Mary Schneider
Son: Cole Schneider, T, Birmingham Stallions
What is your favorite football memory of your son?
There are many, the two that come to mind are when Cole scored a TD as a Lineman at UCF in 2020. And the other is when Cole received a call from Green Bay after the draft to join their organization.
When did you know your son loved football?
Cole always loved football as a young kid. Always wanted to toss the ball. He played flag football in elementary school but too big to play in Pop Warner as a middle schooler so first time in pads was when he was a freshman in high school. The rest is history!!
How have you seen football develop your son into the man he is today?
He has literally played since he was 15 and this is pretty much all he has known his adult life. It has not only developed him physically but mentally. It taught him discipline, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Cole has been fortunate enough to have some great coaches/mentors during his career, and it has allowed him to see and live in new places he would never have been to in his early adulthood. It has been a blessing. It also allowed him to get a BA from a top University.
What does it mean to be a mom to a football player?
It means I learn to Love the game! It means my weekends were and are always busy during season. I have loved every minute of it! It means you get to meet a lot of great people once they know who your son is! People love to follow my son’s career on social media, and I am proud to post! It has been fun riding on Cole’s coattails, and I am his biggest fan! Oh, and free tickets aren’t so bad either!
What is the best mom/son moment you have had (not football related)?
That is a hard one. I have had many over the years, but I would have to say I enjoy our time together now as adults. Cole has a great soul and energy that you just love to be around. He is a great soundboard, and I love our talks about the world and life. Any moment we get to spend together is the best.
What is your hope for your son?
That he is happy and fulfilled with whatever he decides to do in life. On or off the field. That football does not define him and that he is a great human, and he will be successful at whatever he puts his mind to.
What does it mean to you for your son to have this opportunity to play for the Birmingham Stallions?
Amazing!! I love that Cole can continue to do what he loves and with a great 3-peat team!! Birmingham has the most amazing fans, players, and coaches. I love seeing Cole having fun doing what he loves. That makes mama happy.
How proud does it make you that he continues to pursue his dream of being a professional football player?
I am proud of Cole with whatever he decides to do. I love that he can live his dream and continue to play the game. I also love that he was able to put on an NFL jersey and experience that is well. It was a childhood dream and for him to accomplish that, it is amazing. Makes my heart happy for him.
How have you always provided your son with positivity and encouragement, despite adversity?
By letting him know I am always here for him. I say often, what doesn’t kill you, will make you stronger and that everything happens for a reason. To always be proud of yourself and how far he has come. Not everyone can say they have done what he has done. And to enjoy every minute… like Cole would say… Be where your feet are.
How much have you grown to love your son’s teammates and their families through the years?
Starting at Riverdale High School and then UCF, I got close and remain close to many families. We continue to cheer each other’s children on with whatever they are doing in life. During his time with the Stallions, I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of Cole’s teammates and families. I also have had the pleasure of getting to know The Horseman. They love Cole so they welcomed me with open arms, and I have been able to enjoy quite a few activities and games with them.
Shantel Walker
Son: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Birmingham Stallions
What is your favorite football memory of your son?
One of my very favorite football memories was 2021 the Texas and Oklahoma annual red river show down. The Quarterback was running with the ball and out of nowhere here comes Perrion! Boom! It was lights out! The crowd went crazy and we had front row seats! It was amazing!
When did you know your son loved football?
I think I knew Perrion loved football around the age of 11 or 12, he started when he was about 9 but I don’t think he really started loving it till a couple years later when he knew he was good at it and he started making friends on the team.
How have you seen football develop your son into the man he is today?
Over time I think Football has given Perrion something to really strive for, it has taught him to persevere.
What does it mean to be a mom to a football player?
Being a mom of a football player feels very special. When I signed Perrion up for football at 9 I never imagined it would turn into a passion and into a career. I thank God for giving me a son in the top 1 percent of society that has the opportunity to play professional football. It is an absolute blessing.
What is the best mom/son moment you have had?
One of the best mom/son moments was seeing Perrion get drafted. I was a ball of tears as he got the phone call and gave him the biggest hug. I could not believe it was really happening.
What is your hope for your son?
My hope for Perrion is that he follows on a deep and intimate level because that is where the abundant life is. My prayer is that he pursues Gods will for his life whatever that may be. As he continues to play football, I want him to be an inspiration to his peers and to young men and boys coming behind him. God has given him this mantle for a reason and he must use it for good.
What does it mean to you for your son to have this opportunity to play for the Birmingham Stallions?
It means so much to me that Perrion gets to play for the Birmingham Stallions. He was so excited when he found out he was going to be on the team. It means so much to me that the Stallions gave him this opportunity on their team. He has been through a lot the past couple of years and I am so very proud of him for not giving up.
How have you always provided your son with positivity and encouragement, despite adversity?
I always tell Perrion that nothing that we go through in this life is in vain. God has a plan for his life no matter what he has done or gone through. God will work everything for good and that he must never give up. I have been through a lot in my life and I always tell Perrion, If God can bring me through, he will do the same for him.
