Rutgers freshman tight end Nakia Griffin spent the first nine years of his life without a consistent father figure.

His biological father had been in and out of the home. But the love and care provided by his mother, Nicole, kept him afloat.

Things would officially end between Nicole and Griffin's father in 2007. However, life improved when she met Rotell Stewart in 2008, and the two began to date.

But the situation took some getting used to for Griffin, who was nine years old at the time.

"When I first met him, he was into soccer because he's from Jamaica, and soccer's big there," said Griffin, now a 6-5, 225-pounder. "And obviously, I was into football, something he really knew nothing about. So, me being young, I said, 'I don't like him' to my mom. And he found that out, so he learned the game of football and began to love it. And it's his life now.

"He went out of his way just to win over my love. That's the type of man he is."

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It would take four years, but Stewart would eventually marry Griffin's mother and they'd move in together. And for the first time, Griffin learned what it's like to have a male role model around.

"He's helped me out tremendously. He's helped mold me into the man I am today and all the morals I carry for myself," said Griffin. "And the work ethic that I bring to everything that I do, whether it's academically or athletically, all stems from what he does and the way he works and presents himself."

Stewart also played a role in Griffin's athletic future, sticking by his side every step of the way throughout his many scholastic achievements.

"He's the first person to ever bring me to a gym," said Griffin."He was in the office when I got my offer from (head) coach (Kyle) Flood, and he was there before the whole recruiting process transpired. But as a father figure and as a man, and someone that I look up to and idolize, I couldn't ask for a better father."

Hence, Griffin altered his last name in honor of the man who has been there for him when his biological father was not.

"It's only right that when he's sitting at a game wearing my jersey, his name should be on it because of what he's done," said Griffin.

Kyle Flood, Griffin's collegiate coach, gave his blessing to have the name on his jerseys updated to reflect the recent change.

"The conversation literally took seconds," said Griffin, whose gear will now reflect the last name Griffin-Stewart. "I just contacted him and said, 'My stepfather means the world to me and I'd feel incomplete if I didn't add his last name to my jersey as an honor.'

"Coach Flood always preaches that family atmosphere in the program and he put it on full display without hesitation. He let me make this change and supported it 100 percent, after making sure my mom approved."

Griffin-Stewart composed a letter to his stepfather, who was, until now, unaware of this tribute:

A three-star prospect, according to the 247Sports composite, Griffin-Stewart signed with Rutgers in February over offers from UConn and Louisville.

In 2014, as a senior at Tenafly (N.J.), he earned first-team All-Group 3 defensive honors after accumulating 62 tackles, 15 for loss, seven sacks, five pass deflections, four forced fumbles and a safety.

Offensively, he generated 509 receiving yards on 52 catches, had 11 pancake blocks and three total TDs.

Griffin-Stewart played multiple positions in high school, including wide receiver, slot receiver, tight end, safety, outside linebacker and defensive end. But he'll be a full-time tight end at Rutgers.

He'll officially enroll on the banks Sunday, June 21, where his collegiate journey will begin — in large part due to the heart of Rotell Stewart.

Todderick Hunt may be reached at thunt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TodderickHunt. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.