Last Updated on October 14, 2026 by Mariah Miranda

Alex Palczewski is an American professional football offensive lineman who plays for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League (NFL). Born Alex Andrzej Palczewski on August 3, 1999, in Mount Prospect, Illinois, he played college football at the University of Illinois before joining Denver as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Beyond his achievements on the football field, Palczewski comes from a close-knit Polish-American family whose determination and sacrifices have influenced his life and professional career.
The Denver Broncos offensive lineman is engaged to Megan Cooney, with their wedding planned for 2027. His parents are Andrzej Palczewski and Bozena Palczewski, both immigrants from Poland, while his two older brothers are Adam and Alan Palczewski. His father worked as a carpenter, and his mother worked as a nurse after arriving in the United States. Although Alex has openly discussed his family and engagement, there are no publicly verified reports confirming that he has children.
Alex Palczewski’s Girlfriend: Meet His Fiancée Megan Cooney
Alex Palczewski is engaged to Megan Cooney, his longtime romantic partner and future wife.
Their relationship became more widely known following an interview published by The Denver Gazette on June 6, 2026, when Palczewski discussed his decision to remain with the Broncos and revealed details about his engagement.
Although Alex has maintained a relatively private romantic life, he has publicly acknowledged Megan’s importance to him.
Unlike the partners of some NFL players who regularly participate in interviews and lifestyle publications, Megan has generally remained outside the national sports spotlight.
Reliable information about her occupation, education and early life remains limited.
When Did Alex Palczewski Get Engaged?
Alex Palczewski proposed to Megan Cooney shortly after the Denver Broncos completed their 2025 training camp.
The engagement was confirmed during his June 2026 interview with journalist Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette.
During the conversation, Palczewski discussed his decision to join Denver in 2023 and how that opportunity had transformed his professional life.
He initially described signing with the Broncos as the best decision he had ever made.
However, he quickly corrected himself, explaining that proposing to Megan was actually his best decision.
The affectionate remark offered fans a rare glimpse into the football player’s personal life and demonstrated the importance of his relationship.
Although the exact engagement date was not publicly specified, the proposal occurred after the team’s 2025 training camp.
When Will Alex Palczewski Marry Megan Cooney?
According to The Denver Gazette’s June 2026 report, Alex Palczewski and Megan Cooney plan to marry in 2027 in Chicago, Illinois.
The couple selected the Chicago area because it is close to Alex’s hometown of Mount Prospect, where he grew up with his parents and brothers.
The wedding was expected to take place between the Denver Broncos’ mandatory minicamp and the beginning of training camp.
That timing would allow Palczewski to celebrate his marriage without significantly interfering with his professional football commitments.
Although the couple has discussed their plans, an exact wedding date and venue have not been independently confirmed in the available reporting.
As of now, Alex Palczewski and Megan Cooney are publicly known to be engaged, with their wedding planned for 2027.
How Megan Cooney Supported Alex During His Broncos Career
Megan has accompanied Alex during important moments of his professional football career.
One example occurred during the 2025 NFL season when the Broncos played the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High.
At the time, Denver frequently used Palczewski as an additional offensive lineman in formations involving six blockers.
Because he became an eligible receiver in those formations, the stadium announcer was required to identify him before the play.
Broncos supporters began enthusiastically cheering whenever his eligibility was announced.
According to Palczewski’s June 2026 interview, his parents were initially confused by the sudden excitement surrounding their son.
Megan explained that the crowd’s reaction was likely to become even louder as the game continued.
The moment provided an amusing family memory and demonstrated how his fiancée had become involved in his experiences with the Broncos.
Alex Palczewski’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
There are no publicly verified reports confirming that Alex Palczewski has children.
The Denver Broncos offensive lineman has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter through official NFL channels or major sports publications.
His interviews about family life have primarily focused on his parents, brothers and relationship with Megan Cooney.
The Denver Gazette’s June 2026 article confirmed his engagement and upcoming wedding but did not identify any children.
Likewise, his official Denver Broncos and University of Illinois biographies do not document him as a father.
Although professional athletes may choose to keep some personal information private, there is currently no reliable basis for claiming that Palczewski has children.
As of now, no children have been publicly confirmed for Alex Palczewski.
Alex Palczewski’s Parents: Meet Andrzej and Bozena Palczewski
Alex Palczewski was born to Andrzej Palczewski and Bozena Palczewski in Mount Prospect, Illinois.
Both parents were born in Poland and immigrated to the United States during the 1980s, seeking improved professional and economic opportunities.
Their experiences adapting to a new country became an important part of Alex’s upbringing.
In interviews with the University of Illinois, The Denver Gazette and Polish sports publications, Palczewski has repeatedly praised his parents for their sacrifices and dedication to providing for their children.
Alex Palczewski’s Father: Andrzej Palczewski
Andrzej Palczewski is Alex Palczewski’s father and one of the most influential people in his life.
He was born in Poland and grew up in the town of Biała Piska, located in northeastern Poland.
