Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter has quickly become a name to watch, as he won the starting QB role in Colorado over Ryan Staub and Julian Lewis. But behind every big play is the steady support of his parents, Kenneth and Mistee Salter.
Born on April 4, 2003, in Cedar Hill, Texas, Kaidon grew up in a home where discipline, faith, and determination were everyday values. His mom and dad have been right there in the stands through it all for him and his brother, Kylan Salter, who plays linebacker at CU.
For instance, they actively supported Kaidon at the 2021 Texas UIL Class 6A Division II state championship game at AT&T Stadium. Mistee often shares throwback photos online, showing just how invested the Salters are in their son’s journey.
Who Are Kaidon Salter’s Parents?
Kaidon Salter’s parents, Kenneth and Mistee Salter, are the foundation of his journey both on and off the field. The couple lives in Dallas, Texas, where Mistee proudly works in education.
As she introduced herself, “I’m Mistee, and I’m a teacher here at Cidar Hill High School,” said Salter’s mom on Thee Pregame Network one month ago. On the other side, Kenneth supports the family as a truck driver, a career that reflects his hardworking nature.
Their love story began when they met at DeSoto High. Kenneth, then a standout for the Eagles football team, caught Mistee’s heart. She stood by him through every game night, and eventually, the high school sweethearts married.
Kenneth, who once played football himself, was the first to teach Kaidon the sport’s fundamentals, while Mistee ensured balance in his upbringing.
The family’s bond is often expressed with affection. Mistee fondly recalls, “Big Honey is our honeymoon baby.” She laughs while adding, “Big Honey. He’s a gentle giant, though. He was my sweetest… he full of muscles but he so sweet.” As one of five children, “We have five, and Kaidon is the fourth, but he’s the baby boy out of all of them,” says Mistee.
Their unity was tested when Kenneth contracted COVID-19 during Kaidon’s move to Tennessee. Through hardship, Mistee’s strength and the family’s faith kept Kaidon grounded, reinforcing the values that continue to shape him today.
How Kaidon Salter’s Mom Built His Discipline
Every athlete has a story about discipline shaping their path, and for Colorado QB Kaidon Salter, that story begins at home with his mom, Mistee Salter.
While his dad, Kenneth, taught him the fundamentals of football, Mistee was the one who instilled the discipline that would eventually mold him into a college quarterback.
Growing up in Cedar Hill, Kaidon was spirited, sometimes to the point of being difficult in school. His mom recalls those days vividly. “Kaidon was our most challenging kid behavior-wise,” says Mistee.
The challenges weren’t small either. “He was the one I always had to come up to the school to and put my hands on them,” recalls Salter’s mom. But traditional punishments didn’t work. “But whoopings wasn’t working,” recalls Mistee.
Faced with the need for change, Mistee introduced a new strategy. “The key to breakthrough was making him do push-ups, making him do sit-ups,” she adds.
That shift worked wonders. Soon, pushups and sit-ups became more than punishment. In fact, they were the foundation of Kaidon’s passion for fitness. “Kaidon loves to work out. He loves to eat when it comes to that.”
Today, that discipline not only keeps him in peak condition but also reflects the values his parents instilled, closing the loop on his remarkable journey.
With Kenneth teaching him toughness, Mistee guiding him with discipline, and both parents showing unwavering support, Kaidon grew into the athlete and young man he is today. As such, without Kenneth and Mistee Salter, there would be no Kaidon Salter as fans know him, making his family the true backbone of his success.
Also Read: Kaidon Salter Speaks Up On How He Is Mentoring Julian Lewis Become a Better QB