How his mother's memory inspires Falcons G Chris Lindstrom - ESPN

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The gym fell silent after Chris Lindstrom, playing for Shepherd Hill Regional High School of Dudley, Massachusetts, took a particularly hard foul during a basketball game in his sophomore year.

Then one voice rang out.

«My mom stood up and goes, 'Christopher, don't take any more of his s---, kick his f---ing ass,' » Lindstrom's brother, Alec, said. «Screaming in a completely quiet gym. And then the gym erupts.

»Everyone was going crazy."

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Lindstrom, now an All-Pro guard for the Atlanta Falcons, was horrified at the time, but laughs about what has turned into a core memory. Dawn Lindstrom couldn't help it. Her son had been fouled and she wanted to make sure he knew that wasn't acceptable.

That was Dawn, the ultimate cheerleader and friendly mom — unless you wronged one of her kids. Then she made it clear that she — and they — would not take it. She was the family focal point, immersed in the games her kids played — from football to basketball to volleyball. She was a wife, sister-in-law and mother to NFL players.

She was an inspiration, and her memory hits harder this time of year. Dawn died of ovarian cancer on Dec. 21, 2021. While the Lindstrom family is filled with football players past and present, Dawn played a big role in helping guide Chris on a career path that would make him the highest-paid guard in the NFL.

«You kind of get reminded of the feeling that we all had,» Lindstrom said. «You get that reminiscent feeling. You definitely get sad.

»But also in the same sense, you're just appreciative of the moments we did