Tillman Takes Inspiration From Mom To The Football Field
September 25, 2025 | Football, Joel Coleman
State linebacker treasured a special moment with his mother last weekend.
STARKVILLE – You could see the love in Zakari Tillman's eyes last Saturday.
The Mississippi State linebacker's mother, LaTonia Tillman, was being honored on the field at Davis Wade Stadium as part of MSU's Salute to Service that occurs at each Bulldog home game.
Meanwhile Zakari stood on the State sideline, clapping and beaming with pride as he watched on.
"She inspires me a lot," Zakari said of his mom. "She calls me every day, and, you know, it gets rough as a college athlete. So, she's my shoulder to lean on every day. I call her every day to ask her about everything, and I feel like if it wasn't for my mom, I really wouldn't be who I am today."
Latonia spent 21 years in the Air Force. The technical sergeant ensured mission readiness and security at home and abroad, racking up numerous honors throughout her career. Those include the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Outstanding Unit Award, the Longevity Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
After those accolades echoed over the public address system and through the Starkville air last weekend, Zakari rushed onto the field to embrace his mom. It was an incredibly memorable moment for mother and son.
"That will always be unforgettable," LaTonia said. "To be honored in front of thousands of people with the cowbells ringing, with my son and my family and my friends meant so much. It was such a blessing.
"And it wasn't just about me. It was about family and legacy from the sacrifices through the years. It was truly a memory I'll carry with me forever."
Said Zakari: "It was special. She has so many accolades under her belt. She fought for the country for 20-plus years. It was just amazing for her, and for me as her son."
While many MSU fans may have been introduced to LaTonia last weekend, in a way, Bulldogs everywhere have known her the last three years. Many of her characteristics had already been seen through her son, who now in his junior season, has played in 27 career games for State entering this Saturday.
"I feel like I get a lot of my emotional traits from my mom for sure," Zakari said.
LaTonia believes many of the qualities she used throughout her time in the military were passed on to Zakari, too. Things such as loyalty and connection to those beside you.
"Things like standing beside the person next to you and having their back no matter what," LaTonia said. "Those are the kinds of lessons I tried to instill. In the Air Force, we call them wingmen. Be there for your wingmen, or your teammates. Whether it's on the field or in life, show support for others and carry yourself with honor."
Zakari has done all of that and more over his time in Maroon and White as he's grown into one of the biggest pieces of the MSU defense. He's gone from playing primarily on special teams as a freshman in 2023, to leading the Bulldogs in sacks a year ago, to being a full-time starter this season that is currently tied for fourth on the squad in tackles.
"For me, I've grown just by coming out to practice with the right mindset every day," Zakari said. "I just focus on getting better, right down to the small things."
Zakari's improvements have been part of the MSU defense's jump as a whole. The unit heads into this coming Saturday's matchup against No. 15 Tennessee with the nation's 16th-ranked scoring defense, allowing an average of only 11.8 points per game.
It's been a group effort for sure, from coaches right down to players like Zakari who take ownership of their personal progress and do all within themselves to push the Bulldogs forward. Zakari is hopeful the success keeps coming this weekend against the Volunteers.
"It's going to take a high level of execution, especially on my end," Zakari said. "It's going to take execution and physicality. I know the effort is going to be there, because we're hungry.
"Ultimately, we just have to go out and play fast and have fun. I feel like that's the biggest emphasis this whole season has been going out there and having fun."
While Zakari has his fun on the gridiron, LaTonia will be having her own in the Davis Wade stands. One week after Zakari was glowing and admiring LaTonia's success, the roles will revert back to normal with LaTonia clanging a cowbell for the son that represents and reflects his mother's teachings so well.
"Words can't really express how proud I am of Zakari and all he's accomplished at Mississippi State," LaTonia said. "Watching him suit up and give his all on the field reminds me every sacrifice and every prayer and every late night was worth it.
"And it's not just about football. It's about his discipline, his heart and his determination to keep pushing forward."
