Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Bryan Bresee’s family has played an important role in his journey from a highly regarded high school football prospect in Maryland to a professional defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. The former Clemson Tigers standout grew up in an athletic household where family members regularly supported one another’s sporting achievements.
Born on October 6, 2001, Bryan Bresee attended Damascus High School in Maryland before playing college football at Clemson University. He entered the NFL in 2023 when the New Orleans Saints selected him in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, fans frequently search for information about Bryan Bresee’s girlfriend, wife, children, parents, and siblings.
Bryan Bresee’s parents are Richard “Rich” Bresee and Meghan Bresee. He grew up with three sisters: Bailey Bresee, Kendall Bresee, and Ella Bresee.
Tragically, his youngest sister, Ella, died from brain cancer in September 2022 at the age of 15. Her memory remains an important source of motivation for Bryan both on and off the football field.
As of now, Bresee has not publicly confirmed having a wife, girlfriend, or children through reliable, widely available sources.
Who Is Bryan Bresee’s Girlfriend?
Bryan Bresee has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend.
Although the New Orleans Saints defensive tackle has attracted significant attention since entering the NFL, he has maintained considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships.
His interviews and public appearances have primarily focused on football, his family background, and the memory of his late sister Ella.
Unlike some professional athletes who frequently discuss their dating lives in public, Bresee has not made a widely documented announcement identifying a romantic partner.
As of now, no reliable public reporting establishes that Bryan Bresee is dating a particular individual.
However, the absence of public information does not necessarily mean he is single. His current relationship status has simply not been independently verified.
Consequently, claims identifying someone as Bryan Bresee’s girlfriend should be treated cautiously unless supported by credible reporting or confirmation from the player himself.
Is Bryan Bresee Married? Who Is His Wife?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Bryan Bresee is married.
As of now, his official New Orleans Saints player biography and Clemson University athletics profile do not identify a wife or provide information about a wedding.
Bresee has also not made a widely documented public announcement about getting engaged or married.
Although fans occasionally search for information about Bryan Bresee’s wife, his marital status remains publicly unconfirmed.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to identify a particular woman as his spouse without credible supporting evidence.
Does Bryan Bresee Have Children?
As of now, Bryan Bresee has no publicly confirmed children.
Neither his official college football biography nor established NFL reporting identifies him as the father of a son or daughter.
There has also been no widely documented announcement that Bresee has welcomed a child.
However, this does not definitively establish that he has no children. It means only that fatherhood has not been publicly verified through reliable sources.
For that reason, specific claims about the names, ages, or number of Bryan Bresee’s children would be speculative without further confirmation.
Who Are Bryan Bresee’s Parents?
Bryan Bresee’s parents are Richard “Rich” Bresee and Meghan Bresee.
Their identities are confirmed in the official New Orleans Saints biography, university athletics records, and the obituary of Bryan’s younger sister, Ella.
Both parents participated in college athletics, establishing a strong sporting tradition within the Bresee family.
They also supported Bryan throughout his high school career, his time at Clemson, and his transition into professional football.
Bryan Bresee’s Father: Richard “Rich” Bresee
Richard Bresee, commonly known as Rich or Richie Bresee, is Bryan Bresee’s father.
He is a former college football player who attended James Madison University in Virginia.
According to Bryan’s official New Orleans Saints biography, Rich played football at James Madison, providing the family with a direct connection to competitive college athletics.
His sporting background became an important part of the environment in which Bryan developed his football abilities.
Rich and Meghan regularly traveled to watch their son’s games, including during his time at Clemson.
In an April 2023 feature published by The Washington Post, Rich discussed the challenges the family experienced during Ella’s illness.
He explained that watching Bryan play football brought happiness to Ella, who was one of her brother’s most enthusiastic supporters.
Even while facing an extremely difficult family situation, Rich encouraged Bryan to continue playing and bring joy to his younger sister.
Rich also attended the family’s celebration when Bryan was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 2023 NFL Draft.
His role in Bryan’s upbringing and athletic development remains one of the most clearly documented aspects of the player’s family background.
Bryan Bresee’s Mother: Meghan Bresee
Meghan Bresee is Bryan Bresee’s mother and a former college basketball player.
Her athletic achievements are documented in the official New Orleans Saints biography.
Meghan played basketball at Frederick Community College in Maryland, where she earned junior college All-American recognition.
She was part of the Frederick Community College team that won the Maryland junior college championship in 1992.
Meghan later continued her basketball career at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.
