The Illinois Fighting Illini's star defensive back shared a moment with his mother posted to social media on Wednesday.
Illinois football is bringing back one of the best defensive back duos in the nation in Matthew Bailey and Xavier Scott, the latter of whom has gained all-Big Ten consideration.
The Fighting Illini's vaunted duo has also taken it upon themselves to mentor a young and hungry group of emerging players in the defensive backfield while keeping their eyes on the prize: another winning season and a run at a potential College Football Playoff berth.
Bailey's story is an inspiring one for overlooked high school football players as he barely garnered any attention from Division-I college football programs during his prep days.
On Wednesday, Bailey's ascent to a prime position on the Illinois football team was spotlighted by coach Bret Bielema and Illinois' X page, during which he was given an opportunity to break exciting news to his mother.
Nov 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (7) holds the Land of Lincoln trophy after a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Bielema Recalls First Meeting With Bailey
Bailey sat across a table from coach Bielema and was given an opportunity to call his mother Michelle to let her know that he had been selected as one of six Fighting Illini captains for the 2026 season.
Bielema detailed the long, challenging journey Bailey has gone on to earn his position on the team.
"Very exciting day at fall camp, we finished practice number twelve, gonna go in and address the team now, but a special moment when we announce the captains for 2026, we got six guys that represent us in a great way," Bielema said.
"It's a special journey for a lot of them, but especially Matt Bailey right over there at that table, five years ago I met with him and his mom for the first time after a day at camp and unfortunately told him we didn't have a scholarship at that time, but went back and evaluated his senior year and that journey and made him who he is today and now he's one of the best players in college football," Bielema added.
Bailey was eventually brought on board and soon became one of the Fighting Illini's best defensive players.
"Happy Tears:" Bailey Shares Big News With Mom
Bielema caught Michelle Westerdale, Bailey's mother, on Face Time while she was busy mowing the lawn.
"You are probably saying why is coach calling me on Face Time," Bielema said to Westerdale.
He explained to her that he remembered the time he sat down at the table with her and her son.
"Obviously, where we sit right now is kinda crazy," Bielema said.
"What up, mama?" Bailey asked Westerdale.
"I'm about to cry," his mother replied, sensing the big news ahead.
"I don't know what's coming but I'm about to cry."
Bailey then shared the news.
"Yeah, so last night we had voted for captains, and they had selected me as one of 'em," Bailey said.
"Let's go!" Westerdale replied. "Congratulations, sweet heart!"
"Yeah, it's a crazy moment. I'm glad to be able to share it to you. I think it's been, like a long time coming, like our journey and the experiences we've had, and being able to share it with you is super awesome," Bailey added.
"I'm excited for you, these are happy tears, for sure," Westerdale said to her son.
Bielema had one last quip for Bailey's mother before the Face Time call came to an end.
"Michelle I know what I'm paying this guy in money, I think he could pay for somebody to do your lawn, just for the record, you know what I mean?" Bielema added which drew laughter from the mother-son duo.
Illinois' season opener is Sept. 3 at home against the UAB Blazers where Bailey and his teammates will have a chance to show how far they've come this offseason.