According to a September 2024 interview published by The Denver Gazette, Andrzej emigrated to the United States in 1989 when he was approximately 23 years old.
He eventually settled in the Chicago area, where he met his future wife, Bozena.
After arriving in America, Andrzej began working as a carpenter.
Although he had originally been interested in becoming a professional chef, circumstances led him to pursue construction-related employment instead.
In his September 2024 interview, Alex explained that his father regularly worked long days, sometimes from early morning until evening, to support the household.
Andrzej continued working in carpentry for approximately four decades.
His determination provided an important example for his three sons.
Alex has explained that remembering his father’s sacrifices helps him maintain perspective during difficult moments in his own football career.
How Andrzej Palczewski Supported His Son’s Football Career
When Alex began playing American football in elementary school, his father knew relatively little about the sport.
Unlike families with generations of American football experience, the Palczewskis had grown up in a country where soccer was considerably more popular.
Initially, Andrzej and Bozena were surprised by their sons’ interest in American football.
However, they encouraged their children to participate in sports as long as they maintained good academic performance.
In a November 2018 interview with University of Illinois Athletics, Alex explained that his parents prioritized education over athletic achievements.
As his football career progressed, Andrzej began learning the game’s rules and attending college football matches.
During Alex’s time at Illinois, his parents traveled to almost every game they could attend.
Their involvement became particularly meaningful when Alex began receiving college scholarship offers.
For Andrzej, those opportunities represented evidence that his son’s dedication could provide a future that the family had once struggled to imagine.
Alex Palczewski’s Mother: Bozena Palczewski
Bozena Palczewski is Alex Palczewski’s mother and a Polish-born nurse who helped raise three sons in Illinois.
She was born in Stalowa Wola, a city in southeastern Poland.
According to The Denver Gazette, Bozena moved to the United States in 1985 when she was approximately 21 years old.
After arriving in the Chicago area, she found employment as a nurse.
She eventually met Andrzej Palczewski, whom she married.
Together, they established a family and raised three sons: Adam, Alan and Alex.
Bozena’s professional responsibilities required considerable dedication, particularly while adapting to life in a different country.
Her experiences helped shape Alex’s appreciation for hard work, education and family responsibility.
How Bozena Helped Raise Her Three Sons
Bozena emphasized education throughout her children’s upbringing.
She and Andrzej believed academic achievement could provide opportunities for their sons to pursue successful careers.
Although they supported athletic participation, they expected their children to complete their school responsibilities.
Alex has recalled that his parents were initially unfamiliar with the American college recruitment system.
When he received his first college football scholarship offer from the Virginia Military Institute, his excitement surprised them.
However, they quickly recognized the educational and professional opportunities associated with college football.
Bozena became an enthusiastic supporter of his college career and regularly traveled with Andrzej to watch Illinois games.
In September 2024, both parents traveled to Tampa, Florida, to watch their son make his first NFL start for the Denver Broncos against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The occasion represented an important family milestone after years of supporting his football development.
Alex Palczewski’s Siblings: Meet Adam and Alan Palczewski
Alex Palczewski has two older brothers named Adam Palczewski and Alan Palczewski.
Their identities are confirmed by the University of Illinois’s official football biography and a detailed November 2018 family profile.
Alex is the youngest of Andrzej and Bozena’s three children.
All three brothers grew up in Mount Prospect, Illinois, in a Polish-American household where education and family relationships were strongly emphasized.
Adam Palczewski – Alex Palczewski’s Oldest Brother
Adam Palczewski is Alex Palczewski’s oldest brother.
According to The Denver Gazette’s September 2024 report, Adam was approximately 32 years old at the time, making him around seven years older than Alex.
Adam played an especially important role in introducing his younger brother to American football.
During a November 2018 interview with University of Illinois Athletics, Alex explained that he initially preferred playing soccer.
However, when Adam began playing American football during his sophomore year of high school, Alex became interested in the sport.
Alex was approximately in fourth grade when he watched his older brother participate in football.
Inspired by the experience, he decided to try the sport himself.
Over time, Alex developed into a talented offensive lineman and eventually earned a college football scholarship.
In a later interview with the Polish sports publication Przegląd Sportowy Onet, Alex again credited his oldest brother’s participation in football for inspiring his own interest.
Although Adam helped influence his younger brother’s career, he has generally maintained a private public profile.
Reliable information about his occupation, marital status and children remains limited.
Alan Palczewski – Alex Palczewski’s Older Brother
Alan Palczewski is Alex Palczewski’s other older brother.
According to The Denver Gazette, Alan was approximately 31 years old in September 2024, making him about six years older than Alex.
Like his brothers, Alan grew up in the Chicago suburbs after his parents immigrated from Poland.
He was raised in a family environment that emphasized education, personal responsibility and maintaining connections to Polish traditions.
Although Alan has generally remained outside the professional sports spotlight, his identity is confirmed by the University of Illinois’s official records.
He is also part of the family background that Alex frequently references when discussing his childhood and Polish heritage.
