Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans DE, excelled last season with his fast and excellent grasp of opposing plays. In his first year, the almost 250-pound NFL player won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, which pleased fans. Apart from that, he had seven sacks in 2023, demonstrating his “generational talent.”

The Texans’ Pro Bowler was earlier admired by former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum. “I think he’s a generational talent. He’s twitchy, explosive, instinctive. He has a great game temperament, great play speed,” Mike remarked. His NFL prowess is widely recognized, but his parents’ steadfast support made it possible.

Who is Will Anderson’s father, and how did he help shape his career?

Will’s father, William Anderson Sr., was also a collegiate football player. He played as a defensive back for Tennessee University. Following his college football career, he also served as a paramedic and firefighter. The NFL Pro Bowler’s dad has been an indispensable source of guidance throughout his NFL career. Will often expresses thanks to his father, as he has had a significant impact on his life.

Recently, ahead of Father’s Day, the CFP national champion demonstrated his deep regard for his dad, showing the father-son bond. “He’s meant everything to my career. My dad’s a big influence on my life, sports-wise and not even sports-wise, just overall. He’s done so much for me. He keeps my head sharp, and he’s a great person to talk to whenever I’m going through something. He’s been a tremendous dad,” Anderson remarked.

Besides his father, he has another person in his life who is equally invested in pushing him to achieve his NFL aspirations both on and off the football field. It is none other than his mother, Tereon Williams Anderson.

Will’s mother’s role in his rise from Hampton to the NFL

Tereon and William Anderson Sr. Share a tight-knit family. Their family is loving and supportive, standing by each other through every challenge. She has served as an active member of the Hampton community. Apart from this, she also excelled in teaching and was a remarkable coach to several student-athletes.

Tereon Anderson has taught him the importance of hard work and perseverance. Tereon is also a mom to her other five daughters named Shanice, Shawnta, Endia, Teria, and Chyna. She raised all her six children in Hampton, Georgia with her husband. There is only limited information regarding her, as she prefers to keep her life details sealed, as evidenced from her private IG account.

“I give all the praise and love, and a big shout out to my dad because my mom she overtakes everything because she’s a big football mom,” the former Alabama star stated. Tereon Williams Anderson has always been a pillar of support for her son, Will. She often cheers him during his games and her encouragement has helped him gain athletic success.

Hence, his parents have been an endless source of encouragement for him, assisting him in developing the skills and discipline required to excel on the football field.

Tereon is a dedicated mother who cares deeply for her family. For the Texans’ third-overall draft pick, has had no larger impact than his family. Their love and support are always with him, both in spirit and often in person.

“I’m really tight with my family, especially my dad and my mom and all my sisters,” Anderson remarked. “They kept me grounded, kept me humble, making sure I was keeping the main thing, the main thing and making sure whatever mission I was trying to do, I was going to complete it.” With a strong foundation of love, Will Anderson Jr. consistently strives for success.