When you talk about Russell Westbrook, the electric, relentless, fashion-forward NBA star, it’s easy to get caught up in his triple-doubles, his wild outfits, or his “Why Not?” mindset. But long before the bright lights and booming arenas, there were two people behind the scenes, shaping the man we all know today: his parents. 

After all, they are the people who raised Brodie. And in doing so, it made him the record-breaking superstar he is today. So, let’s take a moment to learn more about them.

Who are Russell Westbrook’s parents? What do they do for a living?

Russell Westbrook III, that’s his full name, if you didn’t already know, was born to Russell Westbrook Jr. and Shannon Horton. And while the world didn’t know it yet, that small family’s life was about to change. That’s because they were raising one of the most fiercely driven athletes the NBA has ever seen.

Westbrook Sr., affectionately known as “Russ,” wasn’t just some casual sports dad. He lived and breathed basketball. A gritty, no-nonsense pickup baller from T.F. North High School, he was the kind of guy who didn’t just teach the game—he lived it. He created military-style workouts for his son before Russell could even dunk. Pushups. Sprints. Drills in sandboxes. Anything to sharpen that edge.

“Outwork them,” Russ Sr. would tell his son. “Outwork them all.” And you know what? That phrase still echoes in every explosive Westbrook drive to the hoop.

Shannon Horton, Westbrook’s mom, was the heart of the household. Soft-spoken but fiercely protective, she did what so many mothers do—held it all together. Russell has always credited her with making sure he and his brother were taken care of, even when money was tight. “My mom used to dress me,” Westbrook once said. “She picked out my clothes and kept me looking fresh. I didn’t have a lot, but everything I had, she bought me.”

Today, Shannon is still deeply involved in her son’s life and legacy. She’s a board member of the Why Not? Foundation, the family’s non-profit that helps underserved communities. And yes, she still shows up courtside. Cheering for her son like it’s his first high school game is just something that’s indelible to who Shannon is.

Does Russell Westbrook have any siblings?

Yep, Russell isn’t an only child. He has a younger brother, Raynard Westbrook, and their bond is tight. Like, really tight. Growing up, they shared a room in a small apartment, played sports together, and raised hell together like kids do. But growing up, they managed to keep their noses clean, thanks to their parents’ constant guidance.

Raynard didn’t just grow up watching his brother rise to stardom. He became part of the team. No, not the Denver Nuggets. He’s now the Chief Content Officer at Westbrook Enterprises and also does his own thing as an influencer. If there’s a behind-the-scenes video or content drop about Russ, chances are Raynard had a hand in it.

The Westbrook brothers have always had each other’s backs, and their loyalty runs deep. 

What is Russell Westbrook’s parents’ nationality?

Both Russell Westbrook Jr. and Shannon Horton are American nationals. And their American values and work ethic were passed down straight to their son. It wasn’t about glitz or glamour growing up; it was about grit. About doing the work and never taking shortcuts.

That American, blue-collar drive is what molded Russell into the man he is now, fearless, unapologetic, and fiercely competitive. And now that he’s a father himself, Russ will surely try to impart the lessons he learned from his parents onto his children.