Hey there! Ever wondered about the woman who stood by former NBA player Delonte West through his toughest times?
Let me tell you about Caressa Suzzette Madden, one of the most loyal partners you’ll ever hear about.
Born May 13, 1988, in Dallas, Texas, she’s now 37 (as of 2025) and has quite a story that most people don’t know.
Quick Bio/Wiki Table
Fact | Details |
Full Name | Caressa Suzzette Madden |
Famous As | Delonte West’s wife |
Birth Date | May 13, 1988 |
Age (2025) | 37 years |
Birthplace | Dallas, Texas, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | White |
Religion | Christian |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Height | 5’6″ (167 cm) |
Weight | 121 lbs (55 kg) |
Body Measurements | 36-28-40 inches |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Hair Color | Black |
Education | Local schools in Dallas (details private) |
Marital Status | Married to Delonte West (2013) |
Children | 2 sons (Cash West born 2013, second son born 2014) |
Spouse | Delonte West (former NBA player) |
Net Worth (2024) | Estimated $1.22 million |
Social Media | (@caressasuzzette) |
Known For | Standing by Delonte through mental health and financial struggles |
Current Residence | Reportedly Dallas, Texas |
Caressa Suzzette Madden Personal Background
Despite being connected to an NBA player, Caressa has always valued her privacy, making her something of a mystery.
Growing up in Dallas, she developed the kind of quiet strength that would later help her face some pretty tough situations.
Early Life
Not much is known about Caressa’s childhood, which is exactly how she seems to like it.
She was raised in what seems to be a middle-class American family with strong values that shaped her character.
She belongs to the white ethnicity and grew up in an environment that clearly influenced her later resilience. (Legit.ng)
Physical Attributes
Caressa stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 121 pounds.
She has black hair paired with dark brown eyes, and her reported body measurements are 36-28-40 inches. (Legit.ng)
Born on May 13, makes her a Taurus – a zodiac sign known for loyalty and determination, traits she’s definitely shown throughout her life.
Education and Early Career
Details about Caressa’s education remain largely private, though we know she attended local schools in Dallas.
Information about her higher education or early career choices is scarce, highlighting her commitment to privacy.
This gap in public knowledge shows just how determined she’s been to maintain normalcy despite her connection to fame.
Caressa Relationship with Delonte West

Want to hear a love story that’s far from your typical fairytale but shows what real commitment looks like?
Caressa and Delonte’s relationship began at a time when most people would have walked away.
Their story shows that real love often emerges during the hardest times, not just the Instagram-perfect moments.
Meeting and Courtship
Caressa met Delonte West at a mutual friend’s house party back in 2012, when he had already left the NBA and was facing financial troubles. (Editorialge)
He’d recently divorced his first wife, Kimberly Wad, and lost a chunk of his earnings in the process.
After dating briefly, they moved into his house in Fort Washington before relocating to a $1 million eight-bedroom house in Potomac.
Despite the impressive address, they struggled financially and couldn’t afford basics like a working water heater during winter – while Caressa was pregnant.
The Proposal
When Delonte proposed, he didn’t have money for a ring, so he used a string from a jump rope he found in the garage.
As he tied it around her finger, he said:
“It’s all I can afford, baby. I’m broke, heat ain’t working, brain ain’t working right, but I love you.“ (Kemifilani.ng)
This raw, genuine moment reveals the authentic foundation of their relationship, far from the elaborate proposals we often see on social media.
Marriage and Family
Caressa and Delonte married in 2013, welcoming their first son, Cash West, that same year (Wikipedia).
In 2014, they had their second son, though his name hasn’t been shared publicly – another sign of their commitment to privacy.
As a mom, Caressa has focused on giving her children stability despite the very public challenges their family has faced.
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Caressa Suzzette Madden Standing By Delonte Through Challenges
The challenges this couple faced would have broken many relationships, from mental health struggles to financial collapse and public scrutiny.
Her story really makes you think about what “in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer” truly means in practice.
Delonte’s Background and NBA Career
Delonte earned approximately $14 million during his NBA career, playing for teams including the Celtics.
After leaving the NBA, he played for the Fujian Xunxing and Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association and the Texas Legends (Citimuzik).
His generosity with earnings – buying homes for his parents and paying for his sister’s education at the University of Central Florida – contributed to later financial troubles.
Mental Health Struggles

