Former first-round linebacker Devin Bush Jr. is once again in the spotlight—but not for reasons anyone hoped. The ex-Steelers player, who most recently played for the Cleveland Browns, was arrested this weekend, according to multiple reports. As the story continues to develop, many are revisiting Bush’s background and the influences that shaped him—particularly his parents, Devin Bush Sr. and Kesha Bush.

Many of you have likely seen toddlers sprinting around aimlessly, crashing into chairs, tables, even walls—only to cry briefly and get right back up again. According to Super Bowl winner Devin Bush Sr., that was his son to a tee. From a young age, Devin Bush Jr. showed signs of raw athleticism and fearlessness. But talent was only the beginning of the journey.

Who is Devin Bush Senior, a Super Bowl winner?

Bush Sr., a former NFL safety who played eight seasons and won Super Bowl XXXIII with the St. Louis Rams, took an active role in shaping his son’s mindset. Determined to instill grit and perspective, he often took young Devin to underprivileged neighborhoods in Pembroke Pines, Florida—not to scare him, but to prepare him. “He needed to understand that life is not always kind,” the elder Bush once noted. “If you want to dream big, you’ve got to know what it takes to get there.”

However, he also ensured that the young boy trained hard. To sharpen his reflexes, he often made Devin Bush Jr. play with boys much older than him. Additionally, he tested his son’s commitment to football often. The SB winner would sit down with the kid and discuss other career options. But nothing could take Jr. off the track. This brought the father-son duo closer.

The ex-NFLer paid full attention to two Ps: preparedness and punctuality. He always made the LB and his siblings iron and lay out their school clothes before going to bed. It was the same before the game days. Such micro habits made Devin Bush Jr. well prepared for the crucial moments of his life. The message, “If you’re not ready to be ready, this game — and life — will leave you behind,” still rings between his ears.

While Devin Sr. pushed him physically and mentally, Devin Jr.’s mother, Kesha Bush, provided balance. It was necessary!

Who is Devin Bush Jr. mother?

Kesha became the emotional anchor, offering encouragement, structure, and unconditional love. Her nurturing influence gave him the emotional stability to thrive under pressure. She often tried to make him understand why his father treated him this way.

“His father was tougher on him than anybody else. Even though he might have done everything right, his dad never patted him on the back and said, ‘You’re awesome. You’re great.’ He never tooted his horn because he didn’t want Devin to think he had arrived.” Kesha Bush said about the father-son bond.

However, she also made them tough by not cooking dinner sometimes, telling them to arrange for their dinner by themselves. These things taught them one big lesson. You have to be ready for everything in life. Together, Devin and Kesha Bush raised a son who became a top-10 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, starred at Michigan, and made an immediate impact with the Pittsburgh Steelers.