He Calls His Mom Before Every Practice—The Untold Story of Packers’ Johnathan Baldwin

In a league defined by speed, strength, and spectacle, it’s easy to overlook the quieter stories—the ones that don’t make highlight reels but define a player’s character. One such story is unfolding in Green Bay, where rookie wide receiver Johnathan Baldwin is quietly becoming one of the most compelling names on the Packers’ offseason roster. His stats and speed may be making waves at rookie minicamp, but it’s his pre-practice ritual that’s winning hearts: he calls his mom before every session.

Baldwin, a late-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of UNLV, has been turning heads at Lambeau Field with his blazing speed, crisp route running, and sure hands. But what makes him stand out isn’t just athleticism—it’s his deep-rooted humility and unwavering discipline, much of which stems from his upbringing in Las Vegas.

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Raised by a single mother who worked long shifts at a casino, Baldwin learned the value of hard work from an early age. His mom wasn’t just his caretaker—she was his role model, his motivator, and, in many ways, his first coach. That connection remains unbreakable today. Before every practice, no matter how busy or intense the day, Baldwin picks up the phone and calls his mom. It’s not a publicity stunt or a social media trend—Baldwin isn’t even active on those platforms. It’s just part of who he is.

“She’s still my coach,” Baldwin shared in a Sports Illustrated feature published May 1, 2025. “I call her before every practice. Just hearing her voice helps me stay grounded. She reminds me why I’m here.” That simple act has become a quiet anchor in his routine, keeping him focused and connected to his roots.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has already noticed something different about Baldwin. “He’s got that edge—the drive, the focus,” LaFleur told Packers Wire on May 3. “He doesn’t get caught up in the noise. He shows up ready to work. That’s rare.”

In a football world where rookies often aim to build brands as quickly as they build resumes, Baldwin is taking the opposite route. He’s not chasing clicks or endorsement deals—he’s chasing consistency, growth, and his shot at making an NFL roster the old-fashioned way: by earning it.

On the field, Baldwin is emerging as a potential deep-threat weapon for quarterback Jordan Love, who enters a pivotal year as the Packers’ franchise signal caller. Baldwin’s 1,200-yard final season at UNLV hints at big-play potential, but it’s his attitude and preparation that are creating buzz inside the locker room.

Whether or not Baldwin becomes a star remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: behind every route he runs and every catch he makes is a quiet phone call, a mother’s encouragement, and a story worth listening to. In a league full of noise, Johnathan Baldwin is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful moments are the ones shared off the field.