Delonte was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2008, long before mental health was openly discussed in sports.
Supporting someone with bipolar disorder requires tremendous patience and understanding – qualities Caressa clearly possessed.
The public scrutiny and financial ups and downs created a perfect storm that intensified his mental health challenges.
Delonte’s Legal Issues
In 2009, Delonte was arrested after being found with multiple weapons, including a Remington 870 shotgun, a .357 magnum, and a 9mm Beretta handgun. (Briefly.co.za)
These incidents created additional stress and scrutiny for a family already dealing with significant challenges.
The public nature of these legal issues added another layer of difficulty for Caressa and their family.
Financial Difficulties
At one point in 2011, during the NBA lockout, Delonte applied for a job at Home Depot and worked at the Brandywine furniture store.
He even sold knives with his brother at a Costco stand – a dramatic fall from his days as an NBA player.
When Caressa was pregnant, they couldn’t afford to fix their water heater, so Delonte heated water on the stove for her baths.
Unfounded Rumors on Delonte and Public Scrutiny

Delonte faced devastating rumors about his personal life, particularly an unfounded story regarding Delonte and LeBron James‘ mother, Gloria James. (MiamiNewTime)
These rumors, which began circulating in 2010, were categorically denied but continued to affect his reputation and mental health.
The power of gossip can be incredibly destructive, especially when it spreads through social media and affects someone already struggling.
Caressa’s Character and Resilience
While many might have sought the spotlight or shared their story for sympathy or fame, Caressa chose dignity and privacy.
Her actions speak volumes about her character – loyal, resilient, and focused on what truly matters.
Loyalty Through Hardship
When videos circulated in 2020 showing Delonte in distress on a Washington, DC highway and later panhandling in Dallas, Texas, Caressa remained committed (BrandonResturant).
Most people would have distanced themselves from such public struggles, but all evidence suggests she continued supporting him and their family.
True loyalty isn’t about standing by someone when things are good – it’s about remaining present during the darkest times.
Privacy and Media Approach
Unlike many celebrity spouses, Caressa has maintained minimal presence on social media platforms.
While some sources suggest she might have an unverified Instagram account (@caressasuzzette), she generally avoids public attention.
In today’s world where oversharing is the norm, choosing privacy requires real discipline and clear priorities.
Adaptation to Celebrity Life
Adjusting to life as an NBA player’s partner is challenging enough, but Caressa had to adapt to both the highs and dramatic lows.
Reports suggest she adjusted to the celebrity lifestyle when things were good but maintained her fundamental humility throughout.
From what we can see, Caressa never tied her identity to Delonte’s status or finances, which gave her strength when those things changed.
Recent Developments
Their story has continued to evolve with both hopeful moments and continued challenges.
Let me bring you up to speed on what we know about their situation as of 2025.
Delonte’s Public Struggles

