Keke Palmer looks forward to her son Leo’s future sports career but admits her vocal support might become a challenge for those on the sidelines.
Keke Palmer is already bracing herself for her future as a sports parent. and she isn’t shy about the potential fallout. The 33-year-old actress. who shares her 3-year-old son. Leodis “Leo” Andrellton Jackson. with ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson. knows exactly how she will react once he hits the field or the pool.
“When I’m telling you I’m going to be going off. it’s actually going to be an issue. ” Palmer says with a laugh. She anticipates that her vocal enthusiasm could ruffle feathers. noting that she expects people to tell her. “You can’t do this. You can’t come here and act like this,” to which she plans to reply, “But this is my son.”.
For Palmer, the excitement of supporting her child transcends the specific activity. While she jokingly mentioned wanting Leo to be the next Michael Phelps—citing a desire to see more Black representation in competitive swimming—she is equally open to him pursuing golf or hockey.
Beyond the competitive spirit, Palmer carries the quiet anxieties of a parent navigating a child’s growth. As Leo approaches new milestones, she finds herself reflecting on the inevitable challenges of the world outside their home. She acknowledges the instinctual desire to shield a child from hurt. even while recognizing that her own parental reaction is often more intense than what her son feels in the moment.
“Remembering that our kids are very resilient, strong and capable, and that they’re good on their own, that’s a thing that I think about,” she says. “That’s my baby in the world, and everybody’s not going to be kind to my baby. I think that’s every mom’s worry.”
In addition to her focus on motherhood. Palmer has recently partnered with Sanofi to promote Beyfortus ahead of the upcoming respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season. Since welcoming Leo in February 2023. she continues to balance her career with the realities of raising a young son. keeping a steady eye on both his future potential and his current need for guidance.
Keke Palmer Leodis Andrellton Jackson parenting celebrity news Leo Jackson sports mom RSV awareness