Last Updated on October 29, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Brandon Cisse is an American professional football player who plays as a cornerback for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 3, 2005, in Sumter, South Carolina, Cisse played college football at North Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina before being selected in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Beyond his professional football career, fans are interested in Brandon Cisse’s family, including his girlfriend, children, parents and siblings. His girlfriend is Trista Lindler, and the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lilah Katherine, in July 2026. His parents are Cedric and Kendria Cisse, while his two brothers are Deondrae and Cedric Cisse Jr. His father is originally from France, and his mother works as a nurse. Family support has been an important part of Cisse’s journey from South Carolina to the NFL.
Brandon Cisse’s Girlfriend: Meet Trista Lindler
Brandon Cisse’s girlfriend is Trista Lindler. Their relationship became more widely known following the 2026 NFL Draft, when the Green Bay Packers selected Cisse with the 52nd overall pick.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Cisse and Lindler welcomed their first child together in July 2026, confirming an important milestone in their relationship.
Although the couple has publicly shared selected family moments, including the birth of their daughter, they have generally maintained privacy regarding the beginning of their relationship.
The exact date when Cisse and Lindler began dating has not been reliably established in the sources reviewed.
Who Is Trista Lindler?
Trista Lindler is best known publicly as the girlfriend of Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandon Cisse and the mother of their daughter, Lilah Katherine.
Her family has connections to Wisconsin, particularly the Madison area, where several of her relatives support the Green Bay Packers.
During an interview following the 2026 NFL Draft, Cisse revealed that his girlfriend’s family members were enthusiastic Packers fans.
The connection made his selection by Green Bay especially meaningful because he was joining the favorite NFL team of some of his girlfriend’s relatives.
Although Lindler has appeared in social media announcements alongside Cisse, detailed information about her age, education, occupation and early life has not been extensively documented in reliable sports reporting.
Brandon Cisse’s Girlfriend Has Family Connections to Wisconsin
One of the most interesting aspects of Brandon Cisse’s relationship with Trista Lindler is her family’s connection to Wisconsin.
After Green Bay selected Cisse in April 2026, he explained that several members of Lindler’s family lived around Madison and were longtime Packers supporters.
The Green Bay Packers’ official website also highlighted this connection in an article published on April 25, 2026.
Although Cisse grew up in South Carolina, his girlfriend’s family already had a personal connection to the organization that would become his first professional football team.
This gave the couple another reason to celebrate his selection in the NFL Draft.
Is Brandon Cisse Married?
As of now, Brandon Cisse has not publicly confirmed that he is married.
Trista Lindler was identified as his girlfriend in reporting published in August 2026, and there has been no verified subsequent announcement establishing that the couple married.
Although they have welcomed a daughter together, their relationship should not be described as a marriage without additional confirmation.
Brandon Cisse’s Children: Meet His Daughter Lilah Katherine
Brandon Cisse is a father to one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Lilah Katherine.
She was born on July 17, 2026, shortly before Cisse began his first NFL training camp with the Green Bay Packers.
Her birth was publicly announced by Cisse and his girlfriend, Trista Lindler, through a joint Instagram post on August 18, 2026.
According to a report published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on August 19, the couple shared several photographs celebrating the arrival of their daughter.
The announcement marked an important personal milestone for Cisse, who was simultaneously preparing for his rookie season in professional football.
Brandon Cisse’s Daughter: Lilah Katherine
Lilah Katherine is the daughter of Brandon Cisse and Trista Lindler.
Born on July 17, 2026, she became the couple’s first publicly confirmed child.
In their August 2026 Instagram announcement, Cisse and Lindler shared photographs of their newborn daughter, including pictures of the family holding her.
One particularly memorable photograph showed Lilah with a personalized Green Bay Packers cheesehead bearing her name.
The image celebrated both her arrival and her father’s new career with the Packers.
The couple received public attention from football fans after sharing the announcement, which came during Cisse’s first NFL training camp.
As of now, Lilah Katherine is the only child publicly identified in reliable reporting about Brandon Cisse’s family.
How Fatherhood Changed Brandon Cisse’s Life
Brandon Cisse became a first-time father shortly before beginning his rookie season in the NFL.
The timing created an important period of transition in his personal and professional life.
In April 2026, Cisse had achieved his childhood dream of being selected in the NFL Draft. Approximately three months later, he welcomed his daughter with Trista Lindler.
