Stefon Diggs has long been a force on the football field, dazzling fans with his speed and precision as a wide receiver for the New England Patriots. Now, at 31, the athlete is navigating an equally demanding role off the gridiron: devoted father and soon-to-be dad again. Recent developments in his personal life, including confirmation of paternity for a young daughter and the anticipation surrounding a child with girlfriend Cardi B, highlight a chapter of growth, responsibility and blended family dynamics that has captured public attention.
Diggs, who signed a lucrative three-year extension with the Patriots worth up to $69 million earlier this year, first drew headlines for his athletic prowess. Traded to New England from the Buffalo Bills in a blockbuster deal last offseason, he quickly adapted to his new team, posting career-high numbers in receptions and yards during the 2025 season. His on-field chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye has been a bright spot for a franchise rebuilding after years of inconsistency. Yet, as Diggs thrives professionally, his family life has emerged as a parallel storyline, blending joy, legal clarity and the challenges of high-profile relationships.
The wide receiver is already a father to one daughter, Nova, born in October 2016 from a previous relationship. Nova, now 9 years old, has occasionally appeared in glimpses shared by Diggs on social media, where he posts about fatherhood with a mix of pride and playfulness. Photos of the pair at parks or during game-day tailgates show a doting dad who prioritizes quality time amid his demanding schedule. “She’s my little coach,” Diggs once quipped in an interview, crediting Nova with keeping him grounded. As his only child from before his current romantic chapter, Nova represents the foundation of Diggs’ parenting journey, one he has described as transformative.
That journey took a public turn in recent months with the resolution of a paternity dispute involving Instagram model Aileen Lopera, known online as Lord Gisselle. Lopera filed a lawsuit in early 2025 seeking to establish Diggs as the father of her 7-month-old daughter, born last spring. Court documents revealed a contentious back-and-forth, with Diggs initially contesting the claim and requesting genetic testing. He also expressed willingness to pursue joint custody and shared financial responsibilities if paternity was confirmed, signaling a proactive approach to co-parenting.
The results, made public on November 6, affirmed Diggs as the father. Lopera’s attorney, Arminak Mesropian, confirmed the outcome in a statement to media outlets, noting Diggs’ acknowledgment of the child and hopes for collaborative parenting. “My client is relieved and optimistic about moving forward as great parents to their daughter,” Mesropian said. The infant, whose name has not been disclosed publicly, becomes Diggs’ second child overall, adding another layer to his expanding family portrait. Sources close to the situation indicate that Diggs has already initiated steps toward involvement, including discussions on visitation and support arrangements, though details remain private to respect the child’s well-being.
This revelation arrived just weeks after Diggs and his girlfriend, rapper Cardi B, publicly shared their own family news. In a September appearance on CBS Mornings, Cardi B—real name Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar—announced her pregnancy with uncharacteristic candor. “Yes, I am [pregnant]. I’m having a baby with my boyfriend, Stefon Diggs,” she told host Gayle King, her voice steady amid the studio lights. The 33-year-old Grammy winner, fresh off promoting her sophomore album Am I the Drama?, described the moment as one of excitement and stability. “I’m happy. I feel like I’m in a good place,” she added, alluding to her ongoing divorce proceedings from estranged husband Offset.
Diggs addressed the announcement shortly after during a Patriots practice session, offering a characteristically understated response. “I heard about that,” he told reporters with a grin, deflecting deeper questions while hinting at touchdown celebrations to come. In a more revealing sit-down with People magazine at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards, Diggs opened up about the baby—a boy—due in the coming months. “It’s a boy. That’s enough for me,” he shared. “I can’t wait to make him do push-ups and sit-ups and run around.” The comment underscored his enthusiasm for fatherhood, evoking images of family workouts and shared routines that could mirror his own disciplined athletic life.
Cardi B, meanwhile, brings her own established family into the mix. The couple’s child will be her fourth overall, following three with Offset: daughter Kulture Kiari, 7; son Wave Set, 4; and youngest daughter Blossom, 1. Cardi has been vocal about the joys and trials of parenting in a blended setup, especially post-separation. In recent Instagram posts, she shared rare family snapshots, including Blossom’s first public photos, which sparked a wave of supportive comments alongside some online speculation. “These are my babies, full stop,” she captioned one upload, emphasizing unity amid the chatter.
