News Summary
Jacksonville Jaguars’ Anton Harrison channels the memory of his late grandmother, Virgie Mae Wiley, into his football career. Growing up with a strong familial bond, Harrison faced challenges on and off the field, driven by his grandmother’s influence and her battle with breast cancer. In alignment with NFL initiatives, he engages in cancer awareness campaigns while also aspiring to share her culinary legacy through a special dish. Harrison’s strong performance this season showcases his resilience and dedication both as an athlete and in honoring his grandmother’s memory.
Jacksonville — Anton Harrison, the starting right tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars, is channeling his love and respect for his late grandmother, Virgie Mae Wiley, into his football career. Harrison, who grew up in Washington D.C., considers his grandmother his greatest inspiration and is determined to honor her memory as he faces the challenges of life on the football field.
Harrison’s childhood was deeply influenced by his close-knit family, particularly his grandmother, with whom he spent significant time during his formative years. After school, he and his younger brother often walked to their grandmother’s house, where they were met with warmth and delicious meals. Fond memories include time spent in the kitchen, where Wiley introduced him to varied foods, notably beef liver, which has become a dish closely associated with her.
Known for her distinctive nicknames—Harrison was affectionately called “Shrek” while his brother was known as “Mouse”—Wiley cultivated a strong relationship with her grandchildren that Harrison cherishes. Despite not entirely liking the candy she offered, he appreciated the love behind it. It wasn’t until he was older that he learned about his grandmother’s long battle with breast cancer, which she faced for most of his life. Sadly, she passed away during Harrison’s sophomore year at Oklahoma, adding a profound motivation to his aspirations as an athlete.
In alignment with National Football League’s (NFL) commitment to cancer awareness, Harrison participates in the Crucial Catch campaign in partnership with the American Cancer Society, advocating for the importance of early cancer detection and prevention. Additionally, he is engaged in the My Cause, My Cleats campaign, symbolically representing his grandmother’s legacy and the journey they shared.
Harrison has expressed his desire to continue his grandmother’s legacy through food, planning to give back to the community that supported him during his upbringing. He aims to perfect the dish of beef liver prepared with gravy, onions, rice, and peas, intending to feature it in a potential future cookbook or restaurant as his signature meal. This endeavor includes sharing his cooking journey, which has garnered him a following on social media, further embodying his grandmother’s spirit in everyday life.
On the field, Harrison has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 NFL season, having allowed only two pressures in the first three weeks, establishing himself as one of the top-performing tackles in the league. The Jaguars’ coaching staff have recognized his improvement from the previous season. Despite facing an elbow injury during a tough game against the San Francisco 49ers, Harrison showcased resilience by returning to play in the second half, demonstrating his commitment to his team and personal growth.
At the beginning of the season, Harrison faced scrutiny for his offseason effort. However, he turned this criticism into motivation, responding positively to the challenges laid out by the coaching staff. In a strategic move to bolster their offensive line, the Jaguars added depth during the offseason, compelling Harrison to push himself continuously to improve and secure his position. Despite safety Eric Murray being listed as questionable due to a neck injury and other teammates dealing with various injuries, they still participate in games, exemplifying the team’s resolve.
Harrison’s journey both personally and athletically reveals a tapestry of resilience, determination, and a heartfelt commitment to honoring his grandmother’s memory through football and culinary pursuits. By excelling on the field and celebrating his grandmother’s legacy, he continues to inspire both fans and teammates.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Anton Harrison Honors His Grandmother
- Jacksonville.com: Jaguars vs 49ers
- SI.com: Anton Harrison and NFL Insights
- Yardbarker: What Happened to Anton Harrison
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Football
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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