Anansa Sims’ ex-husband is David Patterson, a former NFL player and businessman. The pair married in 2010 and welcomed three children together before their separation in 2017. Patterson is widely recognized for his professional football career and his appearances on the reality series Beverly’s Full House, alongside Anansa and her mother, Beverly Johnson.
The public's fascination with Anansa Sims, a successful plus-size model and daughter of the legendary supermodel Beverly Johnson, often extends to her personal life. While she has since moved on to a high-profile relationship with former NBA star Matt Barnes, her first marriage to David Patterson remains a significant chapter in her biography. Understanding David Patterson requires looking beyond his role as a celebrity spouse to his own achievements on the gridiron and his life after the spotlight of reality television.
Who is David Patterson?
David Patterson was born and raised in an environment that fostered athletic excellence. Long before he was known in the entertainment world, he was a standout athlete. He attended Ohio State University, a powerhouse in collegiate football, where he played as a defensive tackle. His performance at the collegiate level was impressive enough to garner attention from professional scouts, leading him to a career in the National Football League (NFL).
During his time in the NFL, Patterson spent time with the Atlanta Falcons. While his professional career did not reach the multi-decade longevity of some Hall of Famers, his status as an NFL athlete defined much of his early adulthood and provided the discipline and public profile that would later transition into business and television. Standing at 6'3" and weighing over 280 pounds during his playing days, Patterson was a formidable presence on the field, a trait that translated into a protective and commanding persona on screen.
The Marriage of Anansa Sims and David Patterson
Anansa Sims and David Patterson met in the late 2000s, a time when Anansa was establishing herself as a premiere plus-size model, breaking barriers in an industry that was just beginning to embrace body diversity. The couple’s chemistry was evident, and they officially tied the knot on July 10, 2010.
The wedding was a glamorous affair, reflecting the intersection of the sports and fashion worlds. Held in Columbus, Ohio, the ceremony was attended by family, friends, and several notable figures from the modeling industry. For many observers, they represented a "power couple" dynamic: a professional athlete and a rising fashion icon.
During their seven-year marriage, the couple expanded their family quickly. They have three children together:
- Ava Brielle Patterson (born 2011)
- David Bernard Patterson III (born 2012)
- Dean Danny Benjamin Patterson (born 2014)
The demands of raising three young children while managing two high-profile careers became a central theme of their lives, much of which was documented for a national audience.
Life on "Beverly’s Full House"
One of the most defining periods of David Patterson’s public life was his participation in the reality television show Beverly’s Full House, which aired on the OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). The show focused on Beverly Johnson’s attempt to reconcile and bond with her daughter, Anansa, by having the young family move into her home in Palm Springs.
The show provided an intimate look at David Patterson’s role as a husband and son-in-law. The "full house" dynamic was often fraught with tension, as is common when multiple generations of successful, strong-willed individuals live under one roof. Viewers saw Patterson navigate the complexities of living with a mother-in-law who was an international icon while trying to maintain his own authority and household structure.
Key themes involving David Patterson on the show included:
- The Struggle for Privacy: Living in Beverly Johnson’s mansion meant their marital life was often subject to the matriarch’s scrutiny.
- Career Transitions: The show captured Patterson as he navigated life after the NFL, looking into business ventures and personal growth.
- Parenting Styles: Differences in how Anansa and David chose to raise their children compared to Beverly’s more traditional or high-society expectations.
While the show was intended to be a docuseries about family healing, it also highlighted the cracks that can form under the pressure of reality TV cameras and shared living spaces.
The Separation and Divorce
In 2017, after seven years of marriage, Anansa Sims and David Patterson announced their separation. The news came as a surprise to fans who had followed their journey on OWN, but reports suggested that the couple had been drifting apart for some time. Anansa officially filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
The divorce proceedings were handled with a level of privacy not often seen in celebrity splits, though the focus remained on the well-being of their three children. Both parties emphasized their commitment to co-parenting. Unlike many high-profile divorces that devolve into public legal battles over assets, the Sims-Patterson split appeared to prioritize the stability of Ava, David III, and Dean.
The end of the marriage marked a turning point for Patterson. He retreated significantly from the public eye, focusing on his private business interests and his role as a father, away from the glare of reality television cameras.
