My name is Cecil Martin Chase and I am a retired NFL player. One very important aspect of becoming an NFL player that is often forgotten is the importance of an athlete’s mom. I am the first to admit that if it was not for my mom, my dreams of becoming an NFL player would never have come true. In this article, I want to thank my mom for all that she has done for me.

When I was growing up, my mom was the one who always made my snacks for football practice. She is the one who bought my shoes and my football helmets. She is the one who made sure I was on time for football practice. If it wasn’t for my mom, I don't know were I would be in life today.

Let me tell you a little about my mom. She was a woman who came from big family of 12 brothers and sisters. She got married at the sweet age of 19 and two years later they had a wonderful son—me. As I grew older there was a strain in my mother’s relationship with my father, so they split up. As with all women, this was a very trying time for my mom. She was very hurt and confused and did not know how she would manage without her husband. But, like most mothers, she found inner strength that I did not know she had.

My mom pulled herself together and there was no turning back. She worked many hours to provide for us and to pay the bills. I wanted to start playing football at this time and even though we had very little money, she never said no to me. In fact, she supported me 100% and provided great encouragement to me. She was always there for me and motivating me to play the best I can. She would also make time to take me to practice and she always made sure I arrived on time.

My mom is the hardest working woman I know. Her never give up work ethic and positive attitude is what instilled my drive to never give up on my dreams and to work hard to achieve them. So, I want to take a moment to thank my amazing mom and all the wonderful moms out there that are supporting their kids and encouraging their children to follow their dreams and never give up.

Thanks mom. I love you.

Martin Chase is a retired NFL player who now owns a popular NFL Merchandise website.