Every time football star DeAndre Hopkins (or “D-Hop”) scores a touchdown in a major game, millions of fans witness a sacred and unchanging ritual: He sprints toward the stands, locates his mother, Sabrina Greenlee, and places the football directly into her hands.

This moment is more than just a celebration; it is a profound public declaration of love and reverence.

Victories That Transcend the Scoreboard

Their story is deeply moving because Sabrina Greenlee lost her sight years ago following a vicious acid attack. Despite her inability to see her son on the field, she remains a fixture at his games.

Hopkins’ act of placing the ball in her hands is his way of allowing her to “feel” his victory and his presence. It is a tangible, direct affirmation that, throughout his demanding career, he never forgets the source of his greatest strength and inspiration.

“She lost her sight years ago… but she’s never missed a touchdown. Because for them, football isn’t just about points—it’s about love, gratitude, and honoring the woman who raised him.”

The True Meaning of Success

In the often-jaded world of professional sports, this ritual by Hopkins is a powerful reminder of core values. It teaches us that:

Sabrina’s resilience—learning to navigate life with her disability while continuing to champion her son—is a greater victory than any score.
Hopkins’ gratitude for the woman who sacrificed everything for him is his most valuable asset.
The real victories aren’t on the scoreboard. They live in the hearts of the people who gave us everything—and are honored in the simplest, most genuine moments.