Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Al-Quadin Muhammad is an American professional football player who plays as an outside linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL. Known for his aggressive pass-rushing abilities, physical strength, and determination, Muhammad has played for several NFL franchises, including the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions. Away from football, many fans want to know more about Al-Quadin Muhammad’s family, wife or girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings.
Born on March 28, 1995, Muhammad grew up in Newark, New Jersey, where he developed his passion for football. His mother, Michelle Epps, was a talented high school track athlete who later became a teacher.
Muhammad also became a father at a young age. His son, Al-Quadin Muhammad Jr., was born before he began his college football career at the University of Miami. The NFL veteran has repeatedly explained that fatherhood has been one of his greatest motivations throughout his professional journey.
Although Muhammad has spoken openly about his mother and son, he maintains considerably more privacy regarding his romantic relationships, father, and possible siblings.
Here is everything publicly known about Al-Quadin Muhammad’s family and personal life.
Who Is Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Wife or Girlfriend?
Al-Quadin Muhammad has not publicly confirmed the identity of a wife or girlfriend through reliable sports reporting.
Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker has discussed fatherhood and family responsibilities in several interviews, he has shared relatively little information about his romantic relationships.
His official Tampa Bay Buccaneers biography does not identify a spouse, girlfriend, or fiancée. Similarly, his previous NFL team profiles primarily focus on his football accomplishments, college background, and professional career.
Muhammad has occasionally shared personal moments through social media, but no established sports publication has consistently identified a current romantic partner.
As of now, there is no sufficiently reliable public confirmation that Al-Quadin Muhammad is married, engaged, or in a romantic relationship.
However, the absence of public information does not necessarily mean that he is single. Muhammad may simply prefer to keep this part of his personal life private.
Does Al-Quadin Muhammad Have Children?
Yes, Al-Quadin Muhammad has a son named Al-Quadin Muhammad Jr., whose identity has been confirmed through official NFL interviews and established sports reporting.
Muhammad became a father while still in high school, before beginning his college football career at the University of Miami.
During an April 29, 2017, conference call with New Orleans Saints reporters, Muhammad confirmed that his son was five years old and identified him by name.
He also explained that having a child at such a young age changed his priorities and encouraged him to approach football with greater maturity.
Al-Quadin Muhammad Jr. – Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Son
Al-Quadin Muhammad Jr. is the publicly confirmed son of NFL outside linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad.
He was born around 2012, when his father was approximately 17 years old.
In an October 2025 interview published by Go Long, Muhammad recalled becoming a father before playing his first college football game.
Rather than viewing fatherhood as an obstacle, he explained that the responsibility became an important source of motivation.
He wanted to build a successful football career so that he could provide financial security and opportunities for his son.
Muhammad has continued emphasizing the importance of being a positive role model for Al-Quadin Jr., particularly through the challenges and uncertainties associated with playing professional football.
Al-Quadin Muhammad Jr.’s Memorable Moment With His Father
One of the most emotional public moments involving Al-Quadin Muhammad and his son occurred on January 5, 2025.
After the Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings to secure the NFC North championship and the conference’s top playoff seed, Muhammad celebrated with his son inside the team’s locker room.
The younger Muhammad appeared alongside his father during an interview with Detroit television reporter Brad Galli.
During the interview, Al-Quadin Jr. praised his father’s performance and expressed his love and admiration for him.
The father-son interaction attracted considerable attention on social media and was subsequently featured in national NFL coverage.
In a January 17, 2025, interview with the Detroit Free Press, Muhammad explained that sharing those experiences with his son meant a great deal to him.
He wanted Al-Quadin Jr. to understand that professional success requires consistent effort, resilience, and determination.
According to the report, the two celebrate together after games whenever possible, even when his son cannot attend in person.
The younger Muhammad has also shown an interest in sports, and his father has described him as a talented young athlete.
As of now, Al-Quadin Muhammad Jr. is the only child whose identity has been clearly confirmed through authoritative public reporting. There is insufficient verified information about any additional children.
Who Are Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Parents?
Al-Quadin Muhammad’s mother is Michelle Epps, a former high school track athlete and teacher from New Jersey.
Her identity was publicly confirmed in July 2024 when the City of Newark honored Muhammad with the Key to the City.
Although his mother has been identified through official municipal announcements and media reporting, his father’s name has not been reliably established in widely available football biographies.
Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Mother – Michelle Epps
Michelle Epps is Al-Quadin Muhammad’s mother and one of the most influential publicly documented figures in his life.
