Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers TE, has become the 14-best tight end in the NFL, despite having a less-than-satisfactory last season. The 25-year-old was sidelined for about five games last season due to an unfortunate hamstring injury. But something that always stayed with him during adverse times was his parents’ unwavering support. His father, John Freiermuth, and his mother, Dianne Freiermuth, have been the constant pillars of his support and played a significant role in shaping his football career.

Interestingly, the NFL TE’s guardians both have sports backgrounds, which helped Pat develop the required discipline and athletic skills. His father is known as ‘Mr. Basketball’. Because of his spectacular basketball skills, he garnered this title as his nickname. Senior Freiermuth displayed his athletic skills while playing basketball for Saint Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire, in 1988. During that time, he was one of the prominent basketball players and later became a teacher in Massachusetts.

However, it was not only his athletic dad who pushed him to achieve his NFL aspirations but also his sporting mom, Dianne, who has left a significant impact on him. She mentored several hockey student players at North Andover High School in Massachusetts. During her 15-year tenure at the school, with her true guidance and assistance, Pat’s mom led the team to secure two north sectional titles. Apart from that, the mother of three also left hockey enthusiasts in awe with her splendid 147-85 win-loss record during her magnificent tenure as a hockey coach. Additionally, she currently serves as a history teacher in Massachusetts just like NFL TE’s dad.

Undoubtedly, children inherit their parents’ talents. Similarly, John and Dianne’s sons grabbed the athletic talent from them. Pat’s elder brother, Tim, also serves as a football HC at Hamilton-Wenham High School in Wenham, Massachusetts. Besides this, he played for the Springfield College football team in Massachusetts as an offensive lineman. Thus, it seems that Pat Freiermuth has sports in his blood.

Penn State’s postseason first-team All-Big Ten winner, not only received support from his parents and his big brother but his non-athletic sister Megan has also been his staunch supporter throughout his career and often cheers for him from the stands.

Earlier, when Pat was suffering from the injury, it was his family and parents who encouraged him to make his comeback in the Big Ten game. And Freiermuth also lived up to his parents’ expectations. The NFL TE had spilled the beans on the major support of his family, demonstrating his unconditional love for them. “My family has been with me throughout my whole career. They know how much I love football. The support they showed in that difficult time was amazing. They put the pedal to the gas in full force. They helped me out and helped the Big Ten come back, and I was appreciative of that. The season coming back meant a lot.”

Besides that, the Merrimac, Mass. Native previously revealed that he is a “momma’s boy” and also expressed his deep gratitude to his parents.

Pat Freiermuth Credits Parents’ Support for NFL Success

Because of his parent’s unwavering support, the former PSU player made his outstanding return in the Big Ten games. He could not hide his feelings from exhibiting his deep endearment for his parents.  Clearly, he shares a very close bond with them. “It meant a lot to me. You know, obviously, my mother is my rock, and I’m not afraid to admit it. I’m a huge momma’s boy. I love my mom, and my dad gets (ticked) at me all the time because I always call my mom or I text my mom because we have a great relationship.”

Apart from shedding light on his affection for his mother, Penn State’s preseason All-American TE also explained his dad’s contribution to his Penn State career. “I’m just so appreciative of what she’s done. And, you know, she has put her name out there, but my dad also helped her a lot, too. So really, it’s both of my parents. My dad’s just not a big social media guy. So, I mean, I’m really appreciative of them and how hard they fought for me to be able to play at Penn State again. And really, not just me, but my whole team and the whole Big Ten Conference,” he remarked in one of his interviews in 2020.

Therefore, withholding the staunch support of his athletic parents, he finished his remarkable college career at Penn State with 16 career TDs and a second rank among PSU tight ends, along with several awards and nominations. And then, he was also elected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He recorded 60 receptions for 497 yards with seven touchdowns last season. But, he is looking for a better next season, with strong support from his parents.