Tyreek Hill, now a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, was born to Anesha Sanchez and Derrick Shaw. His parents married young but later separated.
After the split, he was raised by his maternal grandparents. They had their own share of legal troubles, yet they passed on faith and discipline that guided much of his early life. Hill later admitted how that influence slipped once he entered the NFL, saying on a podcast, “I lost my true self from what my grandparents raised me to be when I entered the league. I completely forgot my relationship with God. And it really showed.”
While his childhood was shaped mostly by his grandparents, Hill has kept a cordial bond with both of his parents, who each come from athletic backgrounds.
Who Are Tyreek Hill’s Parents, Anesha Sanchez and Derrick Shaw?
His father, Derrick, grew up in Pearson, Georgia, where he excelled as a high school athlete. In his senior year, he won a state title in the 300-meter hurdles and placed fourth in the 100-meter dash. He later continued his athletic career at Life University in Marietta, playing basketball.
Tyreek’s mother, Anesha, also comes from an athletic background. She played basketball and sprinted in track events during her school days. Tyreek has often credited his mother for his speed, once saying, “She was cold, for real.” She comes from an African-American family based in Georgia.
Today, Anesha is also involved in her son’s charitable work, serving as part of his family foundation that focuses on education and wellness.
He Was Raised By His Grandparents
Tyreek Hill grew up in Pearson, Georgia, with his maternal grandparents. His grandfather is Herman Hill. His grandmother is listed as Margaret, and she is also identified as Virginia Hill in public references.
As mentioned, Hill’s father and moter were teenagers when he was born, so his mother’s parents took him in.
However, life at home wasn’t easy. From 1989 to 2016, Herman was listed as a suspect in 15 criminal cases, mostly theft and burglary. Several were dismissed, including a 1991 simple-battery allegation after the accuser didn’t appear.
He was convicted in at least four cases and served time for two burglaries and one theft by taking; records show a maximum release date of December 13, 2001 for the last incarceration.
Virginia Hill also had three cases—trespassing, disorderly conduct, and giving false information to police—each resolved through dismissal or plea.
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Even with those challenges, his grandparents pushed him toward opportunity. Tyreek remembers them encouraging him to transfer to Coffee High School for better academic and athletic chances. “I was raised in Pearson, Georgia,” he said. “I moved to Coffee High around ninth grade. My grandparents thought I needed a change. They wanted me to be something in life.” He initially resisted, not wanting to leave his friends, but eventually adjusted, made new connections, and today still proudly identifies with Pearson. “I still claim Pearson, Georgia, until this day. I love Pearson, Georgia,” Hill said.
Relationship With His Mom and Dad
Tyreek has kept a positive bond with both of his parents. After landing a four–year, $120 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, he decided to celebrate by surprising them with brand-new cars. He filmed the moment for his YouTube channel, and the clip quickly gained wide attention online.
In the video, his mother received a Tesla Model X, the car she had long wanted. She was overcome with emotion as she sat inside, gasping, “I can’t breathe!” His father was handed the keys to a Chrysler 300, standing quietly in disbelief at the gift.
