DeAndre Hopkins, the star wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, has a heartwarming tradition that speaks volumes about his love for his mother, Sabrina Greenlee. Despite the challenges they have faced, including a tragic incident that left her permanently blind, their bond remains unbreakable. This emotional connection was highlighted recently when Hopkins handed a touchdown ball to his mom in the stands, a moment that resonated deeply with fans and observers alike.
Overcoming Tragedy
Sabrina Greenlee’s life took a devastating turn 23 years ago when she was the victim of a horrific acid attack. The attack, carried out by a woman involved with her then-boyfriend, left her in a coma for a month and resulted in permanent blindness. While her son was just a child at the time, the repercussions of that day would shape both their lives forever.
The aftermath of the attack was harrowing. Sabrina not only lost her sight but also endured physical abuse and multiple traumatic experiences with ex-boyfriends. Her attacker received a 20-year prison sentence, but the emotional scars ran deep. “I was just in shock that somebody looked like that,” Hopkins recalled, reflecting on the first time he saw his mother after the incident. “It was scary honestly. I saw her hit rock bottom and didn’t know how to deal with it.”
A Lifelong Bond
Despite the darkness surrounding their past, DeAndre and Sabrina have always found light in their relationship. The tradition of handing her the game ball dates back to when she was able to watch him play as a child. “When I was a kid, my mom was the first one on the sideline in her lawn chair,” Hopkins explained. “When I got older, I wanted to have those memories because that was the last time my mom saw me play.”
This tradition has become a symbol of their resilience. Each touchdown ball represents not just a moment of triumph on the field, but also a tribute to the sacrifices Sabrina made to support her son’s dreams. “I wanted her to be right there, up close and personal,” he added, emphasizing the importance of those memories.
From Pain to Purpose
Hopkins’ journey to the NFL was fueled by a desire to escape the pain of his childhood. He found solace in sports, using it as a means to cope with the tragedies at home. Attending Clemson University allowed him to stay close to his mother while smashing school touchdown records. In 2013, he was drafted in the first round by the Houston Texans, a moment he shared with Sabrina, who had been by his side through every challenge.
Now, as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Hopkins stands on the brink of achieving his ultimate goal: winning the Super Bowl. This year marks his first appearance in the big game, and he is determined to honor both his mother and his late father, who passed away in a car accident when Hopkins was just five months old. “My dad died in 1992, and he left me a couple of things – one of them was a mink jacket,” he shared, reflecting on the legacy of his family.
Facing Darkness Together
The bond between DeAndre and Sabrina goes beyond football; it’s rooted in shared experiences and mutual support. Hopkins once saved his mother’s life during a dark moment when she attempted suicide. “I heard the door open around 3 am or 4 am,” he recounted. “I looked in her room, and she wasn’t in there. I saw her walking up the street, and the highway was right there. I ran up and grabbed her.”
This moment of intervention solidified their connection and showcased the lengths to which he would go to protect her. “Mom always told me to go out and do things ourselves and not be like her. She put ego aside and put our feelings before herself,” he said, highlighting the strength he draws from her resilience.
Looking Ahead
As the Chiefs prepare for Super Bowl 59, the stakes are high, but so is the emotional weight of the moment. Hopkins is not just playing for himself; he’s playing for his family, for his mother, who has overcome so much, and for the memory of his father. “Little obstacles, if they don’t go my way, I really don’t even get down. I’ve been through so much,” he said, reflecting on the challenges that shaped him into the player and person he is today.
With the support of his mother and the memories of his father, DeAndre Hopkins is ready to take the field. “Just seeing her happy – that’s the best feeling in the world,” he concluded, embodying the spirit of perseverance and love that defines his journey. As he prepares to make history, fans will undoubtedly be cheering for him, not just as a player but as a son who honors his family’s legacy with every touchdown he scores.
