The shocking news out of Massachusetts on Monday morning saw New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers accused of being at the center of a serious crime, but few know about the heartbreaking challenges he faced in his childhood.

For Peppers, success in the NFL and the "glorious" $30m contract came with an incredibly heavy price tag. Long before he donned the Patriots' jersey, this 28-year-old athlete had endured many unimaginable hardships that ultimately helped mold him into the resilient individual he is today.

Jabrill Peppers was only 7 years old when his world turned upside down. His dad went to jail, and this young boy was left to confront the unforgiving world by himself. A pain so raw and yet Peppers seemed immune to it; when asked about this subject, his only response is a calm collected demeanor - something he wishes the general public understood.

When the going got tough, Peppers got going. Throughout his teenage years, Peppers sought solace in the game. New Jersey and several institutions accepted Peppers, one after another - all due to his athleticism on the field. However, another jarring reality was quick to pounce on him. Early in his teenage years, Peppers lost his brother in a senseless act of violence when a bullet pierced through him. It seemed nothing was in his favor.

But he didn't allow those dark emotions to engulf him. He continued pushing forward with a zeal that no obstacle could suppress. As if using them to charge forward - after every hurdle in his life impelling him ahead each fall strengthened his steely resolve.

Only through massive love, endless blood, sweat and endless toil was this star athlete created.

Peppers said he's often questioned on what propels his resolve, 'he shares it might be to spend three months with family following my rookie year. At year two we started expanding.' Making use of the 'short time with my family after rookie year' as new beginnings.

Fast-forward to today - we see that he finally reaped the rewards for all the sufferings of his youth. As he basks under the praise of thousands, also a winner on the field as well having turned adversity into opportunity.