Black mothers are the unsung heroes of football, providing crucial support that keeps the sport alive. Their love, dedication, and sacrifice power the game from the sidelines, yet remain largely invisible to the public eye.
Take Terricca Williams, a Florida mom who captured national attention by running football drills with her young son Czar in their front yard. While her story went viral and earned Super Bowl tickets, she represents thousands of Black mothers doing similar work daily without recognition.
The Invisible Labor Behind Football’s Success
Black mothers contribute far more than emotional support to the sport. They provide physical, emotional, and financial backing that keeps young athletes moving forward. At least half of football players are Black, with mothers playing a pivotal role in their sons’ athletic journeys.
Media often portrays these women through narrow lenses. Television shows like “All-American” and “Friday Night Lights” showcase Black mothers as loving parents. Football programs and coaches frequently leverage these mother-son relationships during recruitment, highlighting their deep connections.
Dr. Bennett Omalu, the pathologist who exposed football’s health risks, once noted, “If 10 percent of mothers in this country would begin to perceive football as a dangerous sport, that is the end of football.” This statement underscores the immense power Black mothers hold in the sport’s ecosystem.
Protecting Black Athletes Beyond the Field
Black mothers face unique challenges in supporting their sons’ football careers. They must navigate a sport that simultaneously glorifies and endangers Black male bodies. Their care work extends far beyond typical parental support.
Renowned Black feminist writers like Audre Lorde and Imani Perry have long discussed the complex task of protecting Black sons. For football mothers, this means managing both on-field risks and broader societal challenges facing young Black men.
Lamar Jackson’s mother, Felicia Jones, exemplifies this complex role. When Jackson signed a $260 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, he consistently credited his mother’s emotional labor and business acumen in media interviews.
Challenging the Systemic Invisibility
Despite their crucial contributions, Black mothers remain marginalized in football narratives. Mother’s Day has become a performative moment when teams and media briefly acknowledge their importance.
The NFL has attempted to recognize mothers through safety clinics and occasional tributes. However, these efforts fall short of truly honoring the comprehensive labor these women provide.
Researcher Tracie Canada, author of “Tackling the Everyday,” argues that these mothers see their sons’ full humanity. Unlike football programs focused on athletic performance, mothers prioritize their sons’ holistic well-being and experiences.
A Call for Comprehensive Recognition
Black mothers do more than cheer from sidelines. They coach, manage, support, and protect. They give bodies to football before their sons give their bodies to the sport.
Their work deserves recognition beyond singular moments of celebration. As Tupac Shakur once noted, these mothers are always appreciated by their sons. Now, it’s time for the entire football system to truly honor their essential role.
From little league fields to NFL stadiums, Black mothers power football with love, strategic support, and unwavering dedication.
