Dennis Rodman opens up on being a functional alcoholic; recalls Michael Jordan fearing he wouldn’t live past 40

Dennis Rodman’s name is synonymous with lockdown defense, relentless rebounding, and an unorthodox lifestyle that made him one of the NBA’s most fascinating figures. Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in league history, Rodman played a pivotal role in transforming the Chicago Bulls into a championship dynasty and elevating the franchise to global superstardom.

Despite his brilliance on the court, Rodman was equally known for his wild off-court antics. The 64-year-old was a self-proclaimed party animal with a notorious love for alcohol—a lifestyle that starkly contrasted the strict regimen typical of elite athletes.

Yet, astonishingly, his late-night partying never seemed to affect his performance. From 1996 to 1998, Rodman was at the height of his powers, helping the Bulls secure an incredible three-peat of NBA championships.

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In a revealing 2020 interview, Rodman opened up about his lifestyle during those years. He recalled how his legendary teammate Michael Jordan once confided concerns that Rodman might not live past 40 due to his off-court habits.

Michael Jordan when asked if he wanted Dennis Rodman back after 1997 title:

“Sure…his hair doesn’t bother me, his dresses doesn’t bother me…he’s gonna go wacko now and then, but you can’t find another player who works as hard…we’re champions back to back.” pic.twitter.com/Kae55V11S1

— JordanMuse (@JordanMuse_) March 15, 2025

“Everybody said that because I was burning both ends. I could play basketball and go out all night until six in the morning, then try to practice at 10,” Rodman shared. “I was doing it for three years straight with the Bulls, and I was functioning. I was a very functional alcoholic. I worked out a lot, and that’s what really saved me. I worked out so much all day long.”

Rodman’s NBA journey was anything but typical. Entering the league at age 25 as a shy kid from the projects, he didn’t even have his first drink until age 32, according to former Detroit Pistons teammate John Salley. But after moving to the San Antonio Spurs and then the Bulls, Rodman embraced a larger-than-life persona—complete with tattoos, wild haircuts, piercings, and headline-grabbing media moments.

“I went to Vegas once, and people were betting on whether I’d make it to 40,” Rodman recalled. “Oh my God. That’s cool. Great. I’m here now. I’m 39.”

He pushed back against misconceptions that he was heavily involved with hard drugs. “People think I’m doing cocaine, acid, heroin, and stuff like that. I only drink alcohol. I was partying hard in Vegas, and people were really concerned about me. I slowed down for a minute and got my s**t together,” he explained.

As of 2025, Rodman is 64 years old, having outlived many of the skeptics who doubted his longevity. Though his health may not be perfect, he has defied the odds and remains a testament to his unique resilience.

Over his storied career, Rodman won five NBA titles, earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards, claimed seven rebounding titles, made two All-Star appearances, and had his No. 10 jersey retired by the Detroit Pistons—a true legend both on and off the hardwood.

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