As the 2026 NFL season charges into Week 3, the spotlight often falls on the gridiron gladiators—but behind every Brian Burns, Grady Jarrett, and Cooper DeJean stands a mother who has shaped, supported, and sometimes struggled with letting go. In a candid new campaign with Always Discreet, three NFL moms are sharing their stories of aging, parenting, and the delicate balance of holding on while releasing their sons to chase greatness. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, this intimate look reveals the human side of the sport that rarely makes highlight reels.
The Unbreakable Bond Between Mother and Son
Angela Burns, mother of New York Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns, has been her son's constant companion since he entered the league. "I moved where Brian moves," she laughs. "So since he's been in the league, Mama's been right there, living with him, right there supporting him." That unwavering presence has been a cornerstone of Brian's journey, from his days at Florida State to becoming the 16th overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2019. Even now, as he enters his eighth NFL season, Brian admits he still scans the stands for his mother's distinctive voice. "Brian is a mama's boy," Angela says. "With the pads on or with the pads off, he's a mama's boy."
But as our children grow, so must we. Angela recalls the moment Brian told her, "I need you to go and get you a life. You can stop babysitting me." It was a turning point—one that many sports parents face. Rather than retreat, Angela channeled her energy into the Burns family foundations, including a dog rescue, a Big Brothers program, and autism awareness initiatives. "My life is full," she says. "I'm full."
Facing Personal Challenges with Grace
The Always Discreet "Protect the Moment" campaign isn't just about parenting; it's about the physical realities of aging that many women over 45 face. According to the International Urogynecology Journal, 60% of women in this demographic experience bladder leaks—a topic often shrouded in silence. Katie DeJean, mother of Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl defensive back Cooper DeJean, recalls a particularly memorable moment. "When Cooper was in college at Iowa, he played at Rutgers, got his first interception, scored a touchdown. I think that was my first, 'Oh no' moment." By sharing these stories, these mothers hope to empower others to embrace their vulnerabilities and never miss a moment of their children's lives.
Elisha Jarrett, mother of Chicago Bears defensive lineman Grady Jarrett, echoes the sentiment. "We talk every day. There's not a day on this earth that we've not talked," she says of her 33-year-old son, now in his 12th NFL season. For Elisha, the key has always been intentional parenting. "Children today have way too many areas of gray," she says. "That wasn't an option in our house." Her three children had to play sports—the only choice was which ones. That discipline, she believes, built the man Grady has become. "I am enamored with the man that he has become, the father that he is, the husband that he is, the leader that he is."
From Coach to Advisor: Evolving Roles
As athletes ascend to professional ranks, parents must transition from coach to advisor to friend. Angela Burns remembers her son Stanley McClover, who played defensive end in the NFL for three seasons, mentoring Brian. She pinpoints her "Are you serious?" moment when Brian was projected as a first-round pick. "I'm like, that kid? They're talking about Brian Burns?" she recalls. "The only time it really hits me that Brian plays NFL ball is at the game. Other than that, he's just Brian to me."
Elisha Jarrett learned to give Grady space while staying present. She drove over two hours each week to Clemson to watch practice and called him every morning at 5:30. "Is it gonna be hard to let them spread their wings? Absolutely, but give them space," she advises. "Remain who you are, keep your traditions, and most of all, just be a support." That support now includes watching him as a husband, father, and community leader. "I call him the beat in my heart," she says.
The Legacy of Showing Up
For Katie DeJean, being there for Cooper means navigating his busy schedule—sometimes waiting days for a reply—but never missing a Sunday game. On Fridays, she watches her younger son, Jaxx, play high school football in Iowa. "You can't be there on a daily basis, but for game days, when it matters most, that's when we're able to be there," she says. It's a sentiment shared by all three mothers: show up, be present, and cherish every moment.
As the NFL season unfolds, these stories remind us that behind every helmet and shoulder pad is a family that sacrificed, cheered, and loved unconditionally. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the bond between these mothers and their sons is as strong as any championship legacy. And for fans looking to celebrate that spirit, Vulius offers custom NFL merchandise that honors the players and the people who shaped them.
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