These milestones meant that Cisse was preparing for the demands of professional football while also adjusting to parenthood.
Although he has not publicly discussed his parenting philosophy in extensive detail, the couple’s birth announcement demonstrated their excitement about welcoming their daughter.
Brandon Cisse’s Parents: Meet Cedric and Kendria Cisse
Brandon Cisse’s parents are Cedric Cisse and Kendria Cisse. Both were identified in an extensive family profile published by ESPN on May 3, 2026.
The couple raised three sons in Sumter, South Carolina, while encouraging their children to participate in sports and pursue educational opportunities.
His father is originally from France and works as a paralegal, while his mother is a registered nurse who has worked at Lakewood High School.
The family’s athletic background is particularly interesting because Brandon and his brothers initially developed their sporting abilities through soccer before becoming involved in American football.
Brandon Cisse’s Father: Cedric Cisse
Cedric Cisse is Brandon Cisse’s father. Originally from France, he moved to the United States as a foreign exchange student during high school.
According to ESPN, Cedric met his future wife, Kendria, while attending high school in the United States.
Growing up in France, Cedric was more familiar with soccer than American football.
After settling in South Carolina and starting a family, he introduced his children to soccer, encouraging them to begin playing at approximately four or five years old.
Brandon and his two brothers initially participated in recreational soccer before joining a competitive soccer club.
Although the brothers eventually developed an interest in American football, soccer played an important role in their early athletic development.
Cedric later developed a strong appreciation for American football, particularly the achievements of former NFL cornerback Charles Woodson.
In a May 2026 interview published by the Green Bay Packers, Brandon explained that his father had been a longtime admirer of Woodson, dating back to the player’s college career at Michigan.
Cedric owned a Charles Woodson jersey and appreciated his ability to influence games from the defensive secondary.
This admiration eventually influenced Brandon, who also became interested in Woodson’s playing style.
Interestingly, Brandon was assigned jersey number 2 after joining the Packers, the same number Woodson wore during his college football career.
Outside sports, Cedric works as a paralegal, according to ESPN’s May 2026 family profile.
His professional responsibilities and support for his sons helped provide the foundation for their education and athletic development.
Brandon Cisse’s Mother: Kendria Cisse
Kendria Cisse is Brandon Cisse’s mother and one of the most influential people in his football journey.
She is a registered nurse and has worked at Lakewood High School in Sumter, South Carolina, the same school Brandon attended.
In an interview published by ESPN on May 3, 2026, Kendria described how energetic Brandon had been from an unusually young age.
According to his mother, he began walking at approximately nine months old and was already running extensively by his first birthday.
His parents sometimes found it difficult to take him shopping because he was constantly moving around stores.
Kendria also recalled that Brandon developed an early fascination with American football.
While other children enjoyed cartoons, he frequently watched sports programming and studied football teams and players.
By the time he was seven, he had already expressed his ambition to play college football at the University of South Carolina.
How Kendria Cisse Helped Her Son Earn a College Scholarship
One of the most important moments in Brandon Cisse’s recruitment occurred when he asked his mother for money to attend a football camp at North Carolina State University.
Although Cisse had already attracted attention from several smaller college football programs, he wanted an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities to a major university.
He asked Kendria for approximately $100 to attend the NC State camp.
According to an interview published by the Carolina Panthers in March 2026, Cisse understood that his mother worked hard to provide for the family.
He therefore wanted to ensure that the money would be a worthwhile investment.
Kendria agreed to support his decision, and Brandon attended the camp.
His performance impressed the coaching staff, resulting in a scholarship offer from NC State.
After receiving the offer, Cisse contacted his mother to share the news.
He later credited her belief in his abilities as an important source of motivation throughout his football career.
Her encouragement helped him progress from high school football to college competition and eventually the NFL.
Brandon Cisse’s Siblings: Meet Deondrae and Cedric Cisse Jr.
Brandon Cisse has two brothers: an older brother named Deondrae and a younger brother named Cedric Cisse Jr.
ESPN confirmed that Cedric and Kendria raised three sons, while reporting by The Sumter Item identified Brandon’s older brother as Deondrae.
Both brothers have influenced Brandon’s athletic development, particularly through the competitive environment in which they grew up.
The three siblings began participating in soccer during childhood before pursuing their individual athletic interests.
Brandon Cisse’s Older Brother: Deondrae
Deondrae is Brandon Cisse’s older brother and an important influence on his early interest in football.
