Deuce Vaughn has undoubtedly made a solid impression on the fields! Playing as a Dallas Cowboys‘ rookie running back, after being drafted in the 2023 draft, his agility is highly regarded. Moreover, despite being just 5-foot-5, he has turned it into his ‘superpower’, leaving a solid impression. Although he is recorded as the shortest player at the NFL Combine since 2003, his skills at rushing or receiving or in special teams cannot be overlooked.

And what has pushed him towards his NFL success drive is the support of his parents, Chris Vaughn and Marquette. From learning the traits of football from his father, to finding stability in the emotional support of his mother, whom he calls his “rock,” Deuce’s parents have always been by his side.

Who are Chris Vaughn and Marquette Vaughn?

Chris Vaughn, Deuce’s dad, has solid years of experience extending over two decades in football, in the domain of coaching and scouting. Currently employed as Dallas Cowboys’ Assistant Director of College Scouting, he has a record of grading more than 350 players for the NFL Draft.

Initially working as a college coach, he has worked as a defensive back at various schools. And, it includes top names, be it from Texas, Memphis, Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Tulsa. And, regardless of his demanding career, he has always made sure to be there for his son.

Talking about the mentorship offered by his dad, Deuce added, “He allowed me to kind of go into the combine stress-free.” Chris helped him get set for the NFL Combine, giving him a drill for the draft questioning process. All this while maintaining the ethicality of the process, and to avoid conflicts of interest, he abstained from scouting or grading Deuce.

But, not just his dad, his mom Marquette has also been there for him, every step of the way. Never missing any of his college games, she has always been his rock. Acknowledging his support, Deuce adds, “Without that woman, I’m not the young man and everything that I am today.” And she goes around advocating his talents.

Talking about it, Deuce adds, “Don’t let somebody tell her I can’t block. She’ll pull up the film and everything.” With all the sacrifices she has made, she is adamant to see him as a rising star.

How is Deuce Vaughn living his father’s dream as their hard work pays off?

For the Vaughn family, athleticism runs in their blood. When Chris faced a setback, owing to a five-year show-cause penalty from the NCAA during the college coaching days, he had to leave this domain. But after this, he joined NFL scouting, and this gave exposure to Deuce during his father’s tenure, allowing him to watch players like Darren McFadden and Dexter McCluster.

And all of these collectively pushed him to football. But with his height of 5-foot-5, skepticism was rife. But it was Chris who motivated him to just focus on his talents. He told him, “You have to make them go, ‘Wow, this kid can play’, even if you don’t fit their ideal size.” With this, Deuce made a solid presence at Kansas State.

Even during the pandemic, Chris took to training him in the garage, as they practiced agility drills and individual exercises. Reflecting on those days, Deuce adds, “My dad always tells me it’s about what you put in the ATM on Monday through Friday. And then on Saturday, you cash everything out.”

When he was shortlisted by Dallas, Chris proudly asked in an emotional tone, “Hey buddy, you want to come to work with me next week?” Now, wearing jersey number 42, Deuce is not just living his own dream, but his father’s as well.