Larry Bird’s Children and Their Adoption Story

Larry Bird is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. During his incredible 13-year career playing in the NBA, he led his team to three championship titles and was named MVP thrice. The Hall of Famer is a legend on the court, but he is known by three people as something else entirely: Dad.

What many Boston sports fans may not know is that two of Larry Bird’s children were adopted. His first child, Larry Bird’s first child, his daughter, was born shortly after her parents’ divorce was finalized. The divorce put a space between father and daughter, who grew up longing to have a relationship with her superstar biological father. His two other children, whom he adopted with his second wife, Dinah, grew up with a much different version of their dad. This is the story of Larry Bird’s children.

Who is Larry Bird?

Larry Joe Bird was born on December 7, 1956, and raised in French Lick, Indiana. He rose to fame in the late 1970s when he became a basketball sensation. The former basketball player and coach is the only person in NBA history to have been named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.

Before his career began with the NBA, Larry played ball at Indiana State University. It was during his college years that he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Condra. The two divorced only after one year of marriage.

Who Are Larry Bird’s Children?

Corrie Bird: Larry’s Biological Daughter

Corrie Bird was born on August 14, 1977, about 10 months after her parents divorced. It is reported that Larry Bird initially denied the paternity of Corrie and rejected Janet’s request for child support.

A DNA test later proved he was, in fact, Corrie’s biological father. During his rookie season with the Boston Celtics in 1979, Larry agreed to set up an account for Janet to withdraw monthly child support for Corrie. While he supported his daughter financially, the two never had much of a relationship during her childhood. Corrie was raised by her mother and stepfather. As a young adult, Corrie appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and openly discussed longing to have a closer relationship with her estranged father.

While Larry Bird kept distance from Corrie, he later shared that it was because of the strained relationship with his ex-wife, Janet. In his autobiography, the star athlete explained that he thought about his daughter all the time. He also credited his ex-wife for raising their daughter well. In the book, Larry commended Corrie’s athleticism, stating that he is proud of her and loves her, despite the missed years of a father-daughter relationship. The two began building a relationship later. Corrie Bird earned her MBA, got married, and has two children of her own.

Mariah Bird: Larry’s Adopted Daughter

Mariah Bird was born in 1991 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was adopted as a baby by Larry Bird and his then-wife Dinah Mattingly, shortly after the two were married in 1989. Mariah experienced a loving, supportive home environment that put an emphasis on education, strong bonds, and personal growth. While she entered the world during the prime of her father’s basketball career, she was mostly shielded from the public eye and enjoyed a private life with her family.

Contact AWL to Learn More About Adoption

After graduating from Boston University, Mariah made a career change. She started pursuing event planning within the entertainment industry. Over the years, she worked her way up to managing events for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the organization tied to her father’s former basketball team, the Indiana Pacers. While she largely stays out of the spotlight, Mariah’s role in the entertainment world is impactful.

Connor Bird: Larry’s Adopted Son

Shortly after welcoming Mariah, Larry Bird and Dina Mattingly also adopted a son. There are few details known about Connor Bird, but in 2013 he made headlines when he was arrested at 21 years old. According to report, Connor had gotten into an argument with his girlfriend, threw a phone at her, and made two attempts of running her over with his car. Connor was charged with battery with injury, criminal mischief, intimidation with a deadly weapon, and possession of marijuana. Based on the article, Connor Bird is about 35 years old today.

Lessons from Larry Bird’s Adoption Story

While few details are known about Mariah and Connor’s adoptions, it is clear that Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly wanted to grow their family. Their children were raised privately, away from the spotlight.

It may be speculated that Larry Bird’s daughter, Corrie, may have missed having a close relationship with her biological father. While the two began building a relationship later, the story of Larry Bird’s children may serve as another reminder that family is built from love, not DNA.

Learn More About the Power of Adoption

Larry Bird is one of many famous athletes touched by adoption. There are, in fact, many NBA stars who have been adopted. You can learn even more about adoption by contacting Adoptions With Love today. Call 617-964-4357, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact Adoptions With Love online.