“She’s My Motivation”: NFL Star Marquise Goodwin’s Tribute to Sister With Cerebral Palsy Goes Viral

• NFL player Marquise Goodwin opened up about his sister Deja, who was born with cerebral palsy and has never walked
• Goodwin, who is just 10 months older than Deja, said caring for her was never an obligation but a calling
• A tribute video combining interview footage and home clips moved thousands of fans around the world

An NFL wide receiver's deeply personal bond with his sister has captured hearts online after a tribute video went viral on Instagram on 21 August 2026.

Marquise Goodwin, a former Olympic long jumper turned professional football player, opened up in the clip about his sister Deja, who was born with cerebral palsy and has never walked. The pair are just 10 months apart in age, and Goodwin said she has been his greatest source of motivation throughout his entire career.

"I got a sister who has never walked a day in her life," he said in the interview. "She was born with cerebral palsy. I am 10 months older than she is. And that's my motivation."

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A Brother Who Shows Up Every Day

The video, posted by sports page @doseofsportsdaily, blended sideline interview footage with candid home clips of Goodwin feeding Deja and spending time with her. Deja also appeared on camera, describing how her brother cared for her when she could not do things herself.

Goodwin said his commitment to her was never about duty.

"I do that for my sister, not because I have to or feel obligated to, but more so because she can't do it for herself," he explained. "If I'm not out running, if I'm not out jumping, if I'm not out catching footballs, and I'm just sitting around being lazy or complaining, then I'm doing her a disservice."

The video drew an outpouring of emotion from fans who said Goodwin's words shifted how they viewed both the athlete and what it means to show up for family.

Watch the tribute video that moved fans around the world here.

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Fans Around the World React

Supporters from different countries weighed in on the Instagram page's reel:

@gooch0588 said:

"My new fav player. Getting a Goodwin jersey and I'm a diehard Steeler fan. I don't care he was a Brown; he's a tremendous brother and human. God bless you, Marquise."

@andrewsaidi09 shared:

"Aussie here. Who is the man, and what team does he play for? Just decided I'm going to order his jersey."

@ghol.mes wrote:

"Man, you're the example of a man. You are an inspiration to a lot of people. You are a good brother, a great brother."

@c_sockem added:

"God bless Goodwin; that's the definition of a real man."

@adamhomesales noted:

"Dude was solid with the 49ers. He always brought her out to games when he could and made it known he plays for more than just himself."

@kcthekid2 simply said:

"🙏🏾🙏🏾 That's amazing."

@anthonyest95 reacted:

"Wait, 10 months older??? 👀"

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Source: Briefly News