Rihanna will headline the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show, thanks to “superpowers” she gets from being a mom
When Rihanna takes the stage at the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show, we can all take a moment to appreciate the ways that being a mom helped get her there. In a new interview, RiRi opened up about how motherhood helped inspire her to say yes to doing the show, and how she feels like being a mom empowers her to do things she’s never done before.
Speaking with Extra reporter Terri Seymour, Rihanna explained how motherhood made her “feel like you can take on or you could do anything.”
“I feel like it was now or never, really,” Rihanna explained. “There’s this weird sh*t that happens when you become a mom — that you just unleash or unlock other parts of your superpower.”
She continued, “I wanted to take on the challenge and I wanted to do something that would force me to get back onstage.”
Rihanna became a mom last spring, when she and her partner, A$AP Rocky, welcomed a baby boy on May 13. While she’s kept details about her little one private, it sounds like motherhood has been a joy for RiRi.
“It is crazy. It is amazing. It’s wild. It’s weird. It’s all of those things, all at once,” she explained in her Extra interview. “The best feeling, the best. The most love I’ve ever known. I can’t describe it. It’s new. It’s fascinating. Every step, every facial expression, every new milestone. I love it.”
She also opened up about how much she’s changed since becoming a mom.
“I’m patient now,” she said. “I thought I was getting better at patience, but this will sit you down. You are forced to be patient as a mom, as a parent, just in general.”
In addition to being the upcoming Super Bowl headliner, Rihanna (who is also the youngest woman self-made billionaire in the U.S.) is gearing up to debut her Savage x Fenty Vol. 4 show, which will stream on Amazon Prime starting Nov. 9. The highly anticipated fashion show will feature some of the top models in the world, including Cara Delevigne and Precious Lee, as well as actors Taraji P. Henson and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
This genius Halloween costume hack can go in so many directions
Elaborate costumes aren’t always comfortable for the tiniest of tots, so choosing a baby costume for Halloween that is no-fuss yet still adorable is the way to go. Get inspired by these adorable infant costumes that center around what your newborn is happiest wearing—a onesie! From a precious Poké Ball to a little loofah, these simple do-it-yourself costumes will have your baby Halloween-ready in no time.
Pokemon Poké Ball
Say Yes
If your baby’s got a big brother or sister who’s obsessed with Pokemon, this Poké Ball idea from Say Yes can be a great sibling costume—all you need is a red long-sleeved onesie, white pants, and some black-and-silver felt to fashion a belt. Make an easy Ash Ketchum look for your big (there’s a great one at kidsactivities.com) and let them tote their little Poké Ball around the neighborhood to help catch ’em all!
Your baby is magic and so is this witty costume idea from And We Play. Start with a black onesie. Get the template designs for the “8” and the answer “outlook not good” here and strategically place the answer over the diaper area on your baby’s back. It’s, easy, comfy, and clever all in one!
A black onesie gets transformed into a wetsuit in this easy-to-assemble scuba diver baby costume. Bonus: the accessories like swim goggles, a water or soda bottle, and a pacifier are all things you probably have on hand.
Pull off this sweet strawberry costume in no time. All you need is a long-sleeved red onesie, green hat, and felt. If you’re itching for an even craftier challenge, check out these slightly more complex (but still onesie-based) costumes by Morgan at Charleston Craft.
Bath time is the best time! With just tulle, rope, and a needle and thread, Home of the Harvey’s shows how to make a baby loofah costume in less than an hour while only spending $8. Be sure to size up the onesie for this easy DIY.
Lifeguard Baby Halloween Costume
Our friends at Primary, who make our favorite baby bodysuits, have shared a bunch of clever costume ideas and simple instructions on how to make them. We love this cute lifeguard baby costume (pictured above)—and its quick, no-sew directions. Here are some of our other faves:
Here’s a poppin’ fresh idea the whole neighborhood will love. All you need for this DIY Pillsbury doughboy costume is a long-sleeved white onesie, white pants, and a chef’s hat. Then, use any piece of white fabric to make a simple scarf, print the Pillsbury logo, and glue it onto your little one’s hat. Baking skills not included!
Complete this adorable baby costume in no time with a red premium Onesie bodysuit, white peel-and-stick felt, stick-on letters, a green ribbon, and fabric glue. Looking for another costume for a sibling or friend? Relish the spirit of Halloween with a coordinating costume using a green onesie to make everyone’s favorite pickled condiment.
