From Maryland to being drafted by the Lions as a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Ty Johnson has truly grown to establish himself on the gridiron. Despite adversities in his early days, he defied all the odds, achieving his football dream. After his rookie season with the Lions, he played for the Jets until the Bills signed him in August 2023. He also signed a one-year contract extension worth $1,292,500 with the Bills in 2024. With his NFL career records of  279 carries and 1,270 yards, Ty Johnson, 27 is moving forward in his career. But his career achievements would have been impossible without his mom, Tracy Johnson.

“She did whatever it took to support our family,” Ty Johnson earlier iterated. It reflected his deep regard and sentiments for his mom, Tracy. It is with her unconditional love and support that the Bills running back has achieved his current position in the league.

Who is Tracy Johnson?

The NFL running back’s mother has had a great impact on his life. She has been his constant supporter throughout his life’s journey. Tracy raised him along with his two older siblings, Leroy and Lakeisha, as a single mom. It was not easy for her, but she tirelessly worked hard to fulfill all the basic needs of all of her three kids.

Tracy Johnson took multiple jobs and managed unpredictable shifts flawlessly to provide a better life for her kids. And, of course, all three of her children made her proud in their own way. Besides Ty Johnson’s accomplished career, her other son, Leroy, served in the military, and her daughter attended Virginia Tech University. Being a single parent didn’t get in the way of Tracy Johnson leaving no stone unturned to shape their journey.

And like a dutiful son, Ty Johnson leaves no opportunity to dote on his mom and express his gratitude to her. As per a UM Terps report published back in May 2017, the former Maryland standout RB explained that his mom was the sole reason behind his optimistic mindset.

“She put in crazy hours at work, but always provided for us. There were numerous days where we could tell she was dead tired, but she kept moving forward without ever complaining. I keep that mentality in the back of my mind every time I’m facing any type of adversity, whether it be in the classroom or on the field,” he remarked. It showcased that his mom is his greatest source of inspiration. And, she pushed him to achieve his NFL aspiration through her upbringing.

How did Ty Johnson’s mom shape his NFL trajectory?

Being the youngest child in his family, Ty Johnson claims his mother was harsher on him. During the same interview with UM Terps, he disclosed, “I think she learned a lot from raising my brother and sister and used that to form a way to make sure I was successful. She always wanted to keep me on the straight and narrow so I feel that she was fairly strict with me, but that made me into the man I am today.”

To this day, Johnson also shares a strong and healthy bond with his mom. Tracy Johnson also shared her sentiments on their bond with UM Terps, stating, “Basically, it was just me and Ty almost the entire time he was growing up so we were very close. When Saturday night rolled around, he’d be more likely to hang at home with me and just talk and watch TV than go out with his friends.”

Tracy never fails to applaud her son for his breathtaking performances on the field. She articulated her pride in the same interview. “I look at him and just think ‘what did I do to deserve this amazing kid?’ I know it’s not easy being a student-athlete. I can only imagine what his body and mind goes through every day. I look up to him. I’m his to  mom, but he’s my hero,” she affirmed.

A mom and son duo that are each other’s heroes. Now that’s the American Dream, alive and kicking!