Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Alex Highsmith is an American professional football player who plays outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. Beyond his successful football career, many fans are interested in learning about Alex Highsmith’s family, wife, children, parents, and siblings.
Born on August 7, 1997, Highsmith grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, surrounded by a supportive family. His parents, Sam and Pamela Highsmith, encouraged his ambitions from an early age, while his sister, Lauryn, has also supported his journey.
Highsmith is married to his college sweetheart, Alyssa Ungrady, a former college athlete who now works in healthcare and participates in charitable initiatives alongside her husband.
Here is everything publicly known about the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker’s personal life and family background.
Who Is Alex Highsmith’s Wife?
Alex Highsmith’s wife is Alyssa Highsmith, formerly known as Alyssa Ungrady. The couple met while attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where they were both student-athletes.
Alex played college football for the Charlotte 49ers, while Alyssa competed in track and field and cross-country.
Their shared athletic backgrounds helped establish a connection that eventually developed into a long-term romantic relationship.
After dating during their college years, Highsmith proposed to Alyssa in May 2021.
The couple married on June 25, 2022, in a ceremony attended by family members and friends.
Highsmith publicly celebrated the occasion on social media, describing Alyssa as one of the greatest blessings in his life.
Who Is Alyssa Ungrady Highsmith?
Alyssa Ungrady Highsmith is a former collegiate athlete and healthcare professional.
She competed for Charlotte’s women’s track and field and cross-country programs while studying nursing.
After college, Alyssa pursued a healthcare career and became a nurse. She has also been described as a certified nutritionist.
Although her husband is a prominent NFL player, Alyssa has continued developing her professional career while supporting his football and charitable activities.
She is actively involved in the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, helping organize programs that support young athletes and underserved communities.
In a July 2026 interview on The Giving Game podcast, the couple discussed their charitable efforts, relationship, faith, and commitment to helping young people.
Alex credited Alyssa with playing an essential role in the foundation’s operations.
Does Alex Highsmith Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, Alex Highsmith does not have a publicly identified girlfriend because he is married to Alyssa Highsmith.
Alyssa was his longtime girlfriend before becoming his fiancée in May 2021 and eventually his wife in June 2022.
Their relationship began during college and continued as Alex transitioned into professional football with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The couple regularly supports community initiatives together and has occasionally appeared at Steelers events.
Does Alex Highsmith Have Children?
As of now, there is no sufficiently verified public information establishing whether Alex Highsmith and Alyssa Highsmith have children.
The couple has shared details about their marriage, careers, and charitable foundation, but reliable reporting does not clearly establish the number or identities of any children.
Although some football discussions have included conversations about parenthood, these do not provide enough independently verified information to establish Alex Highsmith’s parental status.
Therefore, claims about the names, ages, or number of Alex Highsmith’s children should be treated cautiously unless confirmed by the player or a dependable source.
Who Are Alex Highsmith’s Parents?
Alex Highsmith was born to Sam Highsmith and Pamela “Pam” Highsmith.
His parents played important roles in his upbringing, emphasizing education, discipline, faith, and hard work.
Both have backgrounds in education and have been enthusiastic supporters of their son’s professional football career.
Alex Highsmith’s Father: Sam Highsmith
Sam Highsmith is Alex Highsmith’s father and a former school principal and educator in North Carolina.
He worked in education for many years before retiring from his position as a school administrator.
After retirement, Sam took on part-time work, including delivering medical supplies, allowing him and his wife to travel to their son’s NFL games.
Sam has frequently spoken about Alex’s dedication, resilience, and determination to succeed.
In a July 2023 interview with WECT, Sam discussed his reaction to Alex signing a major contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He explained that the family’s pride came not simply from the financial rewards of professional football but from watching Alex become successful while remaining grounded in his values.
Sam has also emphasized the importance of financial responsibility and maintaining strong family relationships.
He continues to be one of his son’s most recognizable supporters.
Alex Highsmith’s Mother: Pamela Highsmith
Alex Highsmith’s mother is Pamela Highsmith, commonly known as Pam Highsmith.
Like her husband, Pamela has worked in education.
She played an important role in Alex’s upbringing, encouraging him to balance academic achievement with athletic development.
During his high school and college years, Pamela remained involved in supporting his sporting ambitions.