This darling deer costume keeps your little fawn comfy and your workload light. Whether you choose to DIY your antlers or make it extra easy and purchase a headband from Little Bug’s Pretties via Etsy, this Halloween inspo from El Paso blogger Jeannie is hard to resist.
In a chilly climate, you’ll appreciate the hat on this easy-to-identify baby Halloween costume. All you’ll need is a red-and-white-striped onesie (or cover a white onesie with red felt strips) and red-and-white fleece for the hat. Add jeans and round glasses (if you can’t find any, search for Harry Potter glasses at online retailers), and you’re all set. Make It & Love It has the tutorial.
Pac-Man Baby Halloween Costume
Calling all gamers! Start with a black onesie and glue on cut-out felt pieces of Pac-Man and dots (or order the perfect patches from JohnShopHj on Etsy!). In more of an add-to-cart mood? Pick up this cute onesie from SunshineDriveShop for a mommy-and-me costume where baby is the ghost to your Pac.
Jennifer Lopez recently performed with her “favorite duet partner,” her 14-year-old child Emme. While the performance was perfection, it was the way she introduced Emme that caught everyone’s attention.
The pair sang at the Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala, which raises money for education, health care, and homelessness. Lopez introduced Emme using they/them pronouns, and Emme greeted their mom onstage ready to sing with a rainbow-decorated microphone.
“The last time we performed together was in a big stadium like this and I ask them to sing with me all the time, and they won’t,” said Lopez. “So this is a very special occasion. They are very, very busy. Booked. And pricey. They cost me when they come out. But they’re worth every single penny because they’re my favorite duet partner of all time. So if you will indulge me.” The two then sang Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” together.
— Camila Naiara ✨TIMN (@CamilaNaiara18) June 17, 2022
In another clip, Emme sings Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” with their mom, giving fans a solo of the famous hit “Let’s Get Loud” in the middle, which was greeted with shouts and cheers.
This isn’t their first performance together, as Lopez noted. Emme performed with their mom at the 2020 Super Bowl Halftime Show, the subject of the recent documentary Halftime.
In 2020, Lopez introduced fans to her “nibling” Brendon Scholl, a gender-neutral term for niece or nephew. She also released a short film titled Draw With Me, featuring Scholl, the child of her sister Leslie, who came out as transgender. “It’s about accepting change and challenges with love and knowing that whenever we do, anything is possible,” Lopez said of the film. “It’s a story that’s very close to my heart because it was a family affair.”
“I shouldn’t have to be scared to tell people who I am,” Brendon said during the film. “If they don’t like me because I’m trans, it’s their loss.”
The sweet duet between Emme and mom was made even sweeter given Lopez allowed the moment to be about Emme and to introduce them to the world using their preferred pronouns. At the end of their song, Lopez beamed, telling the audience, “Give it up for my baby.”
If your kids have heard of Babe Ruth but aren’t sure if it’s a kind of candy, don’t worry! We know kids love fun facts, and from facts about Wilma Rudolph to the actual diameter of a basketball hoop, we’ve rounded up some fun sports trivia for kids.
Wikimedia Commons
1. In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single NBA basketball game. No one has broken this record (not even Steph Curry!).
2. Babe Ruth began his career as a pitcher: Ruth was both a left-handed pitcher and left-handed batter.
3. The record for the long jump is held by Mike Powell: 29 ft. + 4 inches. That’s like jumping the length of two minivans!
4. The most medals won for Olympic basketball (male or female) are both held by women: Teresa Edwards and Lisa Leslie with four gold medals each.
5. Here's some amazing sports trivia for kids: Wilma Rudolph (who set the world record in 1960 for 100, 200 and 4x100-meter relay) had polio, scarlet fever and pneumonia as a child, leading doctors to believe she’d never walk again.
11. Golf is one of only two sports every played on the moon. In 1971, Alan Shepard hit a ball with a six-iron while on the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission. The other sport was a javelin toss, during the same visit.
They say a mother’s work is never done and for actress Stephanie Beatriz, it couldn’t be more true. The voice of Encanto‘s Mirabel Madrigal character recently revealed that she took her role to the next level.
The popular “Waiting on a Miracle” song was recorded during an actual miracle (in our opinion) as Beatriz was in labor! She shared with Variety that “I didn’t want to tell anybody at Disney because I didn’t want anyone to freak out, but I was already having some contractions when we were scheduled to record that day. I was like ‘Well, fingers crossed I finish the song before [the baby] comes!’”
