What Happened to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the legendary NBA center, has transitioned from a record-breaking basketball career into a prolific author, social justice activist, and public intellectual. Despite managing ongoing health challenges, he remains highly active, publishing new books, delivering speeches, and engaging in commentary on social and political issues up to the present day in 2026.
Quick Answer
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who turned 79 in April 2026, continues to be a prominent voice in American culture, focusing on writing and social activism. He released two new books in 2025, 'We All Want to Change the World' and the graphic novel 'Champion,' and delivered a notable Class Day speech at Harvard. Abdul-Jabbar actively manages chronic myeloid leukemia and prostate cancer, and underwent hip surgery in 2023, yet remains engaged in public discourse and documentary projects.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Retires from the NBA
After a storied 20-year career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retires from professional basketball as the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
Diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Abdul-Jabbar is diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, a blood and bone marrow cancer.
Undergoes Quadruple Coronary Bypass Surgery
He is admitted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and undergoes successful quadruple coronary bypass surgery for cardiovascular disease.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award Established
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame establishes the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award, recognizing the top men's collegiate center annually.
Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
Abdul-Jabbar receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, for his contributions to sports and society.
Appears in Linkin Park Music Video
He makes an appearance in the music video for Linkin Park's song 'Good Goodbye,' showcasing his continued presence in pop culture.
Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Abdul-Jabbar publicly reveals he was diagnosed with prostate cancer approximately 11 years prior, using his experience to advocate for healthcare equality.
Cameo in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'
He makes a cameo as himself in the popular mystery film 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,' reflecting his ongoing influence in entertainment and his work as a mystery writer.
Undergoes Hip Surgery
At age 76, Abdul-Jabbar undergoes successful surgery for a broken hip sustained during a concert fall, with a recovery period expected to be around three months.
Publishes 'We All Want to Change the World'
His new book, 'We All Want to Change the World: My Journey Through Social Justice Movements From the 1960s to Today,' is released, delving into his decades of fighting for racial equality.
Delivers Harvard Class Day Speech
Abdul-Jabbar addresses the Harvard University Class of 2025, urging them to commit to a lifelong fight for justice and praising Harvard's stand for academic freedom.
Releases Graphic Novel 'Champion'
Abdul-Jabbar releases 'Champion,' a graphic novel, further expanding his literary contributions and exploring themes of excellence and resilience.
Fireside Chat at UC Berkeley
He participates in a fireside chat at CAA, later published by UC Berkeley, discussing his book 'We All Want to Change the World' and his lifelong commitment to social justice.
Turns 79, Continues Public Engagement
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar celebrates his 79th birthday, remaining active as an author, activist, and documentary producer, including involvement in a documentary about Jerry West.
Featured in 'UCLA for Life' Reflections
UCLA Magazine features Abdul-Jabbar in its 'UCLA for Life' series, where he reflects on how the university and Coach John Wooden shaped his life and values.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's life post-NBA retirement in 1989 has been marked by a profound commitment to intellectual pursuits, social justice advocacy, and public health awareness, alongside managing personal health battles. His transition from basketball icon to a respected author and commentator has been a significant turning point, allowing him to leverage his platform for broader societal impact.
Abdul-Jabbar has authored over 20 books, spanning children's literature, historical non-fiction, and mystery novels, including the 'Mycroft Holmes' series. His recent literary contributions include 'We All Want to Change the World: My Journey Through Social Justice Movements From the 1960s to Today,' released on May 13, 2025, and the graphic novel 'Champion,' published on September 2, 2025. These works underscore his lifelong dedication to exploring history, culture, and race in America, and his continued call for social awareness and change.
Beyond writing, Abdul-Jabbar is a vocal activist for social justice and healthcare equality. He has consistently used his voice to address racial inequities, drawing from his own experiences and observations since the 1960s. In May 2025, he delivered a powerful Class Day speech at Harvard University, urging graduates to take a stand for freedom and justice, and praising the institution for its stance against pressures that undermine academic freedom and free speech. In February 2026, he participated in a fireside chat at UC Berkeley, further discussing his activism and the role of education in shaping a just society. He has also been a spokesperson for health awareness, particularly concerning the disproportionate impact of certain diseases on the Black community.
Abdul-Jabbar has faced significant health challenges. He was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in December 2008 and revealed in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer approximately 11 years prior. While he emphasizes that one is never truly 'cancer-free,' he has successfully managed both conditions through treatment and proactive health monitoring. In April 2015, he underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery. More recently, in 2023, he had successful hip surgery after a fall. Despite these health setbacks, he maintains an optimistic outlook and remains actively engaged in his advocacy work, encouraging others to prioritize their health and get screened.
As of June 2026, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who celebrated his 79th birthday in April, continues to be an influential figure. He participates in documentary projects, such as one about Jerry West, and contributes commentary on various platforms, including his Substack. His ongoing engagement reflects his belief that the fight for freedom, justice, and equality is a never-ending battle that requires continuous effort.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made different choices?