NEED TO KNOW
Ex-NFL MVP Shaun Alexander has welcomed 13 kids with his wife, ValerieOn Sept. 25, the pair announced that they were expecting their 14th child togetherThe former football star has said his “greatest title is being a father”

Shaun Alexander might not be playing in the NFL anymore, but he has his own team back at home: his growing family.

The former Seattle Seahawks tailback married his wife, Valerie, in 2002. One year later, the pair became parents when they welcomed their first child, followed by 12 more in the years to follow. During an appearance on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams on Sept. 25, the ex-NFL MVP announced that he and his wife are expecting their 14th child together.

Shaun shares many glimpses into his family life on his social media, frequently posting photos of them attending events with him. In June 2019, he opened up about being a dad in a Father’s Day message for the Parental Rights Foundation, writing, “I have received a lot of awards, a lot of accolades, and a lot of fame in my life. But my greatest title is being a father.”

From their hobbies to how they support their dad, here’s everything to know about Shaun Alexander’s kids.

Shaun and his wife share 10 daughters and three sons

Shaun Alexander with his three sons in April 2025.

Shaun Alexander/Instagram

Shaun and his wife have welcomed 10 daughters and three sons over the years, with their first child, Heaven, being born in 2003, per Valerie’s Instagram. Heaven became a big sister when her 12 siblings were born, named Trinity, Eden, Joseph, Justus, Temple, Honor, Jedidiah, Torah, Eternity, Hosanna, Hope and Judea.

Valerie shared on Instagram that their ninth child, Torah, is deceased.

Many of them are athletes

Shaun Alexander and wife Valerie with four of their children in June 2022.

Shaun Alexander/Instagram

Shaun isn’t the only athlete in the family. Valerie has shared several glimpses into her children’s athletic abilities and interests on her social media.

She hinted at her children’s hobbies by putting specific emojis next to their names in an Instagram post, signaling that Jedidiah, Justus and Joseph might be following in their father’s footsteps, as they appear to be interested in football. Four children — Joseph, Justus, Temple and Honor — enjoy playing basketball.

Based on the post, Eden, Trinity and Honor are interested in track. In June 2025, she shared a video compilation from Eden’s track season, writing, “She’s destined for greatness on the track!”

Meanwhile, Heaven seems to have some musical talents, while Trinity is interested in cooking.

But, Valerie isn’t always just watching from the sidelines. According to an April 2025 Instagram post, she coached her daughter’s middle school basketball team.

They frequently support their dad

Shaun Alexander and his daughter pose for a photo together in July 2024.

Shaun Alexander/Instagram

Shaun and Valerie’s children have stepped out with their parents on several occasions, attending many events in support of their dad. In December 2018, the SEC honored Shaun as part of its Football Legends Class. He shared photos from the event alongside some of his children, and wrote in the caption that he was “grateful to share this night with my family.”

In October 2022, the whole crew gathered in Seattle for the Ring of Honor celebration, which Shaun was being inducted into, as he shared in an Instagram post.

“The Ring of Honor celebration last weekend was amazing,” the former NFL star wrote. “More than anything, my journey has been all about family. I’m grateful that for the first time, my entire family was able to travel to Seattle and be with the Seahawks.”

Sometimes, however, their public appearances are requests of their own. In April 2025, Alexander shared Instagram photos from his outing at the 2025 NFL Draft with his sons, noting it was a birthday celebration for his son Jedidiah.

“I asked Jedidiah what he wanted for his birthday; He said go somewhere with you,” Shaun captioned the post. “So, draft it was. Great time with my boys. #Happybirthdayjedidjah #nfldraft2025.”

Shaun and his wife are expecting their 14th child

Shaun Alexander smiles with his son in October 2019.

Shaun Alexander/Instagram

Alexander announced in a Sept. 25 appearance on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams that he and Valerie are expecting baby no. 14.

“We’re just now starting to tell people, but number 14 is in the belly,” he said, without sharing the sex or due date.

Shortly after, Valerie shared more details on her Instagram, writing, “I am so excited about our newest little one, arriving 2/17/2026!!”

“Every child is a miracle, a blessing, and a gift!!” she continued. “We thank God for each of our children and count them as true treasures!!”

Shaun’s “key passion” is raising his children

Shaun Alexander announces a pick with his sons during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 25, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis.

Perry Knotts/Getty

Elsewhere in his Father’s Day message for the Parental Rights Foundation, Shaun shared that while sports have been “an important part” of his life, his “key passion” is raising his children.

“The question for many NFL alumni is the same: ‘What am I going to do with the rest of my life?’ Truth is, all men ask that inner question,” he wrote. “For me, I wanted to spend my best years loving my wife and raising my family. I wanted to invest my days in being a father.”

He went on to write that “family is the most underrated unit in the world,” adding that the father is so “important because he can set the identity, standards, and direction for everyone in the family and all people that come in contact with that family.”