T.J. Ford
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| Position | Point guard |
| Height / weight | 1.83 m / 75 kg |
| Born | 24 Mar 1983 (43 years) |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Nickname | The Little Engine |
T.J. Ford is a former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. Despite a career affected by spinal stenosis, he played nine seasons in the NBA. Teams he has played with include the San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and the Indiana Pacers.
Player Profile and Personal Life
Terrance Jerod Ford Sr. was born on March 24, 1983, in Houston, Texas, to Leo and Mary Ford. His mother nicknamed him "T.J." at birth.He stands 183 cm tall and weighs 75 kg. He played point guard.
In 2004, he established the T.J. Ford Foundation to help youth achieve their academic, personal, and civil goals.
High School and College Career
He attended Willowridge High School. Later, he committed to play for the University of Texas from 2001 to 2003. While there, he led the Longhorns to their first Final Four appearance since 1947.In 2002, he was named the USBWA National Freshman of the Year and the Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
His outstanding college career earned him the Naismith Player of the Year and Wooden Player of the Year awards in 2003.
Texas retired his number 11 jersey in his honor.
Professional Career
Ford was selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. His professional career lasted from 2003 to 2012.He began with the Bucks, where he made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team but faced challenges with spinal injuries. He later played for the Toronto Raptors, and Indiana Pacers, and had a brief stint with KK Zagreb in Croatia during the 2011 NBA lockout before finishing his career with the San Antonio Spurs.
Career Highlights
- 2004 - NBA All-Rookie Second Team
- 2003 - Naismith Player of the Year
- 2003 - John R. Wooden Award
- 2003 - Sporting News Player of the Year
- 2003 - Consensus First-Team All-American
- 2002 - AP Honorable Mention All-American
- 2002 - USBWA National Freshman of the Year
- 2002 - Big 12 Freshman of the Year
- 2002 - NCAA season assists leader
- 2001 - Second-Team Parade All-American
- No. 11 retired by Texas Longhorns
T.J. Ford FAQ
What was T.J. Ford's greatest college achievement?
Ford led Texas to its first Final Four since 1947 and won both the Naismith and Wooden Player of the Year awards in 2003.
How did injuries affect T.J. Ford's career?
Ford was diagnosed with spinal stenosis early in his career, and a severe spinal cord contusion in 2004 threatened to end his career prematurely, though he successfully returned to play.
What is T.J. Ford doing now?
After retiring, Ford returned to the University of Texas and completed his degree in youth and community studies in 2017.