Inside Nikola Jokic’s Surprising Life: From Childhood Habits to Horse Ranches and Family Bonds

Nikola Jokic, famously known as “The Joker,” has captivated NBA fans not just with his extraordinary skills on the court but also with his uniquely laid-back lifestyle off it.

Behind the superstar persona lies a man with an unusual journey, close family ties, and a surprising passion that sets him apart from other athletes.

What makes Jokic’s life so fascinating?

Let’s explore the lesser-known details about his upbringing, family, personal interests, and how he manages to stay grounded amid NBA stardom.

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Nikola Jokic’s rise to NBA stardom is anything but conventional.

Unlike many professional athletes who obsess over fitness and strict diets from a young age, Jokic’s early years tell a different story.

When he arrived in Denver as a 19-year-old rookie, he couldn’t even do a single push-up.

Growing up in Serbia, he had a notorious sweet tooth, consuming around four liters of Coca-Cola daily and indulging in sweets far beyond the average kid.

This contributed to him being considered obese as a child, towering over his classmates in size.

Even during his teenage years, Jokic’s junk food habits persisted.

An NBA executive once shared that during Jokic’s first summer league, he casually ate an entire gallon of ice cream without hesitation.

Yet, once he entered the NBA, Jokic made a dramatic lifestyle change, giving up sugary drinks and sweets almost entirely.

He shifted his focus to a nutritious diet, which helped him develop the physique and stamina needed to compete at the highest level.

One of the most compelling aspects of Jokic’s life is his close bond with his two older brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja.

Despite the significant age gaps—Strahinja is nearly 10 years older and Nemanja seven years older—the three brothers are inseparable.

They share an apartment in downtown Denver, along with Jokic’s wife, Natalia.

This tight-knit family dynamic is a cornerstone of Jokic’s grounded personality.

Nemanja, who played college basketball at Detroit Mercy, was instrumental in nurturing Jokic’s love for the game.

The brothers spent countless hours playing one-on-one games in their backyard, fueling a competitive spirit that remains alive today.

Their household is lively and filled with constant activity, from wrestling and card games to pranks and music.

Jokic once joked that cheating is part of the family’s competitive nature—without it, you don’t stand a chance of winning.

The brothers are not just playful rivals; they are Jokic’s staunchest supporters.

Nemanja and Strahinja are regular fixtures at Nuggets games, often vocally supporting their brother and even clashing with referees when calls don’t go his way.

Their fiery temperaments are balanced by their unwavering loyalty, always keeping Jokic humble and focused.

Jokic’s relationship with his wife Natalia adds another layer to his story.

The couple met in grade school and were high school sweethearts before marrying in October 2020 in their hometown of Sombor, Serbia.

Natalia followed Jokic to the United States after his draft, attending Seminole State College where she played collegiate volleyball and earned a psychology degree.

She lives with Jokic and his brothers in Denver, contributing to the family’s strong support system.

Outside basketball, Jokic’s greatest passion lies in horse racing—a hobby inherited from his father and grandfather.

Growing up, he dreamed of becoming a professional horse racer and still owns six racehorses on a ranch back in Serbia.

His first horse, Dreamcatcher, purchased in 2016, remains his favorite.

Jokic spends much of his offseason at the ranch, finding peace in grooming, feeding, and caring for the horses.

He likens the routine to “raking a zen garden,” a calming escape from the intensity of professional sports.

Teammates and coaches often remark on Jokic’s unique personality and interests.

Unlike many NBA stars who flaunt luxury cars, jewelry, or designer clothes, Jokic prefers simplicity.

He can frequently be seen in plain t-shirts, sweatpants, or athletic apparel.

His vehicle of choice is a modest GMC Yukon, and he avoids flashy displays of wealth, focusing instead on meaningful investments like his horse ranch.

Jokic’s net worth currently stands around $30 million, bolstered by a lucrative five-year, $147 million contract with the Nuggets.

As he continues to excel, a new contract extension worth upwards of $200 million is expected, which will significantly increase his earnings.

Despite this financial success, Jokic remains humble and true to his down-to-earth nature.

His journey to the NBA was also unconventional.

Before joining the Nuggets, Jokic played in the Adriatic League in Serbia.

He was even close to signing with Barcelona but lost the opportunity after a poor performance against their team.

Drafted alongside Bosnian center Jusuf Nurkic, Jokic was initially seen as a backup.

However, after Nurkic was traded, Jokic seized the chance and never looked back, rapidly evolving into one of the league’s most dominant players.

Nikola Jokic’s story is a testament to the power of family, passion, and perseverance.

From a childhood filled with sugary drinks and playful sibling rivalry to becoming an NBA superstar with a peaceful horse ranch sanctuary, Jokic’s life defies the typical athlete mold.

His unique lifestyle, grounded personality, and unwavering family bonds make him not only a remarkable player but an extraordinary individual.