In a surprising twist that has left NBA fans buzzing, former Boston Celtics center Tacko Fall, the 7’6” giant who once captivated audiences with his towering presence, is now training to become a firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department. The beloved former player, who last played in the NBA in 2022, has gone viral on social media for his latest endeavor, balancing his basketball career in China’s CBA with the Ningbo Rockets and his newfound passion for saving lives.
Fall, who went undrafted in 2019 before signing an Exhibit-10 contract with the Celtics, became a fan favorite in Boston despite a modest NBA career. Averaging 2.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and shooting an impressive 67.3% from the field across three seasons, he was more than just a player—he was a spectacle. His unforgettable moment came during the 2020 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest when Aaron Gordon soared over him in a jaw-dropping dunk, cementing Fall’s place in highlight reels.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/FearedBuck/status/1970590859000213792
Now, years after his NBA days ended following a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers and a subsequent waiver, Fall is chasing a new dream: becoming a firefighter. His training with the Chicago Fire Department has sparked a frenzy online, with fans marveling at the idea of a 7’6” firefighter navigating burning buildings. However, the NBA community, known for its sharp wit, didn’t hold back with their relentless trolling, poking fun at Fall’s extraordinary height in the context of his new career path.
Social media erupted with comments that were equal parts hilarious and savage:
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“If I’m trapped on the second floor of a burning building and see a 7’6” firefighter with a 10-foot wingspan coming for me, I’m assuming I’m already dead and this is a fever dream.”
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“Tacko Fall walking into a fire? Bro, I’d think the Grim Reaper showed up.”
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“He doesn’t climb ladders—he is the ladder.”
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“It’s gonna take him 20 minutes just to unfold himself from the fire truck.”
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“Tacko doesn’t need a hose; he just reaches up and slaps the flames out.”
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“Imagine being saved from a fire, looking up, and seeing this dude tying his shoes before running in.”
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“When you’re 7’6”, the fire pole is just a quick slide to the ground.”
Despite the playful jabs, many fans praised Fall’s unique suitability for the job. His height, which made him a marvel on the court, could be a game-changer in firefighting, allowing him to reach high places without a ladder or carry people to safety with ease. “He’s literally built for this,” one fan noted. “No window too high, no ceiling too tall.”
If Fall completes his training, he could make history as the first NBA player to join the Chicago Fire Department, following in the footsteps of other former players like Shaquille O’Neal, who became a sheriff, and Kevin Johnson, who served as a mayor. Fall’s journey from the hardwood to heroism is inspiring a new generation, showing that giving back to the community can take many forms—even for a 7’6” giant.