“I know he has worked hard. He is a humble kid. I couldn’t be prouder of the person he became.” This is how Kevin Dotson’s father, Kelcy reflected his sentiments for his son during an interview with Steelers.com on the occasion of Father’s Day back in June 2021. This remark indeed reflected his exhilaration and proud feelings of the Rams offensive guard’s amazing career milestones and his own upbringing.

After Kevin’s mom Denise Dotson’s death, his dad was the one who solely embraced the dual role of parents. Despite facing so many challenges as a single dad while raising him and his twin brother Kenny, Dotson’s father kept him motivated all the time. Clearly, from taking valuable lessons from his dad, Kevin, 28 reigned supreme in the NFL. Back in March, the former Louisiana player, known for his run-blocking and pass-protection skills, re-signed the hefty three-year, $48M contract deal with the Rams. It truly solidifies his status in the NFL. And, it is because of the strong backing of his parents.

Who are Kelcy and Denise Dotson?

Kevin Dotson carries the great influence of his dad, Kelcy in his life.  Just like him, his dad was also involved in football. Professionally, as an outside linebacker, Kelcy Dotson excelled in the college football world.

From playing football at Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns football to becoming a head coach at East Iberville High School, it truly showcases his determination toward sports. However, his NFL aspirations remained unfulfilled due to his other priority- a role as a single father. But impressively, now, Kevin’s son is actualizing his dad’s NFL dream as he is playing as an offensive guard for the Rams.

Clearly, being a professional football player helped Kelcy raise his son, Kevin, with athletic ethics. Despite facing challenges after Kevin’s mom, Denise Dotson’s sudden death, he raised all his 3 children all alone.

Appealingly, his mother, Denise, has also left a great impact on his life. She was also a former track and field athlete at McNeese. When he was studying at Plaquemine High School in Louisiana, she passed away during a routine surgery. Though both were divorced by then, his dad has been playing both mom and dad’s role to him and his other brother, Kenny, and sister, Payton. And, he never fails to showcase his immense support to his NFL son.

How has Kevin Dotson’s father been a constant support for his son?

Despite facing challenges in raising the twins as a single dad, Kevin Dotson’s father never gave up. Earlier during an interview with Steelers in June 2021, he revealed that his rollercoaster journey as a single dad made him a better person. “It was a challenge and made them who they are but made me a better person” he stated.

Not only this, but his football background even continued during Kevin’s upbringing. Kelcy started giving him football lessons at the tender age of five. It might helped him to become an NFL player.

In the same interview that was organized on Father’s days by Steelers, his dad reflected on his coaching to his sons that even made him a strict dad sometimes. “I coached them, but I was tough on them, made sure they knew their daddy wasn’t going to take any slack from them. I was tougher on them than other players. They handled it pretty well. They knew what I expected on and off the field.” Such remarks truly showcase his tireless efforts to push him to achieve his NFL aspirations.

And, in the 2020 NFL Draft, when Kelcy’s long-time favorite team, the Steelers drafted his son, Kevin, in the fourth round, he was on cloud nine. It was really a surreal moment for Dotson’s family that even he could not believe his golden opportunity.

“It meant everything to me,” Kelcy stated. “For him to get drafted to them was the blessing any dad would want and being a Steelers fan more than I could imagine. I watched the Steelers play every Sunday anyway. Now I am watching my son play for the Steelers,” he stated further. However, the Rams guard is not only grateful for his dad, but he equally gets strength from his mom. He knows she is smiling from the sky at his accomplishments.

During his rookie season in 2020 with the Steelers, his heartfelt tribute to his late mom and college coach, D.J. Looney went viral. Taking to his X handle, he posted several pictures of his wrist tape. It featured ‘mom’ and Looney’s names on it. He even represented their names throughout the season.

As per the SI.com article published in September 2020, he even reflected on his feelings while recalling his mom. “It gives me confidence. It gives me a drive to know that those two are watching me and that I have something to prove to them, I feel,” Dotson stated.

In the same post, Kevin Dotson even shared the gifted game ball snap. After his first start, against the Broncos, Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers QB even gifted Dotson the game ball for his dad. As he continues to strive towards better performance, he keeps the memories and sacrifices of his parents in his mind.