NBA’s Mikal Bridges Teaches Second Grade in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges fulfilled a lifelong dream by stepping into the role of a second-grade teacher at PS 134 in Brooklyn. Despite arriving back in the city after 1:00 a.m. following a March 2024 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bridges was up early the next morning to lead a classroom of eager students.

Bridges, who has long expressed an interest in teaching, shared that the experience energized him. “Their energy was just like, what got me going so fast. They got me excited,” he said. The NBA star, who fondly remembers his own second-grade teacher, Ms. Porter, led physical education classes, taught math, and even joined in on a xylophone lesson.

Bridges revealed to both the students and CBS News that he plans to pursue teaching after his basketball career ends. “Basketball doesn’t go forever,” he told a student. “This is just the first part of my journey, so I think teacher is going to come up next. Trying to do both.”

The Nets forward’s passion for education highlights a lesser-known side of professional athletes, showcasing their ability to inspire beyond the court. Bridges’ visit to PS 134 was part of a community outreach initiative, emphasizing the importance of education and mentorship.