Rashod Bateman Family: Meet His Mother LaShonda Cromer, Two Brothers and the Relatives Who Supported His NFL Journey

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman was raised by his mother, LaShonda Cromer, in Tifton, Georgia, alongside his two older brothers, Monjharvis and Travian. His family experienced financial hardship and domestic violence during his childhood, circumstances Bateman has discussed publicly while explaining the importance of his mother’s support.

The 26-year-old NFL player has maintained a close relationship with his family since Baltimore selected him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. One of his first major purchases after signing his rookie contract was a house for his mother, fulfilling a promise he had made before entering professional football.

Bateman’s family life has also returned to public attention in 2026 following reports of a legal case in Georgia involving the mother of his young child. The allegations remain a separate matter from his childhood experiences, and the case has been subject to review by the NFL.

Who Are Rashod Bateman’s Parents?

Rashod Bateman was born on November 29, 1999, in Tifton, Georgia.

His mother is LaShonda Cromer, who raised him and his two older brothers through periods of financial instability.

Bateman’s biological father has maintained a much lower public profile. Reliable biographical accounts do not consistently identify him by name.

The Ravens receiver has previously described his biological father as someone who was not consistently present during his childhood.

His mother later married another man, but that relationship became a source of serious difficulties for the family.

Bateman has spoken about witnessing domestic violence involving his mother and stepfather.

His parents’ circumstances meant that much of his upbringing depended on LaShonda’s work and the support of other relatives and community members.

Rashod Bateman’s Mother LaShonda Cromer

LaShonda Cromer played a central role in her son’s upbringing and football development.

She worked long hours to support her three children, including shifts at a factory during periods when the family struggled financially.

The family moved several times because of money problems.

Bateman has recalled occasions when their home had no electricity or running water.

His mother later worked in the local school system, including as a bookkeeper, while continuing her education.

Before raising her children, Cromer had also played basketball.

Her athletic background helped her recognize her youngest son’s interest in sports.

She encouraged him to participate in football and supported his efforts to improve.

Bateman has credited his mother with teaching him discipline and persistence.

In an interview about his childhood, he said, “She’s my inspiration.”

He added, “She’s where I get my work ethic from.”

Rashod Bateman Grew Up With Two Older Brothers

Bateman has two older brothers, Monjharvis and Travian.

The three boys grew up together in Tifton while their mother worked to provide for the household.

Their childhood included several moves and periods of financial difficulty.

The brothers also experienced the effects of their mother’s troubled marriage.

After LaShonda separated from her husband, she continued raising her three sons as a single parent.

Monjharvis has spoken publicly about the lessons their mother taught them.

He described how she encouraged the family to find alternatives when plans did not work out.

Both older brothers remained important figures as Rashod developed into a college football prospect.

The family later celebrated his selection by Baltimore in the 2021 NFL Draft.

His Uncle Anthony Bateman Was a Father Figure

Bateman’s uncle, Anthony Bateman, was another important influence during his childhood.

Known locally as Coach Bate, Anthony worked with football and basketball players at Tift County High School.

He helped his nephew with transportation, clothing and other practical needs when the family was struggling.

Bateman described his uncle as a father figure because his biological father was not consistently involved in his upbringing.

Anthony died unexpectedly from a heart attack on August 3, 2019, at the age of 52.

His death occurred shortly before Bateman’s second season at the University of Minnesota.

The receiver honored his uncle by wearing the letter T on his eye black during Minnesota’s season opener.

He caught five passes for 132 yards in that game against South Dakota State.

Bateman dedicated the performance to his uncle, whose death had affected him deeply.

Mindy and Shane Palmer Became Part of His Family

Bateman also received support from Mindy and Shane Palmer, a couple who became his godparents.

Mindy first became involved in his life when he was playing youth football in Georgia.

She learned that he needed new football cleats but that his family could not easily afford them.

Mindy purchased the cleats and later began helping with other needs.

