EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – While many 21-year-olds are focused on school and sports, Michigan State Spartan defensive back Armorion Smith is juggling a much heavier load. After the tragic death of his mother from breast cancer in August of this year, the MSU football player became the legal guardian of his five siblings in September: two brothers, aged 16 and 15, and three sisters, aged 19, 11, and 2.

As tough as the situation is, Smith’s strength is undeniable – a tribute to both his resilience and the powerful legacy left behind by his mother, Gala Gilliam.

A legacy of love and strength.

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41-year-old single mother Gala Gilliam, diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in October 2022, was a mother of six who fought bravely through surgeries, infections, and complications before passing away in August 2024.

Armorion, the eldest at 21, and a River Rouge graduate, took on the enormous responsibility of raising his siblings, proving that love and dedication can rise above even the most difficult circumstances. He’s doing so with the help of his 19-year-old sister, Aleion.

Reflecting on his mother’s influence, Smith shared with the AP, “I can feel her living through me, almost like I hear her voice telling me how proud she is of me.”

Armorion moved back to Michigan from the University of Cincinnati to be closer to his mother during her final months, transferring to Michigan State to continue both his education to get a degree in criminal justice and football career while caring for his family.

Teamwork on and off the field.

Smith’s days are a delicate balancing act. He wakes up before dawn to make sure his siblings are ready for school before heading off to his football training and college classes.

While Armorion is away for most of the day, his 19-year-old sister, Aleion, helps keep the household running. “Me and my sister got to work together to keep this all afloat,” he explained. It’s a dynamic of shared responsibility, with Aleion stepping in where her brother leaves off, and Armorion planning to help her start college next semester as well.

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Despite the pressures, Armorion’s commitment to his family never wavers. “My cards were given to me. I didn’t choose my deck of cards,” Smith said of his situation, a testament to the maturity and responsibility that now define his life.

Support from Spartan Nation and beyond.

While Smith’s path has been filled with challenges, the outpouring of support from his community and Spartan Nation has lightened his load. A GoFundMe campaign to help the family has raised over

$255,00 of its $200,000 goal as of the posting of this article, providing critical financial assistance as Armorion juggles college, football, and his new role as a parent. He has also secured Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to supplement his income.

Yolanda Wilson, the mother of Michigan State freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh, who also played football at River Rouge High School, has been a crucial source of support for the Smith family. She told the Associated Press, “I’m going to be there no matter what. That’s a promise I made to their mother. And they have everybody here backing them up. So, it’s going to be a hard transition as it is, but we’re going to be that tight-knit community and have their back.”

Smith is deeply grateful for the help, sharing that the love shown by the community has warmed his heart during this difficult time saying, “Me and my family are very happy, very appreciative and grateful. There’s a lot of love Spartan Nation has shown us these past few months. It’s been a rough time, but to be able to take some of the stress off of my shoulders and show me a lot of love is a blessing and has warmed my heart.”

Looking forward with resilience.

Despite the difficult times, Armorion Smith is determined to keep pushing forward – for himself and his siblings. Smith’s hope is that, in time, his family will not only survive but thrive. The journey from football star to guardian wasn’t something he could have predicted, but with the spirit of his mother guiding him, Smith appears to be rising to the challenge.