Image Source: Getty / Meg Oliphant
Van Jefferson had one hell of a night. On Feb. 13, the Los Angeles Rams wide receiver became a Super Bowl champion and a father of two. About halfway through the third quarter of the game, NFL reporter Bridget Condon tweeted that she thought she saw Jefferson’s wife “leaving the stadium on a stretcher about to have their baby,” and indeed, she was right. Jefferson’s wife, Samaria, went into labor right as things were heating up and gave birth to their baby boy just two hours after the game. Jefferson shared a photo with his newborn son on his Instagram Stories later that night, writing, “X2!!!!!” It’s unknown what they named their son, but we’re thinking “Champ” and “Win” are some viable options.
“I will be 40 weeks pregnant at the Super Bowl, supporting my husband 100 percent.”
Samaria has never missed one of her husband’s home games, and she definitely was not missing the Super Bowl. “Just like any other game, I’m going to be there this Sunday and I’m going to stay calm . . . and pray to God my water doesn’t break,” she said in an interview with The Athletic prior to the game. “I am 100 percent going to be there. I would not miss this moment for anything. I will be 40 weeks pregnant at the Super Bowl, supporting my husband 100 percent.” She was due to give birth on Feb. 17, but their baby boy wanted to make sure he didn’t miss the end of the exciting game!
Most players are required to stay for press interviews and celebratory photos after the Vince Lombardi trophy ceremony and the MVP of the game is named, but once Jefferson found out his wife was in labor, he was out of there and immediately on his way to the hospital with his daughter and father in tow. Jefferson’s father, Shawn Jefferson, is a former NFL player and the wide receiver coach of the Arizona Cardinals. Jefferson and his wife, who are high school sweethearts, are already parents to 5-year-old daughter Bella. Congratulations to the Jefferson family on the Super Bowl win and the birth of their baby boy!
Image Source: Instagram user van_j12