Career Timeline of Dennis Rodman: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Dennis Rodman, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Dennis Rodman, nicknamed "the Worm," is a retired American professional basketball player celebrated for his exceptional defensive and rebounding skills. Considered one of the greatest rebounding forwards in NBA history, he played for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. Initially a small forward, he transitioned to power forward during his career, leaving a significant mark on the sport.
1983: Began playing for Southeastern Oklahoma State University
In 1983, Dennis Rodman began playing for Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
1985: Led NAIA in Rebounding
In 1985, Dennis Rodman led the NAIA in rebounding for the first time while at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
1986: Led NAIA in Rebounding Again
In 1986, Dennis Rodman led the NAIA in rebounding for the second time and helped his team reach the NAIA semifinals where he set a tournament-tying record.
1986: Drafted by the Detroit Pistons
In 1986, Dennis Rodman was drafted by the Detroit Pistons as the third pick in the second round (27th overall).
1987: Improved Stats in 1987-88 Season
In the 1987-88 NBA Season, Dennis Rodman steadily improved his stats, averaging 11.6 points and 8.7 rebounds, and starting in 32 of 82 regular season games.
1988: 1988-89 Season
During the 1988-89 season, Rodman remained a bench player.
1990: Established Himself as Starting Small Forward
During the 1990-91 season, Dennis Rodman finally established himself as the starting small forward for the Pistons.
1991: Won Second Defensive Player of the Year Award
In 1991, Dennis Rodman won his second Defensive Player of the Year Award.
1991: Remarkable Leap in Rebounding
In the 1991-92 season, Dennis Rodman made a remarkable leap in his rebounding, winning his first of seven consecutive rebounding crowns.
March 1992: Career High Rebounds
In March 1992, Dennis Rodman grabbed a career-high 34 rebounds in a single game.
October 1, 1993: Traded to the San Antonio Spurs
On October 1, 1993, the Detroit Pistons traded Dennis Rodman to the San Antonio Spurs.
1993: Joined San Antonio Spurs
In 1993, Dennis Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs and began playing power forward.
1996: Wore Wedding Dress to Promote Autobiography
In 1996, Dennis Rodman wore a wedding dress to promote his autobiography, "Bad as I Wanna Be".
July 1998: Tag Team Match at Bash at the Beach
In July 1998, Dennis Rodman teamed up with Hulk Hogan and defeated Karl Malone and Diamond Dallas Page in a poorly received tag team match at Bash at the Beach.
1998: Joined Special Ops Force
In 1998, Dennis Rodman joined the cast of the syndicated TV show Special Ops Force, playing 'Deke' Reynolds.
July 30, 2000: i-Generation Superstars of Wrestling
On July 30, 2000, Dennis Rodman competed against Curt Hennig for the i-Generation championship in an Australian Outback match, which he lost by disqualification, leading to his retirement from top-level wrestling.
2000: Co-starred in Cutaway
In 2000, Dennis Rodman co-starred with Tom Berenger in the action film about skydiving titled Cutaway.
2005: Commissioner of the Lingerie Football League
In 2005, Dennis Rodman became the Commissioner of the Lingerie Football League.
January 2006: Celebrity Big Brother UK Appearance
In January 2006, Dennis Rodman appeared on the fourth version of Celebrity Big Brother in the UK.
July 26, 2006: Love Island UK Appearance
On July 26, 2006, Dennis Rodman appeared on the UK series Love Island as a houseguest contracted to stay for a week.
2008: Spokesman for OPENSports.com
In 2008, Dennis Rodman became a spokesman for the sports website OPENSports.com, writing a blog and answering members' questions.
March 29, 2009: Eliminated from Celebrity Apprentice
On March 29, 2009, Dennis Rodman was the fifth contestant eliminated from Celebrity Apprentice, having raised money for the Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Orleans.
April 1, 2011: Pistons Retire Rodman's Jersey
On April 1, 2011, the Detroit Pistons retired Dennis Rodman's No. 10 jersey. Also in 2011, Rodman was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
April 7, 2013: Eliminated from Celebrity Apprentice Again
On April 7, 2013, Dennis Rodman was the sixth contestant eliminated from Celebrity Apprentice, raising $20,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
July 2013: Launched Bad Boy Vodka
In July 2013, Dennis Rodman joined Premier Brands to launch and promote Bad Boy Vodka.
September 3, 2023: Appearance at AEW All Out
On September 3, 2023, Dennis Rodman accompanied The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn to the ring at AEW All Out, following his appearance on AEW Collision where he aligned himself with them.
