The Vanderbilt Commodores defeated LSU by a score of 31-24 at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. However, post the game, all eyes were on Antoinette Padilla, Diego Pavia’s mother, as her appearance on ESPN got a lot of reactions on X from fans who found themselves captivated by Padilla’s presence.
One thing ESPN is gonna do is show Diego Pavia’s mom EVERY chance they get 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/DWmwX9nSnu
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) October 18, 2025
“It was a little ridiculous”, stated a fan.
“I’m a much bigger fan of his mom than I am of him”, commented a fan.
“At this point she’s getting more screen time than some of the players, not mad though, love seeing supportive moms”, stated another fan.
“Maybe they will show someone’s dad just for you”, commented another fan.
“ESPN keep some pressure on tv”, remarked another fan.
At the same time, the win over LSU meant something special as the Commodores’ 31-24 victory over the tenth-ranked Tigers pushed them to a 6-1 record, their best start since 1950. It’s fair to say that under coach Clark Lea, the program has become a serious competitor.
Diego Pavia Credits Strength and Sacrifices of His Mother
Yet beneath the viral moment and the internet’s new obsession is a much deeper story of Pavia’s mom. Antoinette Padilla raised Diego as a single mom, and her journey is a vital part of everything about who he was as a person and player.
Diego has never shied away from acknowledging how much his mother was a factor in his successes. In past interviews, Pavia spoke of the standard of work ethic and competitiveness his mom expected of him.
“My mom, she hates losing more than she loves winning,” he explained to VandySports.
The quarterback also shared the philosophy his mom showed him through her work ethic .
“If you want something, you work for it,” Pavia stated in a 2024 interview.
Being raised in a home with little money taught Pavia lessons that are invaluable.
“My mom, she’s hard-hat, lunch-pail. She grew up with 13 brothers and sisters in a single home,” Pavia shared.
It was only as he got older that he was able to appreciate the sacrifices his mom took on fully; the times she said she was not hungry, so her kids could have more to eat, she went without so the kids could have something.
Read More:
- “Will Never See an NFL Roster”: Fans Make Bold Predictions as Diego Pavia’s Vanderbilt Take on LSU in SEC Powerhouse Matchup
- $1.6M NIL-Valued SEC Quarterback Vows to Deal With Auburn Disrespect in Week 11 Showdown
- ‘Bro Chill, You’re Not That Guy’: Diego Pavia’s Pre-Game Ski Mask Entrance Draws Mixed Reactions Ahead of LSU Clash
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