Leta Ramirez’s journey from a hardworking medical assistant to the proud mother of NFL superstar CeeDee Lamb exemplifies the power of dedication and sacrifice in parenting. Working long hours at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Leta never let her demanding career prevent her from supporting her son’s football dreams.
The single mother of five boys faced numerous challenges, including navigating life after her divorce from Cliff Lamb when CeeDee was just nine years old. Despite financial constraints and time limitations, Leta made extraordinary sacrifices to ensure her children had opportunities to succeed. Her most remarkable commitment involved driving 45 miles each way through Houston traffic five days a week to get CeeDee to football practice with the Richmond Hurricanes.
“She’s a very strong woman,” CeeDee once reflected about his mother. “I know there were nights that she cried because she couldn’t provide everything for her kids at all times. She would always smile in front of her kids’ faces, just to show them that she’s happy, no matter the circumstance”. This emotional strength became the foundation upon which CeeDee built his professional career.
Leta’s Hispanic heritage brought cultural richness to CeeDee’s upbringing, while her work ethic as a medical assistant demonstrated the importance of professional dedication. She would often work her 9-to-5 job, then rush to transport CeeDee to practice, with him completing homework in the backseat of her 2007 Chevy during the 90-mile round trips.
The family faced additional tragedy when CeeDee’s stepfather, Samuel Moreno Jr., was killed when CeeDee was 14, followed by the loss of his beloved uncle Chester Ramirez Jr. at age 17. Through these devastating losses, Leta remained the emotional anchor for her family, helping CeeDee channel his grief into motivation on the football field.
Her sacrifices paid off when CeeDee was selected 17th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Today, with CeeDee’s four-year, $136 million contract extension, Leta’s financial struggles are behind her, but her role as his biggest supporter continues. She remains actively involved in his career, sometimes controversially, as seen in her 2024 social media criticism of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Leta Ramirez story resonates with countless parents who work multiple jobs and make daily sacrifices for their children’s futures. Her journey proves that with unwavering support, dedication, and love, even the most challenging circumstances can produce extraordinary outcomes. From driving countless miles on Houston freeways to watching her son perform in NFL stadiums, Leta’s transformation from struggling single mother to proud NFL parent represents the American dream realized through persistence and faith.
