Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Anthony Nelson is an American professional football player who plays as an outside linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL. Known for his physical strength, versatility, and pass-rushing abilities, Nelson has spent his entire professional career with Tampa Bay. Away from football, fans are also interested in learning about Anthony Nelson’s family, wife, children, parents, and siblings.
Born on March 4, 1997, in Iowa, Nelson grew up in a family with strong connections to the University of Iowa football program. His parents are Jeff and Christy Nelson, while his younger brother, Nathan Nelson, also played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Today, Nelson has established a family of his own with his wife, Jordyn Steinkritz Nelson, and their two sons, including their youngest child, Eli Scott Nelson.
Here is everything publicly known about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker’s family and personal life.
Who Is Anthony Nelson’s Wife or Girlfriend?
Anthony Nelson is married to Jordyn Steinkritz Nelson, a University of Iowa graduate and longtime supporter of his football career.
The couple married on June 19, 2021, in Norwalk, Iowa, after maintaining a relationship that began during their younger years.
Their relationship was publicly documented in February 2021, when Nelson discussed his then-fiancée during an interview with KCCI in Des Moines.
He explained that Jordyn had supported him throughout high school, college, and his early NFL career.
At the time, Nelson was preparing to appear in Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Kansas City Chiefs.
He expressed his happiness about sharing the experience with Jordyn, who had accompanied him through several important stages of his athletic journey.
Following Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl victory in February 2021, Nelson began preparing for their wedding.
In an interview published by the University of Iowa, he acknowledged the sacrifices Jordyn had made while supporting his football career and expressed his desire to make their wedding special.
The couple subsequently married in June 2021 and began building a family together.
As of now, Jordyn continues to be publicly identified as Anthony Nelson’s wife.
Who Is Jordyn Steinkritz Nelson?
Jordyn Steinkritz Nelson is a University of Iowa Tippie College of Business graduate and the wife of NFL player Anthony Nelson.
She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
According to a September 2022 feature published by the university’s Tippie College of Business, Jordyn was also a member of the college’s Young Alumni Board.
Her involvement reflected her continued connection to the university after graduation.
Like her husband, Jordyn has strong ties to Iowa, making their shared university background an important part of their relationship.
She supported Nelson during his college football career and remained alongside him when the Buccaneers selected him in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The couple’s relationship has continued through professional football seasons, relocations, and the responsibilities associated with raising children.
Although Jordyn has occasionally appeared in public family photographs and social media posts, she generally maintains a relatively private personal life.
How Many Children Does Anthony Nelson Have?
Anthony Nelson has two sons with his wife, Jordyn Nelson.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially confirmed the couple’s second child in December 2024, following Nelson’s important defensive performance against the Carolina Panthers.
According to the team, Jordyn gave birth to their second son, Eli, shortly before the game.
The couple had previously welcomed their first son in 2023.
Anthony Nelson’s First Son
Anthony and Jordyn Nelson welcomed their first child, a son, in 2023.
According to a September 2025 family profile published by Sports Illustrated Lifestyle, the couple announced in December 2022 that they were expecting their first baby in March 2023.
The announcement represented an important milestone for the couple, who had married approximately a year and a half earlier.
Although the birth of their first son is publicly established, his name and exact date of birth have not been consistently documented in authoritative football reporting.
Consequently, those details should not be presented as confirmed without additional evidence.
The arrival of their first child marked the beginning of Nelson’s responsibilities as a father while he continued his professional football career.
Eli Scott Nelson – Anthony Nelson’s Second Son
Eli Scott Nelson is the second son of Anthony and Jordyn Nelson.
He was born on November 29, 2024, just two days before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced the Carolina Panthers in an important NFC South matchup.
The Buccaneers confirmed his birth in an article published on December 2, 2024, titled “Anthony Nelson Spurs Overtime Win.”
According to the team’s report, Jordyn had given birth to the couple’s second son on the Friday before the game.
The family announcement coincided with one of Nelson’s most memorable performances of the 2024 season.
During Tampa Bay’s overtime victory against Carolina, Nelson forced a crucial fumble from Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard.
His teammate YaYa Diaby recovered the ball, helping the Buccaneers secure a 26-23 victory.
Nelson received the game ball for his contribution.
The team’s official report explained that the arrival of his second child brought additional happiness and excitement to his life.
Sports Illustrated Lifestyle subsequently identified the newborn by his full name, Eli Scott.
As of now, Anthony and Jordyn Nelson have two publicly confirmed sons.
Who Are Anthony Nelson’s Parents?
Anthony Nelson’s parents are Jeff Nelson and Christy Nelson.
