Julian Edelman holds his daughter Lily Rose at half time of the NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2021.Photo:Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald/Getty
Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald/Getty
Former New England Patriots wide receiverJulian Edelmanadded a new title to his repertoire in 2016: dad.
The retired football player welcomed his daughter Lily in November 2016 with Swedish model Ella Rose.
Now, Lily is 8 years old and has a close bond with her father. For her 7th birthday in November 2023, Edelman penned a sweet message to Lily onX (formerly Twitter).
From attending football games toTaylor Swiftconcerts with her dad, here’s everything to know about Julian Edelman’s daughter, Lily.
Julian Edelman with his newborn daughter Lily in December 2023.Julian Edelman Instagram
Julian Edelman Instagram
Edelman and Rose welcomed their first child together, Lily, on Nov. 30, 2016. The former athlete introduced his little girl to the world a week later with a sweet post onInstagram, alongside a photo of him cradling the newborn.
Julian Edelman and his daughter Lily.Julian Edelman Instagram
When Lily was born, Edelman was still playing with the Patriots, meaning he had a very busy schedule. Though he’s retired now, Edelman still struggles to balance his career with his daughter — but his little girl always comes first, he toldHaute Livingin July 2019.
“Fatherhood is such a huge challenge especially with [Ella’s] profession and my profession being able to give my daughter the time and energy that she desires and that she needs,” he said.
He added that balancing the two was a “fine line,” but he gave it the best he could.
“You have your craft, and you’re working towards being the best you can possibly be, something that you’ve been working towards your whole life since you were 8 years old, and then all of a sudden, your priorities change,” Edelman told the outlet.
He continued, “You’re not living for yourself anymore, you’re living for your little girl now. That’s how my parents lived for me, so that’s all I really know.”
Julian Edelman with his daughter Lily.Julian Edelman Instagram
While Edelman is open to dating, he toldHaute Livingthat it would take someone special for him to introduce her to Lily — and his daughter’s approval is most important.
“It’s a little different now that I have a little girl. When I go out and meet a fine young lady, I don’t get to just think about me,” he said. “I’ve got to think about [Lily], so that one’s tricky. But I am dating and [she 100% needs to be stepmom material]. If she doesn’t mess with Lil, then she can’t mess with me.”
Julian Edelman celebrates with his daughter Lily at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019.Jamie Squire/Getty
Jamie Squire/Getty
Lily was just 2 years old when the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the 2019 Super Bowl, but she was there to support her dad on the big day. After their win, Edelman held up his daughter, who was dressed in Patriots gear, complete with a red tutu.
Lily also attended a number of Patriots games when her dad was on the team, and the father-daughter duo continued to attend games even after he retired in 2021.
Julian Edelman and his daughter Lily celebrating Passover in April 2024.Julian Edelman Instagram
Edelman is the ultimate girl dad, and for him, that meansattending Taylor Swift concertswith his daughter. In February 2024, Edelman shared on an episode ofMythical Kitchen’sLast Mealsthat he even wears a special accessory Lily made him in honor of the singer.
“What do you think this is?” Edelman asked Chef Josh Scherer, pointing to his wrist. “This is my best friend bracelet from my daughter.”
He added, “We went to the concert, she made me a little bracelet, so I gotta wear it.”
Emma Hernan with her goddaughter Lily Edelman on her 5th birthday in November 2021.Julian Edelman Instagram
Lily’s godmother is none other thanSelling Sunset’sEmma Hernan, who joined the show in September 2021. Hernan is close with Lily’s mom, often going on vacations andcelebrating holidays like Eastertogether.
“I remember snuggling you the first night you were born!” she captioned the carousel of images. “I am so lucky to be your fairy godmother, and watch you grow up into the smart, beautiful, fun loving little girl you have become!! I promise to always be there for you when you need me and love you forever!!”
source: people.com