Her background in competitive basketball contributed to the sporting environment in which Bryan and his sisters grew up.
Meghan also supported the athletic development of her daughter Kendall, who followed her into college basketball.
However, her role in the family extended far beyond athletics.
During Ella Bresee’s battle with brain cancer, Meghan helped care for her daughter through an extended period of medical treatment.
Ella’s published obituary describes the close relationship between mother and daughter, emphasizing how much Ella enjoyed spending time with Meghan.
The family remained together throughout Ella’s illness and continued honoring her memory after her death.
Meghan’s contributions to Bryan’s upbringing and the family’s shared experiences help explain the importance of family relationships in his life.
Does Bryan Bresee Have Any Siblings?
Yes. Bryan Bresee has three sisters: Bailey Bresee, Kendall Bresee, and Ella Bresee.
Their identities are confirmed through official university athletics records and Ella’s obituary, published by Stauffer Funeral Homes in September 2022.
Bailey and Kendall are Bryan’s older sisters, while Ella was his youngest sibling.
1. Bailey Bresee – Older Sister
Bailey Bresee, also known as Bailey Wilkes, is Bryan Bresee’s oldest sister.
Her position as the eldest sibling is confirmed in Kendall Bresee’s official George Washington University basketball biography.
Although Bailey has maintained a relatively private public profile, she has been identified in family-related publications and records.
Ella Bresee’s obituary also identifies Michael Wilkes as a brother-in-law and Callie Wilkes as a niece, providing additional information about the family’s extended relationships.
Like other members of the Bresee household, Bailey has been part of the family’s strong support system.
The Bresee sisters regularly supported Bryan’s football career during his development in Maryland and at Clemson.
However, reliable recent information about Bailey’s professional occupation and other personal activities is limited.
2. Kendall Bresee – Older Sister
Kendall Bresee is Bryan Bresee’s older sister and a former Division I college basketball player.
Born on August 5, 1998, Kendall grew up in Maryland and attended Urbana High School.
During high school, she became one of the area’s leading basketball players and earned All-State recognition.
She initially played college basketball at George Washington University before transferring to Mount St. Mary’s University.
At Mount St. Mary’s, Kendall developed into one of the team’s leading players.
During the 2020-21 season, she earned Northeast Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
She continued producing impressive performances during the 2021-22 season, averaging 14.9 points per game.
In February 2022, Kendall reached the 1,000-point milestone in her college basketball career.
Her achievements demonstrated the Bresee family’s strong connection to competitive athletics.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Bryan described growing up in a competitive household and recalled frequently competing with Kendall.
Their shared interest in sports encouraged both siblings to develop their athletic abilities.
3. Ella Bresee – Younger Sister
Ella Bresee was Bryan Bresee’s youngest sister. She was born on March 12, 2007, and died on September 15, 2022, at the age of 15.
Ella grew up in Urbana, Maryland, and attended Urbana High School.
Like her older siblings, she loved sports, particularly basketball.
She was also one of Bryan’s most enthusiastic supporters and regularly attended his football games.
According to her obituary, Ella particularly enjoyed watching her brother play for Clemson University.
Her family described her as a joyful teenager who loved spending time with relatives, friends, and her dog.
Unfortunately, Ella was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer, in April 2021.
She underwent extensive medical treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Despite periods of improvement, her cancer returned in 2022.
Ella died on September 15, 2022, following approximately 17 months of treatment.
Her death was a devastating loss for the Bresee family and received considerable attention throughout the college football community.
How Did Bryan Bresee Honor His Sister Ella?
Bryan Bresee has repeatedly honored his sister Ella through football tributes, public statements, and charitable activities.
During the 2022 college football season, Clemson players and supporters rallied around the Bresee family using the message “Ella Strong.”
The university dedicated its September 10, 2022, game against Furman to Ella while she was receiving treatment.
Clemson players wore special shirts supporting her, while fans participated in activities raising awareness of her illness.
Following her death, Bryan temporarily stepped away from the team to spend time with his family.
He later returned to Clemson and continued playing in her memory.
Throughout the remainder of his college career, he used football as a way to honor Ella’s determination and courage.
He also received a tattoo featuring the message “Ella Strong” as a permanent tribute to his younger sister.
Bryan Bresee’s Emotional NFL Draft Moment
On April 27, 2023, the New Orleans Saints selected Bryan Bresee with the 29th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
He watched the draft from his family home in Maryland alongside his parents, surviving sisters, and other relatives.