Both have strong educational connections to the University of Iowa, and his father also played college football for the Hawkeyes.
The family’s history with Iowa Athletics influenced Anthony’s ambitions from an early age.
Anthony Nelson’s Father – Jeff Nelson
Jeff Nelson is Anthony Nelson’s father and a former University of Iowa defensive lineman.
According to the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, Jeff played football for the Hawkeyes under legendary head coach Hayden Fry from 1990 through 1992.
He was also part of the Iowa football program that participated in the 1991 Rose Bowl.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Jeff graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in mathematics in 1992.
His football background had a significant influence on Anthony’s childhood.
Growing up, Anthony regularly followed Iowa football and developed an ambition to play for the same university as his father.
In a February 2021 interview with Iowa Athletics, Nelson explained that playing for the Hawkeyes had been his primary childhood football dream.
He was inspired by his father’s experiences and wanted to continue the family’s connection to the program.
Jeff also supported both of his sons as they pursued competitive football careers.
In February 2021, he spoke with KCCI about Anthony’s journey to Super Bowl LV.
He emphasized the importance of effort, dedication, and natural ability in helping his son reach professional football.
Jeff and Christy subsequently traveled to Tampa to support Anthony during the championship game.
As of now, Jeff remains one of the most important publicly documented influences on Anthony’s football career.
Anthony Nelson’s Mother – Christy Nelson
Christy Nelson is Anthony Nelson’s mother and a University of Iowa graduate.
According to the university’s Tippie College of Business, Christy earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1994.
Her educational background contributed to the family’s strong connection to Iowa.
Alongside Jeff, Christy raised Anthony and his younger brother Nathan in a household that valued education and athletic achievement.
Both sons eventually followed their parents to the University of Iowa, where they competed as defensive linemen for the Hawkeyes.
Christy has supported Anthony throughout his athletic development, including his high school career, college years, and transition into professional football.
In February 2021, she participated in a KCCI interview ahead of Super Bowl LV.
During the interview, Christy discussed the emotional experience of watching her son prepare for the biggest game of his professional career.
She and Jeff traveled to Florida to attend the championship game and support Anthony.
The Buccaneers ultimately defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9, giving Anthony his first Super Bowl championship.
Although Christy’s personal career has received less media attention than her son’s football accomplishments, her identity and university education are confirmed through official University of Iowa records.
Who Are Anthony Nelson’s Siblings?
Anthony Nelson has a younger brother named Nathan Nelson, who also played college football at the University of Iowa.
Nathan’s relationship to Anthony is confirmed by the University of Iowa Athletics Department and Bemidji State University.
Both brothers followed their father’s example by joining Iowa’s football program.
Although Nathan is the only sibling clearly identified in the authoritative sources reviewed, those records do not establish whether Anthony has any additional brothers or sisters.
Nathan Nelson – Anthony Nelson’s Younger Brother
Nathan Nelson is Anthony Nelson’s younger brother and a former University of Iowa defensive lineman.
Born on August 27, 1999, Nathan grew up in Waukee, Iowa, where he attended Waukee High School.
Like his older brother, he developed an interest in competitive football during his school years.
During his senior high school season, Nathan recorded 37 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
He subsequently joined the University of Iowa football program in 2018 as a walk-on.
At Iowa, Nathan played defensive end and wore jersey number 59.
His arrival created a special situation for the Nelson family because both brothers were members of the Hawkeyes football program.
According to Iowa Athletics, Anthony and Nathan were among four sets of brothers on the team’s roster during the 2018 season.
The brothers also shared a connection to their father’s playing history, making them part of a multigenerational Iowa football family.
Nathan redshirted during his first season and later experienced injury setbacks that affected his playing opportunities.
After completing his time as a player, he transitioned into football coaching.
Nathan Nelson’s Coaching Career
Following his college football career, Nathan Nelson began working as a coach.
According to Bemidji State University, he served as a defensive assistant at the University of Iowa in 2021, focusing on defensive line development.
He was part of the Hawkeyes coaching staff during a successful season in which the team won the Big Ten West Division championship.
In 2022, Nathan joined Bemidji State University’s football coaching staff as an assistant coach responsible for defensive ends.
The university’s official biography also confirmed that his brother Anthony was playing professionally for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and that their father Jeff had previously represented Iowa.
Nathan earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa in 2021.
Although his athletic path differed from Anthony’s, both brothers continued their involvement in football beyond high school and college.
Anthony Nelson’s Childhood and Family Background
Anthony Nelson was born on March 4, 1997, in Iowa and grew up in the Des Moines metropolitan area.
