Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson is a proud father of four children who keep him motivated both on and off the field. His family has captured hearts across the NFL community, particularly after his son Champ was born on Super Bowl Sunday 2022. Van shares three children with his wife, Samaria Jefferson, and has an older son from a previous relationship, creating a blended family that serves as his biggest source of inspiration.

Van’s 4 Kids

Van Jefferson is the father of four children spanning different ages and stages of life. His oldest child is daughter Bella, born in 2016 when Van and Samaria were still in high school. His son Vanchi was born in 2018 from a previous relationship. The family grew with the arrival of Champ Curtis in February 2022, followed by their youngest son, Elijah, in April 2023.

The Jefferson household is a bustling mix of personalities, with Van often joking about having enough kids for a “starting 5.” Each child brings their own unique energy to the family dynamic. Van has spoken about how his children have helped him mature and find perspective beyond football. The wide receiver takes pride in being present for his kids despite the demanding NFL schedule, often bringing them to games and sharing family moments on social media.

Van’s approach to fatherhood reflects the lessons he learned from his own father, Shawn Jefferson, a former NFL wide receiver and current coach. The children serve as Van’s motivation to excel professionally while ensuring he remains grounded in what truly matters. His wife, Samaria, has praised Van for being an involved father who prioritizes family time whenever possible.

Champ Jefferson

Champ Curtis Jefferson holds the distinction of being the NFL’s most famous “Super Bowl baby” of recent years. Born on February 13, 2022, Champ arrived just hours after Van and the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. The timing of his birth created one of the most memorable moments in Super Bowl history, as Van learned about Samaria going into labor while celebrating on the field.

The name “Champ” was carefully chosen by Van to honor both his son and wife. Van explained that the name means “warrior” and felt it perfectly captured Samaria’s strength during the challenging birth experience. Samaria had attended the Super Bowl despite being in her final weeks of pregnancy, determined not to miss Van’s first championship game. She began experiencing contractions during the second half but refused to tell Van until after the game ended.

Champ’s arrival story became national news, with the NFL documenting the moment Van learned about the labor on the field. The emotional video showed Van immediately shifting from celebration mode to concerned father, telling his other children they needed to rush to the hospital. Van later described winning the Super Bowl and meeting his newborn son as “the ultimate best day of my life,” a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the significance of Champ’s birth timing.

Now over two years old, Champ has become a fixture at Rams games and family events. The family celebrated his first birthday with a Super Bowl-themed party, complete with Rams colors and decorations. Champ’s birth story continues to be a source of pride for the Jefferson family, representing the perfect intersection of Van’s professional success and personal joy.

Bella & Elijah Jefferson

Bella Jefferson, the oldest of Van’s children with Samaria, was born in 2016 when her parents were still teenagers in high school. Her arrival came during a challenging period when Van and Samaria were young and navigating the complexities of parenthood while finishing their education. Bella’s birth ultimately strengthened their bond, though the couple later separated before reuniting years later and marrying in 2020.

Elijah Jefferson is the youngest member of the family, born on April 19, 2023, during a home birth. Weighing 9 pounds, Elijah’s natural delivery at home was a testament to Samaria’s commitment to a peaceful birthing experience. Van proudly shared the news on social media, joking about having enough kids for a basketball starting lineup. Elijah’s arrival completed the Jefferson family of six, bringing joy and new energy to their household dynamic.

Vanchi Jefferson

Vanchi Jefferson, approximately 6 years old, is Van’s son from a previous relationship before he reunited with Samaria. Born around 2018, Vanchi represents an important part of Van’s life journey and demonstrates his commitment to being a present father regardless of relationship status. While details about Vanchi’s mother are kept private, Van has consistently included his son in family activities and public appearances.

The blended family dynamic works smoothly, with Samaria embracing her role as stepmother to Vanchi. Van has spoken about how Vanchi and Bella adapted well to becoming big siblings when Champ arrived, showing maturity and excitement about their expanded family. Van often mentions how being a middle child himself helps him understand the dynamics of having siblings and the importance of ensuring each child feels valued.

Vanchi regularly appears in family photos and attends games with his siblings, though he’s sometimes absent from certain public events as the family respects privacy boundaries regarding his biological mother. Van’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with all his children, regardless of their different mothers, reflects his dedication to fatherhood and family unity.

Van Jefferson’s journey as a father of four showcases his ability to balance professional success with personal responsibility. His children serve as his greatest motivation, providing a perspective that extends far beyond football achievements. From Bella’s early arrival that shaped his young adulthood to Champ’s historic Super Bowl birthday, each child has contributed to Van’s growth as both an athlete and a man. The Jefferson family continues to capture hearts across the NFL community, representing the beautiful intersection of sports success and family love.