She and her husband attended Bateman’s games, took him to church and invited him to spend time with their family.

The couple also provided meals, clothing and a place where he could stay.

Bateman developed a close relationship with them and began referring to them as Mama Mindy and Papa Shane.

Their support continued after he enrolled at Minnesota.

The Palmers attended nearly all his college football games and remained connected with him as he prepared for the NFL.

Rashod Bateman Bought His Mother a House

Bateman fulfilled a personal goal shortly after joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2021.

Baltimore selected him with the 27th overall pick in the NFL Draft.

He subsequently signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $12.6 million, including a signing bonus of about $6.5 million.

Rather than focusing only on personal purchases, Bateman used part of his earnings to buy his mother a house.

He announced the purchase through Instagram in June 2021.

“Dreams to reality,” Bateman wrote. “Welcome home mama, I love you.”

The purchase was particularly significant because his family had experienced housing instability throughout his childhood.

For LaShonda, the new property provided a permanent home after years of financial difficulty.

Bateman’s decision also reflected a promise he had made before becoming a professional football player.

Rashod Bateman’s Family Celebrated His NFL Success

Bateman attended Tift County High School, where he became one of Georgia’s leading high school receivers.

During his senior season, he recorded 83 receptions for 1,539 yards and 21 touchdowns.

His performances attracted attention from major college programs.

He had already committed to Minnesota before receiving increased interest from other schools.

Bateman remained loyal to the Golden Gophers and joined the program in 2018.

In 2019, he recorded 1,219 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

He earned Big Ten Receiver of the Year honors and became one of Minnesota’s most productive wide receivers.

His college performances led to his selection by Baltimore in 2021.

The Ravens later rewarded his development with a three-year contract extension in June 2025.

The agreement was reportedly worth $36.75 million, including $20 million in guarantees, and placed him under contract through the 2029 season.

Does Rashod Bateman Have a Wife or Children?

Bateman has kept much of his romantic life private.

There is no widely verified public announcement establishing that he is married.

However, reporting surrounding a legal case in Georgia in 2026 confirmed that he has a young child.

The child’s mother has not been consistently identified in reliable public coverage.

Details about the child’s name and personal life have also remained private.

Earlier biographical reports discussed Bateman’s past relationships, but they do not establish his current romantic status.

His immediate family situation therefore includes a child, while his marital status has not been publicly confirmed.

Rashod Bateman Faced Family Violence Charges in Georgia

Bateman’s personal life became the subject of legal reporting in August 2026, when details emerged about his arrest in Georgia on June 3.

According to Georgia court records, he was charged with misdemeanor battery involving family violence, reckless conduct and first-degree criminal damage to property.

The charges followed an alleged confrontation involving the mother of his child.

Court documents described allegations that Bateman damaged the windows of a vehicle while the woman and their infant were inside.

The allegations have not been established as findings of guilt.

The Baltimore Ravens acknowledged the matter after the arrest became public.

The organization said it had informed the NFL and was cooperating with the review process.

The league also confirmed that the matter was under review.

The case attracted attention partly because Bateman had previously spoken about witnessing domestic violence during his own childhood.

However, his earlier family experiences and the allegations against him are separate matters.

A final court disposition was not established in the reporting reviewed for this article.

Latest Update on Rashod Bateman and His Family

As of October 12, 2026, Bateman remains a wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens.

He returned to full practice participation ahead of Baltimore’s October 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons after dealing with an injury earlier in the season.

His mother, LaShonda Cromer, and brothers Monjharvis and Travian remain central figures in the publicly documented story of his upbringing.

His uncle Anthony Bateman died in 2019, while godparents Mindy and Shane Palmer have remained important figures in accounts of his early life.

Bateman is also a father, although identifying details about his child have not been widely disclosed.

His June 2026 arrest remains part of his recent public record, with no verified final resolution available in the information reviewed.