In November 2024, The Sumter Item published an interview in which Brandon discussed the lessons he had learned from his older brother.
He explained that Deondrae had developed his own athletic identity and that he wanted his younger brother Cedric to enjoy the same opportunity.
Reporting by The State also highlighted the influence of Brandon’s older brother on his understanding of defensive football concepts.
According to that reporting, Brandon was introduced to defensive coverages at a very young age, helping him develop an understanding of football strategy long before reaching college.
Although Deondrae is publicly identified as Brandon’s older brother, detailed information about his education, professional occupation and current personal life remains limited.
Brandon Cisse’s Younger Brother: Cedric Cisse Jr.
Cedric Cisse Jr. is Brandon Cisse’s younger brother and a college football defensive back at the University of South Carolina.
Like Brandon, Cedric attended Lakewood High School in Sumter, where he competed in football and basketball.
During his senior football season, Cedric recorded 32 tackles and four interceptions, demonstrating his defensive abilities.
In December 2024, he initially committed to North Carolina State University, where Brandon was playing at the time.
However, Brandon subsequently transferred to South Carolina, creating an opportunity for the brothers to reunite at their home-state university.
Cedric joined South Carolina as a preferred walk-on in 2025.
According to an August 2025 report published by On3, the brothers were excited about the opportunity to play college football together.
Brandon explained that they had shared a bedroom for much of their childhood and maintained a particularly close relationship.
He also wanted to help Cedric adjust to college football, including the increased physical demands and more complicated defensive schemes.
Cedric credited Brandon with helping him understand recruiting, communicate with coaches and prepare for the transition from high school football.
Although both brothers pursued similar defensive positions, Brandon emphasized that Cedric had his own strengths and should be recognized for his individual achievements.
How Brandon Cisse Helped His Younger Brother’s Football Career
Brandon Cisse has taken an active interest in helping Cedric develop as a football player.
During their time together at South Carolina, Brandon offered guidance about training, preparation and adjusting to collegiate competition.
In an August 2025 interview with GamecockCentral, Brandon explained that he wanted his younger brother to understand he could always depend on him for support.
Cedric also praised Brandon’s instincts as a defensive back, identifying his ability to anticipate routes as one of the skills he admired.
The brothers’ relationship demonstrates how their shared childhood experiences helped create a lasting connection through football.
Does Brandon Cisse Have Sisters?
Reliable reporting has not identified any sisters of Brandon Cisse.
ESPN’s May 2026 family profile describes Cedric and Kendria Cisse as raising three sons, while the publicly identified siblings are Deondrae, Brandon and Cedric Jr.
Therefore, Brandon has two publicly documented brothers, with no sisters identified in the sources reviewed.
Brandon Cisse’s Cousin: Justin
Brandon Cisse also has a publicly identified older cousin named Justin, who played a memorable role in his childhood football ambitions.
According to ESPN, Justin accompanied Brandon to a University of South Carolina football game at Williams-Brice Stadium when Brandon was approximately seven years old.
During the visit, Brandon told his cousin that he wanted to play football on that field someday.
Justin later shared the conversation with Kendria, who remembered the moment years later when her son entered the NFL.
The experience became particularly meaningful when Brandon transferred to South Carolina in 2025 and fulfilled his childhood dream of playing for the Gamecocks.
Although Justin’s full name and personal background have not been widely documented, his involvement in this childhood memory is confirmed through the family’s ESPN interview.
Brandon Cisse’s Early Life and Family Background
Brandon Caleb Cisse was born on July 3, 2005, in Sumter, South Carolina, United States.
He grew up in a household influenced by both American and French sporting traditions.
His father, Cedric, introduced the family to soccer, while Brandon gradually developed an interest in American football.
As a child, he frequently watched football games and studied the performances of professional and college players.
He also attended games at the University of South Carolina, where he dreamed of eventually becoming a Gamecocks player.
Cisse attended Lakewood High School in Sumter, where he played defensive back and wide receiver.
During his senior season in 2022, he recorded 37 tackles, one interception, 13 passes defended, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Offensively, he caught 42 passes for 764 yards and eight touchdowns.
He also competed in basketball and track and field, developing the speed and athleticism that later became important to his football career.
Despite his achievements, he initially received limited recruiting attention from major college football programs.
His performance at an NC State recruiting camp eventually earned him an opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division I level.
