Tyrese Haliburton’s road back from a torn Achilles has had an unusual source of company in Indianapolis: Colts quarterback Daniel Jones.
The Pacers guard and the Colts signal-caller were thrown into the same recovery grind after suffering the same injury months apart, and that shared experience quickly turned into something more. Haliburton tore his right Achilles in the first quarter of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 22.
"We have the same surgeon, so we've talked a lot [throughout] the process."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 24, 2026
Tyrese Haliburton describes his relationship with Daniel Jones during their Achilles rehab.
(via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/FhHzd4fvcK
Jones later went down with the same injury on December 7 during the Colts’ road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both players had surgery with Dr.
Martin O’Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
Haliburton said he reached out to Jones after the quarterback’s injury, knowing exactly what the next stretch would demand. Being in the same city helped the two stay in touch through a rehab process that can feel lonely, and the common thread of having the same surgeon gave them plenty to talk about.
“We have the same surgeon, so we've talked a lot [throughout] the process.”
That quote came from Haliburton’s appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, which SportsCenter highlighted Monday in a clip posted to its official X account. The conversation showed how naturally the relationship formed as both players worked through milestones, setbacks and the long wait to get back on the field.
Their bond was set to spill into a public setting Monday night, when Haliburton and Jones were scheduled to captain opposing teams at the Pacers Foundation Charity Softball Classic at Victory Field.
Haliburton missed the entire 2025-26 season and is now looking ahead to the Pacers’ 2026-27 campaign. Jones has been given full clearance for training camp and is targeted to start the Colts’ Week 1 opener. For Indianapolis fans, the parallel recoveries offer a clear sign that both franchises could soon have key pieces back in place.
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Tyrese Haliburton Gave Pacers Fans A Summer Moment Worth Celebrating
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There was also a little extra drama tied to the action itself, with the Irsay family pledging $100,000 if Haliburton reached base, a fitting bit of pressure for a player who has become the face of the franchise. The evening ended with Haliburtons team rolling past Team Jones 28-6, and the hope around the event is that this was more than a one-off showcase. The Pacers want it to become an annual tradition, and after a night that mixed charity, star power and a packed downtown backdrop, it is easy to see why. [Read more 🡒]