Ever wondered who’s fueling Nikko Remigio’s epic NFL career? Look no further than his powerhouse parents, Mark Remigio and Jennifer Remigio. This Chiefs’ kick returner’s spark comes from his folks, who’ve been his rock through every hurdle and touchdown. 

Remigio’s dad, Mark, is a Seattle native with deep Filipino roots from Iloilo and Muntinlupa. Swapping the Pacific Northwest for sunny Southern California, Mark worked as a private investigator. He balanced a high-pressure job with fatherhood, showcasing Remigio how perseverance pays off.

Then there’s Jennifer Remigio—the go-getter from Pontiac, Michigan—with a mix of Black and White heritage. She’s a corporate telecommunications pro with a heart of gold. Jennifer’s love story with Mark began in Santa Ana, California, in 1988. Their whirlwind romance led to a life-changing decision—Jennifer canceled her flight back to Michigan to stay with Mark. Talk about commitment!

The Super Bowl LVIII champ narrated the juicy bit of gossip: “[My parents] met in California. My mom was visiting at the time, and my dad kind of just took her cruising around town in his car. When it was time for her to fly back to Michigan, she canceled her flight to stay with my dad in California, where they got married.”

Even though Mark and Jennifer’s marriage didn’t last, their teamwork in raising the Kansas City star did. “My parents divorced when I was a kid but I really admire the morals they instilled in me,” said the 24-year-old. Without a shadow’s doubt, their shared values and unyielding support have been key to Remigio’s rise. 

The Fresno State standout also had a pretty close relationship with grandmother, Zeny Deocampo. When he was little, she would bathe him in the sink of their Orange County home. Thriving on inclusivity Remigio’s parents fostered, the mixed-race player has always embraced his roots. 

Remigio embraced his roots, from Filipino feasts to NFL dreams

Nikko Remigio’s journey’s pretty much been about embracing his roots and living his truth. “I no longer pretend to be something I’m not. I love being Filipino,” said the Chiefs’ kick returner. From the endless trays of lumpia and mountains of rice at family feasts to the Filipino breakfast of leftovers and fried eggs, Remigio’s heart beats to the rhythm of his culture.

A few years back, he took a trip to the Philippines with his dad, brothers, and grandfather. For the young man, it was a soul-refreshing return to the motherland—a place where his family’s story begins. Despite being a standout mixed-race kid from America in a Third World country, he felt a deep sense of belonging and connection to his roots. Remigio alluded, “I know I stuck out as a mixed kid, but I felt a sense of belonging [in the Philippines]. I’d love to go back again!”

Remigio then moved to Fresno State in 2022, putting on a show during his fifth season. Though he went undrafted, he soon found himself at the Kansas City training camp, ready to take on the big league. Unfortunately, his NFL journey hit a snag in August 2023 when a dislocated shoulder landed him on injured reserve. 

But no matter the setbacks, Remigio’s pride in his heritage and his determination to remain unshaken!