New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns is opening up about how a terrifying health battle and personal loss cemented his bond with his wife, Jordyn Woods.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Towns reflected on his severe battle with COVID-19 back in 2021 and candidly shared how that virus broke him down. However, he also recounted how the harrowing ordeal reshaped his perspective and strengthened his relationship with Woods, who stood by his side through the darkest moments of the pandemic.
“During this pandemic, I got closer to Jordyn and this is something that brought us to the point that we are now, which is married,” Towns told PEOPLE. “She understands the importance for me to be very protective against COVID-19 because my family and I don’t do well and she’s seen it firsthand when I did have it.”
The couple, who first met in 2017 and began dating in 2020 after years of close friendship, officially tied the knot in a private Malibu ceremony earlier this year. Their bond stems from navigating grief together. In 2020, Towns lost his mother, Jacqueline, as well as six other family members, to COVID-19, which he referred to as the most difficult year of his life.
With his own medical history, including having asthma, placing him at higher risk for illnesses like COVID-19, the 2026 NBA champion has been using his platform to advocate for preventative health. He has partnered with Sanofi to raise awareness for NUVAXOVID, an FDA-approved protein-based vaccine option designed to protect high-risk individuals.
Towns says by opening up about his health and personal life, he hopes to spare others the heartbreak his family endured and encourage communities to stay informed and be aware of protective healthcare options.
“I’m just super happy that I get to present this option to the world and also for my family, who is at high risk… It’s another way to protect ourselves from this very deadly thing,” Towns said.