ESPN Sports Journalist, Stephen A. Smith Embraces Fatherhood Wholeheartedly as a Proud Girl Dad to His Two Daughters, Samantha and Nyla!

November 27, 2026

This article was last updated by Pranaya Poudel on November 28, 2026

ESPN sports journalist Stephen A. Smith is a devoted father to his two daughters, Samantha and Nyla, from his previous relationship, which he kept private from the public.

The sportscaster has been present in his daughters’ lives, raising them in their mother’s absence and cherishing their growth.

For a significant part of their lives, Smith chose to keep the fact that he had two daughters away from the media spotlight.

Later, he revealed that he was a father in 2019; by then, his daughters were already 11 and 10 years old.

The bond between Smith and his daughters is undeniably close and deeply endearing, often seen in the public.

Stephen A. Smith Credits His Daughters for Giving Him a True Sense of Purpose in Life!

fully embraces his role as a father and frequently shares how much his daughters mean to him. He spoke about the importance of fatherhood on , saying,

My daughters are everything to me, I make sure that they are taken care of first. [My mom] was proud of the father I am and I’m very happy and proud of the father I am.

He has also credited his daughters with giving him a new sense of purpose, especially after his mother’s passing.

Stephen A. Smith confirmed on in 2026 that he is a protective dad and dreads the day his daughters start dating.

He further expressed that he would prefer his daughters to start dating only after their twenties, once they’re in college, and shared a parenting trick he learned from his mother.

The broadcaster’s elder daughter, Samantha, has shown interest in acting, and Smith has given her his full support.

He even appeared with Samantha on The Peacock’s The Best Man: The Final Chapter, where she starred in December 2026.

Since then, Samantha has been climbing the ladder with her appearance on the Disney+ series, Saturdays and more.

Additionally, she voiced a commercial for Disney when she was 9 and landed a role in a Pop-Tarts commercial.

While Samantha and Nyla often team up against their dad to get their way, Stephen loves every moment of fatherhood.

In his article, he also shared an incident in which his daughters used a tactic to watch TV in his room, which has a nicer setup.

Despite it all, Stephen A. Smith cherishes fatherhood and regularly shares how deeply his daughters impact his life. He once said:

My two beautiful daughters have made me a much better man and human being and made me far, far, far more compassionate than I ever thought I would be.

Further, he has also expressed his pride in raising his kids, knowing they are safe, healthy, and happy.

To me, the only thing potentially more enjoyable than seeing my children safe, healthy, and happy is knowing that I’ve helped make them that way, And when I fulfill those needs and desires, at no other time does my chest protrude so much with pride and joy.

Nonetheless, his love for his daughters is evident in every word and action, showcasing the strength of their bond.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Stephen A. Smith began his career in print media and then shifted to radio when he became the host of a radio show on WEPN in New York City in 2005.
• Smith currently hosts the ESPN show First Take and serves as an analyst for various other programs on the network.
• The broadcaster also made his acting debut in 2007, making a cameo appearance on the ABC soap opera General Hospital and later in the Chris Rock film I Think I Love My Wife.

• Check other Articles on

Mahima is an inquisitive soul with a passion for books, music and movies- especially when it comes to overanalyzing them. An avid learner who likes learning anything and everything, with a slightly competitive streak, Mahima values meaningful conversations and finds joy in life's little quirks.

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