No matter where you’re from, you will always root for those from your hometown because it’s as if they’re representing you and your community. Well, did you know that these professional sports players are from New Jersey?
5) Dennis Rodman
I don’t know if people are happy about this fact because Denise Rodman has such an odd and controversial personality, but you can’t deny that “The Worm” was one of the best defensive basketball players off all-time. He was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 14: Dennis Rodman attends the Comedy Central Roast of Bruce Willis at Hollywood Palladium on July 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
4) Joe Theismann
We all know listening to Joe broadcasting games gave us all an ear ache, but when he played on the gridiron, everyone was locked in to him dominate. Lets just talk about when he broke his leg on Monday Night Football…ouch! Overall, he made New Brunswick proud.
OXON HILL, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 09: Joe Theismann attends as MGM National Harbor, Governor Larry Hogan and Joe Theismann launch sports betting in Maryland with BETMGM at MGM National Harbor on December 09, 2021 in Oxon Hill, Maryland. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor)
3) Mike Trout
Many people associate the greatest baseball player on the planet with Philadelphia because of his open fandom for all Philly teams, but that’s more common with South Jersey residents. He’s from Vineland, New Jersey.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 30: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels signals to a fan during the first inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 30, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
2) Shaquille O’Neal
The Larger than life basketball center might have spent his career playing in cities such as Orlando, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, Cleveland and Boston, but that will never change the fact that he was born and raised in Newark New Jersey.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal laughs as he attends the unveiling of the Shaq Courts at the Doolittle Complex donated by Icy Hot and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in partnership with the city of Las Vegas on October 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Icy Hot)
1) Derek Jeter
For some reason everyone thinks the Yankee Hall of Famer is from Michigan. Well, they’re not wrong he did live most of his life there, but “The Captain” is originally from Pequannock Township.
COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Derek Jeter is introduced during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center on September 08, 2021 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
