Derrick Moncrief could not be prouder of his Minnie-me.
The two-time All-Star linebacker’s Regina-born wife, Kasia, gave birth to the couple’s first child — seven-pound, 10-ounce Minnie Y’vonne Florence Moncrief — on July 1 at 1:45 p.m.
“It changed everything about me,” Moncrief says while preparing to suit up for the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday against the Edmonton Elks (7 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).
“Just seeing that life that I’m responsible for, I’m trying to lead and be a great role model.
“I’m the first man she’ll ever love and lay eyes on, so it’s very important to me to set the standard each and every day.”
That process began, appropriately enough, on Canada Day — a birthdate that, combined with the birthplace, makes everything feel absolutely perfect.
“It’s a special thing,” Moncrief says. “She’s got American blood and she’s got a little Canadian blood in her, too, so it’s awesome.”
It’s not what Minnie’s dad could have envisioned once upon a time, growing up 3,000 kilometres away in Prattville, Ala.
Ultimately, he did not take a direct route to Regina, by any means. But it matters not. It’s home — and he could not be happier.
Jovial even on the “blah” days, Moncrief absolutely beams at the slightest mention of his newborn daughter.
“She’s very beautiful,” he says, “and I can’t wait to see her each and every day when I get home.”
That is undeniable, even though the brand-new daddy duties aren’t always, shall we say, glamorous.
“The diapers … the crying … it’s crazy,” he says with a laugh. “It’s different. You’ve just got to take it all in and make the most of it.”
Little Minnie’s full name is a loving tribute to two grandparents who are dearly missed — Y’vonne (Derrick) and Florence (Kasia).
Minnie’s arrival, meanwhile, represents the continuation of a trend.
She is the fifth Roughriders baby since April 11, when Assistant General Manager Kyle Carson and his wife, Breanne, welcomed their first child — a son, Cruise.
On April 17, Nick Bowley (Manager, Video Analytics) and his wife, Tina, were introduced to Leo Curtis Bowley.
Then it was the players’ turn.
Quarterback Trevor Harris and his wife, Kalie, became third-time parents on May 26. Tripp joined brothers Trenton, 6, and Trace, 3.
Barely a month later, on June 28, receiver Jake Wieneke also became a father of three. Jake and Brenda added Felicity to a home team that also includes Israel, 3, and Colette, 1½.
The Wienekes won the baby race with the Moncriefs by a mere three days.
Offensive lineman Evan Johnson and his wife, Dallis, are preparing for their second child to arrive in August. Their son, Maverick, is about to turn two.
The Roughriders’ diaper derby is to conclude in mid-September, when long snapper Jorgen Hus and his wife, Kenzi, will emulate the Moncriefs by starting a family.
Starting a game was also a cause for celebration in the case of Derrick Moncrief, who on June 24 made his first appearance in a CFL contest since Oct. 22.
Shortly after the 2022 season — around the same time he was honoured as a West Division All-Star — he underwent shoulder surgery.
Following a 245-day hiatus from live competition, Moncrief returned to the field and helped the Roughriders defeat the Calgary Stampeders 29-26 in double overtime at McMahon Stadium.
The very next day, he commemorated a milestone birthday (30).
Then he became a dad.
All of that in a week!
“It has been awesome, man, just with the process of everything,” Moncrief says. “I was being patient … being excited … anxious. There were so many feelings all over.
“Getting into that first game, I hadn’t played in eight months. It has been awesome — just the whole experience of life itself.
“I’m very blessed … very blessed.”