He attended Waukee High School, where he became an accomplished multisport athlete.
Besides football, Nelson participated in basketball, baseball, and track and field.
During a February 2021 interview with KCCI, he explained that competing in multiple sports contributed to his overall athletic development.
His football abilities became increasingly evident during high school.
Nelson earned recognition as the Class 4A Western Iowa Defensive Player of the Year during his senior season.
He was also named to the Des Moines Register’s Elite All-State team.
Because of his family’s strong connection to Iowa Athletics, playing football for the Hawkeyes was a natural ambition.
His father had represented the university decades earlier, while both his parents were Iowa graduates.
Nelson eventually accepted an opportunity to join the University of Iowa football program.
His decision continued a family tradition that his younger brother Nathan would later follow.
How Anthony Nelson’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Anthony Nelson’s family has played an important role throughout his football journey.
His father’s experience as an Iowa defensive lineman introduced him to the university’s football culture at a young age.
His mother helped reinforce the importance of education and family support.
His younger brother Nathan shared his interest in football and eventually joined him at Iowa.
Meanwhile, Jordyn supported Nelson through the transition from high school to college and later the NFL.
During a September 2022 interview with the Tippie College of Business, Nelson explained that he had originally viewed college football as an opportunity to receive a high-quality education while representing Iowa.
He initially hoped to pursue a professional career in business rather than necessarily becoming an NFL player.
However, his performances eventually made professional football a realistic possibility.
Nelson studied finance at Iowa and earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition on three occasions.
His educational background and football achievements reflected the balance between athletics and academics emphasized within his family.
Anthony Nelson’s College Career and Journey to the NFL
Anthony Nelson played college football at the University of Iowa from 2015 through 2018.
He redshirted during the 2015 season before becoming an important contributor to the Hawkeyes defense.
During his first playing season in 2016, Nelson recorded 33 tackles and seven sacks.
He continued improving in 2017, finishing with 41 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
His strongest college season came in 2018, when he recorded 45 tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
Nelson earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the conference’s media.
Across his college career, he appeared in 37 games and recorded 119 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, and 23 sacks, according to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 107th overall pick.
Nelson made his NFL debut against the San Francisco 49ers in September 2019.
He gradually established himself as a versatile defensive contributor and special teams player.
One of the biggest accomplishments of his professional career came in February 2021, when Tampa Bay defeated Kansas City in Super Bowl LV.
He continued representing the Buccaneers in subsequent seasons, contributing through pass rushing, run defense, and special teams.
In October 2025, Nelson earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week recognition after recording two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception returned for a touchdown.
As of now, Nelson remains a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, continuing his NFL career while raising his two sons with his wife, Jordyn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthony Nelson’s Family
Who is Anthony Nelson’s wife?
Anthony Nelson’s wife is Jordyn Steinkritz Nelson, a University of Iowa graduate. They married on June 19, 2021, in Norwalk, Iowa.
Who is Anthony Nelson’s girlfriend?
Anthony Nelson is married to Jordyn Nelson, who was his longtime girlfriend and later his fiancée before their wedding in 2021.
How many children does Anthony Nelson have?
As of now, Anthony Nelson has two publicly confirmed children, both sons, with his wife Jordyn.
Who is Anthony Nelson’s youngest son?
Anthony Nelson’s youngest son is Eli Scott Nelson, who was born on November 29, 2024. His birth was confirmed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in December 2024.
When was Anthony Nelson’s first son born?
Anthony and Jordyn welcomed their first son in 2023. They announced in December 2022 that they were expecting their first child in March 2023.
Who is Anthony Nelson’s father?
Anthony Nelson’s father is Jeff Nelson, a former University of Iowa defensive lineman who played for the Hawkeyes from 1990 through 1992.
Who is Anthony Nelson’s mother?
Anthony Nelson’s mother is Christy Nelson, who graduated from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business in 1994.
Does Anthony Nelson have siblings?
Yes. Anthony Nelson has a younger brother named Nathan Nelson, who also played college football at Iowa and later became a football coach.
Did Anthony Nelson’s brother play football?
Yes. Nathan Nelson joined the University of Iowa football program in 2018 as a defensive end. He subsequently worked as a defensive assistant at Iowa and Bemidji State University.
Where is Anthony Nelson from?
Anthony Nelson is from Iowa and grew up in the Des Moines metropolitan area. He attended Waukee High School before joining the University of Iowa.
How old is Anthony Nelson?
Anthony Nelson was born on March 4, 1997. He is 29 years old.
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.
