“Football was Plan A, B, and C,” When it comes to NFL safeties, Xavier McKinney is straight-up built differently. The Georgia-born baller, now suiting up for the Green Bay Packers, has become a household name for football fans and fantasy owners alike. After recording 82 tackles and 7 interceptions as a senior at Roswell High School, McKinney went on to be an absolute beast at Alabama, earning the title of Defensive MVP of the 2018 Orange Bowl. Fast forward to 2024, and “X,” as he’s affectionately called, signed a cool $67 million, four-year deal with the Packers after a solid stint with the New York Giants. Oh, and did we mention he’s also in the convo for Defensive Player of the Year?

But every superhero has an origin story, right? For X, it starts with his parents, two unsung heroes who shaped their son into the gridiron star he is today.

Who is Xavier McKinney’s Mom?

If there’s one person who always believed Xavier would make it to the NFL, it’s his mom, Ebony Merriwether. And no, she’s not just your average football mom. Ebony is a certified boss—a mortgage broker and the CEO of Proven Mortgage Solutions. While her Twitter feed doesn’t spill all the tea, it’s clear she’s the type who knows how to handle business on and off the field.

But don’t get it twisted—Ebony wasn’t just about cheering from the sidelines. She played a key role in shaping X’s mindset. “History will know your name,” she told him before he even set foot on Alabama’s campus. Talk about manifesting greatness, right? When Xavier was a kid dreaming of gold jackets and Super Bowl wins, Ebony was the one making sure he stayed grounded. She encouraged him to have a Plan B—only for X to shut it down every time with, “This is Plan A, and it’s the only plan I have.”

Ebony’s influence goes deeper than words. From his middle school drum lessons (which he crushed without formal training, BTW) to teaching him to stay laser-focused, she instilled a sense of purpose in everything he did. She even guided him through tough times, like his ATV accident in 2022, which sidelined him for weeks. “You’re always going to win,” she told him, reminding him that setbacks are just setups for comebacks. And win he did—coming back stronger and securing a 100% defensive snap rate in 2023.

X’s on-field intensity? That’s all Ebony. “It’s a discipline, it’s a routine,” she explains. “A lot of people can’t live by routines, but this kid gets excitement out of perfecting his every move.” If interceptions are bananas, then McKinney’s got himself a whole fruit basket, and it’s thanks to his mom’s unwavering support.

And let’s not forget her game-day rituals. Before the Packers’ Week 12 matchup against the 49ers, Ebony had one simple request: “Go out there and get your mom one,” she told him, referring to an interception. X’s response? “O.K., I got you.” Spoiler alert: he delivered, getting his seventh int of the season and returning it for 48 yards. Ebony’s influence isn’t just in his work ethic; it’s in the way he carries himself so beautifully.

Who is Xavier McKinney’s Dad?

Now, let’s talk about the other half of X’s parental dream team: his dad, Lee McKinney. Lee maintains a low profile because there’s nothing to find about him on LinkedIn or Instagram, yet his influence on Xavier remains clear. Lee established the unwavering base that enabled X to excel. He functions as McKinney’s life’s unsung offensive lineman who works away from the spotlight yet remains vital to every play.

Even though public information about Lee McKinney is limited, you understand he’s always supported his son. Through backyard football sessions and life lessons Lee shaped X into the disciplined player with laser focus we see today. McKinney’s precise preparation and his exceptional skill to understand offenses as if reading from a book. It was Dad who taught those essential early habits.

Lee doesn’t watch every game from the sidelines, but his silent support manifests itself through each interception his son makes, as well as every tackle and Lambeau Leap. Every top NFL athlete has a parent who first placed their belief in them.

Where Did Xavier McKinney Grow Up?

Born on August 8, 1998, Xavier Avis McKinney didn’t just grow up; he grew legendary. From backyard football games to Friday night lights at Roswell High, McKinney was always a standout. For a kid from Roswell, Georgia, Xavier McKinney’s journey to NFL stardom was anything but ordinary. Growing up in the Peach State, X didn’t just play football—he lived it. His mom recalls him as a laser-focused kid who didn’t waste time on distractions. Sports were his thing, and he excelled at pretty much everything he tried—baseball, basketball, even the drums. (Yes, X was that kid who made everyone wonder, ‘How is he good at everything?’)

Roswell High School became McKinney’s launching pad. By his senior year, he was racking up stats like a Madden cheat code: 82 tackles and 7 interceptions, to now 88 TOTs & 8 Ints in the 2024 season. But beyond the numbers, X’s instincts set him apart. Even then, coaches marveled at his ability to anticipate plays before they happened—a skill he would later perfect at Alabama under Nick Saban’s tutelage.

After high school, McKinney traded Georgia’s sweet tea for Alabama’s gridiron traditions. His time with the Crimson Tide wasn’t just a stepping stone; it was the crucible that forged him into the player he is today. Living in Tuscaloosa, far from the distractions of big cities, McKinney developed a work ethic that’s now legendary. “It’s a discipline, it’s a routine,” Ebony explains. “A lot of people just can’t live by routines. It gets boring. But this kid gets excitement out of his routine.”

That discipline followed him to New York, then Green Bay, where he is currently creating new records for the Packers team. McKinney’s 7 INTs in just 12 games show he’s more than just formed by his surroundings—he grows from the persistent effort, family support, and dreams originating in Roswell, Georgia.

In the end, Xavier McKinney’s story is more than just stats and highlights. It’s about a mom who taught him to dream big, a dad who laid the foundation, and a hometown that shaped his grit. From Roswell to Lambeau Field, X is living proof that with talent, determination, and a little bit of Southern charm, the sky’s the limit. As Ebony once said, “History will know your name.” Safe to say, it already does.