Heartfelt Letter: An Open Letter from Jayson Tatum to Head Coach Joe Mazzulla, Fans, and the Entire Boston Community
Dear Coach Mazzulla, Celtics Nation, and the people of Boston,
As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself reflecting on how far we’ve come together and how deeply grateful I am for every moment I’ve been blessed to share with this city, this team, and its incredible fans. I’ve often said that basketball is more than just a game—it’s a bond, a story, and a responsibility. And nowhere is that more true than in Boston.
Coach Mazzulla, I want to begin with you. From the first day you took over, you were faced with challenges that would have shaken many. You stepped into a role that carried immense pressure, and you did it with humility, intelligence, and courage. You believed in us, even when the world doubted, and you reminded us daily that discipline and togetherness matter as much as talent. Your trust has meant the world to me. You’ve given me the freedom to grow as a leader, to make mistakes, and to learn. And in return, I hope I’ve been able to show you the same belief that you’ve always placed in me.
To the fans—the heartbeat of this city—you have no idea how much your passion means. Every time I step onto the parquet floor at TD Garden, I feel your energy lifting me higher. The chants, the cheers, the standing ovations—they’re not just noise, they’re fuel. On nights when the shots don’t fall, when fatigue sets in, or when doubt creeps into my mind, it’s your voices that remind me why I keep pushing. Boston fans are unlike any other in the world: loyal, tough, and unrelenting. You demand excellence, and while that pressure can be heavy, it’s also what makes putting on this jersey so special. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
And to the people of Boston as a whole, thank you for embracing me, a kid from St. Louis, and making me one of your own. This city has given me more than I could ever repay. It’s given me a second family, a home away from home, and a sense of belonging that goes beyond basketball. When I walk the streets, I don’t just feel like an athlete—I feel like a member of a community. I’ve met countless fans who share stories about how this team has been a part of their families for generations, and it humbles me to know that I now play a small part in that legacy.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its struggles. We’ve had heartbreaks. We’ve come so close to the ultimate prize only to fall short. And I’ll be the first to admit, those losses hurt more than words can describe. I’ve replayed them in my head, wondering what more I could’ve done, how I could’ve been better. But it’s in those moments of pain that I’ve grown the most—not just as a player, but as a man.
Coach Mazzulla has always told us that resilience is what defines champions. It’s not about never falling—it’s about rising again and again, stronger every time. And that’s exactly what I promise to do, for myself, for my teammates, and for this city.
To my teammates, though this letter isn’t addressed directly to you, you’re at the heart of everything I’m saying. Each one of you pushes me to be better every single day. I’m blessed to share this journey with some of the most talented and selfless players in the league. We’ve built bonds that will last far beyond basketball, and together, I believe there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Boston, I want you to know that I don’t take the weight of this jersey lightly. The banners hanging above us in the Garden remind me daily of the greatness that came before us and the standard we are chasing. Legends have walked this path, and I feel honored to add my own footsteps to that journey. My dream is to help raise another banner, not just for us but for every single person who bleeds green.
At the end of the day, I play this game for love—the love of competition, the love of growth, the love of this city, and the love of the fans who make it all worth it. Every time I lace up my sneakers, I carry that love with me.
So, thank you—from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, Coach, for your guidance. Thank you, Celtics fans, for your fire. Thank you, Boston, for making me one of your own. The story isn’t finished, and the best chapters are still ahead. Together, we’ll keep fighting, keep believing, and keep building toward the greatness this city deserves.
With gratitude and love,
Jayson Tatum
