Samaria Jefferson, wife of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson, went into labour whilst watching her husband play in the biggest game of his life.
The Rams were trailing the Cincinnati Bengals 20-16 deep in the fourth quarter when Samaria was seen leaving SoFi Stadium on a stretcher and heading to a local hospital.
The news was reported by NFL Network, with reporter Bridget Condon adding "talk about dedication".
The Rams went on to pull off the comeback, with a Cooper Kupp touchdown giving them a 23-20 win, before Jefferson rushed off to the hospital to be with his wife.
Writing on her Instagram story ahead of the game, Samaria pre-empted the chance the excitement of the game could prompt their second baby to make his grand entrance.
She shared a story written earlier in the week about their impending new arrival and wrote on her Instagram story: "Still praying. Happy Super Bowl Sunday."
Her official due date was February 17, but she was prepared for an early arrival.
“I’m feeling pretty good — I’m definitely feeling 40 weeks (pregnant),” she told The Athletic this week.
“I’m definitely feeling the pressure and the pain. Nerves for Van, nerves for our family — but it’s OK.”
“I’m excited about it,” husband Van Jefferson added ahead of the game.
“Excited to play in the Super Bowl as well. … Two things going on. I’m happy about both of them.
"Maybe he can wait just a little bit longer, until after the Super Bowl!”
The pair are high school sweethearts and began dating at Ravenwood High School in Tennessee.
They later split up but found each other again four years later and rekindled their romance.
They also have a five-year-old daughter, Bella.
“It’s been crazy, for sure. Adjusting to (NFL life), marriage, new baby, all of those things. But it’s so great to see how well he manages it,” Samaria said.
“He’s a great dad, a great team player, all of the things. I don’t know how he does it, but he does it.”
