When Allen Hurns stepped onto the NFL stage, the spotlight didn’t just shine on him—it reflected the years of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance of his mother, Dr. Erica Wilson. As a single mom, Erica guided her son through the challenges of youth sports, the pressures of competition, and the uncertainty of chasing a professional dream. Allen made it to the NFL, but their story didn’t end there. Together, mother and son are now writing a new chapter—one that focuses on helping other moms and athletes prepare not just for game day, but for every day that follows.
This September, Erica will lead the Mothers of Motivated Sons (NFL M.O.M.S.) in hosting The Next Play Networking Mixer in Hampton, Georgia. The event is designed to bring athletes, families, entrepreneurs, and community leaders together around one powerful theme: listening with intent to understand.
For Erica, the mission behind NFL M.O.M.S. is rooted in her personal journey. “When I was raising Allen, there wasn’t a playbook,” she reflects. “There were moments of doubt, financial challenges, and emotional struggles. But I stayed committed to giving him the support he needed. Now, with NFL M.O.M.S., I want to make sure other mothers don’t feel like they’re walking that road alone.”
Honoring Sons, Protecting Lives
The event aligns with both National Suicide Awareness Month and the spirit of National Sons Day. For Erica, this connection is powerful: “National Sons Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder that listening to our sons’ voices is just as important as celebrating their victories. When we listen to understand, we protect more than dreams—we protect lives.”
At The Next Play Networking Mixer, keynote speakers and panelists will tackle issues that matter deeply to families:
- Listening as prevention: how empathy and presence can save lives by catching silent struggles before they turn into tragedy.
- Building generational wealth, to ensure athletic success translates into long-term security.
- Life transitions after sports, a reality every athlete eventually faces.
- Strengthening the mother-son journey, with strategies for navigating challenges together.
Beyond the Game
Allen Hurns, who knows firsthand the grind and glory of professional football, believes this work is vital. “I’ve seen what happens when players don’t have the right support system,” he shares. “What my mom gave me—guidance, discipline, and faith—made all the difference. Now I want to give back and help other athletes and families find that same foundation.”
For Allen, the impact of his mother’s listening shaped his entire journey: “My mom always made me feel like my voice and I mattered so I didn’t need outside validation. This was key as I chased after my dreams. I was committed no matter what acknowledgement I received—or didn’t receive.”
For Erica, the “next play” is about empowerment. She explains, “The game eventually ends for every athlete, but the next play—the one that truly matters—is building something lasting for yourself, your family, and your community. That’s the victory worth fighting for.”
Building a Legacy Movement
What started as Erica’s personal story has grown into a nonprofit movement. NFL M.O.M.S. provides mentorship, education, and resources to families of athletes at every stage of their journey. By creating safe spaces for dialogue and modeling how to listen with empathy, the organization ensures athletes and their families are equipped for success both inside and outside of sports.
With events like The Next Play Networking Mixer, Erica and Allen are proving that the mother-son bond can spark a legacy far greater than wins and losses. Their mission is to remind every family that while sports may be the platform, life is the real game—and listening is the play that changes everything.
Sept. 6 | Hampton, GA | 5–9:30 PM
RSVP:
