Tyrese Haliburton and Jade Jones — how it happened, their journey together, and what it means going forward.
(This draws on all publicly available reporting and social‑media posts.)
💍 Engagement: The Big Moment
- On July 28, 2025, Haliburton proposed to Jones at Hilton Coliseum, the very basketball arena at Iowa State University (ISU) where they first met as students — making the moment deeply meaningful and symbolic.
- Despite being recently sidelined by a torn Achilles tendon (suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals), Haliburton — still in a boot — got down on one knee, leaning on a scooter for support, proving that mobility wouldn’t stop him from making this gesture.
- The scene was carefully set: rose petals, floating candles, a balloon arch, and illuminated letters reading “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” on the court.
- In a shared Instagram post, Haliburton wrote:
“The place where our story started, and where our next chapter begins ❤️💍”
Jones responded:
“Future Mrs. What the Hali 😭😭😭…” - The engagement rapidly made headlines and sparked widespread congratulations from fans, friends, and fellow athletes.
📖 Their Story So Far: From College Sweethearts to Committed Couple
How It Started
- Haliburton and Jones first met at Iowa State: he was on the men’s basketball team, she was part of the cheerleading squad.
- They began dating around April 2019.
Life Together — Growing With the Journey
- Over the years, their relationship weathered the path from college sports to the pros. Haliburton entered the NBA in 2020 (drafted No. 12 overall), and Jones continued to be a steady supporter as he rose through the ranks.
- The pair share a dog, named Ames, adopted when Haliburton was a rookie in the league. The dog has been a constant in their lives: Haliburton once said Ames “doesn’t know how good or bad I play — he’s just happy to see me.”
- Their social‑media presence reflects closeness and affection: from anniversaries to everyday moments, they’ve often publicly celebrated each other.
Through Highs and Lows
- The last NBA season ended on a bittersweet note: Haliburton’s team lost in the 2025 Finals, and he suffered a torn Achilles in Game 7. Despite that, the engagement shows a major positive pivot — a new chapter full of hope and commitment.
- For Jones, this engagement appears to be a culmination of long‑standing support: she stood by him during high‑pressure moments, postseason runs, and now recovery — reflecting resilience and love beyond the court.
❤️ What the Engagement Means (To Them, and to Fans)
- Full‑circle romance: Proposing at their alma mater carries sentimental weight — a tribute to where it all began, and a signal of “roots” even as Haliburton’s career advances.
- Support through adversity: The fact that Haliburton proposed while recovering from a serious injury suggests confidence and trust in their bond. It’s a message that even tough times won’t derail their future.
- Stability outside basketball: For an NBA star, relationships — especially publicly celebrated ones — can provide grounding. This engagement underscores maturity, long‑term thinking, and personal growth outside the sport.
- Inspiration for young fans: Their story — from college sweethearts to engaged power couple — resonates beyond basketball: reminders of loyalty, love, and growth through shared challenges.
📅 What’s Next: What to Expect From Here
- The couple haven’t publicly announced a wedding date yet. Reports suggest they’re in the early stages of planning, likely taking advantage of Haliburton’s downtime during rehab to organize.
- As Haliburton works to come back strong from injury, Jones will likely remain an important source of support — both emotionally and publicly. Their engagement might shape how fans and media view his recovery and future seasons.
- Given their strong social‑media presence already, we can expect announcements, glimpses of wedding prep, maybe even fan‑facing content as they share milestones.
🧑🤝🧑 Why Their Story Resonates: Broader Impact
Their engagement is more than a “celebrity romance” headline — it touches on:
- Roots & origin stories: Many public relationships start during college; seeing one evolve into engagement — with full transparency — brings relatability.
- Balance between career and relationships: Especially in high-pressure, high‑mobility professions like professional sports, Haliburton and Jones show that commitment outside the spotlight is possible.
- Vulnerability & authenticity: Haliburton didn’t hide his foot cast or recovery status — he embraced it. That honesty builds trust with fans, while normalizing that life and success come with setbacks.
- Hope after adversity: For Haliburton, missing out on a championship and suffering a major injury could be disheartening. The engagement symbolizes optimism, resilience, and belief in a positive future.
Leave a Reply