Eugene Nyavor
Jaleel McLaughlin is a running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL).
He was signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
McLaughlin had a standout college career at Youngstown State University, where he rushed for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in three seasons.
McLaughlin’s journey to the NFL has been an inspiration to many.
He overcame poverty and homelessness as a child, and he has always credited his mother for his success.
With a lot said about Jaleel McLaughlin, we tune our focus to his parents and their role in his life.
Jaleel McLaughlin’s Mother, Tonya McLaughlin
Tonya McLaughlin is a single mother who raised Jaleel and his three siblings.
She worked multiple jobs to support her family, and she often struggled to make ends meet.
But she never gave up on her children.
Tonya McLaughlin was laid off after 10 years from a factory job near the Fort Bragg Army base in North Carolina.
Her oldest child, Jamecia, raised her oldest son, Tayvon, and Tonya took care of her youngest boys, Jaleel and Jayshawn, who is three years older than Jaleel.
Since she was no longer able to afford an apartment, the three of them lived briefly with different relatives and in and out of a motel.
Worry turned into hope when Tonya McLaughlin moved to Arkansas for work, and McLaughlin and his brother moved in with their father in Charlotte, N.C. Their mother returned two years later once McLaughlin reached high school, and the family was reunited.
While mom was away preparing for a better life, her son was living his best life through football.
He averaged nearly eight yards per carry as a high school senior.
In basketball that same year, he led Forest Hills High School to a state title, and in the spring, he led the school to its first state track title.
He was a member of the state-winning 4 x 100-meter and 4 x 200-meter relay teams.
Jaleel McLaughlin’s Father, Michael Williams
Jaleel McLaughlin’s father, Michael Williams, was not always present in his life.
We have no information about his background, but we will surely update this article should we find something worthy.
