Celtics Star Jason Taytum Encourages Young Fathers to Be Present
By Movieguide® Contributor
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum honored fatherhood and encouraged young fathers to become more “present” in their children’s lives.
Tatum is father to 4 year-old son Deuce, who was born just 6 months after Tatum was drafted by the Celtics.
“I think 2017, when I got drafted, I didn’t have Deuce, but he was born in 2017, so that was big, that was the biggest year of my life, right?” Tatum said. “Starting this new chapter in my career, I just had a child. My mindset was not to sacrifice either, that I was going to be the best father as I could as well as the best basketball player. There was no guideline or there was no exact way to do it. It was all about what was natural.”
Tatum balances work and parenting because, “I just do what’s natural. I’m around him every day. I think being able to go through this journey together, because I was 19 when I got drafted, it’s kind of like we’re growing up together. As he’s gotten older, I’m going through my career, sharing these moments, experiencing this together as we grow up. I think it’s the coolest part for me.”
Tatum also said that he thinks it’s “great” that some may view him as a role model for other young fathers.
“I think we need more role models like that,” the basketball player said. “Just to have more male fathers be present and things like that, show that you can do both, regardless of whenever you work, whatever your profession is.”
Deuce has become very popular on social media and at games. While Tatum wasn’t expecting it, he loves that his son enjoys the attention.
“It’s cool and he enjoys it,” he laughed. “Every time he comes to a home game, people cheer when they see him. They scream his name when he comes to games on the road and here at All-Star [Weekend]. He has his own personality.”
Tatum also spoke about how he wants to be a role model for Deuce.
“On the court [I want Deuce to remember me as] … a competitor, somebody that just always wanted to win,” the athlete shared. “Every time he comes to the game, he sees how I give it my all, I’m doing everything I can in my power to help us win. Because as he gets older, team, sports, that’s what’s most important is winning and everything else besides that will follow.”
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