Luckily she finished the song just in time, as her first child was welcomed into the world the next day. It seems her passion for the role paid off, as Beatriz was recently awarded the Hollywood Critics Association Film Awards Award for Best Animated or VFX Performance.
Despite being secretive about her contractions, director Byron Howard knew it was a ticking clock as they worked to wrap the movie before Beatriz’s baby came. “We knew she was very, very, very, very ready to have that baby. But she did not tell us she was almost, almost ready,” he told Variety.
Encanto has continued to wow viewers and has already won awards that include the BAFTA award for Best Animated Feature Film, Golden Globe award for Best Motion Picture, the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Animated Motion Picture and many more. It’s also been nominated for honors for the Academy Awards and Art Directors Guild.
Beatriz joins the ranks of other women who have recently gotten work done while navigating labor pains.
If you recall, LA Rams player Van Jefferson’s wife Samaria recently attended the Super Bowl while experiencing contractions. She held out until half time, at which time she was wheeled out and headed to the hospital to have her second child by the time the game ended.
Hey, sometimes going into labor just doesn’t fit into our schedule.
Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson was pretty busy last week. In addition to winning the Super Bowl, he also welcomed his second child into the world: on the same night!
Jefferson and his wife Samaria knew that picking a name for their new baby boy was going to be a big task, as they shared in an interview on TODAY. At the time, Samaria shared that Van walked into the hospital room saying “I have a great idea for a name: Wynn Jefferson…We’re torn between Wynn and Miles Jefferson.”
But that was back on Feb. 16, just three days after Samaria left the Super Bowl at half time to head to the hospital, and the couple continued to mull over names before finally finding the perfect one. A few days later, Van told People that the winning moniker would be Champ Jefferson.
“It’s very fitting. That’s very fitting for the type of situation we just had…Champ has a meaning of warrior, and I’m all about having meaning [in] a name, so I think that’s a perfect fitting for him,” he tells People.
The Jefferson’s are continuing to settle in as a family of four, especially big sister, Bella. Samaria shares, “She loves it. She was talking about her baby brother for days leading up. ‘When is he going to be here?’ ‘When is he going to be here?’ She absolutely loves him.”
Support the NYC-area Black community by spending at local Black-owned businesses—this month and every month. Need some suggestions? Check out our favorites serving NYC kids and families, with food, drink, fashion, decor, dessert and so much more. (Then head here to see Black-owned businesses for families nationwide!)
Fun & Gear for Kids
Lavender Blues
Lavender Blues
Alex Branson, AKA Lady B. AKA Miss Alex is the musical force behind Lavender Blues. She conducts fun grownup & me classes featuring original music throughout Brooklyn, from Brooklyn Heights to Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy, Kensington, Crown Heights and beyond. She’s doing virtual classes during COVID-19, which you can check out here. Her studio in Bedford Stuyvesant, which opened in February 2020, is also home to a thrift store with daily giveaways, book swaps and upcycled clothing featuring hand-embroidered Lavender Blues logos.
Founded by one of our NYC Power Moms, Kim Magloire, SciTech Kids does classes, camps, after-school, birthday parties and more. (And yes, they're offering virtual camp this summer.) The Upper East Side business gets kids ages three to 15 involved in science of all kinds with hands-on, interactive experiments and activities. A sampling of subjects explored include coding, engineering, architecture and physics.
215 E. 81st St. Upper East Side 212-804-7055 Online: scitechkids.com
Include a visit from a special guest for your child's next birthday party. Take your pick from a roster of characters inspired by big Disney names, or opt for "Unicorn Princess", "Warrior Princess" (very badass looking), Barbie, a life-size LOL, JoJo Siwa and others. A Princess like me is doing personalized video messages during COVID-19—10 minutes for just $25!
Founded in 2003 by Kisha Edwards-Gandsy and Keyanna Murrill, the World Explorers Group provides numerous ways to educate and entertain your kids. Services and programs include preschool, summer camp (offered in-person and virtually this year), drop-off childcare, after school programming and birthday parties. Find them at their HQ in Fort Greene, two Downtown Brooklyn annexes and a location in Crown Heights.
