NFL star Ty Okada’s parents, Chris and Michelle, are his biggest cheerers who have supported him since day one.
Ty Okada’s father, Chris Okada, is a former athlete; he was a swimmer at Mankato State.
Given that Chris was aware of the sacrifice and dedication required to become a standout athlete, he poured his heart and soul into helping Ty achieve his dream.
Besides swimming, Ty’s father, Chris, also often coached football and baseball to his team when he was a young boy.
Chris would show up early to drag the field and would stay late to pick up cones.
The NFL player recalled the times with his father while they rode home in the minivan, when his father would ask, “Did you give everything you had?”
He simply asked a question without lecturing; however, it made him reflect a lot.
Ty’s parents always encouraged him, and their constant motivation was a key factor in helping him reach his current success.
Grateful Ty expressed his gratitude:
I was taught from an early age that if I do the best with what I have and the opportunities I was given, good things will happen from that.
Ty Okada
I made the most of things that happened for me, not to me, and in the long run, I hoped it would pay off.
Ty Okada’s Mother, Michelle, Is a Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Woodbury!
Despite not belonging to the sports fraternity, his mother, Michelle, was always in the stands supporting him.
Ty said, “My mom never missed a game. She still texts me before every kickoff.”
Michelle has been involved in the City of Woodbury for over 15 years since 1996. She began as the Recreation Specialist in August 1996, before assuming the position of Public Information Officer in May 2012.
After six years of working as a public information officer, she assumed her new role as Parks and Recreation Director in November 2018.
She is one of the individuals responsible for the construction of Woodbury’s 62 parks.
Regarding her academics, Ty earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University. She finished her master of Public Administration from Hamline University in 2008.
Ty calls her his loudest cheerleader. In every interview he gives, he says, “Mom was always in the stands.”
