On the gridiron, Christian Barmore is a force to be reckoned with. But off the field, this 25-year-old defensive tackle for the New England Patriots draws his strength from an even mightier source—his mother, Heri Barmore who has her own battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). This is a condition that throws daily curveballs her way. From chronic pain to fatigue, MS doesn’t play fair. Yet, it’s her unwavering spirit that’s become Christian’s secret weapon.

“I’ve seen the pain they go through,” Barmore shared during an NFL My Cause, My Cleats week back in 2021. “Taking needles every day to keep them healthy, can’t be in the heat for a long time because it might trigger them. I’m doing this because of my mom. When I was young, I didn’t even understand what happened… every day I just fight for my mom.”

This mother-son duo’s bond has fueled Barmore’s on-field success. In 2023, he racked up 64 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 13 tackles for loss—stats that put him in the same league as NFL stars T.J. Watt and Khalil Mack.

While Heri Barmore’s MS battle has been a constant in Christian’s life, information about his father remains elusive. But one thing’s crystal clear—Heri’s influence has been monumental.

The force behind Barmore’s success

Heri Barmore’s battle with MS has profoundly impacted Christian’s perspective on life and football. MS symptoms can vary widely but often include fatigue, pain, and vision problems. For Heri, the condition means daily injections and careful management of her environment. “Can’t be in the heat for a long time because it might trigger them,” Christian explained back in 2021, shedding light on the everyday challenges his mother faces.

Despite these hurdles, Heri’s resilience has been a constant source of inspiration. Her presence at Christian’s games, including his cherished memory of Senior Day at Alabama, speaks volumes about her dedication to her son’s dreams, even in the face of her own health struggles.

Barmore’s commitment to MS awareness is as solid as his defensive line. He has become a champion of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through his participation in the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats program. It’s how he emphasizes his mother and nearly one million Americans living with MS.

This year, March 2024 saw Barmore score a touchdown in the son-of-the-year category. He surprised Heri with a new home whose reaction was captured in an Instagram video that melts hearts. “I love it,” Heri said as she was clearly moved by her son’s gesture. “I love it. It’s huge.” What is Barmore’s caption? A simple yet powerful “All for you momma.”

However, life, like football, can be unpredictable. As of July 29, 2024, Barmore is facing his own health challenge. The Patriots announced that he had been diagnosed with blood clots and would be out indefinitely. In true Barmore fashion, he wrote on Instagram that he is tackling this setback head-on: “Thank you everyone for all the support, thoughts, and prayers. I’ll be back soon.”

This newest obstacle only highlights what Barmore has learned from his mother—resilience. As he once stated regarding My Cause, My Cleats involvement, “I want these people to understand. I know their pain. I know their struggle… I know what these people are going through.”

From buying his mom a new home to raising MS awareness, Barmore’s actions speak volumes. He’s not just a rising star in the NFL; he’s a beacon of hope for anyone facing life’s toughest opponents. His journey, inspired by his mother’s unwavering spirit, is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and determination.