By Zain Bando - IlliniGuys Student Correspondent

April 28, 2022

CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Illinois football program hasn’t had much to celebrate over the past decade, but things seem to be looking up for the Fighting Illini entering the 2022 NFL Draft. Offensive tackle Vedarian Lowe, though unknown to some, has been a key catalyst of an Illini offensive line that has significant turnover over the last five years, including two head coaching changes.

Lowe was featured on NFL Network’s “NFL 360” to share his story about how he got to where he is today.

Lowe’s story isn’t just on the field, but off it as well. He balances his time playing football, attending a prestigious University, and yes, being a husband and father. That’s right, a husband and father to his two children. He officially became a father at only 19 years-old, along with his girlfriend-turned wife, Haylee Lowe.

After some initial hesitation, Lowe needed to make a sacrifice to support his family and eventual long-term football goals. Lowe had his first child, King, in June of 2019. Lowe described the experience of his newborn being a “tsunami of love” and knew that he had to give maximum effort to keep his family happy and healthy. Unfortunately, an enlarged heart took King’s life far too soon.

Lowe has since taken legal guardianship of his brother, as he and Haylee have also turned to adoption. The couple adopted Vidalls in July of 2020 during the midst of one of the strangest college football seasons in recent memory.

The full feature can be viewed here, as Lowe finished his Illinois career with 45 games played and was ranked as a three-star recruit hailing from Rockford, IL.