A Young Athlete’s Foundation Forged in Resilience
Jadarian Price was only 12 when his mother, Jessica Butler, sat him down to share news that would shape their future in ways neither could foresee. Butler, then 31 and raising three children as a single parent, had just received a cancer diagnosis, marking the beginning of a grueling 16-chemotherapy-round regimen, while remaining committed to supporting her son’s burgeoning athletic career.
Her resolve was clear: she intended to attend every one of Price’s games, regardless of how demanding treatment became. “I don’t know how long I’m going to be here,” she told him, words that would linger long after the final IV drip. For Price, now 22, the statement carried weight. He resolved to give his best effort each time she watched, aware that each appearance might be among the last.
Butler’s perseverance paid off. She has remained in remission for nearly a decade, cheering on her son through high school accolades, a major college injury, and now, his ascent in the NFL. Her presence at Lumen Field for Price’s professional debut last week was especially poignant, watching him step into the starting role left vacant by Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and deliver a 52-yard, 10-carry performance in a 13–10 victory over the New England Patriots.
Their story reflects a shared journey marked by determination rather than certainty. Price’s early promise was first recognized by James Johnson III, who began coaching him and his son DeTeaurean at the Boys and Girls Club of Denison, Texas, when Price was just five or six. Though quiet off the field, Price’s performance spoke volumes. Johnson described him early on as “a different type of kid, different type of talent”, an assessment reinforced as Price matured.
One memory stands out: at six years old, playing on the full-sized field at Denison High School, where he’d later star for four seasons. Price ignored Johnson’s suggestion to step out of bounds when fatigue set in. Instead, he sprinted the full length for a touchdown. Johnson’s response was immediate: “That’s the standard now. You showed me what you can do, and you’re capable. So I’m going to hold you to that standard.” For Price, it was a defining moment, one that set the tone for a career built on quiet confidence and relentless effort.
The athlete’s dedication to training is well known, particularly for his inventive methods of maintaining volume during periods of injury. In one notable instance, after suffering a leg injury that immobilized him, he positioned himself in a chair at his mother’s residence to practice shooting free throws. He explained that he refused to remain idle when he could utilize his upper body to improve his skills, noting that despite his inability to walk, his arms remained functional.
Growing up without male siblings did not prevent him from utilizing his younger sisters, Kzaria Butler and Lyricah Coleman, as training partners during football practice. The sisters, who are two and five years younger than he is, served as targets for his drills. He acknowledged that his approach may have been slightly rough due to the lack of younger brothers in the household, but he noted that both sisters developed into capable athletes themselves, making for a positive childhood dynamic.
His family life was marked by significant challenges, as his father was absent and his mother worked extensively while undergoing chemotherapy. This environment accelerated his maturity compared to his peers. A local observer noted that he drew strength from watching his mother persevere through cancer, effectively becoming the head of the household. The individual stepped up to support his family, emulating the resilience he witnessed in his mother’s fight against the disease.
Following a standout high school career at Denison, the four-star recruit received 39 scholarship offers, including interest from Notre Dame. He enrolled early with the Fighting Irish, anticipating a prominent role, but his trajectory changed rapidly. During his freshman year, he wrote an annual letter to his mother, a tradition for players, under the difficult circumstances of a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained that summer, which ruled him out for the entire 2022 campaign.
Aware that his mother was approximately 1,000 miles and four states away, he sought to reassure her in the correspondence. He told her that having witnessed her overcome significant health challenges, he felt equipped to handle his own recovery from a distance and did not require her constant worry. His mother recently located the letter, which is now framed in their home in Denison. Re-reading the words brought back an emotional response, as she described feeling deeply moved by the message again.
Although he recovered fully from the Achilles injury, he never recorded a start in college football. In 2023, another four-star recruit, Love, joined the team. That season, both he and the newcomer served as backups to Audric Estime, who was later selected in the fifth round of the draft by the Denver Broncos.
In 2024, Love emerged as the starting running back, contributing to the team’s run to the national championship game, where they fell to Ohio State. The two shared a dynamic backfield, combining for 1,871 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. The former described their relationship as a friendly rivalry. Despite having the opportunity to transfer to another program to secure a lead role, he did not seriously entertain the option, with the possible exception of one specific school.
I was close to leaving when my mother learned about what Texas Tech was offering, Price said with a laugh. I told her, Just wait until the NFL money hits. We'll be good. She trusted me on that, and look what happened.
As Price likes to say, growth is born from adversity. Tribulations like a ruptured Achilles and being bypassed on the depth chart could have slowed him down.
Instead, Price credits his mother for instilling in him the value of perseverance, forged from her battle with breast cancer as a single mother. Without it, the No. 32 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft wouldnt have been able to put his first paycheck to good use. Price bought his mom a house, where she and his sisters now live, just outside of Denison.
The house is beautiful. More than I can imagine, Butler said. He fixed a movie room, that he painted black and designed himself. Down in Texas, we love to swim, so we have a nice-sized, beautiful pool.
In concert with other milestone moments in his life, Price rose to the occasion in his NFL debut. He provided power and pace, speed and sizzle while demonstrating why the Seahawks felt comfortable parting ways with Walker, the MVP of Super Bowl LX.
Price might not have been the feature back in college, nor is Seattle expecting him to replace Walker all on his own. But hes already impressed the Seahawks veteran running backs during his first few months in the Pacific Northwest.
The way he learns, the way his feet are its just like, shoot, JD shouldve been a starter at Notre Dame, in my opinion, quipped backup Emanuel Wilson. Hes impressed me a lot, just the way he comes in and works.
He has great contact balance, great feet, great hands in the pass game, added George Holani. Hes really explosive with his cuts. So, hell be making like two cuts in one play. And its crazy how he can get vertical and find that crease and then make another cut to get open and just get a lot of yards from that.
What separates Price is not his physical abilities, as impressive as they are. His mentality, weathered by his upbringing, is perhaps his most defining characteristic.
Its perhaps unsurprising, then, that Price has already formulated a plan for after he hangs up his cleats. A former straight-A student, he would like to become a teacher one day.
Sports aside, I really like helping people, Price said. Ive always said Im a better player when people next to me are doing good or having fun themselves. That gives me motivation.
At his core, what Price wants most is for everyone he comes into contact with to fulfill their dreams. Hes already living out his in multiple ways. Not only is Price a professional athlete, but his mother is still around to watch his games. Butler was one of the first people he greeted at Lumen Field after making his debut.
For as much support as Price has received throughout his football life, nobodys has meant more than moms. Gratitude doesnt even begin to express Prices appreciation for Butlers presence every step of the way.
Price expressed gratitude for the fact that the individual remains alive and in good health, noting that divine intervention can manifest in various forms. The speaker also conveyed a deep sense of admiration for those who navigate the challenges of breast cancer.