Talk about some of the standout cornerbacks and you’ll find some crazy stats and highlight reels. But what’s more fascinating is the story behind the player. The grind, the setbacks, and the people who support them. Take Isaiah Rodgers for instance. He’s that fast, scrappy cornerback you might’ve seen on the field for the Philadelphia Eagles. But his path to the NFL? Nah, that wasn’t just paved with tackles and sacks. It was messier than that.

Think about it. Rodgers went from a skinny kid who barely weighed 140 pounds to a pro athlete who could outrun almost everyone on the field. But here’s the catch: he didn’t do it alone. The guy fought for every inch ever since his childhood and his every family played a crucial role in his success, especially his mom and dad.

Who is Isaiah Rodgers’ mom?

When you think about athletes who make it to the top, there’s always someone in the background who’s had their back through thick and thin. For Rodgers, it was his mom, Kelly O’Neal. His mom was the one sitting in the stands pushing him to do his best, even when things weren’t looking great. And when the CB started making his way to the football, she didn’t just relax and sit back. Kelly then got involved in his life, but this time not as a mom, but as a mentor.

Rodgers often used to call his mother during his collegiate career late at night, saying that he didn’t think he could do it. And Kelly’s response? Well, her supporting response is why Rodgers was named to Pro Football Focus’ First-team All-American Team as a CB. She would tell him just to sleep and tell him why he went to college in the first place. But don’t think she just handed out sweet words of encouragement to Rodgers.

Remember when the cornerback was suspended for betting on his own team? Yeah, the same reason the Colts decided to waive him. Rodgers was shopping with his mom at that time. But, the 27-year-old CB kept the news of suspension to himself. And his mom found out about the news in a very epic way. Imagine finding out your son was involved in something like that while you’re watching ESPN. That’s exactly how O’Neal found out—through the news.

But she didn’t get upset or freak out. Instead, she was mostly worried about her son. “I saw it coming across the bottom of the screen,” O’Neal said. “My first thought was, ‘Was he OK?’ His future was so bright for him with the Colts, it was right there.” She knew her son’s heart was in the right place, and even when he messed up, she stood by him. That’s Isaiah Rodgers’ mom, Kelly O’Neal for you! But what about his father?

Who is the Eagles CB’s dad?

When Rodgers was just five years old, his parents taught him house chores. That is helping out with the dishes, cooking, and most of all; he was the trash guy. It was his dad, Craig Rodgers, who taught his son about being the man of the house and fulfil the duties of household. Craig wasn’t just a father in name, he was the man who kept Rodgers grounded and guided him during his early football career.

But the road wasn’t always easy and Isaiah’s life took a drastic turn when his dad tragically passed away in 2013. Craig was shot and killed during a confrontation with police in Florida. That loss hit Rodgers harder than anything. See, before Craig passed away, he texted his son that he was coming to pick him up. Isaiah was at a friend’s house playing basketball and he replied that he wanted to play more. Craig, as a great father, was okay with his son’s decision and that was the last time Rodgers spoke to his father.

When his mom gave him the shocking news, Isaiah blamed himself thinking if he had gone along with his dad, Craig would be alive. Isaiah was just 16 years old and grieved his dad’s passing in total silence. “People that knew him knew that this was not really Isaiah.” his mom stated.

When he entered his sophomore year in high school, Craig’s death still loomed over his head. Thanks to his then coach, Thomas, who helped young Isaiah to recover from the grief and he channelled that grief into his career. Since then, the CB often credits his father stating, his dad “helped me be the person I am today.” Today, Isaiah Rodgers is a proud father of two children, Isaiah Jr and Maliyah Rodgers.