“I play for my family, and I play for Jazmine. She’s always in my heart,” Nick Bolton, the  Kansas City Chiefs’ linebacker reflected. His family has been the key motivation for him to constantly push forward. He had taken up football for his sister, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. On Nick’s 10 birthday, Jazmine had her final radiation treatment, which he remembers as an “amazing” moment. Nick’s journey with football into the NFL was his way of honoring his family’s spirit, which he carries every time he is in the fields. Transitioning from the University of Missouri as the Chiefs drafted him in the 2021 NFL Draft, he is making it big in the NFL world.

No one is as proud of him as his parents, Carlos and Jalunda Bolton. Nick Bolton’s journey as a linebacker is not a standalone affair, his father has played a solid role in orienting his trajectory. Carlos Bolton played linebacker at Louisiana Tech; and, indeed, he has a great understanding of football which he passed on to his son. At a young age, he introduced Nick to the game, helping him learn the basics. After every game, the father-son duo used to analyze the tape together, to find the loopholes and work on it.

They took to discussing footwork and gap assignments, to make sure that Nick was making clear progress. And when things were tough, as Nick’s sister and mother battled health scares, his father Carlos made sure that he was able to make a balance and find time for sports. As Nick launched himself with Kansas City Chiefs, Carlos was evidently proud, remarking, “It’s always about his instincts.” Besides his father, his mother, Jalunda has also been there by his side, through the ups and downs.

Meet Nick Bolton’s mom Jalunda Bolton

Nick’s mother Jalunda Bolton has always made sure to be there for him, supporting him across his journey. She used to film his games, encouraging him thoroughly. However, she faced a major health scare, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. And, her illness had come around shortly after they were recovering from Jazmine’s condition. Times were tough, and as he witnessed his mom’s struggle, Nick noted, “It gives you perspective on everything you do.”

However, with a strong demeanor, Jalunda eventually recovered as she was declared cancer-free on December 2, 2015. Honoring his mother, while spreading cancer awareness, Nick Bolton took part at NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative, as he wore custom cleats to show support for cancer research. He added, “One cleat represents my mother, while the other represents my sister, with their names and the date they declared victory over cancer.”

As Jalunda notes, the family embodies the motto, “Bend; don’t break,” as they continue to navigate the difficulties to find the ultimate silver lining. Seeing her son make a name for himself in the NFL, Jalunda even remarked that she was “not surprised,” as she had had faith in him since always. Now, with him rising as a star linebacker for the Chiefs, Nick Bolton is not just creating a legacy for himself, but his family as well.