A mother always knows best.

Growing up playing soccer, Deron Mayo developed a lifelong passion for the beautiful game in Hampton, Va.

But when it came time to plan for the future and set himself up for long-term success, Mayo swapped the pitch for the gridiron with the guidance of one family member in particular.

“My mom made me,” admitted Mayo. “She wasn’t sure I was going to get a scholarship for soccer. I played my whole life up until I was 16 years old and then decided to take up football. (And) my brothers were really good at it.”

Not only would he go on to earn that much-desired scholarship to Long Island’s Hofstra University, he also took after his brothers Shermont, Jerod and Derek by strapping on the shoulder pads.

Further contributing to the decision was that fact Deron, now the Stampeders defensive captain, was unable to fully pursue his high-level soccer career due to a weekly scheduling conflict.

Deron Mayo’s childhood soccer team

“I was supposed to be on a lot of select teams, but all of the select games happened on Sunday and Sundays were church for me,” the right-winger-turned-linebacker explained. “I was at church all day on Sundays, so I didn’t play on those (teams). But it was a lot of rec teams and then I played in high school for a little bit. After eighth grade, I stopped playing (when) my mom sat me down.”

Due to his late start in football, Mayo was forced to adjust to the newfound game at rapid speed, a tall task at the time.

“It was a tough transition,” chuckled the fifth-year Stamp, who transferred to Old Dominion for his senior season once the Hofstra football program folded. “I’ll never forget the first time I got ran over. It was because I was running so high up like a soccer player and I didn’t drop my pads down. But after that, I haven’t gotten ran over since, so I learned from that.”

Mayo credits his early years as a soccer player for his noted footwork, quickness and agility as a member of the Red and White. He’s even expressed interest in making a return to his former sport of choice once his football career is complete.

And while his real-life soccer skills have surely diminished over the past several years, apparently his abilities in the virtual world currently sit at an all-time high.

“If anyone wants to see me on FIFA on PlayStation 4,” offered Mayo with a wide-eyed grin,” they can come see me because I’m good.”