Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jake Matthews welcomed his first child with his wife Meggi on Thursday.

The 28-year-old and the Panthers were gearing up to open Week 10 in the NFL with their matchup on Thursday night when his wife went into labor, according to NFL Media. 

After Meggi delivered a healthy baby boy, Beckett, Jake travelled to Charlotte with Falcons owner Arthur Blank. He was expected to arrive before Thursday’s NFC South matchup.

Also Read | Who is Meggi Matthews, NFL star Jake Matthews’ wife?

In an Instagram post, Meggi wrote a message to her newborn son.

“Only you would come on game day baby boy! Here we go!! Let’s get dad back for this game,” she said.

In his entire NFL career, Matthews missed only one game, which came during his rookie season back in 2014. 

Atlanta Falcons’ win against Carolina Panthers would temporarily put Atlanta back into first place in the NFC South at 5-5.

Matthews was drafted by the Falcons sixth overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M. He is a member of the Matthews family of football players. In March, he signed a three-year, $52.5 million extension with the Falcons.

Also Read | Carolina Panthers debut black uniforms, helmets vs Atlanta Falcons in NFL 2022 Week 10 match-up: Watch

Matthews’ wife Meggi was a sports reporter long before she met him. She covered the Alabama Crimson Tide.

“Happy FIRST Anniversary to the love of my life!! What a incredible first year of marriage, God has taught us so much through this first year and blessed us unimaginably. I thank Him every single day for giving me you. You are my best friend, travel partner, protector, and incredible leader of our house. I never knew how much I could love someone until I met you. I can’t wait for forever with you,” Meggi posted an image on Instagram on March 12 this year.