James Bradberry attributes his NFL success to his mother. A prominent cornerback in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, James has always remained candid about his mom, Rosie Bradberry’s role across his trajectory. Drafted by the Panthers in the 2016 NFL Draft, he later played with the Giants in 2020, before signing with the Eagles in 2022. Excelling in press coverage, his drive for success is rooted in his desire to repay his mom for her support and endless sacrifices.

As a single mother, Rosie Bradberry raised her two children, James and his sister Takia, in Birmingham, Alabama. Things were never easy for her. But she was not willing to give up. Rosie worked tirelessly as she navigated through the financial difficulties to support her children. However, she believed in the silver lining, as she never failed to cater to her children’s aspirations.

And these values are evident in James. He is a very grounded, hard-working individual. When he had received the life-changing call back in 2016, he was engaged in fixing the toilet, as instructed by his mother. Recalling the moment, he adds, “Nah my mom just had me fixing it… I don’t really know how to fix things for real, but I try when I can.”

One of the major driving forces behind his intense desire to succeed is to provide financial stability to his mother. He holds a deep respect for his mother, and never fails to express gratitude towards her during the interviews, adding, “She sacrificed a lot for me and my sister while growing up.”

With his $45 million contract with the Giants in 2020 followed by a 3-year, $38 million deal in 2023 with Eagles, he seeks to provide his mother with a comfortable life.

Bradberry’s goal to repay his mom for the countless sacrifices

With the financial stability that James had secured with the Giants in 2020, he had the means to give back to his family. And his ultimate wish was to ensure his mother’s retirement. Excited at the prospect of announcing the news, he remarked, “It’s not an actual thing I’d be giving her, but I’ll be telling her, ‘Hey, you ain’t got to go to work anymore if you don’t want to’.”

James also added, “Just to be able to repay her without having her go to work anymore, that’d be good for me because she can now do whatever she wants. Enjoy life.” His ultimate wish was to see her live a better life. “I’mma surprise her with that,” he noted. James always carries the essence of her sacrifices with him to keep him thoroughly motivated.

With the birth of his daughter Xena Reign Bradberry, James further notes how his mother is deeply involved in ensuring their well-being. He humorously adds, “Whenever she calls me, it’s not really about me anymore.”

James regularly participates in charitable events with his daughter, to keep himself grounded. Last year, he donated sneakers to elderly residents in Philadelphia with his daughter, as he continues to carry his mother’s teachings with him wherever he goes.