Rashod Bateman’s off-field obstacles have made him and his siblings even stronger. The Baltimore Ravens WR suffered an injury during the training camp, as he awkwardly injured his midsection after a tough touchdown, causing him to miss practice. However, Ravens HC John Harbaugh is hopeful about his comeback soon. “It’s nothing serious with Bateman and nothing long-term,” Harbaugh remarked. As Bateman has struggled with his injuries over the last couple of years, his siblings have been constantly by his side for moral support.

While Bateman underwent foot surgery in early 2022, his comeback in 2023 astonished many, as he recorded 1 TD with 32 receptions for 367 yards. His strong return was made possible by the off-field support of his loving brothers Travian and Monjharvis Bateman, with whom he grew up with a competitive spirit and shaped his NFL trajectory.

Bateman’s brothers have always proactively backed his rise to NFL stardom. They first began their journey as teammates, transforming the backyard into a temporary football field. Rashod fondly recalls those days, remarking, “We drew lines for a football field with our feet, stuffed balled-up paper under our T-shirts for shoulder pads.”

Rashod Bateman and his brothers had to go through a lot in their early days due to domestic violence in their house. Bateman’s childhood was like a terrible dream. His stepfather was an alcoholic and used to hit his mother. It was disheartening for him and his brothers Monjharvis and Travian, as they always used to hear a lot of yelling, cursing, and screaming coming from their mom Lashonda Cromer’s room which brought a lot of frustration to their lives. But all three brothers found the perfect solution to take their frustrations out.

Bateman and his brothers decided to focus on football to avoid a depressive situation. They created lines for a football pitch with their feet and tucked the balled-up paper under their T-shirts as shoulder pads. They found comfort and a perfect escape through playing football, displaying the siblings’ strong bond and chemistry.

Overcoming adversity with family support

Later, in 2021, when the Ravens selected Rashod as a first-round pick, he, his mother, and his two elder brothers intended to get matching butterfly tattoos. Rashod’s mom, Cromer, previously explained her love for butterflies.

The mother of three is inspired by the butterfly’s impressive journey, as they start as caterpillars rather than bright creatures. Butterflies symbolize metamorphosis for her—the gift of being alive. “The butterfly will represent change for me and my family,” Cromer remarked earlier in an interview, “and represent peace and hope,” she added.

Indeed, the butterfly symbolizes the journey of Rashod and his brothers as they persevered to come to this colorful phase of their lives. Bateman’s mom and his older brothers always shout out from the stands during his playoff games. They often go to church and dinner together, showing the tight-knit bond between them.

What’s your take on Rashod Bateman’s inspiring journey from a tough childhood to the NFL? Share your thoughts in the comments below.