Todd Gurley II, the former NFL Offensive Player of the Year and Los Angeles Rams running back, credits his parents, Darlene Simmons and Todd Gerome Gurley, for all that he has achieved and yet to achieve.
Todd Gurley was born on August 3, 1994, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Darlene Simmons and Todd Gerome Gurley.
However, his parents separated, and Todd and his four siblings were raised by his single mother, Darlene Simmons.
The family later moved to Tarboro, North Carolina, a small town of about 11,000 people, seeking a safer environment away from Baltimore’s challenges.
They settled in a modest mobile home at Lone Pine Mobile Home Park, where Darlene still resides.
Despite separation, Todd Gurley maintains a sound relationship with his father and honored him by adding “II” to his jersey, a gesture of respect for his namesake.
Like Father like Son!! #TG pic.twitter.com/j0Apse4MFG
— Todd Gurley II (@TG3II) June 16, 2013
In 2016, during a surprise ceremony in Tarboro where Todd received the key to the city, his father delivered an emotional speech that moved Todd deeply.
Todd Gerome Gurley said,
We are so proud of the person you’ve become… A lot of times, people come to you ask for you to just give, give, give. But they don’t know the real Todd Gurley, because you are a person of stature and a person of greatness.
Todd Gerome Gurley
This moment brought Todd to the brink of tears, and he later recalled, “If I had gone on after my brother was done, I definitely would have cried.”
Darlene Raised Todd and His Four Siblings As A Single Mother!
Life in Tarboro was far from luxurious, and Darlene Simmons, a single mother, was working the third shift at a nursing home.
In fact, she bore the weight of raising Todd and his four siblings: Shannon, Princeton, Davon, and Tarik.
Working grueling overnight shifts, Darlene ensured her children had food, shelter, and opportunities to pursue their dreams.
Eventually, Darlene’s dedication paid off. Todd led Tarboro High School to state championships and earned a scholarship to the University of Georgia.
Todd always had in the back of his mind that he would make his mother proud one day. He occasionally attributes his success to his mother, who sacrificed a lot.
Grateful for her efforts, in a 2015 interview with Carolina Cat Chronicles, Todd reflected on her efforts, saying,
Things got rough, but my mom always provided for us especially me. I never had it as hard as my brothers and sisters. I was the youngest and the one who was spoiled. I don’t think she understands how much I’m doing this for her and my family.
Todd Gurley
In a 2014 ESPN feature, Todd credited his mother’s guidance, stating,
My mom always provided for us… I never had it as hard as my brothers and sisters.
Todd Gurley
In 2017, during a visit to Tarboro High School for his youth football camp, Todd spoke to the Los Angeles Rams’ official website about his roots.
He noted how his mother’s sacrifices allowed him to stay out of trouble and focus on his goals, saying,
It’s cool, man, because I don’t get to come home very often. And when I do, it’s all love.” This reflection connected his success to the foundation his mother built.
Todd Gurley
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Todd Gurley was born after his mother, Darlene Simmons, lost her husband, who was also the father of Gurley’s four older siblings.
- Gurley was previously dating Olivia Davison, a fashion entrepreneur. However, reports suggest they have already parted ways.
- He was drafted by the Rams in 2015, and he won the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and later the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
