New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nick Fairley will be playing with a very heavy heart on Sunday, as the 28-year-old’s mother died suddenly earlier in the week.
Fairley’s mother, Paula Rodgers, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 51. Rodgers had complained of chest pains and stayed in the hospital for a brief period recently, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network describes her death as a “horrific shock” to those close to her.
Fairley’s agent Brian Overstreet says the former Auburn star has chosen to play against the Kansas City Chiefs because his mother would have wanted him to. Fairley has enjoyed a resurgence this season and has 3.5 sacks after recording just 0.5 with the St. Louis Rams last year and one with the Detroit Lions the year before. One of the reasons he chose to sign with the Saints is so he could be closer to his mother, who attended every home game.
Sunday will likely be the most difficult game of Fairley’s career.
