Dennis Rodman Biography: Dennis Keith Rodman, born on May 13, 1961, is a former American professional basketball player widely celebrated for his exceptional defense and rebounding skills. The official NBA website describes him as “arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history.”
Dennis Rodman Biography
Dennis Rodman is a retired American professional basketball player best known for his time in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. Nicknamed “The Worm,” he gained widespread recognition for his tenacious defense and elite rebounding skills. Rodman began his NBA career as a small forward before transitioning to power forward.
Dennis Rodman Biography 2025 Details
| Born | May 13, 1961 Trenton, New Jersey, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Listed weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| High school | South Oak Cliff (Dallas, Texas) |
| College |
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| NBA draft | 1986: 2nd round, 27th overall pick |
| Drafted by | Detroit Pistons |
| Playing career | 1986–2006 |
| Position | Power forward / small forward |
| Number | 10, 91, 73, 70 |
| Category | Football Biographies |
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About Dennis Rodman
Dennis Keith Rodman is an American former professional basketball player. Renowned for his defensive and rebounding abilities, his biography on the official NBA website states that he is “arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history”.
Dennis Rodman Personal Life
He was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team seven times and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award twice. Remarkably, he led the league in rebounds per game for seven consecutive seasons—a record—and won five NBA championships. According to NBA.com, he is “arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history.” The Detroit Pistons retired his No. 10 jersey on April 1, 2011, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later that same year.
Dennis Rodman Achievements
He is Known by the nickname “the Worm,” Rodman played in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. He began his career as a small forward before transitioning to the power forward position. Rodman was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team seven times and earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award twice. He led the league in rebounds per game for an unprecedented seven straight seasons and captured five NBA championships.
Dennis Rodman Wiki
- Born: 13 May 1961 (age 64 years), Trenton, New Jersey, United States
- Spouse: Michelle Moyer (m. 2003–2012), Carmen Electra (m. 1998–1999), Annie Bakes (m. 1992–1993)
- Dates joined: February 1999 (Los Angeles Lakers) ·
- Children: Trinity Rodman, DJ Rodman, Alexis Rodman
- Number: 91 (Chicago Bulls / Power forward) ·
- Height: 2.01 m
Early Life
Dennis Rodman was born in Trenton, New Jersey, to Shirley and Philander Rodman, Jr., an Air Force serviceman who later served in the Vietnam War. During Rodman’s early years, his father left the family and eventually settled in the Philippines. According to Philander, he fathered either 26 or 28 children, while Dennis has claimed he is the eldest of a total of 47 siblings.
After Philander’s departure, Shirley worked multiple jobs—sometimes as many as four at once—to support the family. In his 1996 autobiography Bad As I Wanna Be, Rodman shared his feelings about his absent father, stating, “I haven’t seen my father in more than 30 years, so what’s there to miss … I just look at it like this: Some man brought me into this world. That doesn’t mean I have a father.” The two did not reunite until 2012.
Mini Bio and Overview
- Full Name: Dennis Keith Rodman
- Date of Birth: May 13, 1961
- Place of Birth: Trenton, New Jersey, USA
- Nationality: American
- Education: Cooke County Junior College; Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- NBA Debut: 1986 (Detroit Pistons)
- Nicknamed: “The Worm”
Family Background
Dennis Rodman was born in Trenton, New Jersey, to Shirley and Philander Rodman Jr., an Air Force serviceman who later left the family and moved to the Philippines. Raised in Dallas, Texas, by his mother alongside sisters Debra and Kim, Rodman’s upbringing was marked by financial hardship. Shirley worked multiple jobs to support the family, instilling in Dennis a strong work ethic despite a rocky home life.
