Netflix's newest reality game show, Squid Game: The Challenge breaks norms. Not only does it have the largest prize money in history, it also has the most number of contestants. Out of the 456 contestants vying for the $4.56 million prize, we set our sights on one player: Former NBA star TJ Stukes from Squid Game: The Challenge.
Ever since the show was announced, Netflix kept a tight grip on who the contestants were. And now that the show has been released, we've started to check out potential candidates to root for. TJ Stukes, aka Player 182, appears to be a favorite. Here's what we know about him.
Who is TJ Stukes from Squid Game: The Challenge?
As a child, TJ Stukes grew up in foster care in Mount Vernon and the Bronx. He would later settle in the Bronx, N.Y., where he formed his childhood and teenage years.
He moved to Kansas to study at the Independence Community College and Pittsburg State University. It is there where he met his wife, Samantha.
Physically, TJ is naturally built to compete in Squid Game: The Challenge. He has a height of 6'8" and a weight of 250 pounds. With his athleticism, he's a sure candidate to excel in physical games like Red Light, Green Light.
Was Squid Game's TJ Stukes in the NBA?
So was TJ Stukes in the NBA before Squid Game: The Challenge? Yes!
TJ was a pro basketball player for two decades, most of which he spent with the Harlem Wizards.
The Wizards are considered a comedy basketball team that travels around the country in the hopes of entertaining their audience through basketball tricks and alley-oops. In March 2023, TJ officially retired.
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Where is TJ Stukes from Squid Game: The Challenge Now?
After retiring from basketball, TJ has picked up acting.
According to his Stage32 bio, he has been in more than 15 movies and TV shows. He has appeared in Hustle, Valentine's Date, The Cube, and Chicago PD. He has also starred in advertisements for Verizon, Lowe's, and Adidas.
TJ shares that although he has been on several Netflix movies, TV shows, game shows, and in a web series, Squid Game: The Challenge is "by far the biggest thing I've ever done, head-over-heels, 110 percent."
When he's not acting, TJ serves as an assistant coach on the men's basketball team of the Northern New Mexico College (NNMC). His wife is also the head coach of the NNMC women's basketball team. They have two children together: Amare and Alana.
Has TJ Stukes Been Eliminated from Squid Game: The Challenge?
Fortunately, TJ Stukes is still in the running for the jackpot prize. So far, he has survived the games in these episodes:
- Episode 1: Red Light, Green Light
- Episode 2: The Man With the Umbrella
- Episode 3: War
- Episode 4: Nowhere to Hide
- Episode 5: Trick or Treat
You can keep track of his progress in the show via Netflix's official Squid Game: The Challenge page.
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