Jaylen Brown, a pivotal force behind the 2024 NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, has been navigating a demanding season both on and off the court. Brown, who was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, spearheaded his team’s championship run. He achieved that feat while cleverly combating the obstacles of fasting during Ramadan. Brown had to deal with a bone bruise and poster impingement in his right knee. Even with the injury, he still averaged a cool 17.7 points per game during the month of March.
The Boston Celtics have been instrumental in providing Brown the support and flexibility necessary while he observes Ramadan. Our team chefs have been grinding to get meals prepped for him to eat even before the sun rises. This keeps him very powerful through the hours of fasting. Brown, who has observed Ramadan for a number of years, extended his appreciation to his staff, singling them out for their invaluable guidance and assistance during this challenging period.
“Just mental fortitude. Gratefulness, appreciation for others all over the world that we’re all connected and just mental strength,” said Jaylen Brown.
Brown’s knee injury was a big hurdle on top of Ramadan. His bone bruise with posterior impingement made him miss one game. Even with this challenge, he still showed amazing perseverance and commitment. From October to February, Brown averaged more than 20 points a contest. It surely was one heck of a performance to showcase just how instrumental he’s been to the Celtics’ success.
In the locker room, Brown is known to occasionally leave with numerous to-go boxes of food. He’s been indulging in some fantastic soul food prepared by Fixins, a joint owned by former NBA All-Star turned mayor Kevin Johnson. This culinary support falls in line with the Celtics’ larger push to support Brown while observing Ramadan.
“If you can get through that, you can fast, you can be without and you can focus more on you. I think that just helps you in real life. So, it’s just that mental strength…” Brown reflected on the experience.
Brown’s commitment to his faith goes well past the basketball court. In July 2024, he visited Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage at the Kaaba, a significant spiritual journey for Muslims worldwide. His offseason travel didn’t stop there, his journey took him to Medina, Islam’s second holiest city.
“Everybody’s here to strengthen their connection to the most-high. Everybody’s walking around the architecture as well. I would probably say the architecture was the most beautiful in Medina as well. Medina felt great. I was instantly kind of happy when I got to Medina,” Brown shared about his spiritual journey.
Brown has received tremendous support from his team’s head coach, Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla, a devout Christian. This interfaith solidarity among the players on the team speaks to the welcoming culture created by the Celtics organization.
After a month of fasting, prayer and reflection, Brown is excitedly looking forward to celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan.
“It’s been a great month. I’m looking forward to [Eid al-Fitr],” said Brown.
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