Washington Commanders’ RB, Chris Rodriguez Jr. might have a Hispanic-White ethnic background

Famous NFL player Christopher Rodriguez Jr. might have Hispanic-white ethnicity based on his parents’ surnames despite being born and raised in Riverdale, Georgia.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. seems focused on excelling in the NBA, avoiding distractions related to his background. However, many even speculate that he is of African-American ethnicity.

Nicknamed C-Rod, he played college football at the University of Kentucky, where he became one of the most prolific running backs in the school’s history.

In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders selected Rodriguez in the sixth round with the 193rd overall pick.

Rodriguez’s journey to the NFL was marked by personal challenges, including the passing of his mother

Chris’ mother, Stephanie Thornton, who he cited as his biggest motivation in life, passed away from lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, in January 2022.

Based on his mother’s surname, she might descend from an English family in the United Kingdom. ‘Thornton’ has historically been associated with Old English origin.

Whereas his father, Chris Rodriguez Sr., might be of Spanish origin based on his surname.

Most of the focus in media coverage has been on his late mother, Stephanie Thornton, due to the emotional impact of her passing.

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A post shared by Chris Rodriguez Jr (@crod_jr)

Chris wrote,

Dear Mommy,
I’m at a loss of words right now. Me and Chyna had to do the unimaginable. Even tho you always tried to prepare us for this, nothing could honestly prepare us for it. 2 days ago we had to tell you goodbye for the last time. I can’t tell you i believe it when i honestly still don’t. You ARE my happiness. My joy. My WHY. My Motivation. MY EVERYTHING. 

Stephanie was known for her strong influence on Chris, shaping his values and perseverance.

Her passing deeply affected him; he has spoken about how her memory motivates him in his personal life and football career.

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A post shared by ℂ𝕙𝕪𝕟𝕒 🤍 (@chyna.natae)

Even though Chris has not mentioned anything about his father’s passing, his sister Chyna posted a picture with their father.

Chyna mentioned that she didn’t have the chance to say goodbye, but she misses him very much. She even regarded their father as her best friend.

While further details about his parents’ life remain private, their role as supportive parents is evident on Chris’s journey to the NFL.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. seems to be very close with his sister, Chyna Rodriguez

Chyna was born around the time when Stephanie Thornton was diagnosed with lupus.

Chris has posted several pictures with his mother and sister, Chyna, highlighting their close family bond.

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A post shared by ℂ𝕙𝕪𝕟𝕒 🤍 (@chyna.natae)

Proud of her brother’s achievements, Chyna wrote,

facing challenges with strength, determination, & confidence is what matters, & you have done it. dreams do come to reality! you worked hard for this & I’m beyond proud of you, congratulations for this incredible success! i always knew you could do it brother. mama is proud.

Chyna is married to her high school sweetheart, dentist Jordyn Gauvin, and has 5 children, whom she often posts on her Instagram.

The couple began dating during their time at Ola High School in McDonough, Georgia, where Jordyn was a cheerleader.

Their relationship spanned over a decade, and they tied the knot on March 15, 2024.

In case you did not know

• Chris Rodriguez was born on September 26, 2000 in Riverdale, Georgia.
• He played college football for Kentucky Wildcats and rejected offers from Colorado State, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss.
• During his collegiate career, Rodriguez accumulated 3,644 rushing yards, ranking third all-time at Kentucky, and scored 32 rushing touchdowns, placing him second in that category.