Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson and his wife Samaria Jefferson went viral after the Super Bowl Sunday arrival of their son, Champ, in 2022.
“I’m so proud of her. That was the ultimate best day of my life. I don’t know how I can top that,” Van told PEOPLE following Champ’s birth.
Just like the surprise arrival of their son, Van and Samaria’s love story has been full of twists and turns. After giving birth to their daughter Bella when they were in high school, the pair broke up. However, the couple reconnected years later and tied the knot in 2020.
In April 2023, Van and Samaria welcomed their third child, a baby boy named Elijah.
Who is Van Jefferson’s wife? Here’s everything to know about Samaria Jefferson.
She gave birth during the Super Bowl
On Feb. 13, 2022, Samaria made headlines when she went into labor while her husband played in the Super Bowl. “I did not want to miss the game for anything,” she told PEOPLE. She remained at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, until her contractions were two minutes apart and was then taken to a local hospital in an ambulance.
From there, she took an Uber to a birthing center, where her water broke.
“I started bawling. I was like, ‘I don’t want to do this without Van,’ ” she said.
After the Rams won, Van found out that his wife was in labor. He arrived at the birthing center about 30 minutes after the birth of his son, having watched it unfold on FaceTime.
“To have a baby on Super Bowl day … and win the Super Bowl too is a blessing,” Van said. “It’s been two wins so we’re excited.”
In February 2023, Samaria and Van celebrated Champ’s first birthday with a Los Angeles Rams-themed party.
“One year ago, today, you entered the world in the most epic way and our lives have changed for the better ever since,” Samaria wrote on Instagram. “Getting to love you & being your mama is one of the greatest gifts & honors. I love you, son.”