Eli Apple has the strong backing of his parents! The NFL cornerback is in the limelight again. And, this time, a former Bengals cornerback is making waves for signing with the Chargers’ active roster Monday.  Impressively, Eli, who also played for the Dolphins, Saints, and Panthers, recorded total tackles across 58 total snaps.

Since the Giants drafted him as the first-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, he has established his name in the league as the most polarizing player. And, this is because of his strong off-field support from his mom, Annie, and stepdad, Tim’s support. From the Buckeyes, to now the Chargers, they have been the staunch supporter of him throughout his life journey,

Who are Annie and Tim Apple?

Eli Apple shares a strong bond with his mom, Annie. She has been his biggest supporter. Beyond her role as a supportive mom, she is also a career-oriented personality. As per her social media profile, Eli Apple’s mom serves as a journalist, producer, and writer.  Allegedly, Annie’s writing work previously caught her attention for her blog “Survivin America: Making It Through with Humor and Hope”. However, it appears the website no longer exists.

Seemingly, she garnered significant limelight during her son’s NFL draft in 2016. Allegedly, after the draft, her draft experience spread massively on the internet as she jotted down first-person columns for SI.com.

Not only this, the NFL cornerback’s mom also served as ESPN’s contributor to “Sunday NFL Countdown in 2016.   When ESPN hired Apple’s mom, ESPN’s senior coordinating producer, Seth Markman adored her talent.

Annie drew their attention during the NFL Draft, and when they met her in person at ESPN, “her relatability blew us away, her sense of humor and just how unafraid she was to speak her mind,” he added.

Not only this, Markman also applauded her for bringing a very unique perspective as the mother of a current NFL player and as a fan. “We look forward to exploring a variety of different story ideas with her on Sunday NFL Countdown,” he further added. It indeed showcased that Annie’s dedication comes from her son.

Beyond her professional career, Annie’s married life has been in controversy.  Even through SI’s blog, she shed light on her abusive relationship. As per her blog, she was a domestic violence survivor. However, she had three sons Blackson, and Devion including Eli, and a daughter, Jordan from her first relationship. But, later, she decided to get married to Tim in 2001. He helped her in raising her kids.

However, seemingly for his stepdad’s immense support, the NFL cornerback is grateful. Impressively, he has been sharing his stepdad’s last name since his senior at Eastern High in Voorhees. “From the time I was 2 years old my dad, Timothy Apple, has been my father. He’s nurtured, provided, and protected our family. I am the man I am today because of his tireless love, and commitment to our family,” Eli Apple added.

Not only his mom, but, his stepdad, Tim Apple has been behind him every step of the way. Tim served as the de-factor manager during his son’s rookie season. Allegedly, his dad also managed Eli’s marketing, finances,  and charity work with his advisors.

Tim’s love for his stepson is also clearly visible. Eralier, he expressed his feelings for him. “I love my son and I miss my son,” Tim previously asserted. However, Eli Apple’s parents,  Tim and Annie parted their ways after 16 years of their marriage in 2017 due to an unknown reason.

Seemingly it did not affect his career. Despite adversities in her personal life, his mom has been supporting her son throughout his life journey.

How Eli Apple’s mother has supported her son’s NFL career?

Eli Apple’s mom, Annie frequently defends her son against internet bullies and illustrates his athletic achievements through social media.  In the last season, she took to her X handle to encourage all “Eli Apple haters” to tweet with the hashtag #LoveToHateEliApple. For each tweet using the hashtag, The Salvation Army in Cincinnati received $5,000 for helping needy families.

“Make your hate count. Put that Eli Apple hate to great use and help families needing housing and care,” his mom added. It indeed showcased her support for her NFL son.

Not only that but he was mocked for getting blazed for two touchdowns against the Rams in Super Bowl 56. At that moment, his mother fought back in response to several disrespectful posts. Thus, the NFL cornerback’s mom has been his strongest supporter and source of inspiration throughout his life.