Jets' Lorenzo Mauldin Lived In 16 Foster Homes By High School
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- One New York Jets player spent his entire childhood overcoming adversity.
CBS2's Steve Overmyer reported that linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin bounced around from one foster family to another as his parents were in prison during his childhood. In fact, Mauldin was born while his mother was in police custody.
"Tormented, confused and just a hard time," Mauldin said about growing up. "I was never fed a silver spoon."
He stayed with some foster families for a week and others for a few months. By the time he reached high school, Mauldin lived in 16 foster homes.
"I was a little bit of everything. Furious, mad at the world," Mauldin said. "I didn't want to deal with anybody. I just wanted to do everything on my own."
Mauldin channeled his internal ferocity into football. It was not just a safe place for his physical outlet, but where he learned the power of unity.
"Trust was a big thing for me because I've had foster parents that brought me in for the wrong reasons and I've had people bring me in for the right reasons, but you never know," Mauldin said.
Mauldin was good enough to earn a scholarship to Louisville and get taken by the Jets in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Last year, he overcame a career-threatening neck injury. This year, he'll be asked to be more than just a team player – a starter and a leader.
"They brought me in and anyone that brings me in is family because they didn't have to," Mauldin said.
Mauldin's father finally got to see his son play in person last season. However, his mother is still in prison.
Mauldin said he hopes to inspire others to push forward toward their goals and don't let your setbacks be a crutch.
