Behind every great man is a great woman, as the old idiom goes. Elisha Jarett, mother to NFL star Grady, has certainly proved that’s the case.
She has not missed a single game of her son’s college or professional career. Despite the 29-year-old having played for the Atlanta Falcons, as a defensive end, for seven years, she still gives him words of advice, and her own personal tips on his performance, from her front-row seat throughout every NFL game.
Her impeccable attendance record was very nearly tainted in 2019, when Elisha had to go undergo neck surgery. With the hospital appointment scheduled for 5a.m. on a Monday, the then-56-year-old somehow managed to show her face at Atlanta’s game less than 24 hours before the operation, and then return to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium just two days after it. Everyone, including Grady, was encouraging her to rest – but she refused to listen and was determined to make it to the game.
The pair have gained quite the following from their heroic yet human loyalty and love for one another, and UCFB and GIS students will have the exclusive chance to meet them in person, and gain an insight into the world of American Football, at the 2022 GIS Atlanta Global Sports Summit.
From being named as part of the All-Pro team in 2019, to being ranked in the NFL Top 100 Players the year after, Jarrett will share what it’s really like to compete at the highest level in the USA’s most popular sport.
The Atlanta born and bred star has just signed a contract worth up to $67 million with the Falcons, but his values remain firmly rooted – we suspect his mother might just have something to do with that. Speaking exclusively to UCFB ahead of the summit, Jarett said: ’Success isn’t about how much money you have or make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives!’’
In a similarly down-to-earth, refreshingly real way, Elisha echoed: ‘’If you are not willing to learn no one can help you, if you are determined to learn no one can stop you!’’
UCFB and GIS’ 2022 Atlanta Global Sports Summit will take place from the 9th-17th of September, offering students unparalleled insight and experiences and networking from our global hub, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Attendees will hear from and engage with senior leaders from a range of Major League sports teams, alongside several sports stars themselves.
They will also have the opportunity to participate in a Sports Industry Networking Reception and watch a variety of live matches, including Atlanta United in the MLS, Atlanta Braves in the MLB and, of course, Atlanta Falcons, featuring Grady Jarrett. They might even get a sneak peak of his mother, if they’re lucky.
