Richard Sherman Girlfriend: Ashley Lillian Expecting Couple's First Child [PHOTOS]

After Richard Sherman is finished battling the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX, the Seahawks cornerback has an even bigger task to tackle: fatherhood.

Richard Sherman Thinks Pats Will Get Off Easy

Richard Sherman wrote a guest column for Sports Illustrated's MMQB.com on Tuesday, and in it the 26-year-old mentioned that he and his girlfriend, Ashley Lillian, are expecting their first child together.

"I got some news nine months ago that helped me reach a conclusion. My girlfriend, Ashley, and I are expecting our first child, a boy, any day now," writes Sherman. "I’ve realized in the last year that I can evoke change by being a great role model: a man who respects women and police officers, who graduated from college and does everything in his power to be successful within the rules.

"My son will understand that he’s in control of his own destiny and that education, work ethic and discipline will guide him to an even better life than I’ve enjoyed. He’ll be the man who makes this world a better place through positive actions and influence."