Since yesterday was Mother’s Day, I thought it would be appropriate to celebrate some of the best mothers of athletes out there. Yes, athletes have mothers too, though some of them act like spoiled brats. So here are the top five mothers of professional athletes.

No. 4: Terrell Davis’ mom. The star running back for the Denver Broncos would not be where he is today without the assistance of his loving mother, Kateree Davis. Have you seen those clips? Sometimes she is seen sprinting down the sideline with Terrell in an attempt to give him his Campbell’s Chunky Soup. The dedication that Kateree shows is tremendous. There she is, among 300-pound linebackers, braving certain destruction just to make sure her son gets proper nourishment. If Terrell did not get his Campbell’s Chunky Soup, he would surely fail. She holds all of the qualities of a splendiferous mom. She is dedicated, loving and will do anything for her son.

No. 3: Forrest Gump’s mom. You may have forgotten, but Forrest was a fine athlete. He was a football star for the University of Alabama and was nearly untouchable on kickoff returns. He was fearless, and he owed it all to his mother. She got him the proper medical attention and education. She also gave him such sound advice as “”Life is like a box of chocolates”” and “”Stupid is as stupid does.”” Sure, Jenny gave him support too, saying, “”Run, Forrest, run!”” but his mom was still his main guide. If not for his mother, Gump would not have reached the stardom that he did on the football field at the University of Alabama.

No. 2: Babe Ruth’s mom. First, this woman gets props for giving birth to one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He hit 715 home runs, garnered 90 victories as a pitcher and won many World Series rings. But, much like a Transformer, there is more than meets the eye. She also contributed to the world of pop culture by writing the famous song “”I got you Babe”” for her son. The song was later popularized by Sonny and Cher, but it was Babe’s mom who sang it to Babe at night to help him sleep. For this we are eternally grateful.

No. 1B: This goes out to all of those mothers who bust their asses taking care of their children. There are some who fail at the job, but that is not what this column is about. Those mothers who do their job well don’t get nearly as much attention as those who don’t.

Bad mothers are criticized when their children screw up, and the good ones are praised when the child comes out fine. I know it’s the mother’s responsibility to take care of her kids, so why should she get extra praise for doing just what she should be doing?

It’s a hard job, and mothers deserve all the credit in the world. So here’s to all of those soccer moms, all those who take time out from work to drive their children to softball tournaments, and the mothers who stand on the field next to their football-playing sons at parents’ night. The world could not survive without you.

Here’s to all of you mothers out there in the trenches. Much appreciation is due for all you have done for us, and we continue to appreciate what your nurturing has afforded us. It is often said that the older one gets, the more one understands what their parents were up to when one thought one’s parents were mean spirited, gestapo-esque or just plain crazy. The older we get the more right you turn out to be.

When we awoke at night, you were there with a bottle and a hug.

When we skinned our knee, you were there witha Band-Aid and a reassuring smile.

When we couldn’t do our science fair project, you were there to do it for us. Actually, you did most of our homework for us, and for that we are eternally grateful.

The first time we came home with a broken heart becuase that really dreamy girl in social studies invited Carter Ashton Jenkins to the eight grade ice cream social instead of us, you were there to tell us that there are other fish in the sea, and that while girls may come and girls may go, the most important lady in the world should always be your mother.

You were there to help us pack up our stuff and send us off to college. And even though we tried to hide the tears, you knew to give us a hug and ensure us that things would be ok. That’s why you gals rock.

No. 1A: My mom. I’m no athlete, so this does not necessarily belong in this column. But I am also the sports editor, so I can write what I want. Here’s to you, Mom.