Beyond the Court: How the Boston Celtics are Champions of Fatherhood

The Boston Celtics just completed a historic run becoming NBA Champions for a record 18th time. But they have also been champions of fatherhood, being good role models for men everywhere. Athletic achievement is one of the most traditional markers of masculinity in our society; unfortunately, taking care of children isn't always considered a traditionally masculine task. However, the Boston Celtics showed that both can coexist within the definition of masculinity.

One of the most iconic images after the Boston Celtics won the Championship was Jayson Tatum holding up his son Jayson Tatum Jr. better known to the world as Deuce with confetti falling as Deuce hands were outstretched in celebration. Deuce has become a celebrity the past 5 years as he has often been by his dad Tatum’s side. Deuce is often playing around shooting a basketball on the court before the games, in the front row watching, or joining his dad during post game celebrations and press conferences. Tatum has also spoken often about the importance of being a father saying

Tatum recently said “And I think — not that I think, I know — that having Deuce at that age grounded me. Because whatever decision I wanted to make, I had to make sure that he was taken care of. I couldn’t just up and go or do everything that some of my peers were doing because I had to go home and put him to bed. Or for Father’s Day weekend I was going out of town, or I had to skip out on this trip with my friends because it was my weekend with him.

“Not that it’s a sacrifice. I willingly would choose those things. But it has taught me a sense of responsibility — as well as just making the right decisions, knowing that there’s a 6-year-old ‘mini me’ essentially watching everything that I do and knowing that I have to be the best version of myself. I have to make the right decisions, because he’s always watching.”

Tatum is not the only Celtic who prioritizes fatherhood. Celtics Center Al Horford also has his children around often and took time off from basketball to be with his wife when she was giving birth even though he got criticism from members of the media like Mike Felger from 98.5pm The SportsHub for doing so. In an interview, Horford said "It was hard for me [to miss the game] but I felt like it was the right thing for me to be next to my wife. And [the team] supported me throughout. That's always helpful. Just excited. Everybody was happy to have me back. And I'm happy to be back here, and we can put everything behind and get looking forward ahead to [Wednesday's] game."

A few years back when his wife sick battling cancer and pregnant, Jrue Holiday took time off from Basketball to support her. Other Celtics like Derek White and Coach Joe Mazzulla also often have their children around before and after games and for celebrations.

All and all few professional sports teams have prioritize fatherhood as much as the NBA Champion Celtics. Here is hoping other teams and society as a whole follows suit.