36 Felix St. 855-687-6923 Fort Greene Online: explorerkids.us
Cozy n Cute Kids Boutique
Cozy n Cute Kids Boutique
The kids clothes at the Cozy N Cute Kids Boutique are cute, comfortable and always on trend. You'll find cool sayings, sweet ruffles and fun prints you and your child will love. This online kids clothing store was founded by Priscilla Wesson, a Black mom with two daughters from Long Island, NY. She launched her online shop in June 2020 and focuses on practical everyday styles for young kids, with affordable prices, great deals and top-notch customer service.
Known as "The Dogfather of Harlem" Brian Taylor owns and operates Harlem Doggie Day Spa, a one-stop shop for all your grooming, doggie daycare, walking and boarding needs. When the pandemic forced Taylor to temporarily shutter his shop, he took his skills on the road with a mobile spa that came to his customers. He then embarked (ha) on a cross-country "Pandemic Pup Relief Tour,” to offer pet grooming services to people affected by Covid-19, powered by an army of volunteers from the Black Groomers Association.
BCakeNY counts A-list celebs among its clientele (see: CardiB, Rihanna and Vera Wang), but they'll make one for you, too! Founder and Creative Director Miriam Milord and CEO Dara Roach are the duo behind this Prospect Heights, Brooklyn bakery that creates confections big and small. Check out the shop's special Black History Month treats (cupcakes, cake jars, cakes and mini cakes) spotlighting Black History luminaries. Gift boxes come with a complimentary booklet written by historian Janus Adams, profiling the lives and legacies of the 12 extraordinary figures featured. P.S. They ship natonwide!
702 Washington Ave. Prospect Heights 347-787-7199 Online: bcakeny.com
Another ice cream spot, this one uptown, Sugar Hill Creamery is another one of our favorite places for a cone or dish. Owned by local parents Nick Larsen and Petrushka Bazin Larsen, the store serves up small-batch ice cream made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients in both classic flavors the kids love (vanilla is "Andy Griffith"—get it?), and more adventurous ones for adults, like Pon de Replay, the Rhianna-inspired vegan ice cream made with coconut, tamarind and passionfruit. Sugar Hill also hosts a mom's meetup group, which you can sign up for here.
We’ve long been a fan of Lower East Side native Mikey Cole’s pop culture-inspired artisanal, organic ice cream and his fun storefront decked out with images of pop icons. Flavors at the downtown store include “Pink Floyd”, “The Brady Bunch”, “Ice Ice Mikey” and “Foxy Brown.” (The Foxy Brown Milkshake was cited as a way to make someone fall in love with NYC on a recent episode of Gossip Girl.) Cole started his business selling ice cream out of a pushcart, and now also offers vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free varieties. The shop is delivering to Manhattan and big fans can scoop up Mikey Likes It merch like hats, collaboration hoodies and more.
Started as a home-business more than two decades ago, Make My Cake has gained legions of fans with its confections. The heart of the business is the family recipes of Josephine “Ma” Smith, said to combine the baking traditions of Mississippi and Alabama with Harlem soul. Must-haves here include the red velvet cake, German chocolate cake, sweet potato cheesecake and strawberry cupcakes. Need a cake delivered? Call 212-932-0833.
2380 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. 212-234-2344 Harlem Online: makemycake.com
Don’t let the name fool you: this bakery (which also sells cakes, muffins and other sweet treats) consistently tops lists of where to get the best pie in the city. Founded by classically-trained Broadway actor Arnold Wilkerson in 1985, this shop has a pie no matter the season, from apple and pumpkin in the fall and winter, to key lime, peach and cherry in the spring and summer. (And lots, lots more.) You can share these delectable treats with anyone, thanks to next-day shipping. (And yes, you can also get little pies here, as pictured above.)
Brothers Muhammed and Rahim Diallo have been sharing West African food and drink with New Yorkers since 2015 with slogan, "Born in Africa, Made in New York." Their company takes its name from a ginger-based drink, popular in the duo's native Guinea, made with vanilla, anise and pineapple. They opened Ginjan Cafe in Harlem right before the pandemic hit, but they weathered the setback, and are even in the process of establishing a second location in Bedford Stuyvesant. (Look for that shop to open some time in March.) Stop in for the eponymous drink, cold-pressed juices, crepes, coffee, tea, and bites from local chefs in the big and welcoming space uptown. Learn even more about their story in this feature on Humans of New York.
Harlem Hops is Manhattan's first, 100 % African-American-owned NYC local craft beer bar. Founded by three HBCU grads, this welcoming spot serves a rotating, highly-curated menu of local, often rare, small-batch beers from the region and beyond, in addition to wine, spirits and "bites"—like its impressive giant pretzel. Like to enjoy your brew at home? Beer can be taken to go in a size as large as a 32 ounce "crowler."
