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Eli Apple, Darron Lee, Their Moms Prep for NFL

By Maurice Moton

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) and Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) celebrate during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) and Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) celebrate during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants cornerback Eli Apple and New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee have the ultimate family support.

Eli Apple (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the New York Giants as the number ten overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Eli Apple (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the New York Giants as the number ten overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Giants cornerback Eli Apple, New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee and their mothers have destroyed the momma’s boy stigma. They’ve turned the irreplaceable mother-son bond into a strength as both parties co-exist in adulthood.

Both rookies, who were first-round picks for New York football teams, will start their prospective careers with their mothers close by—and it’s not a sign of weakness.

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In fact, both mothers will play intricate roles in their sons’ professional lives or contribute to a related industry in meaningful ways.

Annie Apple’s personality shot through the computer screen with tweets chronicling the moments that led to her son’s draft day.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Bob McGinn relayed a scout’s criticism about Apple before the draft:

"I worry about him because of off-the-field issues. The kid has no life skills. At all. Can’t cook. Just a baby. He’s not first round for me. He scares me to death.” Wonderlic was 21. “He probably has as much talent as anybody but he, like a lot of those Ohio State guys, is inconsistent,” said a third scout."

Well, Mrs. Apple had something to say about that:

She also chronicled her son’s journey to the NFL and gave insight about the values she instills in him for SI.com. Here’s an excerpt:

"Eli was offered Rolex watches and diamonds to wear on draft day. I told him, ‘Dude, you’re an unemployed college dropout.’ You will not be on TV with a Rolex.’ So we decided if he needed to know what time it was, he could just look at his phone. I bought him a portable charger."

ESPN couldn’t pass up on her lively persona. The company offered her a position on the Sunday NFL Countdown, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano. While Eli prepares for the bright lights on the field, his mother will rehearse for the cameras at a renowned company covering his profession.

How does the Giants cornerback feel? Before organized team activities, Eli smiled uncontrollably in front of local reporters when asked about his mother’s newfound spotlight:

“It doesn’t surprise me one bit. I kind of expected it. It’s something that I was thinking [that] I’ll have to account for it because I know how she is. I know her personality on Twitter and out in public. I’m fine with it,” said Apple.

He also spoke about his upbringing:

“She’s definitely big on earning things, not just going out and doing the most flashy stuff. She always kept me humble growing up,” said Apple.

The Giants have selected a rookie group filled with well-rounded individuals. The organization can thank Mrs. Apple for raising her son with core values.

Darron Lee (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the New York Jets as the number twenty overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Darron Lee (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the New York Jets as the number twenty overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Lee’s mother currently works for an NBC affiliate in Columbus Ohio, but she’s ready to become her son’s full-time manager. After working in the media for two decades, Candace Lee will embark on a new career pathway conducive to fully supporting Darron.

“I want to be there for many of his games and working weekends would not be conducive to traveling to see him play,” Candice told the Columbus Dispatch. “Plus, it was time. I have been in the business for 19 years.”

Ignorant people on the outside looking in would label these women helicopter moms or overprotective parents. Others would take it further to suggest the players show weakness with their mothers so close or involved in their profession.

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On the contrary, it displays strength and willingness to look out for family interests.

Lee calls his mother a “mom-ager.” Who can he trust more than her in handling his off-the-field matters?

It’s not abnormal to involve family members in business bonded by unconditional love and trust, but it’s refreshing to see NFL moms take on prominent roles in or related to the sports world.

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