PHX Reporter

Starling Thomas V has a profound connection to football, from the scent of the grass to the exhilaration of catching the ball. The sport has been a constant in his life, offering both joy and heartache for the Arizona Cardinals cornerback.

During his freshman season at UAB, Thomas faced a personal tragedy while playing against Texas A&M. After delivering an outstanding performance on the field, he was informed that his mother, Stephanie Williams, had succumbed to breast cancer during the game.

"I just broke down crying and I couldn't believe it because I just saw her the day before and told her that I was going to be back," Thomas said. "It took a toll on me. But at least she left me while I was doing something that I love to do and that she loved watching me do."

Williams' battle with cancer began during Thomas' senior year of high school. Despite being given six months to live, she survived for a year-and-a-half. Her resilience has inspired Thomas throughout his NFL career.

Last season, the Cardinals signed Thomas as an undrafted rookie off waivers. He eventually secured a starting role, recording 38 tackles and five pass deflections. Despite new additions to the team such as Sean Murphy-Bunting and three drafted cornerbacks, Thomas has earned first-team reps in training camp alongside rookie Max Melton.

"That's where my fight comes from and it's being able to show that I belong here," Thomas said. "I'm just glad my mom's wings carry me through this daily battle. Everything I do, I just try to do right and make her proud."

Thomas' perseverance is evident in his past experiences. In 2019, he tore his ACL but continued playing without missing a single game that season.

"I'm a fighter, bro," Thomas said. "When they told me that it was torn, I told them that I worked too hard for it to be taken away that easy. Whatever I got to do, I'm going to go out there and do it."

Throughout college and into his professional career, Thomas has benefited from strong support systems. Cardinals safety Budda Baker invited him over for Thanksgiving during his whirlwind rookie season.

"I know a lot of the rookies don't have their families, so for me, it was just a matter of inviting those guys over if they needed a house to stay at and just be with my family," Baker said. "I love that guy. He's a very hard worker, controls what he can control, and plays football at a high level."

Baker and Thomas have spent significant time working out together in the offseason, enhancing their on-field communication skills and competitive spirit.

"In the weight room or even outside when we're doing field sprints, we talk a little smack to each other," Baker said. "You're going to be faster? No, I'm going to be faster."

Thomas' speed is one of his key assets on the field—a skill he attributes in part to his mother's memory.

"My mom is the one that helps me run fast," Thomas said. "Her wings are on my cleats."