Jaylen Waddle‘s lightning-fast routes and jaw-dropping catches have made him a standout for the Miami Dolphins. But behind this rising star stands an even more formidable force: his family, led by his mother, Lesha Redmon.

From his early days in Houston to being drafted 6th overall by the Dolphins in 2021, the unwavering support and guidance of his parents have shaped Waddle’s journey. This family-first approach has not only molded Waddle into a top-tier athlete but also a grounded individual amidst the glitz of NFL stardom.

Lesha Redmon is his ultimate cheerleader and coach

Lesha Redmon isn’t your average sports mom. She’s a unique blend of cheerleader, coach, and motivator. When Jaylen was weighing college options, it was Lesha who helped steer him toward Nick Saban’s powerhouse at Alabama, despite tempting offers from other top programs.

But don’t mistake her support for blind praise. After a standout game against Texas A&M back in 2019, where Jaylen gained over 120 yards on special teams, Lesha had some pointed feedback. Jaylen recalled, “She said I got tackled by the punter, so she had some jokes about that.” He added, “She was kind of serious, though.” Lesha’s playbook consists of this blend of tough love and never-ending support, which is what has made her the ‘biggest fan’ as well as the ‘biggest critic’ of Jaylen.

In a video message during the 2021 NFL draft, Lesha displayed pride by saying: “Congratulations Jaylen, I am so proud of you. It’s an understatement and such a surreal moment for me.” Jaylen responded to this statement revealing a strong bond between them: “I appreciate you. A lot of people don’t give enough credit for the amount of sacrifices that you made, not only for me, for my family, for my sisters.”

A team behind the star

Although Lesha often takes center stage, the Waddle family should be commended as a whole. His father may not be in the public eye like his mother, but he is equally important in team building. The youngest of four siblings, including elder sister Amber Allen and younger sister Aspean Redmon, Jaylen learned valuable lessons about competition and teamwork within his own home.

This strong family foundation has translated into on-field success. In just three seasons with the Dolphins, Waddle has set franchise records for consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and most receiving yards in the first three years of a career (3,385). His recent contract extension – a 3-year, $84.75 million deal with $76 million guaranteed – speaks volumes about his impact on the field.

Waddle’s skills have even dictated opponents’ strategies. The former Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt once said jokingly that he would resort to onside kicks just to prevent Waddle from returning punts.

As Jaylen continues to break records and dazzle fans, one thing remains clear: behind every touchdown catch and punt return, a family is cheering him on. And at the forefront is Lesha Redmon, ready with both praise and pointers, helping her son reach new heights in the NFL. It’s a testament to the power of family in shaping not just an athlete, but a well-rounded individual ready to take on the world.