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A mother’s love & a father’s blessing: Alex Barrett’s journey to the 49ers

Like most NFL players, Alex Barrett’s journey to professional football started on a Pop Warner field. However, Barrett’s hometown of Yuma, Arizona, represented the very beginning of what would be a difficult and painful — yet rewarding — fight to the top.

At eight years old, Barrett’s dad Audry introduced the game — and later his life’s passion. He was hooked instantly, but it would take time for him to find his place in the game.

“He was always a pudgy kid,” said Alex’s mom Elena Barrett. “Alex was with a bigger team. These kids were older because they used to go by weight.