The Diggs-Cardi B relationship itself has unfolded like a modern celebrity romance, fueled by speculation and subtle confirmations. Rumors began swirling in early 2025 after Cardi’s split from Offset was finalized, with sightings of the pair at high-profile events like the Met Gala and NBA playoffs. They were spotted courtside at Madison Square Garden in May, cheering the New York Knicks with easy familiarity—Diggs in a sleek suit, Cardi in a bold ensemble that turned heads. By summer, joint appearances at fashion weeks and quiet dinners in New York solidified their status as a couple, blending Diggs’ low-key vibe with Cardi’s vibrant energy.
For Diggs, dating a global superstar has meant adjusting to intensified scrutiny, a far cry from his earlier years in the NFL spotlight. Traded from the Minnesota Vikings to Buffalo in 2020, he built a reputation as a quiet professional, letting his stats—over 1,000 receiving yards in six straight seasons—do the talking. His move to Foxborough marked a fresh start, both on the field and personally. Teammates have praised his leadership in the locker room, with coach Jerod Mayo noting Diggs’ mentorship of younger receivers. Offseason training camps now include family elements, like Nova tagging along for drills, hinting at the integrated life he’s cultivating.
Cardi B’s pregnancy announcement aligned with a prolific period in her career. Am I the Drama?, released in August, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, featuring collaborations that showcase her evolution as an artist. The tour supporting it kicks off in February 2026, prompting questions about how she’ll balance motherhood and the road. “This baby is coming at the perfect time—new chapter, new energy,” she told Gayle King, reflecting on the serendipity. Fans have flooded social media with well-wishes, trending hashtags like #CardiBaby4 and #DiggsDynasty underlining the couple’s cultural pull.
As Diggs prepares for the baby’s arrival, he faces the nuances of an extended family network. With Nova, the new daughter from Lopera and the impending son with Cardi, his household will span multiple relationships—a reality not uncommon among athletes in their prime. Legal experts familiar with similar cases emphasize the importance of clear boundaries and communication, which Diggs appears to be prioritizing. “He’s focused on being present for all of them,” a source told media outlets, adding that therapy and co-parenting plans are in discussion.
Public reaction has been a blend of celebration and curiosity. Social media buzzed after the paternity confirmation, with supporters applauding Diggs’ accountability and critics parsing timelines. Cardi addressed the noise head-on during an X Spaces session last month, dismissing “dark energy” aimed at her pregnancy. “Focus on the love, not the mess,” she advised fans, redirecting attention to her family’s positives. Diggs, ever the pragmatist, has stayed mum on the drama, channeling energy into practice and family outings. A recent Instagram Story showed him and Nova at a pumpkin patch, captioned simply: “Fall wins.”
Looking ahead, the couple’s dynamic offers a glimpse into modern family-building under the glare of fame. Diggs’ contract keeps him locked in New England through 2027, providing stability as the baby arrives. Cardi, based in New York, has hinted at East Coast roots for the family, potentially easing logistics. Joint appearances—like a surprise on-field interview at Gillette Stadium in October—showcase their teamwork, with Cardi beaming beside Diggs during warmups.
For Diggs, fatherhood extends his competitive spirit into life’s softer arenas. From teaching Nova routes on the backyard grass to envisioning push-ups with his newborn son, he’s embracing the role with the same intensity that defines his game. As the Patriots gear up for playoff contention, Diggs’ personal milestones remind fans that even elite athletes navigate ordinary human joys—and hurdles—with grace. In a league where off-field stories often overshadow scores, Diggs’ narrative stands out for its authenticity: a star receiver catching life’s curveballs, one family moment at a time.
This evolving story underscores broader themes in celebrity parenting: resilience amid rumors, the push for privacy and the quiet power of showing up. As Diggs and Cardi B welcome their son, their blended brood—Nova’s wisdom, the infant’s fresh start and Cardi’s older children’s energy—promises a household full of laughter, lessons and unbreakable bonds. For now, the focus remains on the positives, with Diggs summing it up best: family first, always.