USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Former NBA player Amar’e Stoudemire is now a police officer.
This week, the 43-year-old retired superstar, who played for the Phoenix Suns, NY Knicks, and Miami Heat, graduated from the Miami-Dade Police Academy and officially became a police officer.
“For Amar’e, this is more than a second career. Becoming a police officer was a childhood dream, inspired in part by family members who served in law enforcement,” Miami-Dade College said of Stoudemire’s graduation.
“And he’s graduating with special recognition, receiving the Harry ‘Coach’ Everett Award for his contributions to the success of the academy program throughout his training.”
Amar’e Stoudemire, @Amareisreal, made his mark on the basketball court. A six-time NBA All-Star, 2003 Rookie of the Year and newly inducted Basketball Hall of Famer, he played for some of the league’s biggest teams, including our very own @MiamiHEAT.
Today, he’s celebrating a very different milestone: graduating from the MDC School of Justice’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy after months of rigorous training. And he’s graduating with special recognition, receiving the Harry “Coach” Everett Award for his contributions to the success of the academy program throughout his training.
For Amar’e, this is more than a second career. Becoming a police officer was a childhood dream, inspired in part by family members who served in law enforcement. Now, he will begin a new chapter as a police officer with the Miami Dade Schools Police Department, @mdspd, giving back to our community and serving as a positive influence for the next generation.
Congratulations, Amar’e, and to all of graduates from BLE 401! Wishing you continued success as you take on this important responsibility in our community.
— Miami Dade College (@MDCollege) October 15, 2026
Stoudemire has said in the past that he wanted to become a police officer despite being rich and having made over $165 million in his career.
“Well, it’s a real job. It’s a community-oriented job where our first line of business is to protect and serve the community.”
My JV coach was in law enforcement. My uncle, who’s my favorite uncle, was, I mentioned before, also [in] law enforcement, and these are all positive influences that steer me in the right direction. “