2268 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. Harlem 646-998-3444 Online: harlemhops.com
It's a family affair at Harlem's Seasoned Vegan. Mother and son Brenda and Aaron Beener promise to serve up your favorite food, "veganized." Gourmet vegan soul food dishes include mac and cheese, fried "crawfish" po boy, "chicken" nuggets, stuffed avocados and even rich desserts like red velvet cupcakes. But the duo draws from many culinary traditions as well, creating vegan Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean and American dishes with a home-cooked, soulful twist.
The Central Brooklyn Food Coop is a Black-led 100% working member-owned and –operated food store with membership open to all. The organization's mission is to utilize its collective strength to ensure access to affordable and fresh food while centering the Black, low-to-moderate-income communities of Central Brooklyn. The co-op works to make it easy and affordable to buy good food, while strengthening ties between neighbors in the communities of Bedford-Stuyvesant, North Crown Heights and the surrounding low- and moderate-income neighborhoods of color.
This cozy Bed-stuy shop and cafe owned by tea experts Alfonso Wright and Jamila McGill offers tea on the go (in a cup or a bag for your at-home stash) or in store, where you’re encouraged to slow down and enjoy the sensory experience that is tea. They got it all here: green, herbal, black, oolong, matcha, etc. While the kids may not be up for an Earl Grey, they will probably enjoy a vegan waffle with fruit or chocolate toppings, or a Biggie Smalls cookie. Need a gift for a tea lover? Brooklyn Tea is stocked with gear and gadgets every tea geek will love.
Cafe Con Libros is an intersectional Feminist community bookstore and coffee shop, serving up coffee, tea, books and community. (And pastries from Bien Cuit, FYI.) In addition to a cozy storefront in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, the shop curates monthly book subscriptions in categories including Womxn of Color, Feminist, Romance, Young Adults for ages 12-18yrs, Budding Feminist Children's Books for ages 5-9yrs, Baby Feminist Board Books for ages 0-5yrs. Looking for a baby shower gift? Try the Baby Feminist Social Justice Primer!
Owner Noëlle Santos famously opened this Mott Haven bookstore/coffee shop/wine bar after the Bronx’s last remaining bookstore, a Barnes & Noble, closed. The Lit Bar now holds that honor (as well as a lot more indie appeal and character). Find shelves of books for kids of all kinds, a curated collection of reads for adults, as well as gift items and programming. Need some timely recs? Try the “Dear White People” reading list or the 2020 Survival Kit list. And yes, you can also enjoy your libation of choice here.
131 Alexander Ave. Mott Haven 347-955-3610 Online: www.thelitbar.com
Sister's Uptown Bookstore is presently the oldest black and family-owned bookstore and community cultural center in Washington Heights/Harlem. The store is dedicated to nourishing the minds, hearts and souls of the community with present and past works of gifted African-American, Latinx, and other great authors and intellectuals.
1942 Amsterdam Ave. Washington Heights 212-862-3680 Online: experienceonekin.co
Shopping & Self-Care
Flatbush Central
Urbane
This Caribbean marketplace (formerly known as Flatbush Caton Market), has been part of the fabric of Brooklyn's Flatbush for more than 20 years. Renamed and revitalized, the community hub is home to numerous Black vendors selling a variety of goods, including Haitian decor, spices, tea leaves; flagwear and accessories from all Caribbean nations and others worldwide; luxurious, natural handcrafted soaps and body care products, and handmade children’s clothing, accessories, toys and books.
In addition to shopping, Flatbush Central also includes a Caribbean-themed food hall, a shared commercial kitchen, bar, and lounge, and new programming to increase community bonds and celebrate the cultures of Flatbush and Central Brooklyn. (Look for a big re-opening celebration in spring 2022.)
Bed-Stuy's Make Manifest BK is a community space, creative hub and shop featuring local and independent brands with a focus on sustainability. Workshops for kids and adults include sewing, crocheting and knitting and crafting, and you can also drop by for evening events like "Sip & Sews", slow jam karaoke and spiritual wellness gatherings.
Felicia Eve owns this charming Park Slope yarn store and event space, which is stocked with drool-worthy raw materials for knitting, crocheting and weaving. The studio has hosted after school classes and open knitting nights, and offers private lessons as well. Need an al fresco spot for your small gathering? There’s a lovely garden area in back you can rent out for your event.
