Desmond Ridder could be the name that Raiders fans will be hearing a lot until the end of this season. Seeing their two QBs, Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell, struggle with injuries has propelled Ridder into the starting role. This could lead the fans to dig deep into his background and ethnicity, which might have helped Ridder in his journey to Las Vegas.

Understanding his roots and how they might have played a role in Ridder’s success could help you quench your curiosity. As for Ridder, he grew up with his mother, Sarah Ridder, who is white and maternal grandmother, Jan. His father, who was African American, left the family when Ridder was just a child. This led to Sarah doing it all herself as a single parent. So Ridder, who is of mixed ethnicity, didn’t mince his words while showering praise on his mother’s way of upbringing.

“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.” Ridder’s mother allowed him to be independent but never left his side whenever he needed her. “She was always going to be there, but don’t always have to ask for help. She let me be independent, but guided me when I needed it.” Well, Sarah Ridder did remarry later on. So, Ridder may have a stepfather beside him throughout his journey in the NFL. But his biological father never really played a part in his life.

Even going back to 2020, Ridder and his mom shared with Sports Illustrated the sweet parent-child bond they had growing up, “We pretty much grew up together. We were best friends.” Apart from Ridder’s mixed ethnicity and Christian roots in his family. Ridder has been a father and a husband himself since tying the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Claire Cornett.

When did Desmond Ridder get married?

Desmond Ridder was in a relationship with Claire Cornett, his college sweetheart, since 2016. After dating Cornett for almost 2 years, the couple decided to get engaged in 2018. Well, 4 years after their engagement, Ridder and Cornett finally decided to start their new chapter by getting married in 2022. However, before exchanging their vows at a Christian wedding, the couple were already blessed with a daughter.

Welcoming Leighton Elizabeth in 2021, the Raiders QB and Cornett soon got their second child together. This time, Ridder’s wife took to her Instagram in February 2024 to announce the birth of their baby boy with the caption, “Khylan Jett, 2/20/2024 our hearts are overwhelming with the addition of our sweet baby boy.” 

Going through their Instagram account, you could find more pictures of them having a lovely time together. As Ridder is set to take on a new role in silver and black this season. We hope his family continues to stay by his side through thick and thin.