A Love Beyond the Game: Jrue & Lauren Holiday
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Jrue and Lauren Holiday truly embody every quality of a sports power couple. They are supportive, loving, and keep each other in balance. Both have also cemented legacies in their respective sports. Lauren, a former member of the USWNT, won two gold medals and a FIFA World Cup. Jrue, a point guard for the Boston Celtics, is currently dominating the NBA Finals, hoping to secure his second NBA Finals win.
Jrue and Lauren's story starts in 2008 at the University of California: Los Angeles. During a women's basketball game, a fan mistook Jrue for his teammate, Darren Collison. Amidst the mix-up, Lauren, captivated by Jrue's charm, playfully remarked, "Don't worry, you are much cuter than Darren." Despite being in relationships at the time, they quickly formed a deep connection and began dating in 2009 after Jrue was drafted 17th overall to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jrue's basketball career took him to the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans before he was traded to the Bucks in 2020. There, he achieved the pinnacle of success by winning an NBA championship. Known for his stellar performance, Jrue is a two-time NBA All-Star, a six-time all-defensive team member, and also clinched a gold medal in 2020.
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While Jrue established himself in the NBA, Lauren made history in NWSL. Along with being a prominent Women's National Team member, Lauren played for FC Kansas City during the first season of the NWSL. Lauren was the MVP of the inaugural season, scoring twelve goals. After her retirement in 2015, FC Kansas City retired her jersey, honoring her unbelievable career. Since her retirement, Lauren has dedicated her time to growing women's soccer by investing in the NWSL franchise Angel City. Lauren was also inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2023.
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In 2013, the pair tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Malibu, California. Despite their demanding schedules, they managed to celebrate their union during the NWSL season. Throughout their busy lives, they remained committed to supporting each other. In 2016, they joyfully welcomed their first child, a daughter named Jrue Tyler. Their son, Hendrix, joined the family in 2020, bringing even more love and happiness into their lives.
Family is the greatest priority for Jrue and Lauren. During her first pregnancy, Lauren was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Thankfully, Lauren's tumor was benign, allowing her to carry and deliver her daughter safely. In October 2016, less than a month after Jrue Tyler was born, Lauren underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Jrue sat out the 2016 season.
“My family comes before basketball. I’m obviously blessed to play this game and be in the position I am in, but my wife is the most important thing in the world to me. She comes before anything else”
At the end of the day, Team Holiday is the most important to Jrue and Lauren.
Jrue and Lauren do not stop at supporting each other. In 2020, the two launched the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Justice Impact Fund. Jrue pledged the remainder of his 2020 salary to kickstart the fund, which supports Black-led programs in New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Indianapolis. To learn more about the fund or to donate, click here.
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The Holidays are one of the most underrated couples in sports. Their support for one another is not only adorable but inspiring. They are truly a team that champions their family and others. Between the love they share for each other, the legacies they share in their sport, and the work they have done for others, everyone should cheer for Team Holiday!