According to a July 2024 announcement from Newark city officials, Epps was a standout track athlete at Vailsburg High School before becoming a teacher.
Her athletic background influenced her son’s upbringing and helped introduce him to the values associated with competitive sports.
Growing up in Newark, Muhammad faced challenges while pursuing his dream of becoming a professional football player.
His mother encouraged him to remain disciplined, work hard, and follow through on his commitments.
During an October 2025 interview with journalist Tyler Dunne of Go Long, Muhammad discussed one of the most important lessons his mother taught him during childhood.
He explained that she never allowed him to abandon something after committing to it.
Her philosophy emphasized perseverance and completing responsibilities, even when circumstances became difficult.
Muhammad carried that lesson throughout his football career, including periods when he encountered setbacks in college and professional football.
How Michelle Epps Influenced Her Son’s Football Career
Michelle Epps’ athletic background helped shape Muhammad’s competitive personality.
Her experience as a track athlete meant that she understood the importance of physical preparation, consistent training, and personal discipline.
As a young boy, Muhammad began playing football through Newark’s Pop Warner youth program.
He later attended Paterson Catholic High School before transferring to Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey.
During his high school years, he developed into one of the state’s leading football prospects.
His performances eventually earned him a scholarship to the University of Miami.
Although Muhammad’s professional journey involved several challenges, he has continued crediting the lessons learned from his mother with influencing his approach to life and football.
Her emphasis on perseverance became particularly important as he balanced fatherhood with his responsibilities as a college and professional athlete.
Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Father – Who Is His Dad?
Al-Quadin Muhammad’s father’s identity has not been reliably established through official NFL biographies or authoritative public interviews.
While reporting about Muhammad’s childhood has identified his mother, Michelle Epps, relatively little information has been published about his father.
His Tampa Bay Buccaneers player biography does not provide his father’s name, occupation, or personal background.
Similarly, established interviews discussing Muhammad’s early years have generally focused on his mother and the responsibilities associated with becoming a father himself.
As of now, there is insufficient verified information to establish the identity of Al-Quadin Muhammad’s father or describe his relationship with the NFL player.
It would also be inaccurate to assume anything about his father’s presence or absence during childhood simply because those details have not been publicly disclosed.
Who Are Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Siblings?
Information about Al-Quadin Muhammad’s brothers and sisters remains limited.
Unlike some NFL players who regularly discuss their siblings in interviews, Muhammad has not provided extensive publicly documented details about brothers or sisters.
His official NFL biographies focus on his football career, while the most detailed interviews about his family generally discuss his mother and son.
As of now, the identities and number of his siblings have not been reliably established through authoritative public sources.
Does Al-Quadin Muhammad Have a Brother?
There is no sufficiently reliable public information confirming the identity of a brother of Al-Quadin Muhammad.
Although he has maintained close relationships with family members and people from his hometown, established sports reporting has not identified a brother by name.
As of now, whether Muhammad has any brothers remains publicly unconfirmed.
Does Al-Quadin Muhammad Have a Sister?
Similarly, there is no verified public information identifying a sister of Al-Quadin Muhammad.
His official player biographies do not provide names or details about possible female siblings.
As of now, information about his sisters, if any, remains private.
Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Childhood and Family Background
Al-Quadin Muhammad was born on March 28, 1995, and grew up in the Newark and Irvington area of New Jersey.
His interest in football developed during childhood when he began competing in Newark’s Pop Warner youth football program.
His mother, Michelle Epps, encouraged him to remain dedicated to his sporting ambitions.
Muhammad initially attended Paterson Catholic High School, where he began attracting attention for his physical strength and defensive abilities.
After the school closed, he transferred to Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey.
At Don Bosco, he became one of the country’s most highly regarded high school defensive ends.
During his senior season, he recorded more than 10 sacks and helped his team advance to the state semifinals.
His performances earned him an invitation to participate in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
He was also ranked among the nation’s leading defensive end prospects and received scholarship offers from numerous major college football programs.
Muhammad ultimately chose the University of Miami, where he continued developing his football abilities.
His college career was particularly demanding because he had already become a father.
While many of his teammates were focused primarily on football and their education, Muhammad was also considering how to provide for his young son.
That responsibility influenced his determination to reach the NFL.
How Fatherhood Changed Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Life
One of the most distinctive aspects of Al-Quadin Muhammad’s family story is that he became a father before his professional football career began.
In his April 2017 interview with New Orleans Saints reporters, Muhammad explained that his son depended on him and that this responsibility influenced his personal development.