Comparing the Profiles: David Patterson vs. Matt Barnes
To understand the public's interest in Sims' ex-husband, it is often helpful to view his profile in the context of her current partner, Matt Barnes. Both men are former professional athletes, but they bring very different energies to Sims' life.
| Feature | David Patterson | Matt Barnes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Sport | NFL (Football) | NBA (Basketball) |
| Marriage Dates | 2010–2017 | Engaged/Partner (Post-2018) |
| Children with Anansa | 3 (Ava, David III, Dean) | 1 (Ashton) |
| Reality TV Credits | Beverly's Full House | Basketball Wives, All the Smoke |
| Public Persona | Reserved, Private | Outspoken, Media Personality |
| Alma Mater | Ohio State University | UCLA |
As of 2026, David Patterson maintains a much lower media profile than Matt Barnes. While Barnes is a fixture on sports networks and podcasts, Patterson has chosen a life of relative anonymity, which has led to persistent searches from fans wondering what became of Anansa's first husband.
David Patterson's Life and Career After the NFL
Following his stint with the Atlanta Falcons and his time on reality TV, Patterson transitioned into the business sector. He leveraged his background in professional sports to explore opportunities in fitness, youth coaching, and entrepreneurship.
In the years following the divorce, Patterson has been linked to various ventures in the Ohio and Georgia areas. He has largely avoided the "influencer" path, opting instead for traditional business roles. His social media presence, when active, focuses almost exclusively on his children and his pride in their achievements, whether in school or sports.
For many former NFL players, the transition to "civilian" life is difficult. Patterson's journey through marriage, fatherhood, and divorce in the public eye added a layer of complexity to this transition. However, he has emerged as a figure respected for his dedication to his kids, often seen at their sporting events alongside Anansa and even Matt Barnes, showcasing a successful, modern blended family dynamic.
The Impact of Beverly Johnson on the Marriage
It is impossible to discuss David Patterson’s time as Anansa’s husband without mentioning his mother-in-law, Beverly Johnson. As the first African American model to appear on the cover of American Vogue, Johnson is a monumental figure in fashion history.
For David Patterson, marrying into such a legacy brought both prestige and pressure. On Beverly’s Full House, it was clear that Johnson’s hovering presence was a source of both support and friction. Patterson often had to assert himself as the man of the house while living in a home owned by a woman who was used to being the center of the universe. This dynamic is a common pitfall for many celebrity marriages, where the shadow of a famous parent can sometimes obscure the couple's own identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is David Patterson's net worth in 2026?
While exact figures are private, David Patterson’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $500,000 to $1 million. This stems from his NFL career earnings, business ventures, and appearances on reality television. He has maintained a stable financial life post-football through various entrepreneurial efforts.
Why did Anansa Sims and David Patterson get divorced?
The primary reason cited in legal documents was "irreconcilable differences." Like many couples, the pressures of raising three young children, combined with the stress of reality TV and the challenges of post-athletic career transitions, contributed to the dissolution of the marriage.
How many children does David Patterson have?
David Patterson has three children with Anansa Sims: Ava, David III, and Dean. He is also known to be a dedicated father who is frequently involved in their daily lives and extracurricular activities.
Did David Patterson play in the Super Bowl?
No, David Patterson did not play in a Super Bowl. His NFL career included time with the Atlanta Falcons, primarily in defensive positions, but he did not reach the championship game during his active years.
Is David Patterson still in contact with Beverly Johnson?
While they are no longer family by law, David and Beverly maintain a cordial relationship for the sake of the grandchildren. The intense drama seen on Beverly's Full House has largely settled into a respectful co-parenting and extended family arrangement as of 2026.
Final Thoughts on David Patterson
David Patterson represents a specific archetype of the "celebrity ex-husband": a man who was once at the center of a media-heavy relationship but chose a quieter, more grounded path after the marriage ended. His legacy in the context of Anansa Sims’ life is defined by the three children they share and the years they spent building a family under the watchful eye of the public.
For those researching "Anansa Sims' ex-husband," it is clear that Patterson is more than just a footnote in a model's biography. He is a former elite athlete and a businessman who successfully navigated the treacherous waters of reality TV fame. As Anansa continues her life with Matt Barnes and her flourishing career, David Patterson remains a vital part of her history and a constant presence in the lives of their children.
Practical Action: If you are following the lives of the Sims-Patterson children, look toward youth sports rosters in the California and Georgia areas, as the Patterson sons have inherited their father's athletic genes and are currently making waves in junior leagues as of 2026.
