Who Are Rashod Bateman’s Parents? Everything You Need to Know About Lashonda Cromer

Rashod Bateman‘s journey to the NFL is a tale of triumph over adversity. With his mother Lashonda Cromer playing the starring role, the WR grew up in Tifton, Georgia. Bateman faced challenges that would have sidelined many, but his mom’s unwavering support kept him in the game.

As Bateman gears up for what could be a breakout 2024 season with the Baltimore Ravens after his extension this April, his success story reads like a playbook written by Cromer. From working grueling overnight shifts to cheering from the stands, she’s been the constant in Bateman’s life, proving that sometimes the most valuable player isn’t on the field at all.

Rashod Bateman’s mom Lashonda Cromer’s playbook of struggles to stardom

For a decade, young Bateman watched his mother, Lashonda Cromer being subjected to domestic abuse which impacted him a lot. “I don’t want to get too deep, but I remember a lot,” Bateman shared on a cover story done by the Ravens back in 2021, his voice carrying the weight of those difficult years. But Cromer wasn’t about to let their circumstances define their future.

Working 12-hour overnight shifts for eight years, Cromer became a master of multitasking. “There were some days when I would barely see my kids before it was time to go back to work,” she revealed. Yet, she still managed to attend nearly every one of Bateman’s games, even when it meant splitting 19-hour car rides over two days to cheer him on at Minnesota.

Cromer’s mantra, “Do the opposite of what you see,” became Bateman’s guiding light. This philosophy shaped not just his approach to football, but to life itself. It’s a mindset that caught the attention of NFL scouts, with Baltimore Ravens’ Director of Player Personnel Joe Hortiz noting, “You can definitely feel the speed. You really felt it – his ability to really just get in-and-out [of routes] and show that twitch and strength.”

As Bateman prepares for the 2024 season, NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger predicted big things: “I expect him to be a big focal point of this passing game with Lamar this season.” It’s a far cry from the “skinny little thing” his high school coach, Ashley Anders, remembers. “I would be willing to bet that nobody thought he was going to be a first-round draft pick,” Anders admitted.

The unsung MVPs behind the star

Bateman’s rise to NFL stardom was backed by siblings. His brothers, Monjharvis and Travian, were his first teammates, transforming their backyard into a makeshift football field. “We drew lines for a football field with our feet, stuffed balled-up paper under our T-shirts for shoulder pads,” Bateman recalled, painting a picture of childhood resilience.

Travian remembers the sacrifices their mother made, often going without food to ensure her boys had enough. This selflessness didn’t go unnoticed. After signing his rookie contract in 2021, Bateman’s first major play was buying his mom a house. “Dreams to reality,” he wrote on Instagram. “Welcome home mama, I love you.”

But the Bateman support team extended beyond blood relatives. Mindy Palmer, Bateman’s third-grade teacher, became a guiding figure as well. When young Rashod needed his first pair of football cleats, Palmer stepped up. “We helped in any way we could,” she said, embodying the village that raised this NFL star.

Bateman’s journey from Tifton to Baltimore is more than a sports story; it’s a testament to the power of family, both blood and chosen. As he takes the field in 2024, he carries with him the strength of his mother, the camaraderie of his brothers, and the support of those who believed in him when he was just a kid with a dream.

For fans looking to root for more than just touchdowns, Rashod Bateman offers a compelling narrative of perseverance, family, and the pursuit of excellence. As the season approaches, keep an eye on this rising star. After all, when Rashod Bateman scores, it’s a victory for Team Bateman – a team that’s been in training for this moment for years.