Tour Willie Parker’s Home in North Carolina

The two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers gave us a tour of his Durham residence and explained why his house is all about motivation for the next phase of his career.

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By: Patricia Staino

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Photo By: Bryan Regan

At Home With Willie Parker

An ESPY Award-winning athlete, retired NFL player Willie Parker is now a coaching intern at Duke University in his home state of North Carolina. He still resides in the first home he ever purchased, nine years ago, and he says it’s the house in which he’ll retire, no matter where his new coaching career takes him.

Inspiring Entryway

Several motivational quotes can be found throughout Willie’s home; a saying by German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe adorns the entryway.

Elegant Foyer

Although shelving in the entryway displays Willie’s football cards, a picture of his niece is prominently displayed along with them, and his UNC diploma is just a glance away.

Living Room

Willie has left the walls throughout his home fairly sparse – so far. “When I have kids it will be different,” he says. “Then I’ll put stuff on my walls – I’m kind of saving the walls for them.”

Motivational Mantel

Willie’s pro achievements, including two Super Bowl trophies and an ESPY award, are proudly on display over the mantel, but it’s Buddha’s statement about living in the present that keeps him grounded and motivated day-to-day.

Kitchen

There’s plenty of room in the kitchen for Willie and his girlfriend, Lauren, to whip up meals.

Kitchen

The home’s kitchen is full of luxurious touches, including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and custom wood cabinets.

Dining Room

The mirror in the dining room is not just a focal point of the room, but its massive frame and floor-to-almost-ceiling reflection catch the eye from Willie’s entryway as well.

Master Bedroom

Even when he’s not sleeping, Willie likes to spend time in the bedroom, particularly sitting by the open windows to read. “The breezes remind me of being near the beach,” he says.

Master Bathroom

Granite countertops and a corner Jacuzzi tub lend a high-end feel to the master bath.

Sneaker Collection

Willie’s master bedroom closet puts even die-hard fashionistas to shame, with row upon row of pristine sneakers, including his many pairs of beloved (and unworn) Michael Jordans.

Game Room

The bottom floor of the house is Willie’s man cave, complete with a bar area, hockey table, mementos and photos from his football days, his home gym, a theater room, and the favorite hangout spot for his nieces and nephew: the ping pong table.

Career Keepsakes

Willie proudly displays mementoes from his football career in his man cave, as well as his college diploma in his office. “I guess you could say it motivates me,” he says. “When I look around, I see how far I’ve come and how far I want to go in life. I want to go so much further; I don’t want to just live off my achievements up to this point.”

Home Theater

Willie’s theater room walls are lined with posters of his favorite movies, including Scarface, Menace II Society and Gladiator. The room is stocked with DVDs (mostly comedies) and a popcorn machine, although he admits he often stays upstairs on the couch to watch movies on TV.

Pool and Landscaping

Willie designed the pool area and landscaping in the backyard, and although he’s too busy to spend a lot of time floating in the pool, he does like to have pool parties for his neighbors.

Tour Willie Parker’s Home in North Carolina

Shop This Look

At Home With Willie Parker

Inspiring Entryway

Elegant Foyer

Living Room

Motivational Mantel

Kitchen

Kitchen

Dining Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bathroom

Sneaker Collection

Game Room

Career Keepsakes

Home Theater

Pool and Landscaping

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