In a world of highs and lows, few stories are as touching as that of Wanya Morris. From sleeping in cars to making it big in the NFL, his journey is inspiring. And remarkable! But behind this rising star is a strong woman who shaped his life—his mother, Bennetta Johnson-Morris.

Who is Wanya Morris’ mother?

Bennetta Johnson-Morris has played a huge role in Wanya’s life. Despite facing financial challenges, she always found a way to provide for her family. Wanya’s words? “We weren’t the wealthiest people; there were times when we had to sleep in our cars. But you would never really know that because our mum did such a good job of providing for us.” Those tough times could have crushed anyone, but Bennett ensured her kids felt loved and supported regardless.

Growing up in Grayson, Georgia, with a mother like Bennetta gave Wanya a solid foundation. Her relentless support empowered him to chase his dreams without being weighed down by financial worries. Thanks to Bennetta’s dedication, Wanya developed into a standout player during his high school years. Eventually earning a five-star recruit status! Her influence propelled him into collegiate football at the University of Tennessee.

Who is Wanya Morris named after?

Interestingly, Wanya’s name has its backstory. He was named after Wanya Morris from the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men. When asked about his name, he chuckles and shares, “Every time I went to school, I would tell them how to say it, and it would be ‘so like the Boyz II Men,‘ and I’m like ‘yeah.’” This connection adds a fun twist to his identity, and he embraces it with a smile.

While he shares a name with a famous singer, Wanya is carving out his own identity in the NFL. The playful connection to the music world serves as a great icebreaker and shows how he happily blends his love for football and music. It gives him a unique edge, especially in interviews, turning a simple name into something more notable.

Wanya’s football career took off after his transition from Tennessee to Oklahoma. Well well! Thanks to that, the Chiefs drafted him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. His reputation as a formidable offensive lineman? Very well-earned!

NFL can be pressurizing! But despite that? Wanya remains true to himself and his roots. He’s made a name for himself, but the influence of his mom lingers in every touchdown celebration and every block.