For decades, former Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman has been known as much for his off-court antics as his on-court dominance.
But behind the flamboyant persona and the five NBA championship rings lies a more personal and painful story – his strained relationship with his daughter, Trinity Rodman, a rising star in the world of professional soccer.
Trinity recently opened up about her difficult relationship with her father on the widely popular podcast ‘Call Her Daddy.’ Her words shed new light on the impact of Dennis Rodman‘s larger-than-life lifestyle on his family.
“We never want to make him [Rodman] look bad, and that is at the cost of, kind of holding in a lot,” the 22-year-old soccer star admitted.
Living with the ‘Rebound King’
Trinity recounted the brief time she and her family lived with Rodman, who was then one of the most famous basketball players in the world.
However, the dream of having a present and attentive father quickly faded. She revealed that while her father would host lavish parties at home, he often made his children “parade” around his guests, seemingly to project an image of a loving father.
Behind the scenes, however, the reality was much different. Dennis Rodman was hardly around to offer emotional support to his children. His priorities appeared focused on maintaining his image and indulging in his infamous party lifestyle. The lack of a present father figure ultimately left a profound mark on Trinity.
“I lost hope in ever getting him back,” Trinity admitted. “I answer the phone now, for like my conscience, to be like, he needed to hear my voice before anything happens. Like, that’s why I answer the phone. Not for me. He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else.”
Trinity’s journey
Despite the absence of a reliable father figure, Trinity Rodman did not let her father’s shortcomings define her. Instead, she carved her own path. In 2021, she made history as the youngest player ever drafted into the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Her debut was nothing short of spectacular. Subbed into the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, she scored a goal just five minutes later, making an immediate impact on the league.
Her rookie season was one for the history books, culminating in her being named both Rookie of the Year and U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year.
Her talent and drive did not go unnoticed. The Washington Spirit rewarded her with a lucrative contract extension that made her the highest-paid player in NWSL history – an unprecedented feat for someone so early in their career.
