Chiefs Offensive Tackle Dedicates Super Bowl Game to Late Mother
In the midst of the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas for the Super Bowl, Kansas City Chiefs starter Jawaan Taylor is mourning the loss of his mother. Taylor revealed to reporters on Wednesday that his mother, Wendy Taylor, passed away just a few days ago. Despite the devastating loss, Taylor is using it as motivation for the game.
“I dedicate this game to her,” Taylor said.
This tragedy comes on the heels of another loss for Taylor. His father, Rev. Robert Taylor, unexpectedly passed away on January 18, 2022. The couple had been married for 27 years and shared three children.
After his father’s death, Wendy became an even greater source of support for Taylor. She understood the competitive nature of the NFL and encouraged him to give his all on the field. Taylor remembers his father’s words, “Finish. Don’t start it, finish. And on every snap, play to the whistle.”
Taylor, who signed a lucrative contract with the Chiefs last year, surprised his mother with a white Bentley just one month after signing the deal. He shared a video of the heartwarming moment on Instagram, expressing his love for his mother.
As Taylor takes the field for the Super Bowl, he carries the memory of his late mother with him. Her presence will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration as he competes on the biggest stage in football.
Wendy, who grew up in a household with four brothers who weren’t allowed to play football, initially wasn’t a fan of the sport. She credited Robert for their son’s journey to becoming the Jacksonville Jaguars’ second-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft.
“Robert is definitely the influence when it comes to football, because I never wanted my kids to play,” Wendy told the outlet.
“And even when Jawaan started playing at the age of four, playing flag [football], my husband would take them to practice. He did all of that.”
However, Taylor’s passion and talent quickly made her a fan. (Robert) saw potential [in Jawaan]. He’s like, ‘Yeah, if I can just get you to be mean, you got every tool it takes, Jawaan,’” Wendy recalled.
The Florida alum said his father’s driving presence meant everything. “Him being supportive, being at all my games and taking me to all my camps in high school, getting ready for college and just being my motivator, you know, pushing me,” Jawaan said. “Because he saw potential in me at a very young age before I saw it in myself.”
Wendy also credited her husband for her son’s relentless drive. “He loves competition,” Wendy said. “He’s like that type of person with a strong mindset. When he gets something in his head, trust me, this is coming from his mother, he’s very dedicated and he’s going to make it happen. Trust me.
“That’s how he [is]. And you know what? He gets that from his dad. That’s how my husband was. He’s that type of person.”
“They hold a lot.”
Despite his grief, Taylor is staying focused and collected. Last week, the San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa was asked what stands out about Chiefs tackles Donovan Smith and Taylor’s penalties this season.
“They hold a lot,” Bosa answered.
Bosa’s answer immediately caused a stir on social media. While many people took his comments as a harsh knock, others couldn’t help but admit he was not lying. During the regular season, Taylor was penalized 7 times for holding and 9 false starts. Taylor garnered 5 more flags than Jets’ Mekhi Bekton and Ravens’ Ronnie Stanley, who tied for second place (12 penalties).
When asked about Bosa’s comments in Las Vegas, Taylor didn’t take the bait. “It’s part of the game, man,” Taylor said. “I’m just looking forward to the game on Sunday.”
Emily Bicks covers the NFL for a tabloid format.