Jeremiyah Love has been very energetic and resilient on the football field with incredible runs and tenacity. It is a story of coming from almost nothing to becoming a star, indeed, Notre Dame’s leading running back. But there exists a tale of courage, tradition, and great family support in building who he is today.

Though Love performs well and relentlessly during the night under the stadium lights, his strength is rooted in his parents’ love. That said, who are these central personalities in Jeremiyah’s experience? Let’s explore the family that ignites the spark of his success.

Who is Jeremiyah Love’s mom?

On the stands of the Notre Dame Stadium, L’Tyona (pronounced Latonya) Love watches her son as a proud mother. But this was not always possible when she was spending most of her time at work as a public servant. A former policeman with the St. Louis Police Department and now a retired sergeant. L’Tyona has been a fountain of discipline and character-building for the young Jeremiyah, which influenced his values and working attitude.

However, because of the nature of her job, her presence was not always felt during the crucial developmental stages of Jeremiyah’s life. “My long hours at work, the holidays, birthdays, all those missed times, practices, football games—I missed a lot”. She shared memories of a letter Jeremiyah wrote during his freshman year of high school that made a lot of difference. In the letter, he called for more time together which is why L’Tyona decided to be there for him.

“Fast forward four years, and now I’m in the stands, cheering him on,” she said. Such a change has created a new episode in their relationship, setting her strong pillar in his life. Whether it was the 98-yard touchdown run or those great moments, L’Tyona can now be seen cheering with her family for each victory.

Who is Jeremiyah Love’s dad?

Jason Love is more than just a father, he is his coach, his motivator, and his biggest fan. Their close relationship reaches to roots of Jeremiyah’s youth football with peewee football level. “He didn’t have the confidence at first,” Jason recalled. “I used to take him aside and say, ‘Son, you’re great. You’re already a winner.”

This trend of encouragement has followed Jeremiyah to his times at college. Ever before the beginning of each game, Jason has to sneak a few words to his son secretly because it brings out a form of a ritual, such as a rite of passage that began when Jeremiyah was six. “It is not really love we have between two people,” Jason said. “For me it’s – I feel his spirit, and he feels mine.”

They have been helpful with Jason’s constant attendance of games and contribution in addition to supporting Jeremiyah’s development. Jason has seen his son grow into a college athlete from the bench. He described games such as the Indiana game as ‘electric’. But aside from the statistics and championships, Jason is able to see the same boy who felt he could reach for the stars and put all his heart to work at achieving that goal.

Where did Jeremiyah Love grow up?

Jeremiyah Love was born, raised, and lived in Saint Louis, Missouri. His parents taught him discipline, hard work, and a love for sports. From the onset, he strived to be perfect. Be it organizing his room or playing a game, Notre Dame RB aimed for the sky. 

“He’s big on his space,” L’Tyona shared. “Everything has to be in order—1, 2, 3, not 1, 2, 4.” This extra effort was reflected in both his off-field behavior and his on-field performance. Whether jumping over defenders or making perfect reads in runs, the focus has always been on Jeremiyah’s best attribute.

Indeed, his coaches drew several puzzles, such as how he was capable of eluding defenses in the sticks and performing critical explosive plays. “Returning to his moves, it is only possible to follow him when the control on the deck’s speed is brought down,” explained Scott Pingel, his high school coach. The environment he grew up in helped him build the foundation required to become prominent; he was raised in a family that supported him and in a community that believed in him.

Today, every game has demonstrated Love’s family support that the family has been offering to him. From Jason’s coach’s speech to L’Tyona’s cheers from the stand, the show has proved that Jeremiyah’s journey is best capped off with their friendship. Jeremiyah is setting records and targeting championships and that’s all because of his parents who set that foundation for him.

Jeremiyah Love’s Rising Stars football tale is a lot more about family, personal dramas, and life lessons than it is about the game itself. His parents, L’Tyona and Jason Love have played a role in making him what he is today. He is a talented person who goes viral, but above all, it’s the love and support of his family that truly define his story.