Dexter Lawrence II‘s NFL career is not his victory alone. It is equally a tribute to his parent’s athletic aspirations. While he was drafted 17th overall by the New York Giants back in 2019, he is carving out a niche for himself with his dynamic performances. And, the contract extension last year was another milestone for him, signing a hefty $90 million contract for four years of allegiance. With this, no one is as proud as his parents, Julia Parker and Dexter Lawrence Sr.

Dexter’s athletic legacy is undoubtedly inspired by his parents. His mother, Julia, was a standout track athlete at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a path that deeply resonated with Dexter and led him to immerse himself in sports early on. While living in Arkansas, Dexter decided to take up sports in the fifth grade. However, without a growth spurt at the time, he found himself ineligible to play Pop Warner football.

However, his mother was not willing to let the opportunity slip away. She set one condition: if Dexter started playing football, he couldn’t quit. And the rest is history. His father also played a significant role in shaping his athletic mindset from the very beginning.

Dexter’s father, Dexter Lawrence Sr., was a former college football linebacker at Arkansas State, which undoubtedly set the foundation for football training for both Dexter and his younger brother, Devon, who is a running back at the University of North Carolina.

The athletic pedigree runs strong in the family, culminating in Dexter’s NFL selection.

The wholesome bond between Dexter and his parents

Despite the NFL’s success, the recruiting process was not smooth. Dexter’s mom, Julia, recalls the challenges and the stressful scenario it had created, feeling proud of her son’s tenacity despite everything. “It was a headache sometimes. In the end, it became a headache. They were constantly calling and pressuring, and he handled it great,” she added.

As he chose Clemson University for his formative years, she was supportive of his decision. “I feel like he can get his education there and that he will excel there and become the greatest player ever,” Julia reflected. She has always believed in the potential of her son.

The mother-son duo share a great bond, of love and respect. She had gifted him a pink Power Rangers toy, which Dexter had kept safely in his locker. Even during his time at Clemson, Lawrence and his defensive linemates used to call themselves “Power Rangers.”

Not only this, he also wore a pink Power Rangers bodysuit to a Halloween party, taking inspiration from the toy.

While Julia was initially worried about Dexter “handling college life on his own,” she let him blossom. And, now, seeing his maturity and sense of deep responsibility, she knows that everything has turned out for good. She adds, “He’s doing things like a responsible adult, and I really didn’t see that in him in the beginning… I’m proud of that.”

For everything that his mother has done, Dexter wants to give back with double intensity. He once remarked, “I want to provide for her one day like she did for me and my brother. That’s my Number 1 goal.” And, one can certainly say that he has delivered his goal, and is making his parents proud every single day.