• Faith: Christian
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  June 12, 1990

Jrue Holiday is a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics. He is a two-time NBA All-Star and five-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. He also won a gold medal with the 2020 U.S. Olympic team. He was born on June 12, 1990, in Chatsworth, California. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in basketball, Holiday's path to the NBA seemed almost predestined. His parents, Shawn and Toya Holiday, both played college basketball at Arizona State University. This strong athletic lineage influenced Jrue and his siblings, Aaron and Justin, who also pursued professional basketball careers. From an early age, Jrue displayed a natural talent for basketball. His upbringing in a supportive and sports-oriented family fostered his development both on and off the court. The Holidays instilled in their children the values of hard work, dedication, and humility—principles that would guide Jrue throughout his career.

Holiday attended Campbell Hall School in Studio City, California, where he became one of the top high school basketball players in the nation. During his senior year, Holiday averaged 25.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 4.8 steals per game, leading Campbell Hall to a state title. His exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades, including being named a McDonald's All-American and the 2008 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Holiday was also a first-team Parade All-American and participated in the Jordan Brand Classic. These achievements marked him as one of the premier prospects heading into college basketball. In 2008, Holiday committed to play for the UCLA Bruins, one of the most storied programs in college basketball. Despite being primarily known for his defensive prowess, Holiday showed his versatility by averaging 8.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game during his freshman season. Holiday's impact went beyond statistics; his defensive skills and basketball IQ earned him a reputation as one of the best two-way players in college basketball. After just one season with the Bruins, he declared for the 2009 NBA Draft, confident that his all-around game would translate to the professional level.

Holiday was selected 17th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2009 NBA Draft. He quickly established himself as a reliable point guard, becoming the youngest player in franchise history to record a triple-double. Over his four seasons with the 76ers, Holiday's game continued to mature, culminating in his first All-Star selection in 2013. In 2013, Holiday was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he faced numerous challenges, including injuries and personal struggles. However, he emerged as a resilient leader, known for his elite defense and playmaking abilities. Holiday's time with the Pelicans was highlighted by his contributions to the team's playoff runs and his recognition on the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2018. The pinnacle of Holiday's career came when he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020. His arrival brought a new level of defensive tenacity and leadership to the team. In the 2020-2021 season, Holiday played a crucial role in leading the Bucks to their first NBA Championship in 50 years. His performance in the playoffs, particularly his defensive stops and clutch plays, solidified his reputation as one of the best two-way guards in the league. In recognition of his outstanding season, Holiday was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team and won the NBA Teammate of the Year Award. His contributions were instrumental in the Bucks' championship run, and he continued to excel in the following seasons.

In October 2023, Holiday was traded to the Boston Celtics, bringing his veteran leadership and defensive prowess to one of the league's most storied franchises. His impact on the Celtics has been immediate, providing stability and experience to a young and talented roster. Holiday secured his second NBA Championship title when the Boston Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals. Holiday's family life is as significant as his basketball career. He is married to Lauren Cheney Holiday, a former U.S. women's national soccer team player and Olympic gold medalist. The couple met during their time at UCLA and married in 2013. They have two children, a daughter, Jrue Tyler Holiday, born in 2016, and a son, Hendricks Holiday, born in 2020. The Holidays have faced their share of challenges, including Lauren's diagnosis of a brain tumor while pregnant with their first child. Jrue took a leave of absence from basketball to support his wife through surgery and recovery, demonstrating his commitment to his family. Lauren's successful recovery and the birth of their healthy daughter brought immense relief and joy to the Holiday family.

Jrue Holiday's Religious Beliefs

Faith is a cornerstone of Jrue Holiday's life. Both Jrue and his wife Lauren are devout Christians, and their faith has guided them through personal and professional challenges. Holiday often speaks about the importance of his faith in interviews, crediting it for providing strength and perspective. “I'm a Christian athlete who has faith in Jesus Christ. So when I encounter circumstances over which I have no control, I believe and have peace,” Holiday once said in an interview.

The Holidays are also known for their philanthropy, driven by their Christian values. In 2020, Jrue and Lauren pledged the remainder of his NBA salary for the year, approximately $5.3 million, to support black-owned businesses and non-profit organizations in communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This act of generosity was a testament to their commitment to living out their faith through service to others.