Jayson Tatum is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. Even after bouncing back from an Achilles tendon injury, the Boston Celtics star forward shows no fear against any opponent. But off the hardwood, the St. Louis native and Duke alum reveals a softer side—one that’s deeply rooted in family.

In a recent interview with TODAY's "Glass Half Full" show, Tatum opened up about his close bond with his mother, Brandy Cole, proudly calling himself a "momma's boy." "Me and my mom are best friends," he shared. "She was 19 when she had me, and I grew up in a single-parent household my entire life."

Tatum’s journey from a one-bedroom apartment to NBA stardom is a testament to his mother’s sacrifices. "Seeing my mom struggle to raise me and put food on the table while going to school, while working—she is the most important person that I’m thankful for," he said. "I am who I am, and my life turned out the way it did, because of her."

Their bond is as tight as a perfect bounce pass. When Tatum was drafted, Cole moved to Boston to be near him. "We lived in the same apartment building, down the hall. We live on the same street now," he explained. "I am the definition of what it means to be a mama’s boy."

With just 19 years between them, their relationship is more like a partnership than a typical parent-child dynamic. "She is someone who literally has been there every step of the way, seeing me in my highest moments and my lowest moments," Tatum added. "Sharing that moment with her was so special as well."

It’s a story that resonates far beyond the court—proof that even the toughest players have a heart of gold, inspired by the ones who lifted them up. For fans looking to channel that same grit and gratitude, Tatum’s journey reminds us that the right support system—and a little style—can take you all the way.