Derrick Henry, the Baltimore Ravens running back, shared the joyful news of welcoming his third daughter on Wednesday, February 4. Speaking to PEOPLE at Media Row, Henry revealed the latest addition to his family with longtime girlfriend Adrianna Rivas, highlighting his pride in being a father to three girls. His enjoyment of fatherhood, especially as a “girl dad,” is closely tied to his admiration for Kobe Bryant.
We just had a new baby girl,
Henry said when discussing his busy off-season life.
So my third girl, three girls in a row. I’m a girl dad.
Inspiration from Kobe Bryant Fuels Henry’s Parenting Style
The NFL star credits Kobe Bryant as a source of inspiration for his approach to fatherhood. Bryant famously cherished his daughters and popularized the term “girl dad,” which resonates strongly with Henry’s own family experience. He openly expressed his appreciation for Bryant’s example and the special bond he shares with his daughters.
I’m a big Kobe Bryant fan, so, you know, I kind of got the same mentality with the girls,
Henry noted.
Family Life with Adrianna Rivas and Their Children
Since beginning their relationship in 2016, Derrick Henry and Adrianna Rivas have welcomed two daughters prior to this newest arrival: Valentina, who is 5 years old, and Celine, just turning 2 this April. Henry has yet to announce a name for their newborn daughter. He finds immense joy in observing his older daughters’ growth and activities, especially Valentina’s emerging interest in sports like basketball and soccer.
My 5-year-old, she’s playing basketball now and soccer. So just watching her and watching that competitive spirit grow. Then my 1-year-old, who will be 2 in April, [is] watching her big sister and can’t wait for her time to go play sports,
he shared.
The Joys and Challenges of Fatherhood
Henry describes being a father as both a blessing and a demanding responsibility. He appreciates the special bond between his daughters, who enjoy their roles as big sisters and are eager to care for their new sibling. Henry embraces his role wholeheartedly, viewing fatherhood as his most important title.
We can’t keep them off of her,
he said about his daughters’ affection towards their newest sister.
I’m thankful to be able to have three and be the best dad that I can be. It’s the best title you have in this life.
Building Connections Beyond Family
Henry also spoke about the camaraderie among NFL players who are parents. He recalled a Halloween tradition where several teammates and their children went trick-or-treating together. Such moments foster friendship and create a supportive environment for both players and their families during the off-season.
Then some of our kids play during the off-season,
Henry said.
We go downstairs and talk and have a good time. But it’s always fun whenever your teammates and your teammates’ kids, you know, get to know each other and build that relationship. That’s special.
Participating in the Super Bowl and Commercial Endeavors
This year, Derrick Henry also experienced a unique opportunity off the field by partnering with Oikos for his first-ever Super Bowl commercial, alongside actress Kathryn Hahn. Henry praised Hahn’s humor both on and off camera and expressed excitement about the ad airing during Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8.
It was cool to able to meet her and get to know her,
Henry said, describing Hahn’s personality.
I feel like everybody’s gonna enjoy and think it’s funny,
he added about the commercial.
Promoting the brand’s protein-rich products, Henry acknowledged the importance of proper nutrition for his athletic performance.
It fuels me on and off the field.
What Henry’s Fatherhood Journey Means Going Forward
Derrick Henry’s dedication as a father, combined with his respect for fellow dads and his inspiration from figures like Kobe Bryant, highlights a deeply personal side of the athlete beyond football. Welcoming his third daughter reinforces his identity as a “girl dad,” strengthening his family bonds and shaping his off-field priorities. This new chapter will likely continue to influence how he balances his career and fatherhood while fostering relationships within the NFL community and beyond.
