Risking His Achilles Again: Tyrese Haliburton Kneels in a Walking Boot on Sacred Court to Propose to Jade Jones in NBA’s Most Heartfelt Engagement.

**AMES, IOWA—**In a breathtaking display of commitment that has instantly transcended the world of professional basketball, Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton recently executed a stunning and deeply personal marriage proposal to his longtime girlfriend, Jade Jones.

The moment, which has been hailed by fans and sports commentators alike as one of the most romantic gestures in recent NBA history, took place not on a glamorous private island, but on the hallowed hardwood of the Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa—the very arena where their six-year love story began.

The proposal, which was officially announced in a heartfelt joint Instagram post on a recent Monday afternoon, carried an unexpected layer of poignancy and physical difficulty.

Haliburton, 25, who was the key architect of the Pacers’ unexpected deep run into the 2025 NBA Finals, is currently recovering from a devastating torn Achilles tendon suffered in the climactic Game 7 loss.

Despite the serious injury, which required surgery and will unfortunately sideline him for the entirety of the upcoming 2025-2026 season, Haliburton heroically managed to get down on one knee.

Photos from the event show the NBA star, wearing a protective boot on his injured right leg and likely relying on a scooter moments before, carefully bending to pop the question in front of a giant, lit-up sign that spelled out: “Will you marry me?” The court was adorned with dozens of red roses and towering candle arrangements, transforming the college gym into a cathedral of romance.

The significance of the location, the home court of the Iowa State Cyclones, cannot be overstated.

Haliburton and Jones first met in 2019 when they were both students at Iowa State.

Haliburton was the standout guard for the Cyclones men’s basketball team, poised for an NBA career, while Jones was an accomplished cheerleader for the university, often cheering for him from the sidelines.

Their connection was instant and profound, blossoming from college sweethearts into one of the NBA’s most supportive power couples.

In a candid interview following the viral announcement, Haliburton revealed the intricate planning and several close calls that almost derailed the highly secretive proposal, adding a layer of charming chaos to the fairytale.

The biggest challenge, according to Haliburton, was maintaining the surprise, especially with his ongoing Achilles recovery which should have signaled a period of low activity.

He cleverly disguised the event as a celebration for a deeply personal, but less significant, athletic milestone—the receiving of a gold medal banner in the college arena for his Team USA victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

He invited friends and family under this pretense.

“I wasn’t nervous leading up to it, it was just I brought all her friends and family and I disguised the event,” Haliburton admitted.

“I forgot who I had told and who I didn’t tell, so we all went to lunch before.

” The fear of someone slipping up was immense.

In a truly cinematic turn, the highest point of anxiety came just moments before they left for the arena.

Haliburton revealed that Jones, who clearly had an inkling about an impending engagement, was actively putting pressure on him.

“Ten minutes before we left for the arena, she was on my a about not proposing,” he recounted.

“She was like, this would’ve been the perfect weekend to propose.

I was like, listen, I’m not f*****g proposing to you with a boot on, leave me alone.

You could kind of see her like becoming defeated.”

This intentional misdirection heightened Jones’s shock and delight when she finally walked onto the court.

In a response that instantly went viral, Jones, an Iowa-raised educator who proudly pursued a career as a first-grade teacher, commented on their joint Instagram post: “Future Mrs.

What the Hali 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭.”

While Haliburton is a global celebrity, Jones maintains a quieter, highly respected presence.

Raised in Iowa, she graduated from Davenport West High School and majored in education at Iowa State.

Her past as a highly dedicated cheerleader for the Cyclones is more than just a footnote; it symbolizes her constant and enthusiastic support for Haliburton’s career, a fact he frequently acknowledges.

Their relationship is characterized by shared moments of joy, including the adoption of their mini goldendoodle named Ames, a tribute to the college town where their journey began.

Jones’s unwavering presence at games, from his time with the Sacramento Kings to his All-Star run with the Pacers, and even traveling to the 2024 Paris Olympics for his Team USA gold medal win, underscores the foundation of mutual support they have built.

The dazzling ring, rumored to be worth a substantial figure, symbolizes the magnitude of his promise.

However, the true romance lies in the sheer effort and symbolism—a top NBA star, sidelined by a catastrophic injury, choosing to return to his collegiate roots, boot and all, to kneel for the love of his life.

The entire emotional process, including the nerve-wracking lead-up, was reportedly captured by a film crew for the upcoming Netflix documentary series, “Starting 5,” meaning fans will soon be able to relive the moment the star who missed an NBA ring this year finally secured his personal forever ring.

As Haliburton focuses on the long road of recovery, this engagement marks a beautiful, unwavering commitment that promises an even grander future chapter for the beloved couple.