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3 Years Before Joining the Bears, ‘New Dad’s D.J. Moore Had Revealed How Being a Father Changed His Life

Yashika Garg
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3 Years Before Joining the Bears, 'New Dad's D.J. Moore Had Revealed How Being a Father Changed His Life

D.J. Moore welcomed his second child in July this year. Moore announced the news on social media like the gushing father he is. The newest addition to the clan has an older sister who was born in 2019. The star wide receiver, who was traded to the Chicago Bears before the start of the season, had opened up on the Carolina Panther’s YouTube segment ‘The Cooldown’ about how his life changed after the birth of his first child around 3 years ago.

Moore, who was still with the Panthers back in 2020, a couple of months after he became a dad, had an interview for the franchise’s YouTube channel where he revealed how he is enjoying his new responsibilities.

DJ Moore Credits Being a Dad for His Success

The Chicago Bears traded their 2022 NFL draft first overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, receiving DJ Moore, who was, as fans believe, a good pick package. Moore’s impact was evident in their recent win against the Washington Commanders, where he scored three touchdowns.

Previously, DJ had revealed how his success is attributed to him shouldering a new responsibility. And that was none other than “becoming a father” to a beautiful baby girl, Arielle Melody, who is now 3. In an official video released by his then team, Carolina Panthers, Moore shared,

“That’s fun. I get to go home to her every day, take a straight nap, never wake up, and have some fun… just having a little twin at home, especially to come home happy and there, not worried about football, you go well…”

He had even attributed his success to his mother’s value and his relationship with her, saying,

“Always just have a smile on your face and just have fun no matter what you’re doing uh don’t ever let nobody make you feel different about how you are as a person how special is your relationship with you in a moment very special that’s my backbone so whatever she had going on at the time I’m always there for her and whatever I got going on at a time she there for me all right well…”

Moore welcomed his second child with Raven Battle, son Denniston Oliver Moore III, this year on July 15, at 7:01 p.m. It was after DJ Moore’s official trade was sealed, and he was all set to enter his first season with the Bears. In an interview with PEOPLE, Moore said, “We’re looking forward to our first summer in Chicago. We hear Chicago has the best summers. We can’t wait until football season begins. We’ve been told that the city comes alive & together…” 

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A post shared by DJ Moore (@idjmoore)

The couple had even emphasized how their now three-year-old Ari is “so excited to be a big sister.” As the then-new-parents-to-be, they found it “very cool and exciting” to welcome their little boy into the NFL. Seems like with his rise in career, Moore is becoming his family’s backbone like his mother was to him.

DJ Moore Never Shied Away from Valuing “His Backbone”

D.J. Moore, a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, shares a de­ep bond with his mother, Cookie Ridley. She has always been the­re for him, providing constant support and acting as “his backbone, per WCNC.” From their time in Philadelphia, where Ridle­y raised him, to becoming an NFL player, their strong connection shaped Moore’s journey. Despite being the­ youngest of three siblings, Moore­ developed a passion for football at an early age, and his family fostered his love for the game. What sets him apart in the football world is his quiet and humble nature – he prefers to let his performance speak for itself.

Even today, Bears Wide Receiver DJ Moore’s success allows him to give back to his mother. Back in 2018, he had surprised her with a Mercedes Benz after signing his rookie contract. For him, as he has time and again emphasized, playing in the NFL is not just about living a dream. It is also about demonstrating to his biggest supporter, his mother. Now, even after being a dad, he still approaches the game with joy and childlike enthusiasm that makes it all the more special. He is looking forward to expanding his family further and we imagine his game will only keep getting better.

Post Edited By:Nidhi

About the author

Yashika Garg

Yashika Garg

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Yashika Garg is a seasoned writer in the content industry with over 5 years of experience. She boasts a portfolio of more than 100 articles, primarily focused on the NFL, showcasing her profound love for the sport. Yashika sees the NFL as a reflection of life's intricacies, the importance of community, and the pursuit of a lasting legacy. A true "Mahomie" at heart and an advocate of "Prime-Time" values, Yashika's dedication to the sport is evident in her late-night commitment to following NFL games at 3:30 AM EST, engaging in spirited debates with her brothers over a cup of coffee. Inspired by Albus Dumbledore's wisdom that "Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic," Yashika's passion for reading and writing knows no bounds. Her background as a national-level tennis player and her admiration for Serena Williams drive her to consistently aim for perfection, a quality that shines through in her work. Beyond her literary and sporting pursuits, Yashika seeks solace in creative endeavors, perpetually exploring new avenues for self-expression.

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