Welcome to TJFord11.com, my official website. I started this page so that fans could find out the latest information about my charity events, camps, and everything else that I have going on off the court. Thanks for checking out the site and hope you like it. Make sure to check me out on Twitter and Facebook as well!
-TJ Ford
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Terrance Jerod "“TJ”" Ford was born on March 24, 1983 in Baytown, Texas. From a young age, TJ dreamed of being a basketball player. "“I have vivid childhood memories of playing basketball in my backyard," says TJ. "My father would work with me on the fundamentals and my brother and I would go at it playing one on one." ”Growing up in Houston, some of TJ’s earliest memories of the NBA are of the Rockets and their back-to-back championship seasons.
Before long, TJ experienced championship success for himself when he led Willowridge High School to the 5A Texas State Basketball Championship. His team was so dominant during that period, with teammates Daniel Ewing and Ivan McFarland, that they posted a 62 game winning streak. After high school, TJ decided to stay close to home and play basketball at the University of Texas.
It was at the University of Texas that TJ’s career as a basketball player really began to take off; he was the first freshman to lead the NCAA in assists per game. In 2003, he was named the John Wooden Player of the Year after leading the Longhorns to their first Final Four appearance since 1947. After two impressive years at the University of Texas, TJ decided it was time to become a professional. When asked about his decision to skip his final two years of eligibility, TJ responded, “"There were a lot of factors I had to weigh in deciding to turn pro or stay in college, but I felt that at the end of the 2003 season, I had nothing more to prove at the college level. Becoming a professional was in my best interest and also my family’s best interest.”"
With the eighth pick in the 2003 draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected the Texas guard known for his lightning quick speed and playmaking abilities. TJ was immediately inserted into the starting lineup for the Bucks where he averaged 7 points, 6 assists, and a steal per game before suffering a season ending spinal injury. The injury forced him to miss the entire 2004-2005 season as well.
Many believed that his injury would be career ending, but TJ spent months rehabbing himself to prove them all wrong. He finally made it back to full strength prior to the 2005 season and was ready to play once the season began. During the 2005-2006 season, TJ set career marks in points (12.2), assists (6.6), and minutes played (35.5), while leading the Milwaukee Bucks to the playoffs.
After seeing what a healthy TJ Ford was capable of, the Toronto Raptors traded for him during the summer of 2006. TJ had another great year with the Raptors, averaging 14.0 ppg and 7.9 apg. He also led the team to the division title and to its first playoff berth in five years. He was voted the fastest player in the NBA by his fellow players, a sign that he had successfully recovered from his injuries.
In his 4th season, TJ continued to play at a high level, averaging 12.1 points and 6.1 assists per game. Midway through the season, TJ suffered a frightening injury following a flagrant foul, leading him to miss two months. After his return to action, TJ helped lead the Raptors to the playoffs, though they lost to the Orlando Magic in the first round. During the offseason, TJ was traded to the Indiana Pacers to help fill a void at the point guard position. Another change of scenery proved helpful for TJ, who averaged a career-high 14.9 points per game while dishing out 3.5 assists. Although he was temporarily sidelined by back spasms in December, TJ played the second-most games (74) and second-most minutes (30.5) of any season so far in his career. Heading into his second season with the Pacers, he hopes to find a comfort zone and make Indiana the third team he has taken to the playoffs.
TJ enjoys spending time with family and friends off the court. Additionally, TJ is an adamant believer in giving back to the community; he created the TJ Ford Foundation in 2004.
In July of 2009, TJ hosted Strikes for a Cause, the First Annual T. J. Ford Celebrity Bowl-a-Thon, and raised over $40,000 to benefit Houston Childrens Charity. The event was quickly put together in a little over a month, but turned out to be a great success with other Texas alumni turned NBA stars such as Kevin Durant, Brad Buckman, Kenny Taylor, LaMarcus Aldridge, D.J. Augustin, Royal Ivey, and Texas Basketball Head Coach Rick Barnes all bowling for a cause. After hearing about the work the Houston based charity did to improve the lives of underprivileged, abused, or disabled children in the area, T.J. wanted to help raise awareness for such a well-respected charity within his home state and for a cause he feels passionate about. Strikes For a Cause will be back in the future, so stay tuned for more information about this great event
Come To Our House
Over the Holiday season, T.J. Ford along with Pacers teammate Dahntay Jones partnered with the U.S Foodservice to host the Come to Our House Thanksgiving Dinner. More than 600 men, women, and children from the Indianapolis area shelters came to the Conesco Fieldhouse where they were served a Thanksgiving Day feast, provided by Levy Restaurants, and met T.J. , Dahntay, and members of the Pacers coaching and training staff. Each guest also received tickets to the Pacers game against the La Clippers and a toiletry bag that included Pacers blanket, hat, socks, towel, gloves, washcloth, deodorant, hand warmers, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and ear wraps. Although T.J. is only going into his third year with the Pacers, he believes strongly in giving back the community that supports him and his teammates.
Adopt A Family
Each year T.J. picks a family-in-need from the Indianapolis area and provides presents for each family member and a big Christmas day feast. Christmas is one of the favorite holidays in the Ford family, and TJ strives to make it a point to brighten the holidays for a lucky family in need each year.
Adopt A School
Each year, TJ picks a local elementary school to team up with, to help encourage the students and keep them focused on education. In 2009, TJ worked with IPS School 99 which held an official T.J. Ford Day where he visited a class and gave away prizes, which included tickets to a Pacers game. T.J. also made a financial donation used to purchase new uniforms and school supplies for the kids. T.J. will continue to pick a new school each year to visit and talk to the students about the importance of education and teamwork.
ABBA Fund Adoption Program
TJ is a proud partner of the ABBA Fund , which provides affordable assistance to couples looking to adopt children, that need financial assistance. Visit ABBAFund.org to find out how you can get involved.
Ticket Program
T.J. also plays an active role in the Community Ticket Block Program which brings 15-20 kids to each game through a non-profit organization. By watching the athletes play on a professional level first hand, the kids learn about determination, perseverance, and hard work. T.J. provides the children with a strong example of someone who stayed focused and worked hard to achieve his goals.
My love for basketball is much deeper than records and titles. My satisfaction comes from helping others and seeing them achieve success in all phases of life. This passion is also carried over to the children in Texas. This is evident by the countless hours given to several community charities that I am affiliated with. One of my visions that I saw when I became a professional athlete was to make giving back to the community a priority. I am very passionate about giving back to the community that have done so much to support me and my career. I have a responsibility to help those that are not as fortunate and contribute to the common good. Below are a few projects I am currently involved with.
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