“Dennis Rodman went from janitor to NBA superstar!”: How ‘The Worm’ reversed his poor fortunes thanks to a huge 10-inch growth spurt

Nithin Joseph | 12/05/2022
6ft 7' Dennis Rodman's imitation of Michael Jordan led to comedy of errors

Dennis Rodman is one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. It’s hard to believe that he once pursued a career as a janitor!

Dennis Rodman is an icon in the world of basketball. Well remembered for his inhuman defensive prowess and hustle, the five-time NBA Champion has had a fantastic career.

Over the course of his 14-year NBA career, The Worm played for five different teams. This included the Pistons, Spurs, Bulls, Lakers, and Mavericks.

He won rings in Detroit and Chicago and finished his career averaging 7 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.

Also Read: Dennis Rodman vs Draymond Green would have 9 pts, 40000 rebounds, 400,000 techs”: Kevin Durant and fans mock BR’s hypothetical 1v1 between the two most impactful players of all time

They aren’t exactly the craziest stats on the board, but his rebounding is what stands out. Especially since he only stands at 6’7 inches in height.

Dennis Rodman went from being a janitor to a rebounding specialist in the NBA

Fairy tales are usually only heard of or seen in storybooks and Disney movies. However, the life of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman is one that gets very close to what it would be like.

Growing up in Dallas, Texas, The Worm was never the brightest student and his poor athletic frame didn’t give him many options. As such, his mother kicked him out of the house when he graduated.

He would then take up a job as an airport janitor in Dallas. Things went from bad to worse when he was arrested for stealing some watches from the airport shops.

He looked like he hit rock bottom, but luckily had a huge 10-inch growth spurt from 5’9 to 6’7, prompting him to take up basketball once again!

Also Read: “Kobe would come down once a week, say hi, get some coffee, bring her flowers”: Dennis Rodman’s son DJ recalls Mamba bonding with him and his sisters

Rodman would then take his talents to Southeastern Oklahoma State. He then declared for the draft in 1986, and was picked by the Detroit Pistons.

Post Edited By: Samir Mehdi
Dennis Rodman

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

Don’t miss these