![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-08-at-17.26.16.jpeg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 7, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back La’Mical Perine (29) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-08-at-17.26.16.jpeg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 7, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back La’Mical Perine (29) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
“I will do today what others don’t so I will have tomorrow what others won’t.” Right off the bat, let’s hit you with the current play-by-play: La’Mical Perine, the NFL’s rollercoaster running back with 2 TDs, 14 catches for 96 yards, and not a fumble in sight, is a guy whose life story is as cinematic as a Marvel origin tale.
Born on Jan 30, 1998, this Gator-turned-pro has a backstory that’s part underdog indie flick and part blockbuster NFL highlight reel. Now, while his on-field stats might have you thinking of a precision-engineered machine, the real magic starts at home with his roots and family ties that helped shape his game—and his heart.
Who are La’Mical Perine’s parents?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Raised in a household where football wasn’t just a game but a way of life, Perine learned early on that every play—both on and off the field—counted. While details about his mom remain under wraps, his mom, Sabrina Haywood, has always been the quiet powerhouse behind the scenes.
At the heart of it all is a family that knows the value of loyalty and valour, As Sabrina once put it in a moment that could rival any heartfelt film scene, “It wasn’t the best experience but I made it for what it was. At the end of the day, I got what I wanted. I went to the camp, did good there, and I got exposure, for real.” That raw, unfiltered sentiment embodies the drive that La’Mical Perine carries with every play call and every yard gained on the field—proof that sometimes the best motivation comes straight from home.
While much has been said about his on-field exploits—like dazzling in the 2019 Orange Bowl MVP performance (138 yards, 2 TDs on just 13 carries, plus 5 receptions for 43 yards, leading the Gators to a 36–28 win over Virginia)—it’s the off-field narrative that truly gives his career that extra punch. Just picture it: a kid whose life oscillates between Greyhound bus rides longer than a “LOTR” marathon and moments that would make “The Office” look like a high-stakes drama.
From that bus ride as a 16-year-old on a Greyhound down I-10, to signing on with teams like the Jets, Chiefs, Steelers, and Packers. Perine’s parents’ love and sacrifice echo through every snap and every game, reminding us that behind every NFL star, there’s a family that cheered louder than any stadium crowd.
Where did La’Mical Perine grow up?
Imagine a story that starts on the gritty streets of Mobile, AL, where even the humid nights feel like the prelude to a classic 90s coming-of-age film. That’s where La’Mical grew up. Growing up in Mobile, a city known for its rich cultural blend and deep football roots, Perine’s childhood was all about hard work, perseverance, and the occasional Greyhound bus ride.
Life in Mobile wasn’t all glitz and glam like a Marvel movie premiere, but it was real—raw, rugged, and filled with moments that made every touchdown feel like a homecoming. At Theodore High School, where he rocked the field with a senior season tally of 1,654 rushing yards and 15 TDs, La’Mical wasn’t just a star on the field; he was already writing his script of success. In true American fashion, his journey was a mix of sweat, determination, and a little bit of that Southern charm.
View this post on Instagram
The local community was like his very own “Cheers” bar, where everybody knew his name, and the support was as hearty as your favorite bowl of mom’s homemade chicken soup. His road to the University of Florida was paved with challenges and triumphs—a 14-hour bus ride that, in hindsight, was more epic than any “Breaking Bad” episode.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
And here’s a fun tidbit: “Coach Saban offered me my senior year of high school, but he offered me last minute,” Perine once said. “I felt kind of disrespected by that and so l had to stay loyal and stick with my commitment, which was to Florida.” That raw, unfiltered honesty about loyalty and commitment isn’t just a line—it’s the heart of his upbringing, a testament to the family values instilled by those closest to him.
Who is La’Mical Perine’s father?
Now let’s zoom in on the man behind the legend: Terrence Perine, La’Mical’s biological dad. Terrence’s history in football, having played at Auburn, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Imagine being raised in a household where football lore is as common as references to “The Godfather” in pop culture. While Terrence might have been more of a ghost in La’Mical’s early chapters, the family’s dynamic was redefined by the presence of Big Jimmie, who stepped in and became that guiding force.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In one of those candid moments that feel ripped right out of a script, Mrs Haywood explained that Jimmie Haybook (a.k.a. “Big Jimmie” a.k.a her Husband) was the one who took La’Mical to football fields when he was just 4 four years old, “Me and my husband have actually been together since I was six months pregnant with La’Mical. La’Mical didn’t have a relationship with his actual father, a real relationship, until he got to high school.” La’Mical’s journey from a pudgy kid playing on the local rec leagues to an NFL running back with two Super Bowl rings is proof that family—even when unconventional—matters most.
Terrence Perine may not have been the main character in the early scenes of La’Mical’s life, but his legacy—and the very fact that football runs in the blood—still looms large. And as La’Mical continues his chase for glory—whether it’s complementing a legend like Le’Veon Bell or carving out his own niche—one thing’s for sure: the legacy of family, both seen and unseen, is the real MVP in this American football epic. In his words: “Things always work in your favor when you least expect it. Stay positive and always believe in yourself.”
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
Debate
Does La'Mical Perine's story prove that family support is the ultimate game-changer in sports?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
What’s your perspective on:
Does La'Mical Perine's story prove that family support is the ultimate game-changer in sports?
Have an interesting take?