For Chicago Bears‘ standout WR, D.J Moore, tracing his journey is incomplete without mentioning the contribution of his parents! Transitioning to the NFL after playing college football with Maryland Terrapins, he entered the high-stakes fields with the Carolina Panthers after the 2018 NFL draft. And, five years later, he was traded to the Chicago Bears. During the 2023, he achieved huge acclaim with the Bears. He was named the MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.

The discipline and drive to always strive for better comes from his parents, Eddie and Cookie Ridley. Whether it was his dad’s military upbringing that taught him to be consistent or the wholesome guidance of his mom, D.J Moore carries these values holistically.

Who are Eddie and Cookie Ridley?

D.J. Moore’s dad, Eddie Moore, is a former Marine. And, he has taught the value of disciplinarian habits to his son. On the other hand, his mom, Cookie Ridley, a Philadelphia native, is also a career-oriented personality. Initially, she attended Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

After completing her education, she served for the biggest public transportation company, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). After serving for 34 years there, she took a break from her transit systems job. Later on, she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Interestingly, it was the place where the Pro Bowler played for the Panthers till Carolina traded him to the Bears in 2023 after spending his early days in Philly. Beyond her professional life, Cookie is one of the most supportive moms who raised D.J. Moore along with her 2 other kids.

Impressively, Moore’s mom never fails to cheer her NFL son in most of the playoffs. She attended the Panthers vs Eagles game on Oct. 10, 2021, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

Not only this, through her IG account, she often shows her excitement for Moore’s game. Back on December 8 this season, she cheered her son through an Instagram post, saying, “Philly Football Players on the same team playing today at 4:25pm BEARS vs 49ers. Let’s Gooooo 💙🧡.” It indeed showcased her support for his athletic career.

On the other hand, his father hails from Jamaica, which connects Moore to his Caribbean heritage. During the NFL’s international helmet decal initiative, he took to honor it for his dad. He took to wearing the Jamaican flag decal on his helmet with the U.S. flag during the NFL season back in 2022.

Eddie and Doris Moore also take part in community events, as they are dedicated to the cause of both education and wellness. They participate in local school programs, and promote sports initiatives, just like they supported the aspirations of their son.

How have D.J Moore’s parents been pivotal in their son’s NFL career?

DJ’s mom, Ridley, recalls how she noted her son’s football skills at a very early age. When he was just one and a half years old, he started running on the fields while his sister was engaged in cheerleading practice. Doris remarked, “One day, one of the coaches let him out of the stroller, and that was it,” in the WCNC article from 2018.  She continued, “And once he was able to play, he put that uniform on and hasn’t stopped.”

The draft day was the culmination of their collective hard work. His mother notes in the same article, “It was a special moment. We were all sitting there and then he got the call.” They were simply happy, seeing the results of 21 years of hard work.

Not only his mom, but, in the same interview, D.J. Moore also expressed his exhilaration after being selected by the Panthers’ 1st-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. .”Just to know that all the hard work paid off, from her and on my end. Just happy,” he stated.

When he surprised his mom with a car, D.J. felt quite ecstatic. The WCNC article notes his statement, “It was just special, to know I could give back after she’s done so much for me.” Indeed, his mom has been elemental in shaping his journey and helping him achieve his dream.