Trinity Rodman, forward for the U.S. women’s soccer team, has candidly spoken about her difficult relationship with her father, Dennis Rodman, on the Call Her Daddy podcast hosted by Alex Cooper.
Trinity Rodman revealed that her father has been mostly absent from her life, describing him as a father in name only. She stated, ‘He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else.’ Growing up, her mother, Michelle Moyer, attempted to protect Trinity and her brother, DJ Rodman, from the chaotic lifestyle that Dennis Rodman led as a former NBA star. This protective approach came after Michelle divorced Dennis in 2012.
Despite Dennis Rodman’s fame, his relationship with his children has been fraught with absence. Trinity Rodman, who earned a gold medal with the United States at the Paris Olympics, shared her emotional turmoil when her father unexpectedly appeared at a Washington Spirit playoff game in 2021. After months without contact, his sudden appearance disrupted her focus during the game. She expressed her frustration at this gesture, saying it felt like a performance for the cameras rather than a genuine attempt to reconnect.
Following the game, where Trinity was photographed in tears in her father’s arms, she lost hope of mending their relationship. She perceived his actions as more about self-promotion than family reconciliation. ‘Even at that game, I don’t think it was for me,’ she reflected, ‘I think he wanted to have a good conscience and then be like, “Headline, Dennis Rodman showed up to his daughter’s game.”‘
Dennis Rodman addressed Trinity’s comments through Instagram, expressing regret for not being the father she hoped for. He stated, ‘I’m always here And tell you all the time rather it’s your voice or voicemail how proud I am.’ Despite expressing a wish for closer ties with his children, the gap between them remains significant, with Dennis Rodman admitting the challenge in bridging it.
Trinity Rodman’s success on the field, including being named NWSL Rookie of the Year, continues independently of her father’s influence. Despite the absence of paternal support, her achievements speak volumes about her dedication to soccer and her resilience in personal life. Meanwhile, DJ Rodman, Trinity’s brother, is pursuing a career in the NBA’s G League, carving his own path away from their father’s shadow.
Trinity Rodman’s revelations about her relationship with her father, Dennis Rodman, shed light on the complexities of familial bonds and the impact of absentee parenting. Her story underscores the challenges many face in seeking personal and professional validation. Her accomplishments on the soccer field demonstrate her ability to overcome personal adversity while striving for excellence.
