Jalen Brunson rejects King of New York label during media appearance
6 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 11:18 AM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026
Jalen Brunson rejected the King of New York nickname during an appearance on the Road Trippin Show. The guard stated he has never referred to himself by that title and confirmed he never will. He noted that such a claim would appear self-centered and incongruous with the environment he maintains. Brunson attributed his grounded perspective to his parents and a tight-knit circle of friends that dates back to his high school and college years. He emphasized that these personal relationships help keep him humble despite the public attention he receives in his professional career. The conversation centered on the expectations placed upon high-profile athletes in major sports markets.
- •Jalen Brunson stated he will never refer to himself as the King of New York.
- •He claimed the label would make him appear self-centered to teammates and the public.
- •Brunson cited his parents and longtime friends for helping him remain humble.
- •The remarks were made during a recorded appearance on the Road Trippin Show.
- 11:18 AMYahoo Sports — Jalen Brunson Chased a Completely Different Dream Before Reaching NBA Stardom
- 10:13 AMYahoo Sports — Jalen Brunson Shocked 1x NBA MVP Who Once Doubted His Franchise-Player Ceiling With Knicks
- 9:21 AMYahoo Sports — Jalen Brunson Makes Honest Admission on Why He’ll Never Call Himself the ‘King of New York’
- 5:38 AMYahoo Sports — Jalen Brunson refuses to call himself ‘King of New York’ for a very good reason
- 1:22 AMYahoo Sports — Jalen Brunson Responds To Fans Calling Him The King Of New York
- 8:56 PMYahoo Sports — Jalen Brunson on 'King of New York' label: I will never call myself that
"The entire city of New York celebrated when Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship since 1973. The Finals MVP earned the nickname “King of New York” for breaking the organization’s 53-year title drought. It was a historic run for the Knicks, after Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and [...]
"Jalen Brunson has spent his career making small advantages count. The New York Knicks guard entered the NBA after winning two national titles at Villanova. He is now an NBA champion and Finals MVP, yet his path still looks like a long series of smaller jobs done well. That mindset goes back to his childhood. [...]
"Jalen Brunson‘s stardom was one of the best things that happened to the New York Knicks. The Knicks believed he could significantly impact the team even before he participated in his first All-Star Game. In his fourth year with the team, Brunson led them to their first NBA title in 53 years. In a guest [...]
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 6, 2026, 11:18 AMJalen Brunson Chased a Completely Different Dream Before Reaching NBA Stardom
Jalen Brunson has spent his career making small advantages count. The New York Knicks guard entered the NBA after winning two national titles at Villanova. He is now an NBA champion and Finals MVP, yet his path still looks like a long series of smaller jobs done well. That mindset goes back to his childhood. [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 10:13 AMJalen Brunson Shocked 1x NBA MVP Who Once Doubted His Franchise-Player Ceiling With Knicks
Jalen Brunson‘s stardom was one of the best things that happened to the New York Knicks. The Knicks believed he could significantly impact the team even before he participated in his first All-Star Game. In his fourth year with the team, Brunson led them to their first NBA title in 53 years. In a guest [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 9:21 AMJalen Brunson Makes Honest Admission on Why He’ll Never Call Himself the ‘King of New York’
The entire city of New York celebrated when Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship since 1973. The Finals MVP earned the nickname “King of New York” for breaking the organization’s 53-year title drought. It was a historic run for the Knicks, after Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 5:38 AMJalen Brunson refuses to call himself ‘King of New York’ for a very good reason
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson does not refer to himself as the ‘King of New York,’ even if his fans have given him that nickname. Brunson cemented himself as the King of New York with his incredible performances through the 2026 NBA Playoffs, ending the city’s 53-year wait for an NBA Championship.
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 1:22 AMJalen Brunson Responds To Fans Calling Him The King Of New York
Jalen Brunson explains why he rejects the 'King of New York' title.
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 8:56 PMJalen Brunson on 'King of New York' label: I will never call myself that
Jalen Brunson on 'King of New York' label: I will never call myself that
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