Heather Van Norman is a name that practically every sports fan in America is familiar with. She’s made a career out of beating the odds, and she’s gotten very good at it.
This six-time NCAA All-American does not require much introduction in terms of her professional career, but if you’re interested in learning more about her personal life, which includes her family, husband, and children, this article has everything you need to know.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s Mother – Wife, Kids, and Net Worth
Heather Van Norman is a force to be reckoned with in athletics, as fans have long suspected. And, just like his mother, Odell Beckham Jr., whom she gave birth to in 1992, is a household name in the NFL.
Heather’s prior relationship with Odel Beckham Sr., a Tigers football player in the 1990s, gave birth to the wide receiver.
Heather learned about Odell Sr. and Heather’s pregnancy while she was still in college, fresh off a national title with the Lady Tigers and prepping for the Olympic trials.
Despite this, she continued to do what she loved despite the news. As a result, she continued her training while carrying her kid in her belly. She clarified,
“I thought to myself, ‘What am I going to do?’ But it was a God-given blessing that changed my life. It completely changed my life. I’d had enough of barely scraping by. “All of a sudden, my baby sparked a fire of determination in me.”
It’s only natural, because children are a parent’s strength, and she became even more determined when she learned she was expecting her first kid. She went on to say, “To add to this,
“He was in my stomach,” I said. I was training right up to the day of delivery, and he was right there with me.”
Odell Jr’s father, her then-boyfriend, expressed his gratitude.
“She ran until she was around 6-months pregnant,” says the narrator. That’s probably what gave him the strength, ability, and speed he has now… On November 5th, he was born. It was an incredible day when I cut the cord because baby weighed 6.5 pounds and was 23 inches long.”
Heather’s feeling of desire and determination increased even more when she hugged her kid for the first time after a long pregnancy.
“At the end of the day, I realized I am accountable for my son. I’m the mother, and I’m not leaving… For him, I need to educate myself and be the best I can be.”
It’s easy to see why Odell Jr. is a successful athlete with an estimated net worth of $8 million.
Heather’s relationship with Odell Jr.’s father did not make the final cut, since Heather went on to marry Derek Miller, an Olympic gold winner who earned the accolade while competing in the US 4X400 relay in 1996.
Derek, Heather’s husband, has been a part of Odell Jr.’s life since he was five years old, and he has lavished love and support on his stepson as if he were his own.
And there’s a sense of mutual harmony between them all, as Odell Jr. has credited his entire family for his professional success thus far.
Heather describes her son as a helpful man who has always been supportive of others in need since he was a toddler. Odell Jr., who trains with Tyke Tolbert, has won numerous honors in the past few years.
Heather came to Instagram on August 28th, 2018 to congratulate her son on all of his accomplishments. She penned,
“Congratulations son! You deserved nothing but the best. All glory to Godâ¤ï¸ I’m flabbergasted as you never stop to amaze meâ¤ï¸#apes**t #proudmomma”
Heather feels really fortunate to have Odell as a son. The former athlete cleared her schedule after resigning as the head coach of Nicholls State track and field to spend time with her child, but this time professionally.
Also read: Adam Cohen’s Son Is To Die For, But Who Is His Wife? Is He Married at All?
Welch hired the mother-son combo to advertise their product, a Super Bowl party dish, after Heather resigned in late May 2017. Heather demonstrates how to create one of Odell’s favorite snacks, Welch’s Grape Jelly Meatballs, in the video commercial.
Former Athlete’s Bio and Career Stats
Heather Van Norman is a name that everyone associates with professional sports, and there’s a reason for it. She chose to pursue a new career as a track coach at the college level after concluding her athletic career.
Her time as a coach and participant in some of the country’s top programs helped her stay connected to the sports when she graduated from LSU.
Heather’s 30-year coaching career began at Rice University, followed by stops at Georgia Tech and Tulane University, where she spent seven years as the head coach.
She led the Green Wave to a whopping 44 Mideast Regional berths during her time with the organization.
Heather has been a dedicated person since she was a child, which is why her father admired her abilities and drive. Don once said of her father,
“The students at this high school like to display their medals on their letter blazers. Heather would be bulletproof if she sewed her medals to her jacket.”
That was the kind of support she had from her father, who died not long ago.
Sir, may you rest in peace. Come, Thy Kingdom. Thank you, Lord!
Son was dealt with the Clevland Browns.
The New York Giants, Odell Jr’s team at the time, announced in March 2019 that he and teammate Olivier Vernon would be traded to the Cleveland Browns. In exchange, the Browns get Jabrill Peppers and a third-round pick in 2019.
Odell is the most marketable athlete in the NFL at the age of 26. The Giants reportedly offered him a contract deal worth $95 million in August of 2018.
The Browns officially revealed Odell to the press, weeks after announcing the trade. Heather was there to show her support for her prodigal son.
Earlier in the year, during the Atlanta Super Bowl, the renowned NFL player surprised his mother by buying her a brand new car. Many people were moved by a video of her reacting pricelessly to a gift.
Quick Information
- Date of Birth=N/A
- Nationality=American
- Birth Place=Windom, Minnesota, USA
- Profession=Track and Field Coach
- Ethnicity/Race=Afro-American
- Father=Don Van Norman
- Mother=Millie Van Norman
- Son/s=Odell Beckham Jr.
- Daughter/s=Jasmine Beckham
- Relationship Status=Married
- Husband/Spouse=Derek Mills
- Divorce/Split=Yes (Once)
- Ex-Boyfriend=Odell Beckham, Sr.
- Net Worth=N/A
- High School=Minnesota
- College=Louisiana State University
