Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Patrick Ricard’s family has played an important role in his journey from a small Massachusetts town to becoming one of the NFL’s most accomplished fullbacks. Known by the nicknames “Pancake Pat” and “Project Pat,” Ricard grew up in a hardworking household where sports, discipline and family relationships were central to his development.
Born Patrick Ricard on May 27, 1994, in Massachusetts, the American football player attended David Prouty High School before playing college football at the University of Maine. He began his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017 and joined the New York Giants in 2026.
Beyond his achievements on the football field, fans are interested in Patrick Ricard’s wife, children, parents and siblings.
As of now, Patrick Ricard is married to Hayley Chesson Ricard, his high school sweetheart. The couple have a daughter named Emerson Rhea Ricard. His parents are Paul and Judith Ricard, and his older brother, Christian Ricard, also enjoyed a successful college football career.
Patrick Ricard’s Wife: Who Is Hayley Chesson?
Patrick Ricard’s wife is Hayley Chesson Ricard, a certified physician assistant and his longtime romantic partner.
The couple met during their high school years in Massachusetts and maintained their relationship as Ricard pursued college football and eventually entered the NFL.
Unlike many professional athletes whose relationships begin after they achieve fame, Ricard and Hayley were together long before he became a Pro Bowl fullback.
Hayley has supported her husband throughout his football career, including his years with the Baltimore Ravens and his transition to the New York Giants.
Who Is Hayley Chesson Ricard?
Hayley Chesson Ricard is an American healthcare professional who works as a physician assistant.
She grew up in Massachusetts and attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, commonly known as MCPHS University.
According to professional records, she completed her physician assistant education in 2019.
Hayley subsequently earned her professional certification, establishing a healthcare career independent of her husband’s football achievements.
Sports Illustrated reported that she received her certification in February 2020, the same month she married Patrick.
Although her husband’s NFL career has attracted public attention, Hayley has maintained her own professional interests while supporting their family.
How Did Patrick Ricard and Hayley Chesson Meet?
Patrick Ricard and Hayley Chesson met while attending high school in Massachusetts.
The Baltimore Ravens confirmed their relationship history in a March 2020 article celebrating the couple’s wedding.
They continued dating as Ricard enrolled at the University of Maine and developed into one of the school’s leading defensive linemen.
The relationship also continued after he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
Hayley remained part of his personal support system as he transitioned from defensive lineman to fullback and established himself with the Ravens.
When Did Patrick Ricard Get Married?
Patrick Ricard married Hayley Chesson in February 2020.
Their wedding ceremony took place in Connecticut, with family members, friends and several people connected to the Baltimore Ravens in attendance.
Among the guests were former Ravens defensive lineman Chris Wormley and his wife, Alexis.
After the ceremony, Ricard shared photographs celebrating his marriage on social media.
The newlyweds subsequently traveled to the Maldives for their honeymoon.
As of now, Patrick and Hayley have been married for more than six years and have welcomed a daughter together.
Patrick Ricard’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Patrick Ricard has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Emerson Rhea Ricard, whom he shares with his wife, Hayley.
Becoming a father represented an important milestone in Ricard’s life, adding new responsibilities alongside his professional football commitments.
Emerson Rhea Ricard – Patrick Ricard’s Daughter
Emerson Rhea Ricard was born in March 2024.
She is the first publicly confirmed child of Patrick and Hayley Ricard.
Her arrival attracted attention from Ravens fans, particularly as Ricard began discussing how fatherhood had changed his everyday routine.
In a 2024 interview with Baltimore’s Child, Ricard spoke about adjusting to life with a newborn while preparing for another NFL season.
He explained that he and his wife shared parenting responsibilities during the offseason.
However, when organized team activities began, Hayley took on additional overnight responsibilities so that Patrick could maintain the sleep needed for football training.
Ricard praised his wife’s dedication and explained that he wanted to be fully involved in caring for their daughter whenever he was home.
He also described his first Father’s Day as a meaningful experience that made him reflect on the example set by his own father.
Emerson attended her first Baltimore Ravens game in September 2024, creating another memorable family milestone.
As of now, Emerson Rhea is Patrick Ricard’s only publicly confirmed child.
