parent who cared for her.
“Happy Father’s Day to the one who helped me grow up to the person I am today and played both father and mother figures for my whole life.❤️ dj_rodman,” said Rodman’s tweet.
Staring at this tweet light up on my phone, I knew that defense would never work for me again. I had been missing the ability to make my moves, play my game, and was too afraid to speak up first. I realized I was meant to play offense, and I have been playing an attacking position in every sport since then.
The Rodman family showed me everything I know about sports. They taught me defense, offense, and how athletes should and shouldn’t act. Both showed me the importance of passion and fire in sports. But after seeing that neon hair play offense, I knew that Trinity was the Rodman I wanted as my idol.