How much have you grown to love you son’s teammates and their families through the years?
I have had some very lasting relationships come from Perrions teammates; some I still talk to till this day. It means a lot to have met them and to know them. Though we may not talk every day, I feel like football families have a very special bond.
Raylee McGough
Son: Alex McGough, QB, Birmingham Stallions
What is your favorite football memory of your son?
Wow, that's a tough one! Seeing his face when he got his first college offer, making it to the bowl game in college his Senior year, seeing and hearing the call from Seattle on draft day, the entire USFL season 2 and winning the 2nd Championship with Birmingham. (I love watching the highlight reel that I think Luke Miller made.)
When did you know your son loved football?
He started throwing balls before he could crawl. We bought a big box of the ball pit balls and he would throw every ball out move to the other side of the room and do it again. We did this on repeat for hours a day. His Grandma Kathy got him a Madden game when he was like 4. He quickly became obsessed and very good I might add. He started begging to play football when he was 5-6 but his dad made him wait until he was in the 4th grade (the begging helped). In the meantime, he played baseball and soccer. His passion was always football and anyone who saw him throw a football knew that was going to be his gig. Alex’s first word was ball. He used to stand in his crib and say “ball ball ball ball” until I came to get him.
How have you seen football develop your son into the man he is today?
Alex is very disciplined, hardworking and committed to his fitness and health which has developed through football. He's always been a fierce competitor, but I think he has learned to persevere and enjoy it more. Yes, it’s hard training year-round, moving from place to place, but hard doesn't have to suck! He's learned to live in the moment, not yesterday, not tomorrow, but today.
What does it mean to be a mom to a football player?
Stinky boys, dirty laundering, long days at the field, and lots of sunburns, lol but seriously, it means you probably got to spend more time with your son, than perhaps most. I went to the practices and all the games, home or away, from when he started until current. I have so many memories of games, tailgates, trips, family, hugs and lots of laughs to last a lifetime. It's a family effort to raise athletes, we had 3, all going in different directions. I'm thankful for all who helped make it possible.
What is the best mom/son moment you have had (not football related)?
Hmmm.....this comes to mind. When Alex was in Seattle, several from our family went for a preseason game, including he and Fran, my mom, my sister and her husband, etc. We went to lunch at the mall and after, Alex wanted to take his Grandmother shopping. She picked out an outfit and he took her to the counter and paid for it. He was proud he could do that, and she was beaming that he wanted to. It was so cute seeing them walk out of the store together. Alex may be fierce on the field but he's a softy!
What is your hope for your son?
To be happy and find joy and love in whatever he does. Life is too short not to enjoy!
What does it mean to you for your son to have this opportunity to play for the Birmingham Stallions?
We were so thankful when he got the call to play with the Stallions. We thought he had hung up the cleats and was done with football. I can remember clear as day, him walking down the stairs and telling us he was going to Birmingham for the draft. We were so glad he got another opportunity to play for Skip and with a great group of guys. He deserved another chance and I think he's making the most of his opportunity!
How proud does it make you that he continues to pursue his dream of being a professional football player?
I'm always proud of Alex. My other 2 kids would say, Alex is my favorite, but of course that isn't true. Anytime your child has an opportunity to do what they love and have fun doing it.....you can't help but smile and be proud.
How have you always provided your son with positivity and encouragement, despite adversity?
We made it a priority to be involved in everything the kids did. I was team mom and Fran coached. I think just being there for all the moments, good or bad gave Alex strength and comfort. He knew we had his back no matter what. Being a quarterback can provide a lot of glory, but you also better have a thick skin. There's always a few "fans" that can't believe how terrible he is and aren't afraid to say it. Thankfully he can't hear as much of that as we can.
How much have you grown to love you son’s teammates and their families through the years?Our best friends were always sports parents because we spent so much time together at practices and games. We made many forever friends starting in pop warner and are still meeting fans at games and tailgates. During high school, our house was one of the "hang out" places so we got to see the guys a great deal. We hosted the O-line for dinners on Sunday nights during the season to offer a time for them to relax, bond and have some fun. If they protected Alex on Friday night, they got steak, if not....just pasta. lol We loved spending time with the players and have gained so many friends along with way.
Madiola Harper
Son: Madre Harper, CB, Birmingham Stallions
What is your favorite football memory of your son?
My favorite football memory of my son is in 2020 he was playing for the New York Giants, and he recovered a fumble on muffed punt. It was so exciting to see him.
When did you know your son loved football?
I observed my son’s love for football when he opened his heart by inviting other young kids from his elementary school, to play for his little league team - sharing his joy and excitement for the game.
How have you seen football develop your son into the man he is today?
It has taught him how to be grateful for each life lesson he has experienced during his football career.
What does it mean to be a mom to a football player?
My experience being a mom to my football player – I am praying all the time, being supportive, showing patience and demonstrating love in his abilities.