As a child, Rodman felt overshadowed by his sisters, both standout basketball players. He was undersized throughout high school, standing just 5’6″, and was not considered athletic. However, a dramatic growth spurt after graduation—eventually reaching 6’7″—turned his fortunes, leading him to junior college and later Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where his basketball potential began to flourish.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Rodman entered the NBA in 1986 as a second-round draft pick by the Detroit Pistons. With relentless energy and a fearless approach to defense, he earned the nickname “The Worm.” He was instrumental in the Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era, helping them win consecutive championships in 1989 and 1990.
In the early 1990s, Rodman earned back-to-back NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards (1990, 1991). After playing for the San Antonio Spurs and briefly with the Lakers, he joined the Chicago Bulls in 1995, forming a legendary trio with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Their partnership brought three straight NBA titles from 1996 to 1998.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
Rodman has stayed in the headlines with his unexpected forays into international diplomacy, particularly his controversial friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Despite criticism, Rodman claims his visits were aimed at promoting peace and understanding. He has also remained active as a father, especially in supporting his daughter Trinity Rodman’s professional soccer career.
Personal Life and Relationships
Rodman’s personal life has often been the subject of media attention. He has been married three times—to Annie Bakes, Carmen Electra, and Michelle Moyer. His short-lived marriage to Electra in 1998 was highly publicized. He is the father of three children: Alexis (with Bakes), and Dennis Jr. and Trinity (with Moyer). Rodman’s relationships have been turbulent, often playing out publicly. Despite the ups and downs, he remains committed to his children and credits them with grounding him in his later years.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Wore a wedding dress to promote Bad As I Wanna Be
- Holds the NBA playoff record for most offensive rebounds in a game
- His nickname “The Worm” comes from how he moved while playing pinball
- Had multiple appearances in WCW wrestling alongside Hulk Hogan
- First winner of the Celebrity Championship Wrestling tournament
Charitable Work and Legacy
Despite his controversies, Rodman has participated in numerous charitable initiatives, especially those focused on youth and sports development. His influence helped redefine the role of the defensive specialist in basketball and challenged traditional notions of masculinity and celebrity in sports.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Rodman remains a cultural icon, often working on new entertainment projects and appearing in sports media. His unapologetic individuality and trailblazing style continue to influence athletes and entertainers alike, leaving a legacy that transcends basketball.
Dennis Rodman Net Worth 2025
Although Rodman earned millions during his NBA career, his current net worth is estimated at around $500,000. Financial difficulties arose from legal issues, extravagant spending, and personal challenges. Today, he continues to earn from media appearances, endorsements, and occasional business ventures. Rodman’s lifestyle reflects his larger-than-life persona—known for his distinctive fashion, custom vehicles, and a history of high-profile residences.
FAQs
What is Dennis Rodman’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Dennis Rodman’s estimated net worth is around $500,000. Despite earning millions during his NBA career, financial troubles stemming from legal battles, lavish spending, and lifestyle choices have significantly impacted his wealth. He currently earns through public appearances, endorsements, and occasional media projects.
How old is Dennis Rodman now?
Dennis Rodman was born on May 13, 1961, which makes him 64 years old as of 2025.
What is Dennis Rodman famous for besides basketball?
Outside of basketball, Dennis Rodman is known for his flamboyant fashion, reality TV appearances, and unconventional diplomacy, especially his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He also had a brief career in professional wrestling and gained media attention for his bold personal choices and autobiography Bad As I Wanna Be.
Did Dennis Rodman play with Michael Jordan?
Yes, Dennis Rodman played with Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls from 1995 to 1998. Together with Scottie Pippen, they formed a dominant trio that won three consecutive NBA championships during that time.
Why did Dennis Rodman visit North Korea?
Rodman visited North Korea as part of what he described as a peace mission. He developed a controversial personal friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, claiming his visits aimed to foster goodwill and open communication between nations.
What are Dennis Rodman’s kids doing now?
Dennis Rodman is a father of three: Alexis, Dennis Jr., and Trinity. Trinity Rodman has gained widespread recognition as a professional soccer player, becoming one of the standout athletes in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Rodman has expressed pride and support for his children, especially Trinity’s sports career.