“I’m very proud of him because through our life struggles, me and his father just always preached to him, ‘Be better than us,’ Marshon Lattimore‘s mother, Felicia Killebrew earlier stated. It reflected the NFL player’s unique upbringing amid hardship.  Reportedly, the former New Orleans Saints cornerback’s early life was not that easy, but seemingly it did not affect his athletic aspiration. And, his current standings in NFL is the evidence of this.

Marshon, 28, is currently making waves for his trade to Washington Commanders. Undoubtedly, for his impressive career stats Commanders included him in their squad. Allegedly, Marshon signed the 2 years lucrative deal that included unguaranteed $16 million and $16.5 million salaries. And, seemingly he might have got this offer due to his impressive career stats. He recorded, 15 interceptions with 405 tackles and 88 passes on defense plus five fumble recoveries during his Saints career. And, he also turned many heads this season. Lattimore secured 30 tackles with two passes defended. That is truly impressive. And, for his successful career trajectory, no one is as proud as his parents Felicia Killebrew and Marland Lattimore Sr..

Who are Felicia Killebrew and Marland Lattimore Sr.?

Marshon Lattimore’s mom Felicia Killebrew and dad, Marland Lattimore Sr. have encouraged him throughout his life journey. Allegedly, Felicia worked hard to provide a better life for him and his other two siblings. She served as the nursing assistant. But, seemingly, it was not enough for her family.

Reportedly, fulfilling her kid’s demands as a single mom, was not an easy task for her. Even, sometimes, she was unable to pay the gas bill. So, Marshon and his family had to gather around a space heater to stay warm during freezing cold winters in Northeast Ohio.

Previously, in an interview, Felicia Killebrew disclosed how her family lived through adverse situations. Seemingly, the love between them was the main weapon for Lattimore’s family.  “Even though we were at the poverty level, the love was rich. The love we had for each other was rich, and that’s what really held us together,” Marshon Lattimore’s mom remarked earlier.

And, these experiences helped Marshon shape his athletic career. Probably, his determination and observance come from his mom.  Even, the NFL cornerback never fails to express his love for his mom. “Knowing where I came from, that really motivated me the most. Knowing that I don’t want to go back there. I had to do it for somebody other than myself: My mother, my whole family, period,” he earlier stated.

Thus, it showcased that Marston’s mom raised him by instilling athletic values in him. Not only did his mom inspire him, but his father, Marland also played a vital role in his life. Allegedly, Marland Lattimore Sr. was also a football enthusiast. However, his life journey had a fair share of obstacles.

And, Marston has gained a lot from his dad’s approach. His dad had to spend more than four years in jail, intermittently for various charges while he was growing up. Seemingly, it affected him somehow positively.  Marshon spent almost his first ten years of life seeing his father go in and out of jail. After things improved, Marland occasionally brought Marshon along to his work as a home renovator and drywaller.

Thus, Marland and Felicia raised him with a philosophy of  “‘Try to be better and represent your name,’” in the NFL world. And, of course, the former No. 11 overall pick by the Saints lived up to his parent’s expectations.

How did they help ML?

Despite all of his childhood hardships, Lattimore never deviated from the goal his parents had set for him. Through the challenging circumstances, his parents gave strong backing to prevent him from drifting. As a result, Marshon is now faced with a challenging balance.

During high school in redshirt freshman season in 2014, Pro Bowler lost his NFL dream after a hamstring injury that sidelined him from the 7 games that season. But, it was his parent who kept him motivated throughout the times. His mom earlier explained about the adverse situation.

“The saddest thing was to hear him say, My career ended before it got started,” she claimed. But, she and his father prepared him mentally to play football again for the  Ohio State Buckeyes. Later, Marshon Lattimore played against Solon. And, interestingly, he posted four touchdowns with a two-point conversion pass. And, with his over 100 yards, he captivated many.

“Once that game was over with, the train was rolling,” his dad said. Thus they both helped him in shaping his football journey. Lattimore made a healthy transition, and it was time for him to show everybody what he could he. With full faith in his athletic ability, he has indeed proved his dominance.