Patrick Ricard’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Patrick Ricard’s parents are Paul Ricard and Judith Ricard.
They raised their children in Spencer, Massachusetts, a community near Worcester.
His father worked in industrial management, while his mother pursued a career in nursing.
Both parents helped establish the hardworking environment that influenced Patrick’s development as an athlete.
Patrick Ricard’s Father: Paul Ricard
Paul Ricard is Patrick Ricard’s father and one of the people he credits most for developing his work ethic.
Paul worked as a manager at a thermal-processing plant while raising his family in Spencer, Massachusetts.
Outside his professional responsibilities, he demonstrated considerable practical skills and determination.
According to a 2016 Bangor Daily News interview, Paul built most of the family’s house himself.
Patrick explained that his father began by clearing the land and completed much of the construction, leaving specialized work such as the foundation, plumbing and electrical installation to professionals.
The experience became an important example of patience, independence and dedication for his children.
Paul was also involved in his sons’ early sporting activities.
He coached Patrick and his older brother Christian in youth baseball, helping them develop their competitive instincts.
During their childhood, Patrick and Christian frequently played together, sometimes serving as pitcher and catcher.
Their father’s encouragement contributed to the brothers’ interest in athletics and eventually their successful college football careers.
Patrick Ricard’s Mother: Judith Ricard
Judith Ricard is Patrick Ricard’s mother and a former labor-and-delivery nurse.
Her career involved caring for mothers and newborn babies, a profession requiring patience, attention and responsibility.
Alongside her husband, she helped raise a large family while encouraging her children to remain committed to their education and athletic development.
Judith supported Patrick and Christian during their high school and college football careers.
In October 2014, the Portland Press Herald reported on an unusual situation involving the family when Patrick’s University of Maine team faced Christian’s Stony Brook team.
The brothers joked about which team their mother would support, particularly because Christian was playing his final college season.
The story illustrated the family’s close connection with football and the pride their parents felt in both sons.
Judith’s influence, alongside Paul’s example of hard work, helped create the family environment in which Patrick developed his athletic ambitions.
Patrick Ricard’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Patrick Ricard has five siblings, according to reporting by the Portland Press Herald and his older brother’s official college football biography.
His best-known sibling is Christian Ricard, who played college football at Stony Brook University.
Patrick and Christian have four additional siblings, although comprehensive public information about their identities and careers is limited.
Christian Ricard – Patrick Ricard’s Older Brother
Christian Ricard is Patrick Ricard’s older brother and a former college football defensive player.
Born on August 7, 1992, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Christian attended David Prouty High School in Spencer.
He participated in football and baseball, establishing himself as a talented athlete before enrolling at Stony Brook University in New York.
Unlike Patrick, who received a scholarship to the University of Maine, Christian initially joined Stony Brook as a walk-on player.
Through dedication and consistent improvement, he eventually earned a scholarship and became one of the school’s leading defensive players.
During the 2014 season, Christian recorded 92 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
His performances earned him first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors and Associated Press All-American recognition.
He also served as a team captain and graduated with academic honors.
Christian’s achievements became a major source of motivation for Patrick.
In interviews, the younger Ricard explained that observing his brother’s training habits helped him understand the commitment required to succeed in college football.
Christian also introduced Patrick to the demands of Division I football, including offseason workouts, training camps and team preparation.
Patrick Ricard and Christian Ricard Played Against Each Other
One of the most memorable stories involving Patrick Ricard’s siblings occurred during their college football careers.
Patrick played defensive line for the University of Maine, while Christian represented Stony Brook University.
Because both schools competed in the Colonial Athletic Association, the brothers occasionally faced each other on opposing teams.
In October 2014, the Portland Press Herald published a detailed article about their relationship ahead of a matchup between Maine and Stony Brook.
Both brothers explained that they respected each other’s abilities while maintaining a healthy competitive rivalry.
Patrick acknowledged that watching Christian compete at the college level helped him understand what could be achieved through determination.
The brothers had played baseball together during childhood, but college football placed them on opposite sides of the field.
Their parents supported both players, making the matchups particularly meaningful family occasions.
Patrick Ricard’s Other Siblings
In addition to Christian, Patrick Ricard has four other siblings.
