Imagine growing up without your parents. Tough, right? Unfortunately, a lot of kids go through that. Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick also had his fair share of struggles while growing up. His journey to the NFL has been anything but easy. It’s one of those stories that make you appreciate the strength of the human spirit. Growing up wasn’t the usual picture-perfect childhood. As a child, his paternal grandmother, Ruth Patrick, raised him in the absence of his parents. Sure, we all love our grandparents, but we know there’s no replacing the direct influence of parents.

But what was the reason the former Broncos player grew up without his parents? His parents, Tim Patrick Sr. and Marsi Lovett had unfortunate troubles in life that kept them away from their son.

Who are Tim Patrick Sr and Marsi Lovett?

Patrick’s dad, Tim Patrick Sr., was absent for a large part of his life as he spent 15 years in federal prison. That’s a long time, especially for a boy in need of a father figure to navigate the woes of this world. His mother, Marsi Lovett, was present but not all the time. Lovett, too, spent three to four years in jail. However, the Lions’ WR never talked about the reasons behind it all publicly, only sharing basic details. “My dad did 15 years in federal prison, and my mom, I think she did three or four.” 

Tragedy struck in 2018 when Tim Patrick lost his father to Sarcoma – a form of cancer affecting various parts of the body, originating from the bones. That event couldn’t have been easy on Patrick, as he first had to spend a big chunk of his childhood without his father, only to lose him to a terminal illness. Despite his father not being present, Patrick honored his father, saying, “My dad was a guy that brought a smile to everybody’s face and brought that positivity. I felt like he prepared me for it, so when it happened, I already knew what he wanted for me and that’s to always keep family first and make sure our family is good no matter what.”

Tim Patrick had his best game in years during week 14 of this season, where the Lions handed the Packers a 34-31 defeat. The 31-year-old came back with a bang snagging six catches for 43 yards and two touchdowns, one of which led the Lions to win the game in the last quarter. What’s more? It was his first touchdown in almost three years.

With injuries previously holding him back, the WR was fighting just to stay on the team’s active roster. But when Patrick finally broke through, he made sure to dedicate that win to his late dad. “My dad’s birthday is tomorrow. He passed away, man, that was all him, man, it was all God. I’m blessed, very blessed,” said Patrick emotionally.

Tim remains grateful to his grandparents for his upbringing

Tim Patrick’s story is all about making the best of a tough situation. Despite growing up with mostly one parent, and two siblings around the house, Patrick was raised well by his grandparents. Many people crumble under the weight of their bad lived experiences and circumstances, but not Tim Patrick. The Lions’ WR made the most out of all opportunities that came his way, and his success is evident through the gratitude he expresses to his parents and grandparents. “I was raised by everybody, my mom and dad, my stepmom, my grandma and grandpa – everybody played a part,” Tim once said. That right there shows the kind of person he is.

Initially, life threw some serious curveballs at Patrick, who went undrafted in the 2017 draft – a nightmare scenario for every player who aspires to play in the NFL.  But instead of letting the setback bog him down, Tim got to work. The Ravens gave Patrick a shot, but they didn’t keep him around. Then the 49ers did the same. Finally, he landed with the Broncos – but then injuries befell him. 

Now, Tim’s found a home with the Lions. After all the ups and downs, it feels like things are finally clicking for him.