Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the most promising young talents in the NFL. The Detroit Lions selected him with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, making him the first running back to be drafted in the first round since Saquon Barkley in 2018. But who is Jahmyr Gibbs’ mother, and what role did she play in his journey to the NFL?
Neka Willis: A Mother Who Gave Up Her Son for His Future
Jahmyr Gibbs’ mother is Neka Willis, a woman who faced many challenges and hardships in her life. She gave birth to Jahmyr when she was only 16 years old, and she struggled to raise him as a single mother. She had a troubled relationship with Jahmyr’s biological father, who was abusive and violent. She also battled with drug addiction and mental health issues, which led her to make some poor decisions that affected her son.
When Jahmyr was four years old, Neka decided to give him up for adoption. She realized that she was not able to provide him with a stable and loving environment, and she wanted him to have a better future. She entrusted him to her cousin, Greg Ross, and his wife, Angie, who agreed to adopt Jahmyr and raise him as their own son.
Neka did not completely cut off contact with Jahmyr, but she kept a distance from him for his own sake. She did not want to interfere with his new life or cause him any trouble. She occasionally visited him or called him, but she respected his boundaries and his relationship with his adoptive parents.
Greg Ross and Angie: The Parents Who Raised Jahmyr as Their Own
Greg Ross and Angie are Jahmyr Gibbs’ adoptive parents, and they are the ones who shaped him into the person he is today. They welcomed him into their family with open arms and gave him all the love, support, and guidance he needed. They also introduced him to football, which became his passion and his escape from his past.
Greg Ross was a former football player himself, who played at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga as a defensive back. He coached Jahmyr at Dalton High School, where he helped him develop his skills and talents as a running back. He also taught him the values of hard work, discipline, and humility.
Angie was Jahmyr’s grandmother by blood, but she became his mother by choice. She was the one who took care of him on a daily basis, making sure he had everything he needed. She was also his biggest fan, cheering for him at every game and celebrating every achievement. She was the one who encouraged him to pursue his dreams and supported him through every challenge.
Jahmyr Gibbs: A Son Who Appreciates His Mother’s Sacrifice
Jahmyr Gibbs has never forgotten his mother’s sacrifice, and he has always appreciated her for giving him a chance at a better life. He has never blamed her or resented her for giving him up for adoption. He understands that she did it out of love and that she wanted the best for him.
Jahmyr has also never taken his adoptive parents for granted, and he has always shown them respect and gratitude. He considers them his real parents, and he loves them as such. He calls Angie “mom” and Greg “dad”, and he credits them for everything he has achieved in his life.
Jahmyr has also maintained a good relationship with his biological father, who has cleaned up his act and become a positive influence in his life. He has also reconnected with his two sisters, who share the same mother as him.
Jahmyr Gibbs is proud of his family, and he considers them his biggest motivation and inspiration. He dedicates every game and every touchdown to them, hoping to make them proud and happy.