“All my siblings are having wonderful lives right now. It’s all thanks to him and my mother being great parents,” Derrick Nnadi once remarked. Undoubtedly, it depicts the NFL DT’s deep regard and respect for his parents. The 2018 third-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, Derrick, continues to add accolades to his list because of the strong backing of his Nigerian parents, mom Christy and dad Fred.

With his impressive career records of 224 tackles and five sacks, the 3-time Super Bowl Champion is aiming for the Lombardi Trophy this year too. With his dad’s powerful advice and mom’s unwavering support, he has left an incredible mark in the NFL. Fans are equally invested in knowing about them.

Who is Derrick Nnadi’s dad, Fred, and mom, Christy?

Derrick Nnadi, 28, shares a very healthy relationship with his parents. His mother, Christy, has inspired him in many ways. She is a healthcare professional who serves as a nurse in Virginia Beach. Just like him, his mom, Christy, also left many in awe with her work during the pandemic. She worked as a frontline COVID-19 warrior.

In Derrick Nnadi’s eyes, his mom is a “guardian angel.” And, he has the “highest respect” for her. Earlier, before Sunday’s Super Bowl LV, Nnadi expressed his feelings for his mother. Previously, during an interview, the Ocean Lakes High School alumnus, Nnadi disclosed that his mom and dad never missed even a single game of his since eighth grade.

Additionally, when he was in college, they always cheered him by attending all of his home games. Previously, Nnadi’s emotional moments went viral. Nadi revealed, “My mother can’t stop smiling. It brings a tear to my eye thinking of how happy my mom is.” It showcased Derrick Nnadi’s bond with his mom. However, limited information is available about his mother’s early life and personal background.

Like his mom, Derrick’s dad, Fred also greatly influenced his life. Since Fred immigrated to the United States after the Nigerian Civil War, he has left no stone unturned to encourage him, which helped him shape his NFL trajectory. Serving as an engineer, 63-year-old Nigerian immigrant Fred wonderfully raised Derrick and his other 5 siblings. Fred never fails to adore his dad. “My father is probably the hardest-working person I’ve ever met in my life,” Derrick stated once.

Apart from that, the NFL DT often gets strength from his father’s direction before games: “No one on the field is stronger than you; no one is faster than you. You go in there, and you destroy your opponent. You have to prove that you’re the best of the best of the best.”

Thus, with his dad’s constant encouragement, he has become a notable NFL defensive tackle. His dad’s courage and constant efforts pushed him into the NFL from Nigerian tribal royalty.

From Nigerian tribal royalty to NFL

During an interview, Nnadi explained about his dad: “My father was a very wealthy man. “When I was growing up, we were privileged,” he remarked. His dad’s courage has inspired him a lot. In 1967, when Nigeria went into civil war for independence from the United Kingdom, it had a significant impact on his father, Fred. He wanted to live a better life. At the time, John Nnadi was a tribal leader in Nigeria with several wives and children. And Fred’s father encouraged him to change his life, so he did.

In 1978, Fred went on to settle in America with his brother, and out here, he enrolled himself as an engineering student at Old Dominion. By 1980, he made Virginia Beach his home, where Christy joined him from Nigeria, and they welcomed Derrick on May 9, 1996.

Despite adversities, Fred always supported Derrick for his athletic aspirations, as he shifted his focus toward the NFL. He shared his struggles before Derrick was born, leaving a deep impact on his son. In 1992, Fred quit his job to enroll in a master’s degree in engineering, and this left the family with just $2,000 for almost a year to survive. And they had to take a loan for their sustenance.

No matter how much money Derrick gets in the NFL, his father’s experience reminds him that what counts most is how effectively he manages his priorities. And, with these key learnings in mind, he continues to push himself forward each day while staying grounded.