A 2014 Portland Press Herald profile explicitly described Patrick and Christian as having four additional siblings.
Stony Brook University’s official biography for Christian also states that he has five siblings in total.
However, the names, ages and current professions of Patrick’s other four siblings have not been comprehensively verified through major sports reporting.
As of now, Christian remains the sibling whose sporting career and relationship with Patrick are best documented publicly.
How Patrick Ricard’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Patrick Ricard’s football journey began at David Prouty High School in Spencer, Massachusetts.
His upbringing emphasized discipline, physical activity and consistent effort.
His father demonstrated determination through his professional work and home-building projects, while his brother Christian provided an example of the work required to succeed in college athletics.
At David Prouty High School, Patrick competed as a linebacker, fullback and tight end.
He helped the football team win a regional championship during the 2009 season and earned recognition as a two-time Division II Defensive Most Valuable Player.
Despite his achievements, Ricard attracted limited attention from major college football programs.
He eventually received a scholarship from the University of Maine, where he became a standout defensive lineman.
During his college career, he recorded 208 tackles, 47.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks.
His success helped him earn an opportunity with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
Ricard initially played both defensive line and fullback before focusing on the offensive position.
His ability to contribute on both sides of the football earned him the nickname “Project Pat,” while his physical blocking style led teammates to call him “Pancake Pat.”
He became a six-time Pro Bowl selection during his nine seasons with Baltimore.
In March 2026, Ricard signed with the New York Giants, reuniting with former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.
His wife, Hayley, celebrated the move publicly on social media, expressing pride in his professional achievements.
Patrick Ricard’s Family Life Away From Football
Outside football, Patrick Ricard enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter while maintaining connections with his hometown.
He has also participated in charitable activities that support families and young athletes.
One example is the “Pancakes with Pat” charity breakfast, an event hosted in Spencer, Massachusetts.
In July 2024, Ricard organized a community breakfast at the Spencer Fire Department, where residents had the opportunity to meet him, receive autographs and participate in family-friendly activities.
The event supported local organizations, including the David Prouty High School Booster Club and the Spencer Fire Association.
Ricard explained that his connection to Spencer remains important because his wife, relatives and longtime friends have roots in the area.
His continued involvement in the community reflects the influence of the people who supported him before his football career brought national recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patrick Ricard’s Family
Who is Patrick Ricard’s wife?
Patrick Ricard’s wife is Hayley Chesson Ricard, a certified physician assistant. The couple met in high school and married in February 2020.
Does Patrick Ricard have a girlfriend?
Patrick Ricard is married rather than publicly known to have a girlfriend. His longtime girlfriend and high school sweetheart, Hayley Chesson, became his wife in 2020.
When did Patrick Ricard get married?
Patrick Ricard married Hayley Chesson in February 2020. Their wedding was followed by a honeymoon in the Maldives.
How many children does Patrick Ricard have?
Patrick Ricard has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Emerson Rhea Ricard.
Who is Patrick Ricard’s daughter?
Patrick Ricard’s daughter is Emerson Rhea Ricard, who was born in March 2024.
Who are Patrick Ricard’s parents?
His parents are Paul Ricard, a former thermal-processing plant manager, and Judith Ricard, a former labor-and-delivery nurse.
Who is Patrick Ricard’s father?
Patrick Ricard’s father is Paul Ricard, who worked in industrial management and coached his sons in youth baseball.
Who is Patrick Ricard’s mother?
Patrick Ricard’s mother is Judith Ricard, a former nurse who supported her children’s education and athletic careers.
How many siblings does Patrick Ricard have?
Patrick Ricard has five siblings. His older brother Christian is the best-known sibling, while information about the other four remains limited.
Does Patrick Ricard have a brother?
Yes. His older brother is Christian Ricard, a former Stony Brook University football player who earned All-American recognition in 2014.
Did Patrick Ricard and his brother play against each other?
Yes. Patrick played college football at the University of Maine while Christian played at Stony Brook University. Their teams faced each other in conference competition.
Where is Patrick Ricard’s family from?
Patrick Ricard grew up in Spencer, Massachusetts, near Worcester. His family has maintained strong connections with the community.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
