Victor Cruz's Daughter Kennedy, 9, Walks in First American Girl Fashion Show — See the Photos!

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Girl

Victor Cruz is one proud dad!

Last Thursday, the former New York Giants star, 34, and his daughter attended American Girl's 35th anniversary fashion show event in New York City, in partnership with Harlem's Fashion Row (HFR), where Cruz's 9-year-old daughter Kennedy walked the runway for the first time.

At the event, which also celebrated the debut of American Girl's World by Us doll and book line to promote unity and equality, Kennedy modeled one of the looks inspired by the new dolls and created by celebrated HFR designers.

According to a press release, the doll collection introduced a "new cast of contemporary characters — Makena Williams™, Evette Peeters™, and Maritza Ochoa™ — whose stories reflect several important social issues, and the value of working together to create a better world. "

Asked about the event and what it means to him, Cruz said, "This is something that involves inclusion that brings little girls together, that lets them see themselves in the dolls, that's the best part. That's the unique part, it's them seeing themselves in the dolls and living through everyday life seeing that truth."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

RELATED: How Victor Cruz and His Ex Successfully Co-Parent Daughter, 8½: 'You Have to Put Your Ego Aside'

The father of one also spoke about his influence on his daughter's fashion, sharing that he teaches her to "just dress how she feels."

"It's been quite a few years since she's taken any fashion advice from me because she likes to get dressed herself and do things herself and go in her own closet and she does a really good job! So I just teach her to express herself," he added.

The athlete shared photos from the event on his Instagram page, writing that Kennedy's modeling debut was a "proud dad moment for me."

"My baby is blossoming into a star!" he added.

Also at the show was model Chanel Iman, who was joined by her little girls Cassie Snow, 21 months, and Cali Clay, 3.

"It's important for my girls to live in an all-inclusive world," Iman told press at the show.