“Life’s good,” Braxton Berrios once mentioned. Seemingly, with his parents, the Miami Dolphins WR has been enjoying his off-field life. Braxton, 29, is often seen adoring his mom, Lee Smothers, and dad, Rico Berrios. Clearly, with his guardians’ unwavering support and true guidance, Berrios carved out a path to the NFL as a distinguished player.

Since the New England Patriots drafted him in 2018, he has earned several accolades. From becoming the SB champion to earning a First-team All-Pro nomination in 2021 with the Jets, he has demonstrated his skills. And he made all this possible just because of his parents’ strong backing.

Who is Braxton Berrios’s Father, Rico Berrios?

Rico Berrios is the father of NFL receiver Braxton Berrios, and his story begins on Miami’s soccer fields. He grew up chasing the ball with fierce energy and stubborn drive. People still remember his speed from Southridge High’s all-state soccer days. He later played at Campbell University, carrying that same hunger into every match he touched. Rico always seemed to move with purpose, and that intensity soon shaped his son’s path.

Rico wasn’t a quiet sideline parent. He coached with fire, sometimes louder than the neighbors liked. He pushed Braxton with a steady voice and strict demands. One afternoon, Braxton begged him to throw the ball harder. Rico did. Braxton flew across the mud after a diving catch, grinning through dirt. Neighbors yelled that Rico would get the boy hurt. Another neighbor insisted the kid looked destined for the NFL. Rico never forgot that moment because it felt like a prophecy.

He later built a career far from those muddy fields. He eventually became a vice president of sales for a Dallas furniture company. Even with the long hours, he kept close to Braxton’s journey. He remarried in 2009, creating a new chapter, but he stayed present in his son’s world. His guidance stayed sharp, steady, and woven into every major choice Braxton made.

Who is Braxton Berrios’s Mother, Lee Smothers?

Braxton’s mother, Lee Smothers, carried a quieter strength, but her influence ran just as deep. She once played softball at Campbell University, where her discipline was sharpened through long practices and long bus rides. She later brought that discipline into motherhood, shaping each decision with care. People close to her say she supported Braxton with calm patience. She handled the school forms, the late dinners, and the constant balancing act parents know too well.

Her marriage to Rico didn’t last, and they separated in 2002. Still, she kept the home steady. She remarried in 2014 to Chad Smothers, a former high school athletic director who coached Braxton for four years. Their home became a space filled with sports talk, long drives, and coaching advice. Lee also worked at ICON plc, managing a career while staying rooted in her kids’ lives. She built days packed with tasks yet still found room for encouragement.

When Braxton took her to Hawaii in 2023, the pictures showed everything. He captioned the post, “New trend: Take your mom on a vacation.” It said more than a long speech ever could. It captured the closeness he’d carried for years. Lee’s presence shaped him deeply, even when life turned chaotic around them.

What is Braxton Berrios’s Parents’ Ethnicity and Nationality?

Braxton was born to American parents with deep Southern roots. Both hold American nationality and come from families shaped by sports, school pride, and community ties. Their backgrounds helped form his identity long before the NFL spotlight hit him. His upbringing reflected the culture of competitive fields, shared meals, and strong family loyalty. Everything felt grounded in that mix of heritage and steady support.

Inside Braxton Berrios’s Relationship With His Parents

Braxton’s relationship with his parents stretches beyond the typical sports story. They didn’t stay married, but they stayed united for him. People often spot them cheering together at games, sharing the same excitement. Their marriage ended, but their teamwork didn’t. It simply took another shape, one that kept their son at the center.

Lee carried him through school pressures, growing pains, and tough decisions. Her athletic past helped her understand his heavy schedule. She kept him focused when nerves crept in. She made big dreams feel normal. She taught him to breathe before big moments.

Rico supplied the fire, the grit, and the tough edges. His training sessions made Braxton faster and braver. He also influenced one of the biggest choices of Braxton’s life: college. Rico loved the Miami Hurricanes with lifetime devotion. He told Braxton to choose freely, but his heart still leaned toward Coral Gables. When Braxton picked Miami in 2013, Rico’s reaction exploded online. He cried, laughed, and clapped with wild joy. It looked like the moment he’d imagined since those muddy backyard dives.

Braxton wasn’t alone in that journey either. His older brother, Austin, played baseball at East Carolina University. The brothers pushed each other harder every year. Braxton grew up with five siblings, all driven in academics or sports. Their household buzzed with noise, movement, and constant competition. That noise raised him, sharpened him, and fed his hunger to compete.

Even after the divorce, Rico and Lee showed up together when it mattered. They attended games with shared pride and no tension. Their bond became less about marriage and more about the child they raised. Their support never drifted, not once.