Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Van Jefferson Is a Devoted Family Man With a Loving Wife and Three Kids

Van Jefferson is the son of former NFL wide receiver and current New York Jets wide receivers coach, Shawn Jefferson. 

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Van Jefferson, who recently secured three of his five targets for 26 yards during Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Cowboys, balances his dedication to football with his commitment to his family. He remains as devoted to his wife and children as his career.

Vanchi LaShawn Jefferson Jr., born on July 26, 1996, is a professional football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. 

He was raised in Brentwood, Tennessee, and attended Ravenwood High School, where he excelled as a wide receiver.

Later, he played college football at Ole Miss and Florida before the Los Angeles Rams drafted him in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Rams selected him with the 57th overall pick in the NFL Draft after trading Brandin Cooks to acquire it. 

Ultimately, Van recorded his first professional touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11 of the 2020 season. 

Consequently, he became a Super Bowl champion in 2022, catching four passes in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI win.

In October 2023, the Atlanta Falcons traded for Jefferson, and later, he signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2024.

Van Jefferson’s Beloved Family Is the True Treasure That Fills His Heart

Van Jefferson and his wife, Samaria, became internet sensations when their son Champ arrived on Super Bowl Sunday in 2022. 

Samaria Jefferson is a social media influencer and fashion enthusiast known for her engaging presence on Instagram.

She has gained over 17K followers who appreciate her updates on daily life, motherhood, and her supportive role as the wife.

Born and raised near Nashville, Tennessee, Samaria attended Ravenwood High School, where she began dating Van on September 19, 2014. 

Their high school romance deepened, leading to the birth of their daughter, Bella, while they were still in school.

However, their love story features ups and downs. After a period of separation, Samaria and Van reconnected and ultimately married in 2020.

In April 2023, Samaria welcomed their second son, Champ Curtis, despite going into labor while Van played in the Super Bowl.

She stayed at SoFi Stadium until her contractions became intense, then took an ambulance to the hospital.

Later, on April 19, 2023, Elijah, the second son of Van and Samaria Jefferson, was born.

The Jefferson family now includes Bella, Champ Curtis, and Elijah. Meanwhile, Van has another son, Vanchi, who is from a previous relationship.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Van Jefferson achieved Super Bowl champion status when the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI (2022), where he caught four passes.
  • Elijah, the second son, was born at home, marking a special moment for the Jefferson family.
  • Van and Samaria hosted a Los Angeles Rams-themed party for Champ’s first birthday, reflecting their family’s joy and love.

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