There is limited verified information about Alan’s occupation, education or personal relationships.
As of now, Adam and Alan are Alex Palczewski’s two publicly documented siblings.
Alex Palczewski’s Polish Heritage and Family Background
One of the most distinctive aspects of Alex Palczewski’s family story is his strong connection to Poland.
Although he was born in the United States, both parents were Polish immigrants, and Polish was his first language.
Growing up in Mount Prospect, Alex primarily spoke Polish at home with his parents and brothers.
He later learned English through school and everyday interactions.
During a June 2026 interview with The Denver Gazette, Palczewski explained that he still speaks Polish with his parents, even though they are fluent in English.
His family also maintained strong connections with relatives living in Poland.
In 2018, Alex traveled to Poland with his parents for approximately three weeks, visiting relatives from both sides of the family.
During the visit, he learned more about his extended family history and the circumstances that had influenced his parents’ decision to emigrate.
He has continued visiting Poland when his football schedule permits.
During a 2025 interview with Przegląd Sportowy Onet, Alex explained that he had visited relatives in Stalowa Wola, Białystok, Kraków and Warsaw.
He also expressed appreciation for Polish food and traditions.
His connection to Poland has become part of his public identity, with teammates and coaches often referring to him by the nickname “Palcho.”
How Alex Palczewski’s Family Influenced His NFL Career
Alex Palczewski attended Prospect High School in Mount Prospect, Illinois.
In addition to football, he participated in wrestling, water polo and track and field.
However, his athletic development was interrupted by a serious neck injury during high school.
Despite the setback, he recovered and eventually attracted attention from college football programs.
His recruitment included an offer from the Virginia Military Institute, which became an important milestone for his family.
Palczewski ultimately committed to the University of Illinois, allowing him to remain relatively close to home.
From 2017 through 2022, he became one of the most experienced offensive linemen in Fighting Illini history.
He appeared in 65 college football games and earned multiple All-Big Ten honors.
During his final college season in 2022, he received third-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press.
His achievements were particularly meaningful because he had overcome several injuries during his college career.
Although Palczewski was not selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos signed him as an undrafted free agent.
His first professional season was interrupted by a knee injury, and he did not appear in a regular-season game during 2023.
However, he made his NFL debut in 2024 and later earned starting opportunities following injuries to other offensive linemen.
During the 2025 season, Palczewski appeared in all 17 regular-season games and started ten contests.
His performances impressed Denver’s coaching staff and helped establish him as a valuable member of the offensive line.
On March 5, 2026, the Broncos signed him to a two-year contract extension worth a reported $9.5 million in base value, with incentives potentially increasing the total to $11 million.
The agreement represented an important financial milestone for a player who had entered the NFL without being drafted.
Palczewski has repeatedly explained that remembering his parents’ sacrifices motivates him to continue improving and take advantage of his professional opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alex Palczewski’s Family
Who is Alex Palczewski’s girlfriend?
Alex Palczewski is engaged to Megan Cooney. The Denver Broncos offensive lineman proposed to her shortly after the team’s 2025 training camp.
Is Alex Palczewski married?
As of now, Alex Palczewski is engaged rather than publicly confirmed as married. He and Megan Cooney plan to celebrate their wedding in Chicago in 2027.
When will Alex Palczewski get married?
Alex Palczewski and Megan Cooney plan to marry in 2027 in the Chicago area, according to The Denver Gazette. Their wedding is expected to take place between the Broncos’ mandatory minicamp and training camp.
Does Alex Palczewski have children?
There are no publicly verified reports confirming that Alex Palczewski has children.
Who are Alex Palczewski’s parents?
Alex Palczewski’s parents are Andrzej Palczewski and Bozena Palczewski. Both emigrated from Poland to the United States during the 1980s.
Who is Alex Palczewski’s father?
Alex Palczewski’s father is Andrzej Palczewski, who emigrated from Biała Piska, Poland, in 1989 and worked as a carpenter in the Chicago area.
Who is Alex Palczewski’s mother?
Alex Palczewski’s mother is Bozena Palczewski, who emigrated from Stalowa Wola, Poland, in 1985 and worked as a nurse in the United States.
How many siblings does Alex Palczewski have?
Alex Palczewski has two older brothers, Adam and Alan Palczewski. He is the youngest of three children.
Who is Alex Palczewski’s oldest brother?
Alex Palczewski’s oldest brother is Adam Palczewski. His participation in high school football helped inspire Alex to begin playing the sport while he was in fourth grade.
Is Alex Palczewski Polish?
Alex Palczewski is American-born with Polish heritage. Both of his parents were born in Poland, and he grew up speaking Polish at home.
Where was Alex Palczewski born?
Alex Palczewski was born on August 3, 1999, in Mount Prospect, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
What NFL team does Alex Palczewski play for?
Alex Palczewski plays offensive line for the Denver Broncos. He joined the team as an undrafted free agent in May 2023 and signed a two-year contract extension in March 2026.

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.
