The Untold Truth About Anthony Edwards' Father: 5 Shocking Facts About Roger Caruth And The Michael Jordan Rumor

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Few NBA stars have a backstory as compelling and emotionally charged as Anthony Edwards, the explosive Minnesota Timberwolves guard known affectionately as "Ant-Man." While his on-court dominance is clear, the identity and role of his father have been a consistent source of curiosity and speculation among fans, particularly given the tragic losses in his early life. As of December 22, 2025, the truth about his father, Roger Caruth, reveals a complex family dynamic that profoundly shaped the man and athlete we see today.

The public narrative often focuses on the absence and the unfounded rumors, but a deeper look into the Edwards family reveals a foundation of sacrifice, love, and resilience provided by his mother, grandmother, and older siblings. This article cuts through the noise to provide the confirmed, up-to-date facts about Anthony Edwards' biological father, the family that raised him, and the persistent, yet false, links to basketball royalty.

Anthony Edwards' Immediate Family and Biography

Anthony Edwards' journey to NBA stardom is defined by the powerful women who raised him and the devastating loss he overcame. His official biography paints a picture of a childhood rooted in Atlanta’s West End, driven by the memory of his late mother and grandmother.

  • Full Name: Anthony DeVante Edwards
  • Nickname: Ant-Man
  • Date of Birth: August 5, 2001
  • Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
  • Biological Father: Roger Caruth
  • Mother: Chrisha Yvette Edwards (Deceased, 2015)
  • Maternal Grandmother: Shirley Edwards (Deceased, 2015)
  • Siblings: Older brother, Antoine Edwards, and older sister, Antoinette Edwards (who became his legal guardians)
  • Guardianship: After the deaths of his mother and grandmother, his older siblings, Antoine and Antoinette, took guardianship of him.
  • College: University of Georgia (One season, 2019–2020)
  • NBA Draft: 1st overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves

Fact 1: His Biological Father is Roger Caruth, Not Michael Jordan

The most persistent and widespread rumor surrounding Anthony Edwards' parentage is the sensational claim that he is the illegitimate son of NBA legend Michael Jordan. This rumor has been aggressively pushed by social media and basketball commentators due to Edwards' explosive athleticism, competitive spirit, and physical resemblance to a young Jordan.

However, the truth is clear and confirmed: Anthony Edwards' biological father is Roger Caruth.

The Michael Jordan Rumor Debunked

The theory that Edwards is related to Michael Jordan is entirely false and has no verified evidence. It is pure "basketball barbershop banter," born from the striking similarities in their playing styles and physical characteristics, leading fans to jokingly refer to Edwards as Jordan's "son in the basketball sense." Edwards himself has never fueled the rumor, and his documented family history is public record.

Fact 2: Roger Caruth Was a Talented, But Largely Absent, Figure

While Roger Caruth is confirmed as Anthony's father, his presence in the future NBA star's life was limited. The primary figures in Anthony’s upbringing were his mother and grandmother.

The Origin of "Ant-Man"

Despite his absence, Caruth is credited with giving Anthony his famous nickname. When Anthony was just three years old, his father reportedly started calling him "Ant-Man." This nickname stuck, eventually becoming the star's personal brand and a testament to his explosive, superhero-like play.

A Gifted Basketball Player

Like his son, Roger Caruth was reportedly a gifted basketball player in his own right. This connection suggests that the athletic genes that produced one of the NBA's most exciting young talents run in the family, even if the father-son relationship was not a traditional one.

Fact 3: The Tragic Loss of Chrisha Yvette and Shirley Edwards

The defining moment of Anthony Edwards' childhood was not the absence of his father, but the devastating loss of the two women who raised him.

  • Chrisha Yvette Edwards: Anthony's mother passed away in 2015 after a battle with ovarian cancer.
  • Shirley Edwards: Anthony's maternal grandmother, who was a co-parent and second mother figure, also passed away in 2015 from cancer, just eight months after his mother.

Both women died on the fifth day of the month, a tragic coincidence that has driven Edwards throughout his career. He wears the number 5 in their honor and often speaks about their inspiration. The loss occurred when Anthony was just 14 years old, leaving him and his older siblings to navigate an unimaginable new reality.

Fact 4: His Older Siblings Became His Legal Guardians

Following the deaths of Chrisha Yvette and Shirley Edwards, Anthony's older brother, Antoine Edwards, and older sister, Antoinette Edwards, stepped up to take legal guardianship of the future NBA star.

The siblings moved in together, and Antoine and Antoinette put their own lives on hold to ensure Anthony could continue his basketball career and complete his education. This act of sacrifice and dedication from his siblings is a core part of the Edwards family legacy, highlighting the tight-knit support system that allowed him to thrive despite the trauma.

Fact 5: Anthony Edwards' Recent Paternity News Offers a Poignant Contrast

In a twist of fate that provides a poignant contrast to his own childhood, Anthony Edwards has recently been in the news for becoming a father himself. In early 2024, Edwards was involved in legal proceedings related to paternity and child support.

This news, confirmed through legal filings, shows Anthony navigating the complexities of fatherhood in the public eye. Given the largely absent role of his own father, fans and commentators are keenly watching how Anthony will embrace this new chapter and fulfill his responsibilities as a father, potentially writing a different, more present story for his own child than the one he experienced.

The journey of Anthony Edwards is one of incredible perseverance. While Roger Caruth is his biological father and the source of his famous nickname, the true architects of his success are the women and siblings who provided unwavering love and stability in the face of profound tragedy. The "Ant-Man" story is a testament to the power of family, even when it looks different from the traditional narrative.

anthony edwards father
anthony edwards father

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