Omarion Hampton was second only to Ashton Jeanty in most rankings of the top running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft. The former North Carolina standout, who is viewed as a true bell-cow back with the size, strength, and production to carry the load at the next level, was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round.
But just like most elite athletes, Hampton didn’t get here alone. His family, particularly his parents, played a massive role in his rise to this point.
Who Are the Chargers RB Omarion Hampton’s Parents?
Hampton was born on March 16, 2003, in Forest City, N.C., to Leslie Hampton and Cory Chappell. He also has a brother named Jamal, who played cornerback at Chowan University before transitioning into a music career. Athleticism runs in the family — his cousin, Giorgia Lowrance, played wide receiver at North Carolina A&M.
Hampton later moved to Clayton, N.C., during his teenage years and attended Cleveland High School in Johnston County. It didn’t take long for him to make his mark. Hampton dominated at running back for four straight seasons and was named North Carolina’s High School Football Player of the Year as a senior. His standout high school career earned him a four-star recruit rating and attention from top programs around the country.
In the end, Hampton committed to UNC. One of the biggest factors in that decision? The compassion and support shown by head coach Mack Brown, especially during a tough moment in Hampton’s life.
“When Omarion did get hurt with his ankle, I really like that Mack Brown called us right when we were in the hospital to check on him and told us that everything was ok,” Leslie said in 2021. “That really pushed me towards wanting him to go to Chapel Hill. I appreciated coach Mack Brown doing that, calling him and checking up on him.”
While not much is publicly known about his father, Leslie has been a visible and supportive presence throughout Hampton’s football journey. She was even there when he officially signed with the Tar Heels.
Hampton wasted no time making an impact in Chapel Hill. As a freshman, he played in every game and became the first UNC freshman to rush for more than 100 yards in a game since 1946. Over the next two seasons, he took his game to another level, earning All-American honors and becoming a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.
Preview for Saints vs. Chargers Preseason Week 1 Matchup
The Chargers are coming off a win in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions. However, they suffered a significant loss this past week.
Star left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a season-ending injury, and he will be a massive miss for Jim Harbaugh’s team, who are viewed as a Super Bowl contender. They will hope no other players get hurt before the start of the season.
As the battle for the New Orleans Saints’ QB1 spot heats up, both Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler will get enough opportunities to impress in the preseason.
Rattler is expected to start in the Week 1 preseason game against the Chargers, but it wouldn’t surprise many if the Saints’ rookie also gets some reps.
