Having Lost His Father at a Young Age, NBA Star Fred Vanvleet’s Relationship With His Stepfather Comes to Light: “Was Tough at First…”

The current NBA agency has changed fortunes for NBA players. Nabbing a big bag has become commonplace, even for players who aren’t considered superstars. However, they certainly are All-Stars and have triumphed over the big names repeatedly. One such name, Fred VanVleet recently made waves after signing a $130 million three-year gigantic contract with Houston Rockets. 

His stepfather played a huge role in shaping his current life, but there was a lot of conflict in the relationship.

Fred VanVleet adjusts to stern stepfather

Calamity mired Fred VanVleet’s early life. He lost his father when he was just five. His father was shot dead and when he learned of the horrific news, he was “ super numb”. He had some hiccups in life and gave into drugs and fights for a while. This changed when his stepfather, Joe Danforth, started living with him. He was lost in murky waters. 

The Rockets Guard sat down with The Pivot Podcast, discussing his transformation, in terms of his attitude after Danforth came into his life. He reveals, “It was tough at first, just being the stubborn young kid. You know, he really took a hot ball of fire. I was more emotional, hot-headed back then. He just really taught me how to be a man. I didn’t appreciate it till the first year of my college.”

Giving props to his stepdad’s teachings and the removal of hatred towards him from his heart, he continues, ”We butted heads all through childhood. Then, when I went away to school, I got a greater appreciation for the lessons and things he instilled in me. So, it was cool to see our relationship come full circle. But when I was nine, ten, eleven, I hated him”. 

Read more: “Omg Is This Real?” Mother of 22yr Old Rockets Starlet Left in Disbelief at LeBron James’ “Punch” Take on Her Son

Stepdad comes to the rescue

The former Toronto Raptors player grew up in Rockford, Illinois, where children are often exposed to dark realities of life, pretty early on. Gangs like Vice Lords or Wacos dominate the scene and lure youngsters to engage in illegal operations.

When he was in eighth grade, he lost his eighth-grade classmate Spider because of gun violence spurred by gang activities. His stepfather, who was a police officer on the scene, witnessed it. To avoid his stepson falling into the ditch, Danforth took a steely approach.

Using his experience as police, he took matters into his hands. He even took out his whip if he caught the Guard doing something out of place. All of this made for a rough childhood for the star player, but in the long run, he has become a multi-millionaire by grinding it in the NBA.

What do you think about VanVleet’s relationship with his stepfather? Do share in the comments below.

Watch this story: 8 Days After Declining $13,000,000, LeBron James’ Former Teammate Set to Join Forces With Draymond Green in a Thriving West Team