In 2020, videos showing Delonte in distress became public, with footage of him appearing disheveled on a highway and later panhandling in Dallas.
Despite periods of improvement, more recent footage from 2022 showed him panhandling again in Virginia. (TheSun.co.uk)
These public glimpses highlight the chronic nature of both mental health and financial difficulties.
Mark Cuban’s Intervention
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban stepped in to help after seeing images of Delonte panhandling in 2020.
Cuban personally picked him up from a gas station and arranged for him to receive treatment at a rehabilitation facility.
This intervention shows how community support can be crucial for someone facing complex challenges.
Rehabilitation Progress
By January 2021, reports indicated that Delonte had found work at the rehabilitation facility where he had received treatment.
He had also reconnected with his mother, suggesting some stabilization in his life situation.
Unfortunately, the 2022 sightings of him panhandling in Alexandria, VA suggested ongoing challenges in his recovery journey.
Current Status
As of 2025, some sources indicate that Caressa returned to her hometown of Dallas, Texas with her children.
Verified recent information about their current relationship status is limited, respecting their privacy.
Their story continues to raise awareness about the challenges many former athletes and their families face.
Financial Status
The contrast between Delonte’s earning potential as an NBA player and their later financial struggles is stark.
Their journey shows how quickly circumstances can change, even for those who reach the heights of professional sports.
Caressa Suzzette Madden Net Worth and Income
Multiple sources estimate Caressa’s net worth at approximately $1.22 million as of 2024, though this figure should be viewed cautiously. (Kemi Filani News)
Despite earning approximately $14 million during his NBA career, Delonte faced significant financial hardships after leaving the league.
His generosity to family members – spending $16 million on homes and education for relatives – contributed to these financial issues.
Property and Assets
At one point, the couple lived in a $1 million eight-bedroom house with a swimming pool in Potomac.
Due to financial difficulties, they reportedly couldn’t maintain the property and had to sell possessions to earn money.
These kinds of financial reversals are unfortunately common among former professional athletes who often have short career spans.
Legacy and Public Perception
Their journey has become part of larger conversations about mental health, loyalty, and life after professional sports.
Caressa Role Model for Loyalty
Caressa has earned respect for standing by Delonte during his toughest phases of life.
Her commitment during circumstances where many would have walked away has made her an inspiration to many.
In a world of carefully curated social media images, her actions represent something authentically admirable.
Impact on Mental Health Awareness
The public nature of Delonte’s struggles has inadvertently helped bring attention to mental health issues.
Their story highlights the real impact of conditions like bipolar disorder on individuals and their families.
While their experience has been undoubtedly difficult, the awareness it has created may help others facing similar situations.
Also Read: Jamie Hartwright: The Private Daughter of Judge Judy
Comparison with Delonte’s Previous Relationships

The contrast between Delonte’s earlier relationships and his connection with Caressa highlights what made their bond unique.
Delonte and Kimberly Wad
Before Caressa, Delonte was married to his college sweetheart, Kimberly Wad, whom he met at St. Joseph’s University (SportsKeeda).
Their marriage in 2009 was brief, lasting only about a month before they parted ways.
The short duration stands in stark contrast to his relationship with Caressa, who stayed with him through years of hardship.
Delonte with Caryn Taylor
Prior to Kimberly, Delonte was in a relationship with Caryn Taylor that reportedly ended in a troubling manner.
When Delonte tried to end things, reports suggest Caryn physically assaulted him and attempted to harm herself.
These earlier relationship difficulties add context to Delonte’s life before meeting Caressa and make her steadfast support even more meaningful.
Conclusion
Caressa Suzzette Madden’s story is ultimately one of remarkable resilience in extraordinarily challenging circumstances.
While much of her life remains private, what we do know reveals a woman of uncommon loyalty, strength, and dignity.
As of 2025, she continues to be a model of quiet strength, prioritizing her family’s well-being over public recognition.
What stands out most about Caressa is how she’s faced circumstances that would break many people, yet maintained her dignity throughout.
Have you ever known someone who showed this kind of loyalty during tough times? What did you learn from them?
Celebrity Nation, a YouTube channel with 31k subscribers, uploaded a short biography on Delonte West and his life that you can also watch. The link is provided below.
FAQ’s
What is Caressa Suzzette Madden’s net worth?
Various sources estimate her net worth at around $1.22 million as of 2024, but this figure should be considered with caution as her income sources remain private.
Is Caressa Suzzette Madden still married to Delonte West?
The current status of their relationship remains unclear, with conflicting reports in recent years. The most reliable information suggests they were still married as of 2022.
How old is Caressa Suzzette Madden?
Born on May 13, 1988, Caressa is 37 years old as of 2025.
Where is Caressa Suzzette Madden now?
Some reports indicate she returned to her hometown of Dallas, Texas with her children, though verified recent information about her current location is limited.
Does Caressa Suzzette Madden have an Instagram account?
While some sources mention an unverified Instagram account (@caressasuzzette), Caressa generally maintains a low profile on social media.
How did Caressa and Delonte West meet?
They met at a mutual friend’s house party in 2012, beginning their relationship during a time when Delonte was already facing significant challenges.
What religion does Caressa Suzzette Madden practice?
According to available information, Caressa is a Christian.

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