• Faith: Christian - Catholic
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  March 23, 1990

Gordon Hayward is a retired NBA basketball player. Over the course of 14 seasons in the NBA, he played for the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Hayward was born on March 23, 1990, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Raised in a sports-loving family, he grew up with his twin sister, Heather. His parents, Jody and Gordon Hayward Sr., encouraged both children to participate in sports from a young age. While Heather excelled in tennis, Gordon’s athletic potential was apparent in multiple disciplines, particularly basketball.

As a child, Hayward stood out in athletics, but ironically, his early height didn’t promise a basketball career. At around 5'11" during his freshman year of high school, he had initially considered focusing on tennis. However, a sudden growth spurt changed everything. By his senior year at Brownsburg High School, Hayward had grown to 6'8", transforming him into an elite basketball prospect.

In high school, Hayward led his team to a state championship, making waves with his talent and dedication. Despite receiving relatively little attention from major colleges, Butler University coach Brad Stevens saw potential in Hayward, recruiting him to play for the Bulldogs.

At Butler University, Hayward's basketball career flourished. He was a key player for the Bulldogs during the 2008-2010 seasons, earning national recognition for his leadership and skills. His sophomore season became the stuff of legend when he led Butler to the 2010 NCAA Championship game, where they narrowly lost to Duke. Hayward’s half-court shot at the buzzer, which would have won the game, is remembered as one of the most iconic near-makes in NCAA history. Despite the close loss, Hayward had proven himself as a talented and versatile player.

Following his impressive performance at Butler, Hayward declared for the 2010 NBA Draft and was selected by the Utah Jazz with the ninth overall pick. His transition to the NBA was steady, and over the course of his seven years with the Jazz, he developed into a standout player. Known for his all-around game, Hayward’s ability to shoot, defend, and lead made him a key figure in the Jazz's success during that period.

In 2017, Hayward made a significant career move by signing a four-year, $128 million contract with the Boston Celtics. However, his time in Boston began on a heartbreaking note. In the very first game of the 2017 season, Hayward suffered a gruesome ankle injury that sidelined him for the entire year. Despite the setback, his resilience and determination helped him return to the court, although injuries continued to challenge him throughout his stint with the Celtics.

Hayward played with Boston until 2020, after which he signed with the Charlotte Hornets. While his contributions in Charlotte were valuable, injuries again limited his ability to fully realize his potential. In February 2024, Hayward was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

On August 1, 2024, Hayward announced that he was retiring from professional basketball.

Off the court, Hayward has been devoted to his family. In 2014, he married Robyn Van Vliet, and the couple has since welcomed four children into their family. Hayward is known for being a hands-on father, often sharing moments of family life on social media.

Gordon Hayward's Religious Beliefs

Hayward's faith journey took a significant turn in 2024 when he decided to convert to Catholicism. Raised in a Protestant Christian home, Hayward had always had a deep spiritual connection but felt a growing desire for something more profound as he entered a new phase of his life post-retirement. In an exclusive interview with "Catholic News Agency," Hayward shared that his journey toward the Catholic Church had been years in the making, influenced by his desire for a deeper relationship with God.

Shortly after his retirement from professional basketball in 2024, while visiting Rome with his family, Hayward formally entered the Catholic Church. He spoke about the beauty of the Catholic faith, particularly its emphasis on tradition, reverence, and the sacraments. "I’ve always felt a strong connection to God, but this step has brought me even closer to Him," Hayward said in his interview. His wife, Robyn, who was raised Catholic, and their children also played significant roles in his decision.