DeAndre Hopkins, the veteran wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans, is recognized not just for his outstanding play on the field, but also for a touching tradition that transcends the game.
Hopkins has celebrated his mother, Sabrina Greenlee, who has been blind for years, in a unique and emotional way for over a decade.
This routine entails presenting his touchdown balls to his mother, establishing an emotional link between the gridiron and their lifelong friendship.
Sabrina Greenlee’s Unseen Support
Behind this endearing custom comes a horrible occurrence that alters Greenlee’s life. Hopkins’ mother was the victim of a horrendous incident when he was just ten years old.
Greenlee approached her boyfriend’s lover in 2002, only to have a mixture of bleach and lye poured on her face by the attacker.
This vicious assault left her in a medically induced coma for weeks due to serious burns on her face, chest, and back. The attacker was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years in jail by the court.
This horrific occurrence has far-reaching ramifications. Greenlee, a single mother of four at the time, gradually lost her sight, causing her to leave her work at an automobile company.
The emotional toll drove her into a deep melancholy and drinking. Despite these difficulties, watching her son’s football games became a lifeline, lifting her out of depression.
Recognizing the value of his mother’s presence, Hopkins established the custom of presenting her with his touchdown balls, making it into a powerful symbol of perseverance and love.
This practice, which began during Hopkins’ time with the Houston Texans, is carried forward by the Tennessee Titans until this day.
Greenlee, despite her blindness, sits on the sidelines during sports. When Hopkins scores a touchdown, she leans down to collect the football from her son, escorted by her daughter.
This act goes beyond a festive tradition for Hopkins- it’s a significant method for him to express his great appreciation and love for his mother.
View this post on InstagramA Mother-Son Bond That Goes Beyond Touchdowns
DeAndre Hopkins once said of the touchdown ball, “That ball symbolizes so much more than people could ever understand.”
While Greenlee may not be able to see her son’s touchdowns, the volume of the crowd and the overwhelming joy at such times paint a clear image in her mind.
It’s a shared experience, a link between a son’s athletic ability and his mother’s unwavering support.
Greenlee’s path from sorrow to success is mirrored not just in her participation in the games, but also in her perseverance. She was first apprehensive to be in the public glare, but she conquered her worries after her son insisted on displaying her strength to the world.
The touchdown ceremony has served as a heartbreaking reminder of their unshakable friendship, which has transcended the restrictions imposed by blindness.
Finally, DeAndre Hopkins’ routine of delivering touchdown balls to his blind mother captures a poignant story of resilience, love, and the enduring strength of a mother-son tie.
Beyond the touchdowns and audience applause, it represents victory over sorrow and the everlasting support that defines their amazing connection.
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