EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Mother's Day has a little extra meaning for Jerick McKinnon this year.

The Vikings running back recently switched his jersey to No. 21 after wearing No. 31 for the first two years of his career.

McKinnon said the jersey switch is in honor of his mother. Frances McKinnon wore No. 21 as a point guard at Pelham City High School in Georgia more than 30 years ago.

"My mom is the lady who brought me into this world," McKinnon said. "I have a lot of love and respect for my mom.

"Whatever she needs, I'll do it in the snap of a finger," he added. "I can't really put it into words how much I love my mother. She's done so much for me and sacrificed a lot."

But Frances McKinnon wasn't the only reason Minnesota's third-year running back grabbed the number when it became available.

McKinnon's older brother, Lester Norwood, wore those digits as a safety at the University of Florida from 1998-2002.

McKinnon said when Norwood, who is 12 years older, watched his youth games when he came home from college. And ironically enough, McKinnon's youth football team was called the Vikings.

McKinnon recalled trying to stay awake as late as possible so he could spend time with his brother right away.

"Growing up, that was my idol right there," McKinnon said. "Anyone who has a big brother knows what it's like … that's like Superman to you.

"Growing up, he always kept me by his side," he added.

When Norwood showed up to watch McKinnon on the hardwood, it was a family affair as Frances Norwood was the coach.

McKinnon let out a loud laugh when asked if his mother was actually the best athlete in the family.