Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton
The Indiana Pacers have watched Tyrese Haliburton attack Achilles rehab with an unexpected ally in Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. Their shared Achilles recovery quickly connected two franchise cornerstones from different leagues. They soon became friends while comparing notes and preparing for their respective returns this fall.
Haliburton tore his right Achilles during the first quarter of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 22. On December 7, during the Colts' road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones suffered the same injury. Both later underwent surgery under Dr. Martin O'Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
Shared surgeon sparked Indianapolis connection
The two-time NBA All-Star guard contacted Jones after the quarterback's injury because he understood the grueling road ahead. Sharing the same surgeon gave them immediate common ground. Meanwhile, playing in the same city made communication natural throughout an often isolating rehabilitation process.
On Monday, SportsCenter posted a clip from Haliburton's appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. The network shared it through its official account on X, formerly Twitter. In the video, the Pacers guard explained how the same surgeon sparked frequent conversations during their recoveries.
“We have the same surgeon, so we've talked a lot [throughout] the process.”
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"We have the same surgeon, so we've talked a lot [throughout] the process."
Tyrese Haliburton describes his relationship with Daniel Jones during their Achilles rehab.
(via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/FhHzd4fvcK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 24, 2026
The connection now extends beyond rehabilitation. Haliburton and Jones were set to captain opposing teams at the Pacers Foundation Charity Softball Classic on Monday night. The event at Victory Field placed their friendship before local fans after months of discussions about surgery, milestones, and extended time away from competition.
Haliburton missed the entire 2025-26 season but is preparing for the Pacers' upcoming 2026-27 campaign. Jones received full clearance for training camp and is targeted to start the Colts' Week 1 opener. Their progress offers Indianapolis fans encouragement as both franchises prepare to welcome back cornerstone players from the same major injury. Moreover, their bond shows how support can cross league boundaries during the physical uncertainty and mental strain created by severe injuries.