Who are Desmond Ridder's parents? Know more about the Atlanta Falcons QB's upbringing

Desmond Ridder was announced as the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback last week. The 23-year-old rookie made his NFL debut for the team in the Week 15 defeat against the New Orleans Saints.

He wasn't able to throw a touchdown in his first game for the Falcons, but managed 97 passing yards, completing 50 percent of his 26 passes.

However, did you know that Ridder was brought-up in a single-parent household? Desmond's mother, Sarah, gave birth to him when she was just 15 years old. His biological father was not a part of his life, but that did not stop him from maturing into the man of the household.

When he was young, Ridder was raised by his mother and grandmother, Jan. He often credits them for guiding him down the right path and towards success. The quarterback spoke to Sports Illustrated in 2020 and said:

"We were able to guide each other. It was open and free. I’m not going to say there wasn’t strictness and parenting, but a lot of things she let me learn on my own. She was always going to be there, but you don’t always have to ask for help. She let me be independent, but guided me when I needed it."

By his own admission, Desmond Ridder's grandmother was the first to teach him how to throw a football. The NFL star also spent time growing up around his uncle, aunt, and adopted cousin.

Ridder reportedly has a stepfather and half-sister named Tia, who plays college-level softball.

Does Desmond Ridder have a kid?

Desmond Ridder and his longtime girlfriend Claire Cornett welcomed their first child, Leighton Elizabeth, in April 2021. The Atlanta Falcons star often enjoys spending time with his daughter when he is not playing football.

Ridder and Cornett married in July of this year. The couple also had their daughter present at the wedding.