The world knows Sonya Curry as the matriarch of basketball's royal family, mother to NBA superstars Steph and Seth Curry. However, her personal journey took a dramatic turn following the end of her 33-year marriage to former NBA player Dell Curry. In the years since their high-profile split, Sonya has quietly built a new life with former NFL player Steven Johnson, a relationship that has endured public scrutiny and become a testament to moving forward.
Who is Steven Johnson, Sonya Curry's Partner?
Steven Johnson is a former professional American football player who was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 1988 NFL Draft. His career as a tight end was cut short due to a significant knee injury, limiting him to 14 games in his rookie season where he made one reception for five yards.
After retiring from the NFL, Johnson successfully transitioned into the business world. He is the founder and president of Johnson Commercial Development, a property development and real estate firm that oversees major projects across states like Virginia and Tennessee. This entrepreneurial spirit aligns with Sonya's own career as an educator, Montessori school owner, author, and motivational speaker.
The Timeline of Sonya and Steven's Relationship
The relationship between Sonya Curry and Steven Johnson blossomed amidst the backdrop of her marital breakdown. Here is how their romance unfolded over the years.
Late 2020: The Romance Begins
Reports indicate that Sonya and Steven began dating in late 2020. This was after she had legally separated from Dell Curry in March of that same year, marking the end of a marriage that began in 1988.
June 2021: Divorce Proceedings and Allegations
Sonya officially filed for divorce in North Carolina on June 14, 2021. The split was far from amicable in the legal arena. Court documents revealed mutual allegations of infidelity. Dell Curry claimed that Sonya began her relationship with Johnson during their marriage, before their separation date. Sonya, however, maintained that the relationship did not start until months after the legal separation in March 2020.
June 2022: A Major Public Debut
The couple made their first significant public appearance together in June 2022. Steven Johnson accompanied Sonya to the NBA Finals to support her son, Steph Curry, solidifying their status as a couple in the public eye.
January 2025: Sonya Opens Up
In a candid interview on The Travis Hearn Podcast in early 2025, Sonya emotionally discussed the ongoing impact of her divorce. She revealed the complexity of moving on, stating, "I’m still not through my divorce. I’m still… I tried. I moved into another relationship, not a marriage, but a relationship, and the whole time I was just like, ‘It’s not right.’" Despite these feelings, she and Johnson have remained a steady pair.
Life After the Curry Divorce
As of 2026, Sonya Curry and Steven Johnson continue their relationship. They are frequently spotted together at high-profile sporting events, showing support for Sonya's children. Dell Curry has also moved on, marrying Nicki Smith in 2023.
Sonya Curry's story resonates with many navigating life after long-term marriage. At 59, she has balanced her public role as a supportive mother with a private pursuit of new happiness, proving that new chapters can begin at any stage of life. Her journey with Steven Johnson, marked by both quiet beginnings and public appearances, continues to unfold.
