While playing football at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Jeremy Maclin set the NCAA freshman record for the most all-purpose yards in a single season. He was named a first-team All-American both years he played college ball, before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009.
Where did you grow up?
Meacham Park in Kirkwood. It wasn’t an ideal place to grow up, if you know what I mean. No one had money to go do things. We hung out in the neighborhood.
What did you take away from Kirkwood High School?
The relationships I formed with some of the coaches and teachers… Alison Owens was the math teacher there when I was a sophomore. She would pick me up for school in the morning. Just seeing how much she cared for every single person in her classroom is why I don’t judge anybody today—there is something special in each and every one of us. She taught me that. When I was at Kirkwood [High], I felt like a different person. I was able to get away from what was going on in my personal life. [Due to a less-than-desirable environment at home, Maclin started spending time with Dr. Jeff and Cindy Parres, whose son played on the same youth football team. During Maclin’s sophomore year, he moved in with the Parres family.]
Tell me about life with the Parreses.
They exposed me to things I had never been exposed to. They took me on my first plane ride, my first real vacation. They taught me everything—from table manners to how to conduct yourself in public. They took me in and treated me like I was one of their children.
Where do you stay when you’re home?
I still live with the ’rents [the Parreses]. I actually bought my real mom a house in St. Louis. That was the first thing I did [after going to the NFL].
Where would you like to end up?
When I’m done with my football career, I would like to come back to St. Louis. By that time, I hope to have my foundation set up—I definitely want to help kids.