She and Sam have regularly celebrated their son’s accomplishments, including his selection in the 2020 NFL Draft and his continued success with the Steelers.
The Highsmith parents have also influenced Alex’s interest in helping communities and supporting children through charitable projects.
In a January 2026 interview with WECT, Alex credited his parents with teaching him the importance of respecting people, serving others, and giving back.
Does Alex Highsmith Have Siblings?
Yes, Alex Highsmith has a sister named Lauryn Highsmith.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ official player biography identifies Lauryn as his sibling.
Who Is Lauryn Highsmith?
Lauryn Highsmith is Alex Highsmith’s younger sister.
According to biographical reporting, she studied Human Development and Family Studies.
Reports also identify her married name as Lauryn Highsmith Millner and state that she married Elliot Millner in March 2022.
However, these additional personal details are not documented in the Steelers’ official biography.
Lauryn has supported her brother throughout his football career and has attended NFL games with other family members.
While Alex receives considerable attention as a professional athlete, his sister generally maintains a lower public profile.
Alex Highsmith’s Childhood and Family Background
Alex Highsmith grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he attended Eugene Ashley High School.
As a young athlete, he participated in several sports, including football, baseball, and basketball.
Despite his athletic ability, Highsmith was not considered a highly recruited football prospect when he graduated from high school.
He eventually joined the Charlotte 49ers football program as a walk-on in 2015.
Through persistence and hard work, he earned a scholarship and developed into one of the school’s standout defensive players.
Highsmith finished his college career with 20 sacks and 46 tackles for loss, earning recognition for his defensive performances.
His development attracted NFL attention, and the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 102nd overall pick.
His family celebrated the achievement, which represented the fulfillment of years of determination and sacrifice.
Alex Highsmith’s Grandmother: Ernestine Highsmith
Another important member of Alex Highsmith’s family was his paternal grandmother, Ernestine Highsmith.
She became widely known after a video showed her celebrating enthusiastically when her grandson was selected in the 2020 NFL Draft.
At 92 years old, Ernestine rose from her chair and danced after learning that Alex had been drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The celebration attracted media attention and became a memorable moment for the Highsmith family.
Ernestine later passed away, but her legacy continues through the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation.
The foundation established the Dancing Grandma Scholarship in her honor, supporting young dancers pursuing their interests.
Alex Highsmith’s Family Foundation
Family values are central to Alex Highsmith’s life outside football.
He and his wife, Alyssa, work together through the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, which supports young people in Wilmington, Charlotte, and Pittsburgh.
The organization focuses on several important areas, including:
- Youth sports and physical fitness
- Education and academic development
- Nutrition and healthy lifestyles
- Family involvement
- Emotional and social support
- Community outreach and mentorship
The foundation organizes football camps, school-supply drives, scholarships, and other community programs.
In recognition of his charitable work, Highsmith was selected as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ nominee for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
His philanthropic efforts reflect the values of service, faith, and responsibility that his parents emphasized throughout his childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alex Highsmith’s Family
Who is Alex Highsmith’s wife?
Alex Highsmith is married to Alyssa Ungrady Highsmith, a former Charlotte track and field athlete who works in healthcare.
When did Alex Highsmith get married?
Alex Highsmith married Alyssa Ungrady on June 25, 2022, after becoming engaged in May 2021.
Does Alex Highsmith have a girlfriend?
No. As of now, Alex Highsmith is married to his longtime partner, Alyssa Highsmith.
Does Alex Highsmith have kids?
As of now, reliable public information does not conclusively establish whether Alex Highsmith has children.
Who are Alex Highsmith’s parents?
His parents are Sam Highsmith and Pamela Highsmith, both of whom have backgrounds in education.
Who is Alex Highsmith’s father?
His father, Sam Highsmith, is a former school principal who has strongly supported his son’s football career.
Who is Alex Highsmith’s mother?
His mother is Pamela “Pam” Highsmith, an educator who helped encourage his athletic and academic development.
Does Alex Highsmith have a brother or sister?
Alex Highsmith has one publicly identified sibling, his sister Lauryn Highsmith. No brother is listed in his official Steelers biography.
Who is Alex Highsmith’s grandmother?
His paternal grandmother was Ernestine Highsmith, remembered for her joyful celebration when Alex was selected in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