Founded by Staten Island resident Raquel Roxanne Nowak, Matresence takes its name from the word meaning "the process of becoming a women." The skincare line is designed for the many stages of motherhood, from trying to conceive and pregnancy to nursing and being a busy parent. The company offers products for regular self-care, assorted issues (stretch marks, hormonal acne, etc.) as well as pre-bundled gift sets to keep moms of all kinds restored and glowing!
The Rock may be as buff as a boulder but his heart is absolutely melting in a new Instagram post.
After an exhilarating WWE-style opener to the Super Bowl, Dwayne Johnson spent Monday (aka Valentine’s Day) with his favorite girls sharing the love at home. Daughters Jazzy and Tia shared sweet Valentines with all the things they love about their dad, with a few extra special comments that took Johnson’s breath away.
Amid the many things they love, like that he “Lifts things with his muscles,” “Gives me frozen bananas 🍌😂” and “Plays toys with me,” the girls also love that he is a friend. Johnson shared a series of photos that include the sweet gifts that include a wooden heart with handprints and a tree with all their “loves.”
“I never really had that feeling growing up with my old man. He loved his kids and we loved him. He raised me with tough love and very tough discipline ~ but I never considered him a friend…So being a friend is a new one for me – I love it – and makes me realize I’m giving my children some pretty strong anchors. Love, discipline, kindness.. and friendship.”
The Rock/ Instagram
Ok can someone pass the tissues already?
Johnson finished by sharing “A day will come when these little tornadoes will no longer be running in my office giving me stuff like this, so I’ll cherish these moments while I can get ‘em. And when they grow up ~ I hope they still consider their father, their friend 😊🙏🏾”
It took 16 years for L.A. Rams captain, Andrew Whitworth, to get this first Super Bowl ring and nothing was going to stop him from celebrating. While his family lovingly commemorated with him on the field after the game, a viral picture of Whitworth’s youngest daughter during the game has people laughing.
Katherine, the fourth and youngest child in the family, was spotted on television reading a book whilst the most important football game of the year was taking place right in front of her. Donning her daddy’s number 77 jersey, she’s unabashedly embracing her reading material––and we applaud you, young lady.
When your dad is the NFL Man of the Year, you know he won’t mind you catching up on your book because he knows you’re just being your authentic self.
Whitworth shared his reaction to the photo on TODAY, telling Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, “She’s the fourth one and, you know, the hardest one. That’s her. She’s so cool. She’s just her in every moment, and that’s what makes her special. You know what? It’s that fourth one that’s just the strongest, the toughest and who-she-is the most, out of all of them.”
Many congrats to Whitworth and his great achievements this past week. We just have one final question: what book was Katherine devouring and can we get a copy?
Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson might have caught four passes for 23 yards in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory last night, but his biggest play was off the field—immediately after the game—when he rushed to be with his wife during the delivery of their second child.
After going into labor mid-game, wife Samaria at 40 weeks pregnant was carried out of the stadium on a stretcher. But if we know anything about the will of a woman going into labor, it’s that you don’t mess around with her wishes. And the universe—somehow—kept the news from reaching Jefferson on the field.
I'm pretty sure I just saw Van Jefferson's wife leaving the stadium on a stretcher about to have their baby. Talk about dedication.
“He is going to play. He is going to keep playing,” said Samaria prior to the game, via The Athletic. “I said, ‘You play, I’ll see you at the hospital afterwards.’ That’s what it is. I will never take that moment away from him. I want to see him glorify God on the field that day. … Knowing Van and how he is so caring, he just worries so much about me and the kids. … If I did tell him or someone told him during the game, he would come off that field. We’re saying, ‘Hey, you go play. We’ll see you after.'”
When. the game ended and the celebration on the field began, Jefferson passed on the confetti and headed straight to the hospital with his 5-year-old daughter Bella, and his dad. He may be a receiver, but he definitely logged some rushing yardage last night, too. “It was a great day, bro,” he said on Instagram Live. “I got three prizes today – my wife, my son and the Super Bowl.”
And while this is certainly a Super Bowl story, it’s also the best Valentines Day one we’ve heard today, as well. Samaria and Van were high school sweethearts. He recently shared photos from high school on his Instagram account, along with a picture together with his wife. “Thankful I’ve been able to share these moments with you since high school! ❤️” It’s fair to say they’ve added another memorable one to their scrapbook.