He viewed football as an opportunity to create a stable future for his family.
During a detailed October 2025 interview with Go Long, he recalled that becoming a father at 17 encouraged him to approach college football with a different mindset.
Rather than treating football exclusively as a game, Muhammad viewed it as a serious opportunity to provide for his child.
His son remained a major source of motivation as Muhammad moved between NFL teams and worked to establish his professional career.
In January 2025, Muhammad told the Detroit Free Press that he wanted to demonstrate through his actions how to overcome adversity.
He hoped that watching his father’s experiences would teach Al-Quadin Jr. the importance of persistence, hard work, and believing in his abilities.
Their public interactions have provided fans with a personal perspective on Muhammad beyond his performances on the football field.
Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Connection to Newark, New Jersey
Al-Quadin Muhammad has maintained close ties to Newark, the city where he developed his football skills.
Throughout his NFL career, he has regularly returned to the community to support young athletes.
His activities have included organizing youth football camps, speaking with children, and encouraging students to pursue their goals.
On July 12, 2024, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka presented Muhammad with the Key to the City during a ceremony at the Prudential Center.
The recognition celebrated both his professional football accomplishments and his contributions to young people in Newark.
According to local news coverage, several people who had influenced Muhammad during childhood attended the ceremony, including his former teacher Iris Matthews and former football coach Benjie Wimberly.
During the event, Muhammad spoke about helping children recognize that their circumstances do not have to determine their future opportunities.
His commitment to supporting young athletes reflects his experiences growing up in New Jersey and the lessons he learned from his mother.
Al-Quadin Muhammad’s College Career and Journey to the NFL
Al-Quadin Muhammad began playing college football at the University of Miami in 2013.
During his freshman season, he contributed as a defensive lineman and recorded two sacks.
Although his college career included disciplinary setbacks, he returned to the team and produced his strongest season in 2015.
That year, Muhammad recorded 54 tackles and five sacks, demonstrating his ability to compete against high-level college opponents.
Following his departure from the Miami football program, he continued preparing for the NFL Draft.
The New Orleans Saints selected Muhammad in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 196th overall pick.
He subsequently played for the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions, developing into an experienced defensive contributor.
His most productive professional season came in 2025 with Detroit.
During that campaign, Muhammad appeared in all 17 regular-season games and recorded a career-high 11 sacks, along with 20 quarterback hits and nine tackles for loss.
His performances earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week recognition in December 2025.
On March 12, 2026, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that they had signed Muhammad to a one-year contract.
The move brought the veteran outside linebacker to Tampa Bay following the strongest statistical season of his NFL career.
As of now, Muhammad continues playing for the Buccaneers while maintaining his responsibilities as a father and his connections to his New Jersey hometown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Family
Who is Al-Quadin Muhammad’s wife?
As of now, Al-Quadin Muhammad has not publicly confirmed the identity of a wife through reliable sports reporting. His marital status remains insufficiently documented.
Who is Al-Quadin Muhammad’s girlfriend?
Al-Quadin Muhammad has not publicly identified a current girlfriend through authoritative interviews or official NFL publications.
Does Al-Quadin Muhammad have children?
Yes. Al-Quadin Muhammad has a publicly confirmed son named Al-Quadin Muhammad Jr., who was born around 2012.
Who is Al-Quadin Muhammad Jr.?
Al-Quadin Muhammad Jr. is the son of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker. He appeared with his father during a memorable Detroit Lions locker room interview in January 2025.
How old was Al-Quadin Muhammad when he became a father?
Muhammad became a father at approximately 17 years old, before beginning his college football career at the University of Miami.
Who is Al-Quadin Muhammad’s mother?
Al-Quadin Muhammad’s mother is Michelle Epps, a former Vailsburg High School track athlete who later became a teacher.
Who is Al-Quadin Muhammad’s father?
His father’s identity has not been reliably established through official NFL biographies or authoritative sports reporting.
Does Al-Quadin Muhammad have siblings?
As of now, there is insufficient verified public information establishing whether Al-Quadin Muhammad has brothers or sisters.
Where is Al-Quadin Muhammad from?
Al-Quadin Muhammad grew up in the Newark and Irvington area of New Jersey. He attended Paterson Catholic High School and Don Bosco Preparatory High School.
How old is Al-Quadin Muhammad?
Al-Quadin Muhammad was born on March 28, 1995. He is 31 years old.
Which NFL team does Al-Quadin Muhammad play for?
As of now, Al-Quadin Muhammad plays as an outside linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whom he joined in March 2026.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
