Back in the 2020 NFL draft, when Georgia-born defensive end, Derrick Brown was drafted in the first round by the Carolina Panthers. His mother, Martha Brown, couldn’t believe her eyes watching her son’s dream come true. Tuning in from a suburb of Atlanta, Martha Brown said, “Don’t wake me up. I want to continue living this dream right now.”

Born to parents Martha and James Brown, Derrick would often get frustrated by the standards his parents used to hold him for. Derrick’s father, James Brown, was stricter than others as he served in the Army for four years. After leaving the Army, James was promoted to the National Guard, where he served for four more years.

However, when asked to describe his father, Derrick said, “He was a fun dad. But he was also a no-tolerance guy.” Well, there was no room to slack off in his childhood as James kept close attention to his son’s performances. Opening up on his days in school, Derrick said a C in the report would be unacceptable in the Brown family.

Although James had a huge role in shaping Derrick’s career, he was mostly unaware of the military service his dad was involved in. From being airborne in Africa to being stationed in Louisiana, his dad was going places while Derrick continued to hear the stories. Remembering his father’s words, the Pro-Bowler expressed, “Just because there are changes in your environment doesn’t mean your situation is any different.”

Well, James did leave a lasting impact on his son for him to remember the words while continuing on his NFL journey. On the other hand, Derrick’s mother, Martha never missed a game while being a 15-year Walmart associate in Georgia. When Brown was slated to be picked up in the 2020 NFL draft amid coronavirus, his mother said, “I’d rather for it to be a virtual draft than actually no draft.”

With that year’s NFL draft hanging in the balance, Derrick was eventually picked up, thereby prompting her mother’s ecstatic reaction. “I’m just happy to know that his dream is finally coming true. And that he’ll be a little closer to home.” Even after four years in the NFL, Derrick Brown’s parents continue to support their son while he appreciates their impact on his career.

Derrick Brown’s parents unwavering support for their son

When the Panthers defensive tackle started the Derrick Brown Foundation back in August 2020, he was asked about the thing that influenced his decision. Opening up on his thoughts, Derrick was quick to mention his parents’ upbringing. “Growing up, I didn’t have everything. Of course, my parents went through hardships and struggled through certain things, but I also watched my parents working, make sure we never felt no different.”

Adding to his childhood memories, Derrick didn’t shy away from mentioning the help his family received during tough times. “A lot of people helped us along the way. My parents helped a lot along the way. Just seeing that as I grew up, it makes you want to give back,” Brown expressed. Well, he has already started to give back to the community through his foundation that collaborated with Project C.A.R.E.S to donate $50,000 as costumes. Most of those donations went towards the Charlotte families who couldn’t afford basic needs for themselves.

But this is not the first time Derrick’s softer side was discovered, as her mother described her son as an “old soul.” Citing the reason, her mother added that Brown refused to receive any Christmas gifts when he was nine years old. It was to allow his two younger siblings, Kameron and Mikealia, to enjoy their Christmas with everything they wanted.

Martha continued to praise her son by pointing out his qualities, “Derrick wasn’t raised with a lot of material things. You have to always be appreciative of the things you have. When you’re appreciative of the things you have, whether it’s a little or a lot, it always seems more.” With Brown coming off a sensational season that saw him earn his first Pro Bowler recognition. The Panthers’ defensive end would be hoping he can build on those performances while continuing to live his NFL dream the best way possible.