Comment
Print
Forest City native Omarion Hampton admits that he had a lot of thoughts swirling in his head on the night of the NFL Draft. Among them were those of family and friends in Rutherford County, particularly his grandmother Jackie Hampton, former educator in Rutherford County School. When he was selected No. 22 overall in the first round by the Los Angeles Chargers, grandmother and grandson were able to share a special moment soon after.
"She told me she was super proud of me, and that she is praying for me," he said "She has always been supportive of me. All throughout my life, she has always been there for me."
Jackie Hampton has indeed been there for Omarion since day one...literally.
"I'm the one who cut his umbilical cord," Ms. Hampton said with a chuckle. "We have always been very close. When his name was called in the draft, I could not have been more excited than if they had called my name. I was so happy."
Ms. Hampton may have been the first person to identify Omarion's talent for football.
"Oh, I knew from the time he was very young," she said. "When he was about two, he was chasing his older brother in the yard and then he would catch him and run away. He had some strong legs. I think that's why he is such a good running back now. He has always had a strong determination to win."
Ms. Hampton's premonition was correct. Omarion played youth football in Forest City, but moved to Clayton, North Carolina in elementary school. At Cleveland High School, he rewrote the record books. Hampton rushed for an eye-popping 5,370 yards and 88 touchdowns during his prep career. As a result, Hampton was named the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior, was ranked the 106th best recruit in the nation and the No. 3 prospect in the state of North Carolina by ESPN and several other publications.
Hampton continued to impress at the University of North Carolina. In three seasons with the Tar Heels, he rushed for a combined 3,565 yards, scoring 40 touchdowns.
One of Hampton's favorite memories of his time in Chapel Hill has nothing to do with stats or the national spotlight of a big Primetime matchup. It is of Ms. Hampton being in the stands watching him play. On September 14, 2024, Ms. Hampton's 75th birthday, Omarion rushed for 210 yards and three touchdowns in a 45-10 win over North Carolina Central, which was a new career high at the time.
"I think it was an amazing experience for both of us," Omarion said. "It just gave me a good feeling knowing she was watching me play."
"I will always remember my 75th birthday because I got to see Omarion play," Ms. Hampton said. "He took the time to work it out with Chapel Hill to make it really convenient for me to go and have nice seats because I have had surgery and cannot walk very far. Afterwards, he came by the hotel to visit. That tells you what kind of young man he is."
As Omarion begins his NFL career, Ms. Hampton admits her Sundays will be busy as she is also a pastor at Webb First Baptist Church in Ellenboro.
"I might have to rush home to see him on TV," she said. "With most of the games starting later, (on the West Coast) it should not be a problem. Hopefully, if he comes to Charlotte sometime, I will get to see him play in person."
Ms. Hampton adds that she has been giving Omarion advice since he was young and that won't change now that he is in the NFL.
"The best advice I can give him is to keep Jesus Christ at the center of your life and love people. I know it's hard to do because there are some bad people in this world who will take advantage of you, but trust God and He will take care of you always."
Omarion also offers some advice to the young football players of Rutherford County who want to follow in his footsteps.
"Rutherford County is a wonderful place. I am proud to come from there and I am blessed to be where I am now. Never get comfortable. Keep working and don't relax because there is always someone working hard to be better than you and take your spot. Just never give up."
NOTES: Hampton is the highest ever draft pick from Rutherford County and he will face off with fellow Rutherford County native Carlos Watkins when the Rams travel to face the Dallas Cowboys during the 2025 season.
