“It’s important to me that my son calls me Pops.”
— Brittney Griner, on the Funky Friday Podcast with Cam Newton

In a rare and intimate interview on Funky Friday with Cam Newton, WNBA star Brittney Griner gave fans a glimpse into her life far beyond the basketball court. Known for her dominance on the hardwood and her resilience off it, Griner opened up about something deeply personal — her role as a parent.

When Cam asked her if it was true that she likes to be called “Pops” by her son, Griner didn’t hesitate. “Yeah,” she said with a proud smile. “It’s important to me.”

More Than a Title

For Griner, being called “Pops” isn’t just a quirky preference. It’s a reflection of identity, family, and the freedom to define your own space in the world. It’s about being seen — fully and authentically — not just as an athlete or a public figure, but as a parent shaping a child’s world with love, intention, and truth.

“I’m proud of who I am,” she seemed to say without having to say it. “And I want my son to be proud, too.”

A New Model of Parenthood

Griner’s words echo far beyond the podcast mic. In a society still learning to embrace all forms of family and identity, her openness is revolutionary. It challenges outdated norms around gender, parenting, and what it means to raise a child in a world that doesn’t always make space for those who live outside the box.

By choosing “Pops,” Griner isn’t rejecting motherhood — she’s reframing parenthood. She’s showing her son, and the world, that love doesn’t have to look one way to be real. That titles can hold weight when they’re rooted in truth.

Authenticity as a Legacy

Griner’s story has always been about courage — whether it’s standing tall in the face of criticism, enduring international adversity, or simply showing up as herself in spaces that haven’t always been welcoming. Now, as a parent, she’s modeling that same courage for her son.

And that’s what makes this moment so powerful: it’s not just about what Griner wants to be called. It’s about what she’s teaching by example — the value of self-definition, the strength in vulnerability, and the joy in being unapologetically you.

Griner’s voice on Funky Friday was steady, soft, and sure. She wasn’t campaigning for approval. She was claiming her truth.

And in doing so, she reminded us all that what we’re called can say a lot — but how we show up for those we love says even more.

🗣️ Long live Pops.