“That’s who you are. You’re my kid. The kid who, when Dad asks if you know what you’re getting yourself into, simply says with a wink and a grin, “Watch this.” We love you, Ty.” In 2018, The Athletic started a series so Kentucky basketball fans could get to know their beloved freshmen more deeply. These are “Letters from Home,” and shooting guard Tyler Herro received one from his dad, Chris.

The 25-year-old is playing in his 6th season, with the same franchise that drafted him. But before that journey, he had to face a lot of backlash because of one pivotal decision. However, in that journey and till today, the young gun’s parents have stood like a rock! Even when their eldest decided to go against the family’s favorite team.

Where is Tyler Herro from? What is the Heat star’s nationality?

Tyler was born in Greenfield to Christopher and Jennifer Herro, who married in 1999. They are Wisconsin residents, which makes them American by nationality and white Caucasian by ethnicity. Tyler Herro was born on January 20th, 2000, and his parents were former athletes. Christopher is a former basketball player at Nathan Hale High School in Milwaukee (class of 1992). He received scholarships from Florida State University and Saint Louis. Unfortunately for him, a torn ACL ended his hoops career.

As per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Christopher worked as a roofing and concrete contractor in the summer and a snow-plow driver in the winter. Meanwhile, his wife, Jennifer, was a track and cross runner at George Nelson Tremper High School in Wisconsin (class of 1994). She still maintains her running routine and presently works as a dental hygienist, per reports.

Seeing this, Tyler took up sports. He graduated from Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wisconsin. In his senior year, he earned the First Team All-State honor while also gaining a solid four-star status, thus unlocking multiple offers.

University of Wisconsin–Madison, Marquette University, DePaul University, Oregon State University, and Arizona State University. Herro initially chose his native university. However, the hoopster de-committed later and chose John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats, which drew a lot of anger from the home fans.

That decision spurred vandalism outside Herro’s family home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Derogatory and disrespectful remarks about the youngster’s decision to play at Kentucky were spray-painted on their home’s exteriors. Not only that, people started sending death threats. On one such occasion, someone approached him aggressively when he was pumping gas near his home.

But the disdain coming in from the locals did not change a thing. Herro was pretty determined and his college journey was done after just a year. The youngster was drafted by the Miami Heat! While having the athlete gene in your blood is one thing, this story brings to mind another question, pertaining to the entire Herro family.

What religion do Tyler Herro and his family follow?

Tyler’s father’s letter described the importance of staying humble. “Second, and more important, always be respectful. No matter how popular you get or how much success you have, stay humble, be the same person, and remember where you came from.”

Even on his social media, from 2015, the Heat guard has never shied away from speaking about his Christian faith. “I never gave up on my team, put faith in God, I ain’t never giving up on my dreeeeeam.” Game day BABYYYY.”

Tyler’s growth spurt is still a mystery to his parents. “It’s just meant to be at the end of the day. I mean, I believe in God and it’s crazy: Ty was born to be a basketball player. I mean, like he said — ‘I wasn’t supposed to be 6-6’ — because he’s got arms for someone who is only 6-2.” During their conversation with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, they also spoke about the challenges of the NBA Bubble.

“I always say this: ‘God has a plan. Right?’ I don’t ever want to say I live through my kids because I don’t. But I’m happy for them. I’m happy for Ty. Does That give me more excitement in my life? Absolutely — what parents wouldn’t say that?”

Tyler Herro also has a cross tattooed across his chest. More recently, he posted on X: “Whatever God gives me, I’m forever grateful.”

From facing hate from his home state fans to then making a big name with the Kentucky Wildcats, Tyler Herro has come a long, long way. Plus, after the one-and-done season, he was a first-round 13th overall pick. He has earned an NBA All-Rookie Second Team spot, and in 2022, he even achieved the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. The first-ever Miami Heat player to receive that honor!