Brandon Cisse’s College Football Career
Brandon Cisse began his college football career at North Carolina State University in 2023.
During his freshman season, he appeared in all 13 games and recorded 10 tackles and an interception.
His first college interception came against Miami, helping secure an important victory for the Wolfpack.
In 2024, he appeared in nine games, recording 28 tackles and five passes defended.
Following the season, Cisse entered the NCAA transfer portal and committed to the University of South Carolina.
The move allowed him to return closer to his family while fulfilling his childhood ambition of representing the Gamecocks.
During the 2025 season, he became a regular starting cornerback, appearing in 12 games and recording 27 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and six passes defended.
His performances attracted attention from NFL scouts because of his speed, competitiveness and ability to challenge receivers.
After completing the season, Cisse declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Brandon Cisse’s NFL Career With the Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers selected Brandon Cisse with the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
His selection represented the fulfillment of a childhood ambition that had been supported by his parents, brothers and extended family.
After being drafted, Cisse discussed how excited he was to join one of the NFL’s most recognizable franchises.
The moment also carried personal significance because his girlfriend Trista Lindler’s family had longstanding connections to Wisconsin and supported the Packers.
Cisse entered his rookie season determined to contribute defensively while adapting to the speed and physical demands of professional football.
His first NFL season was also marked by the birth of his daughter, Lilah Katherine, in July 2026.
These developments made 2026 a particularly important year in both his professional and personal life.
How Brandon Cisse’s Family Influenced His Football Journey
Brandon Cisse’s family has played an essential role in his development as an athlete.
His father introduced him to organized sports and helped him appreciate the achievements of defensive football players such as Charles Woodson.
His mother worked as a nurse while supporting the family’s educational and athletic needs.
Her decision to help finance his attendance at an NC State football camp contributed directly to the scholarship opportunity that launched his college career.
Meanwhile, his brothers provided athletic competition and encouragement throughout his childhood.
His older brother helped him develop an understanding of football strategy, while his younger brother followed a similar path into college football.
When Brandon transferred to South Carolina, the move allowed his family to attend more games and gave him an opportunity to play alongside Cedric Jr.
His journey illustrates the importance of family encouragement, determination and opportunities that can transform an athlete’s career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brandon Cisse’s Family
Who is Brandon Cisse’s girlfriend?
Brandon Cisse’s girlfriend is Trista Lindler. The couple welcomed their first child together in July 2026.
Is Brandon Cisse married?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Brandon Cisse is married. Trista Lindler was identified as his girlfriend in reporting published in August 2026.
Does Brandon Cisse have children?
Yes. Brandon Cisse has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Lilah Katherine, born on July 17, 2026.
Who is Brandon Cisse’s daughter?
His daughter is Lilah Katherine, whom he welcomed with his girlfriend Trista Lindler. The couple announced her birth through Instagram in August 2026.
Who are Brandon Cisse’s parents?
Brandon Cisse’s parents are Cedric Cisse and Kendria Cisse. His father is a paralegal originally from France, while his mother is a registered nurse who has worked at Lakewood High School in South Carolina.
Who is Brandon Cisse’s father?
His father is Cedric Cisse, a French-born paralegal who introduced his children to soccer and encouraged their interest in sports.
Who is Brandon Cisse’s mother?
His mother is Kendria Cisse, a nurse who supported his football ambitions and helped him attend the NC State recruiting camp where he earned a college scholarship offer.
How many siblings does Brandon Cisse have?
Brandon Cisse has two publicly identified siblings, both brothers: Deondrae and Cedric Cisse Jr.
Who is Brandon Cisse’s younger brother?
His younger brother is Cedric Cisse Jr., who plays defensive back at the University of South Carolina.
Who is Brandon Cisse’s older brother?
His older brother is Deondrae, who influenced Brandon’s early football development and helped him understand the importance of establishing his own athletic identity.
Does Brandon Cisse have sisters?
No sisters have been identified in reliable public reporting. ESPN’s family profile describes Brandon as one of three sons raised by Cedric and Kendria Cisse.
How old is Brandon Cisse?
Brandon Cisse was born on July 3, 2005, making him 21 years old as of now.
Where is Brandon Cisse from?
Brandon Cisse is from Sumter, South Carolina, United States. He attended Lakewood High School before playing college football at North Carolina State and South Carolina.
What NFL team does Brandon Cisse play for?
Brandon Cisse plays cornerback for the Green Bay Packers, who selected him in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
