Ugh, the Chargers had their best season in the last few years, but they had an exit in the wild-card round against the Texans. So it’s a bittersweet feeling but you know they’re going ahead with plenty of good players like Herbert, Khalil Mack, and Joey Bosa but it’s their safety Derwin James Jr. who kinda went unnoticed this season.

Yeah, Derwin got his Second-Team All-Pro this season and was a key performer in their much-improved season. But his journey is not known to many. It was his mom Shanita and dad Derwin James Sr. who were the driving force in his formative years. Now looking at where the Chargers’ safety stands, the couple has brought up quite a talented man.

Who is Derwin James’ mom?

Derwin’s mom, Shanita Russell, was a talented sprinter at Haines City High School. She had big dreams but had to put her track career on hold when she got pregnant with Derwin Jr. That’s not all, though. Shanita had to work hard in her parenting years. She juggled jobs at a nursery and Publix, doing everything she could to support her family. Maybe that’s why the Chargers’ safety has a special place for his mom, which he showed to the world back in 2018.

Remember when Derwin Jr. got drafted as the 17th overall pick by the Los Angeles Chargers? He just wasted no time to surprise her mom. Derwin Jr. got a $7.1 million signing bonus from his four-year, $12.39 million deal, and with that, he bought his mom her dream house in Florida.

Derwin shared this moment via an Instagram post, he wrote, “Today was a special day. Bought my momma her dream house I always promise her since a kid. I don’t think there is anybody more deserving in the world than her. Love you.” It was his way of saying thanks to the woman who shaped his life and career. But his dad s the one who got him into the league.

Derwin James Sr: The Chargers safety’s dad

Derwin James Sr. was the reason his son went on to go big, maybe it was the genes. Yep, he was a star on the football field back in his high school days at Haines City High School in Florida. He was nicknamed “Blue,” and was known for his aggressive style and lightning-fast tackles. Just imagine him out there, tearing it up with a speed and intensity that left everyone in awe. It wasn’t just football where he got success either—he was a track star too, competing at the state level.

James Sr. wasn’t a typical rough dad for Derwin Jr. growing up. He used to call Derwin Jr. “Pooh Bear.” Derwin Sr. was always there, offering guidance and support, even after his son became an NFL superstar. In one memorable game back in Jacksonville, Derwin Jr. dominated the field, racking up tackles and breaking up passes. Watching from the stands, Derwin Sr. said, “Man, he’s dominating out here. He’s the best of the best. Just a little country boy from ol’ Polk County. That was like, ‘My boy is here to stay’.” These are words that men die to hear all of their life.

And while Derwin Sr. has been to Southern California a bunch of times for games, it’s still wild for him to see his son’s face plastered all over town—on billboards for Oakley or murals in Venice Beach. It’s a testament to the incredible journey from a little town in Polk County to the big lights of the NFL, and the father-son bond that’s been a driving force all along.

Where did the Chargers’ safety grow up?

Derwin James Jr.’s journey started his journey in The Sunshine State, Florida. He went to Haines City High School and started to make a name for himself. Once he pulled off an incredible one-handed interception that sent the crowd into a frenzy. His coach still talks about that day, saying how Derwin’s swagger and confidence lifted the whole team.

After high school, Derwin took his talents to Florida State University, where he continued to shine, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. During his sophomore year, he faced a tough injury that could’ve derailed his career. But the safety put in the work, grinding through rehab and training, and came back. And boy, did he make a comeback! He made a game-saving tackle in the final seconds, securing a win for the Seminoles.

By the time the 2018 NFL Draft was around, Derwin was a hot prospect. The Chargers got him up as the 17th overall pick. From the get-go, he made a huge impact, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his rookie season. Injuries tried to slow him down, some suspension controversies in the following years, but Derwin knew how to come back.

For the Chargers, he had 556 tackles, 17 sacks, and 9 interceptions overall. And then came 2024: his standout year with 93 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 1 interception, and to top that off, he earned Second-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.