Few people are familiar with Rodney Tyson, who is Mike Tyson’s older brother. Mike made headlines all around the world with his battles, but Rodney did something different. Rodney avoided the limelight and established a peaceful, prosperous life. Here is what you should learn about him.
Quick Facts About Rodney Tyson
Full Name | Rodney Tyson |
Birthdate | May 14, 1961 |
Age | 64 years old |
Occupation | Surgical Physician Assistant / Trauma Surgeon |
Husband/Wife | Tammy Marie |
Education | University of Southern California (USC) |
Parents | Lorna Mae Tyson (mother), Purcell Tyson (father) |
Siblings | Mike Tyson (younger brother), Denise Tyson (sister) |
Children | One son – Nellie Tyson |
Net Worth | Estimated to be around $1 million |
Lives In | Los Angeles, California |
Early Life and Family
Rodney Tyson was born on May 14, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York. He is the eldest child of the Tyson family. Rodney’s mother, Lorna Mae Tyson, brought Rodney and his brothers up primarily on her own. Their father, Purcell Tyson, was not present often after their parents split up.
Rodney and his younger brother Mike Tyson and sister Denise Tyson grew up together. Their sister Denise passed away in 1990. Life was hard in Brooklyn. The family did not have a lot of money, and the streets were unsafe. But even as a child, Rodney enjoyed studying. He was always fascinated by how things functioned, particularly the human body.
A Different Path
While Mike was fighting and learning to box, Rodney was reading and studying hard in school. Mike once referred to Rodney as the “weird dude” of the family. He explained that they were very different. But he also admired Rodney for being smart and diligent.
Rodney pursued his passion for science. He avoided street life and kept his head down. He was there to serve people, not to fight in the ring.

Career in Medicine
Rodney pursued medicine and attended the University of Southern California. Later, he began working as a surgical physician assistant. He served people for more than 30 years at LAC+USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
Rodney’s work was no joke. He did trauma care, which means he treated patients with life-threatening injuries. A few of the patients he treated were Mike’s friends. Even though Rodney’s work was enormous, he never sought attention. He just wanted to do quality work and assist people in feeling better.
Personal Life
Rodney married a lady by the name of Tammy Marie. They have one child named Nellie Tyson. Nellie graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2022. They reside in Los Angeles. They keep their life private and are not in the news.
Relationship with Mike Tyson
Mike and Rodney were a combination of love and rivalry. They came from the same rough house but made very different decisions. Rodney was book-smart and loved to learn. Mike was boxing-smart and loved to survive. They didn’t always see eye to eye, but Mike was definitely influenced by Rodney. He introduced him to a different way of life.
Mike has recounted stories about Rodney in interviews. He stated that Rodney was the intelligent one. The one who didn’t keep up with the crowd. And despite their differences, there was always a connection between them.
READ ALSO: Mike Tyson Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Why Rodney’s Story Matters
Rodney Tyson never became a celebrity sportsman. He never won world championships. Yet he is a wonderful example of success without fuss. He worked hard, assisted others, and remained himself. His life proves that you don’t have to be in the limelight to make a positive impact.
Though Mike Tyson is famous throughout the world, Rodney preferred to lead a quiet, quiet life. And he has made a significant contribution in his own right.