It all began long before the dazzling lights and cheering fans. Long before Devin Duvernay, the Chicago Bears wide receiver, became a name everyone recognized, a subtle rivalry was unfolding in Texas. Two little toddlers, Devin and his twin brother Donovan, were crawling around, competing even before they could take their first steps. Their dad, Henry, fondly recalls setting up races for them, while their mom, Rozena, remembers how fiercely both boys hated losing.

That relentless drive propelled Devin from his hometown of Sachse, Texas, into the national limelight. But the foundation of his success is deeply rooted in the love and influence of Henry and Rozena Duvernay.

Who are Devin Duvernay’s parents?

Henry and Rozena brought up their twin boys, Devin and Donovan, in a household rich with athletic heritage. Rozena is no stranger to sports, having grown up with four brothers who were all exceptional athletes, and that competitive spirit stayed with her. Their father, Henry, was a standout high school sprinter from New Orleans and later dedicated 15 years to coaching track.

Henry kicked things off with “baby crawl races” while they were still in diapers. Their summers were packed with parachute sprints, resistance runs, and footwork drills. By the time they turned five, they were already running with parachutes. As teenagers, they were dragging sleds and even pulling their dad with bungee cords. Henry’s coaching style was both demanding and inventive, while Rozena provided a perfect counterbalance with her steady encouragement and structure.

Their youth football teams boasted an impressive record of 65–4 and clinched six consecutive championships, and the competition didn’t stop there; it continued in their backyard. This unique mix of fierce rivalry and strong guidance laid the foundation for two highly motivated athletes right from the beginning.

Where did Devin Duvernay’s parents meet?

Henry and Rozena first met in Texas, united by their passion for competition and a relentless pursuit of excellence. By the time they made their home in Sachse, they had created a nurturing environment filled with structure, support, and boundless energy.

Henry focused on developing their sons’ skills and work ethic, while Rozena provided emotional grounding and nurtured their mindset. This perfect balance laid the groundwork for the twins’ journey. From racing each other in the living room to dominating youth leagues and ultimately shining together at the University of Texas, where Devin took on the role of wide receiver and Donovan excelled as a defensive back.

What ethnicity are Devin Duvernay’s parents?

The Duvernays are a proud African American family with deep Southern roots that trace back to Texas and Louisiana. Their rich heritage has instilled in their sons important values like a strong work ethic, resilience, and a quiet sense of pride.

This background also ties them to a broader family of athletes. Devin’s cousin, Kyler Murray, plays quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, and several of his uncles, including Calvin and Kevin Murray, have made their mark in baseball and football at impressive levels.

How is Devin Duvernay’s relationship with his parents?

Despite his incredible speed and impressive list of achievements, Devin Duvernay has managed to stay remarkably humble. A testament to the influence of his parents, Henry and Rozena. At Sachse High School, where he racked up 170 receptions and 36 touchdowns, he let his performance do the talking, quietly jogging back to the sidelines after long touchdowns without saying a word.

Henry trained him on catching passes in the backyard, stressing one rule: if it hits your hands, you catch it. That discipline showed at Texas, where coaches marveled at his sure hands and relentless drive. He won a state title in the 100 meters with a 10.27-second run and posted a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, the product of years of precise training.

Rozena, meanwhile, kept the academic bar high. Devin became a four-time member of the Big 12 Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll and earned a degree in sports management with a business minor. Donovan excelled in the classroom as well.

Even as Devin Duvernay climbed from the Baltimore Ravens to the Jacksonville Jaguars and now the Bears, Henry and Rozena have remained quiet fixtures of support. Henry still sees the same fire that sparked those crawling races decades ago, and Rozena still brings the grounding influence that keeps him centered.

When Devin got the draft-night call from the Ravens, Henry instantly recognized the look on his son’s face. The same smile he saw the first time Devin beat his twin in a race. Even today, Devin Duvernay is still the quiet kid at heart. His parents often have to get details out of him on phone calls. But behind that calm exterior is the same relentless competitor Henry raised.