Home/NFL

via Imago

via Imago

0
  Debate

Debate

Does Drake London's success owe more to his talent or the unwavering support of his parents?

“I love when doubters try to tell me no.” This is what Drake London said back in 2020 when he was in USC. Fast forward to now, you can say that attitude has made him a pro. But there’s a long way to go still for the 23-year-old who’s still finding himself as a Falcon in Atlanta ever since he got drafted in 2022.

It’s a journey. One that’s just getting started for Drake. But that’s where his core come in for him. And that’s his family. Mainly his mom and dad—Cindi and Dwan London.

Who are Dwan and Cindi London?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Cindi and Dwan’s journey as football parents started long before their son Drake London took the field. They’ve been in this together since eighth grade when they first met during a basketball match. Now, they have a son making waves in the NFL and a daughter, Makayla, who’s doing well as a model.

But she has also been spotted in the stands donning the Falcons jersey and cheering for her younger brother. And she isn’t alone. Cindi and Dwan travel across the country, attending as many of Drake’s games as possible. Last year, they spent thousands flying coast to coast, but it’s not just about the money—it’s about being there for their son, cheering him on every step of the way.

Cindi is the mastermind behind the logistics. She’s got spreadsheets that rival a playbook, tracking flight routes, hotels, and game-day plans. Dwan jokes that her notes look “like hieroglyphics,” but Cindi’s got it all organized—even creating a cheat sheet for Dwan in case he needs to jump in.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Drake London (@drakelondon_)

What’s your perspective on:

Does Drake London's success owe more to his talent or the unwavering support of his parents?

Have an interesting take?

As for the patriarch of the London family, Dwan has always been Drake’s biggest go-to. And why not? Big man predicted early on that his son would grow up to play football. And if that’s not enough, read this. When Drake started to lose interest in school, Dwan laid out a path for him to follow his dream. He personally trained him, guiding him toward becoming the NFL wide receiver we see today. And even to this day, they share the journey with a rather beautiful way of bonding.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What is Drake London’s pre-game ritual?

Drake London’s 2024 season has started off solidly, with 200 receptions and 20 receiving touchdowns under his belt already. But before any of those numbers hit the stat sheet, there’s one thing London always does—a pregame prayer. It’s something the Londons have done since Drake first laced up for tackle football. Before every game, Dwan and Cindi take a moment to pray for Drake’s safety and the safety of all competitors.

“I used to do it in private in his bedroom,” Dwan shared. “Because I allowed him to play tackle football, and I didn’t know how dangerous it could be. We just asked the Lord to guide us.” And here’s the thing—it hasn’t stopped since.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Now, with Drake playing under the bright NFL lights, the Londons keep this ritual alive. They fly from Los Angeles to Atlanta, or wherever the Falcons take the field, to make sure they’re there for every game. Why, you ask? It’s more than just the prayer. Before Drake was even drafted, Cindi and Dwan made a promise: they’d attend as many games as possible, no matter the distance or expense.

In less than two years, the Londons have traveled to 28 games across 14 cities and even two continents. That’s a lot of miles and even more memories! Sure, it’s come with a hefty price tag and the juggling of work schedules, but for them, it’s all about being there for their son, no matter what.