• Faith: Christian
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  March 17, 1994

Terry Rozier, nicknamed "Scary Terry," is a professional basketball player for the NBA's Miami Heat.

Terry William Rozier III was born on March 17, 1994, in Youngstown, Ohio. His father, Terry Rozier Sr., was incarcerated when Rozier was just two months old—sent to prison on assault charges, and later convicted of more serious offenses. Throughout his childhood, Rozier’s family situation was unstable. After his father’s release, he was again arrested and eventually sentenced to 13 years in prison for kidnapping and robbery in 2003. As a result, Rozier was primarily raised by his mother, Gina Tucker, and his grandmother, Amanda Tucker, along with his brother and half-sister.

When Rozier was six years old, his mother, citing threats tied to his father’s former criminal connections, placed him in the custody of his grandmother in Shaker Heights, Ohio. The move created something of a cultural and emotional shift for young Terry: from a rough neighborhood in Youngstown into a more stable, if still challenging, environment with his grandmother—who spent her days working at recreation centers and concession stands while Terry spent hours playing basketball and learning life lessons.

It wasn’t an easy transition. His grandmother described how Terry would lash out or resist the change, and she often had to discipline him firmly to keep him focused. But those early struggles, the absence of his father, and the strong influence of his mother and grandmother forged an inner grit in Rozier—one that would serve him well both on and off the court.

Terry Rozier attended Shaker Heights High School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, graduating in 2012. In his senior year, he averaged 25.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 4.7 steals per game, leading his team to a 21–3 record and a regional semifinal appearance. His performances caught the attention of top college programs across the country.

Due to academic requirements, Rozier spent a preparatory year at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia. There he averaged 29.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while helping his team to a 38–8 record and earning MVP honors at the Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic.

He then enrolled at the University of Louisville, joining the Cardinals for two seasons (2013–2015). As a freshman, he averaged 7.0 points and 3.1 rebounds and was named to the ACC All-Rookie Team. In his sophomore season, he emerged as the team’s leading scorer with 17.1 points per game and earned second-team All-ACC honors. Following his standout season, Rozier declared for the 2015 NBA draft.

In the 2015 NBA Draft, Terry Rozier was selected 16th overall by the Boston Celtics. He spent his first four seasons with Boston, often coming off the bench and splitting time between the Celtics and their G-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws.

His breakout moment came during the 2017–18 season when, in his first NBA start, he recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists—a rare feat for a young guard. Over the next seasons in Boston, he gradually became a more integral player, showing scoring prowess, athleticism, and a fearless style that earned him the nickname “Scary Terry.”

In July 2019, Rozier was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in a sign-and-trade deal involving Kemba Walker. In Charlotte, he stepped into a starting role and posted career-high scoring seasons—18.0 points per game in 2019–20, 20.4 in 2020–21, and over 21 points in later seasons. On December 23, 2020, he scored 42 points, and on May 9, 2021, he topped that with 43 points in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. In August 2021, he signed a four-year, $97 million contract extension with Charlotte.

On January 23, 2024, Rozier was traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a protected first-round draft pick. He made his Heat debut the following day, recording nine points, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

In late January 2025, the NBA publicly announced that Rozier was under investigation by federal authorities in connection with a sports betting scandal tied to a March 2023 game in which he played for the Hornets. The investigation centered on bets placed on the “under” performance of Rozier’s statistics in that game, during which he left early citing a foot injury after just nine minutes.

The matter came to a head on October 23, 2025, when Rozier was arrested by the FBI at a hotel in Orlando as part of a sweeping federal case involving illegal sports betting and poker operations with ties to organized crime. The indictment accused Rozier of participating in an illegal sports-betting scheme that used private insider NBA information.

Prosecutors alleged that co-conspirators had obtained confidential NBA details—such as player performance plans and injury reports—and used them to influence betting outcomes. Rozier allegedly had access to insider information, though his attorney strongly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that Rozier “is not a gambler” and looks forward to clearing his name. The NBA has stated that it is cooperating fully with federal authorities as the case continues.

The arrest has raised broader questions about integrity within the sport and the potential impact of gambling interests on professional basketball. While the investigation remains ongoing, it marks one of the most high-profile incidents to challenge the NBA’s reputation in recent years.

Terry Rozier's Religious Beliefs

While Terry Rozier’s Christian faith has not been widely publicized, several close accounts describe him as someone deeply influenced by his family’s faith and by the strength of his grandmother, Amanda Tucker. Growing up in a household where church attendance and prayer were part of daily life, Rozier learned early on the importance of gratitude, humility, and perseverance.

He has often spoken about how his grandmother and mother kept him grounded during difficult times. Their faith-based discipline and moral guidance helped shape his work ethic and sense of responsibility. For Rozier, family and faith are closely intertwined—he often credits his upbringing for giving him the strength to navigate challenges both on and off the court.

Even as fame and fortune entered his life, Rozier has remained vocal about giving back and staying true to his roots. Friends and teammates describe him as humble and reflective, often talking about how far he has come and the faith that keeps him focused. Though not outspoken about religion in public forums, those close to him say his faith quietly shapes his decisions and outlook.

His grandmother’s influence remains central to that spiritual foundation. She taught him the values of prayer, hard work, and forgiveness—virtues that Rozier has carried through his career and personal life. For Rozier, faith is not about public displays, but about living each day with purpose, integrity, and thankfulness for God’s guidance through adversity.