As the calendar turns to March 2026, leap year babies like Tyrese Haliburton can finally celebrate their birthdays properly once again. Born on February 29, Haliburton enjoys a rare birthday experience that occurs only every four years, a fact that adds extra meaning to his Tyrese Haliburton birthday celebration.
Multiple Birthday Celebrations Highlight Haliburton’s Special Day
On February 28, the Indiana Pacers star received an outpouring of birthday wishes from the NBA, fans, and his fiancée, Jade Jones. However, Haliburton pointed out that he also celebrates on March 1 during non-leap years, doubling his birthday festivities between leap years. He expressed his gratitude on social media, sharing,
“Appreciate all the birthday love yesterday! And yes I celebrate today too😂❤️”
— Tyrese Haliburton, NBA player.
A Leap Year Birthday Shared by Few NBA Players
Haliburton is one of only four NBA players born on leap years, joining John Chaney (1920), Chucky Brown (1968), and Vonteego Cummings (1976). Despite missing his true calendar birthday a few times—such as during the 2020 season when a fractured wrist sidelined him—he embraces the unique nature of his birth date.
Haliburton’s Perspective on Celebrating Beyond the Leap Day
In 2024, Boomer, the Pacers’ mascot, commemorated Haliburton’s birthday with a giant card calling it his “6th birthday.” Haliburton responded by sharing a positive outlook on his unconventional birthday. He said,
“Honestly, when it’s not my birthday, I get two days to celebrate,”
and added,
“So I would argue that it’s just as good without my birthday because I get two of them, but for this birthday this year I bought myself more gifts than I usually would. I celebrate it accordingly.”
Looking Ahead to Future Celebrations
Though Haliburton is currently out for the season with a torn Achilles, his leap year birthday tradition continues to bring joy. The Pacers will likely honor him again when his next official birthday comes in 2028, marking his seventh. This rare birthday rhythm offers Haliburton a distinctive connection to both his personal life and career within the NBA landscape.
Appreciate all the birthday love yesterday! And yes I celebrate today too😂❤️
— Tyrese Haliburton (@Hali) March 1, 2026
Boomer surprised Tyrese Haliburton with a giant birthday card to celebrate his 6th birthday 😂🥳 pic.twitter.com/YdUnffyt7V
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 29, 2024