What is the best mom/son moment you have had (not football related)?
Teaching my son how to cook my childhood favorite dishes AND watching him during the holidays cook those dishes. It is funny – sometimes there is more than one way to get to the end-result. Hahahahaha!!
What’s your hope for your son?
To have a life of peace, a smile in his heart and on his face.
What does it mean to you for your son to have this opportunity to play for the Birmingham Stallions?
I am grateful my son can continue his professional football career strengthening his skills with a winning Birmingham Stallions program.
How proud does it make you that he continues to pursue his dream of being a professional football player?
I am proud like the strength and vitality of an eagle – I am flying high feeling alive of his success.
How have you always provided your son with positivity and encouragement, despite adversity?
Sharing with him from the start of his life where his help comes from - God, loving him unconditionally, being his advocate and never giving up on his abilities.
How much have you grown to love your son’s teammates and their families through the years?
Being genuinely happy for each teammate (family) achievement.
Natosha Dunn
Willie Yarbary, DL, Birmingham Stallions
What does it mean to be a football mom?
Cherished memories watching my son immerse himself in a game he adores. Becoming his biggest supporter, both in the stands and beyond. No matter the weather, I am majority always there filled with pride.
When I knew my son loved football?
In high school, he wrote a letter about his dream of becoming a professional football player and hung it on his wall as a daily motivation. It was clear to me at that moment how passionate and committed he was to the sport.
What is the best mom/son moment I’ve had?
The best times with Willie are when he comes to visit unexpectedly. Our busy schedules don’t allow us to see each other often, but when we do I cherish every second of our time together. It’s always fun to be in his present. I love you son!!
Christine Sutherland
Son: Keaton Sutherland, LG, Birmingham Stallions
What is your favorite football memory of your son?
My favorite football memory was Keaton’s last home football game at Kyle Field for the Texas A&M/LSU game. The game was so exciting with 7 overtimes (all-time record) and a victory outcome (all-time highest scoring game).
When did you know your son loved football?
Having four boys that are all athletic, you are surrounded by sports all year. Keaton is our third son, so from a very young age he went to watch his older brothers sporting events. He always had a ball in his hand and wanted to be in on the action. We moved to Texas when Keaton was 5 and started all of them in football. He fell in love with the game and excelled at it (of course it helped that he was always one of the biggest and fastest kid on every team). He was always the first one ready to go to practice waiting on me to drive him. Growing up he would rather play sports than do anything else.
How have you seen football develop your son into the man is today?
Football has developed Keaton into the man he is today. First, the life of football is filled with highs and lows; from dealing with victories, losses, injuries, sitting on the sidelines, to being part of the biggest games (such as the Super Bowl). He has learned to be resilient, a great team leader, patient, and to have a great faith.
What does it mean to be a mom to a football player?
I have enjoyed being a mom to football players. It has been a huge part of my life. And while I love to look back at all the wonderful times and exciting moments it has not always been easy. Watching my boys play football and seeing their success but also seeing their pain and heartache. This has been difficult to watch. Watching Keaton play at the professional level, every play is intense, you are not just a spectator in the stands there to be entertained. I do get very nervous for him and my focus is only on him, therefore only I can relax while on defense. I see the joy it gives him and that is when the happiness comes in.
What is the best mom/son moment you have had (not football related)?
I have two, one is mostly football related but has such a special place in my heart I have to share. Whenever Keaton comes running out of the tunnel at the beginning of every game he looks for me in the stands and when he sees me, he puts his hand on his heart and I do the same. The meaning is you are always in my heart. Keaton and I danced to the song “You are always in my heart” at his wedding for the mother-son dance and at the end of the song both of us put our hands on our heart. My second-best mom/son moment has been watching him be a dad to our first granddaughter.
What is your hope for your son?
My hope for my son is to never give up on his dream to continue what he has learned and developed and apply it to all aspects of his life. I also hope Keaton never stops being Keaton – the big guy with a big heart. I have always expressed to Keaton that he is bigger than football and will succeed in anything he puts his mind too.
What does it mean to you for your son to have this opportunity to play for the Birmingham Stallions?
This opportunity to play for the Birmingham Stallions has been the answer to a prayer. He has been given the opportunity to continue to do what he loves to do.
How proud does it make you that he continues to pursue his dream of being a professional football player?
I am very proud that Keaton is able to continue to pursue his dream of playing professional football. Football is not a lifetime career, but I have always encouraged him to play for as long as he can.
How have you always provided your son with positivity and encouragement, despite adversity?
This has not always been easy. Keaton knows I am his biggest cheerleader. I have been through a lot of highs and lows with him. He has always included me in every decision he has had regarding football. The one thing that has always been a constant in this journey has been our faith in the Lord. We realized a long time ago that we are not in control and have relied on our faith to bring us through some tough situations.
How much have you grown to love your son’s teammates and their families through the years?
We have definitely grown to love his teammates and have become friends with their families. Our fondest memories were of our time at Texas A&M.