Although it was one of the happiest moments of his professional journey, Ella’s absence made the occasion emotional.
Bresee later told the New Orleans Saints that his sister had supported him throughout his journey and would have been extremely proud to see him become an NFL player.
The family wore “Ella Strong” shirts during the celebration, ensuring that Ella remained part of the milestone.
Her memory continues to motivate Bryan in his professional career.
Bryan Bresee’s Family and Childhood Background
Bryan Bresee grew up in Maryland in a household that emphasized sports, competition, and family togetherness.
His father played college football, his mother was an accomplished college basketball player, and his sister Kendall also pursued basketball at the Division I level.
With three sisters and two athletic parents, Bryan developed a competitive personality from an early age.
He attended Damascus High School, where he became one of the most highly regarded football prospects in the United States.
During his high school career, he recorded 134 tackles, including 80.5 tackles for loss and 35 sacks.
His achievements helped Damascus win the Maryland state championship in 2019.
Bresee was subsequently ranked as the nation’s top overall recruit in the 2020 class by major recruiting services.
He ultimately chose Clemson University, where he joined one of college football’s leading programs.
How Has Bryan Bresee’s Family Influenced His NFL Career?
Family support has been a consistent theme throughout Bryan Bresee’s athletic development.
His parents helped establish his interest in sports, while his sisters encouraged his competitive personality.
During high school, the family regularly attended his games and traveled to support his achievements.
That commitment continued when Bryan joined Clemson.
His sister Ella’s illness and death had a particularly profound influence on his perspective.
In an April 2023 interview with The Washington Post, Bresee discussed how her determination helped him develop resilience during his own difficult experiences.
While at Clemson, he also dealt with injuries, including a torn ACL that interrupted his 2021 season.
Through these challenges, he continued receiving encouragement from his family and coaches.
His ability to overcome personal and professional setbacks eventually helped him reach the NFL.
Bryan Bresee’s Charitable Work in Memory of Ella
After joining the New Orleans Saints, Bryan Bresee continued honoring his sister through charitable activities involving children affected by cancer.
He has visited patients at Ochsner Medical Center in Louisiana, including during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
His official Saints biography documents his commitment to spending time with young cancer patients as a tribute to Ella.
In addition, he has used his participation in NFL community programs to support children and families dealing with medical challenges.
The Bresee family has also supported fundraising initiatives benefiting medulloblastoma research.
Ella’s memorial fund, established through CureMeDullo, directs donations toward research into the disease that caused her death.
Through these activities, Bryan has continued turning his family’s personal experience into opportunities to help others.
Bryan Bresee’s NFL Career
Bryan Bresee entered the National Football League when the New Orleans Saints selected him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
He signed his rookie contract with New Orleans in May 2023.
During his first NFL season, Bresee appeared in all 17 regular-season games and recorded 24 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
In 2024, he became a regular starter and recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks.
He continued contributing to the Saints’ defensive line during the 2025 season, recording 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a blocked field goal.
In April 2026, New Orleans exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season.
As of now, Bresee remains a member of the New Orleans Saints and continues building his professional career while honoring his family’s influence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bryan Bresee’s Family
Who Is Bryan Bresee’s Girlfriend?
As of now, Bryan Bresee has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. His current relationship status remains private.
Is Bryan Bresee Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Bryan Bresee is married or has a wife.
Does Bryan Bresee Have Children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for Bryan Bresee through official NFL biographies or established sports reporting.
Who Is Bryan Bresee’s Father?
Bryan Bresee’s father is Richard “Rich” Bresee, a former college football player at James Madison University.
Who Is Bryan Bresee’s Mother?
His mother is Meghan Bresee, a former college basketball player who competed at Frederick Community College and Shippensburg University.
How Many Siblings Does Bryan Bresee Have?
Bryan Bresee has three sisters: Bailey, Kendall, and Ella. His youngest sister, Ella, died in September 2022.
Who Is Bryan Bresee’s Sister Kendall?
Kendall Bresee is Bryan’s older sister and a former Division I college basketball player who competed at George Washington University and Mount St. Mary’s University.
What Happened to Bryan Bresee’s Sister Ella?
Ella Bresee died on September 15, 2022, at age 15, following a battle with medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
Does Bryan Bresee Have a Brother?
Official family records identify three sisters but do not list a brother.
What Does “Ella Strong” Mean?
“Ella Strong” is a tribute to Bryan Bresee’s younger sister Ella. The phrase became widely recognized among Clemson football supporters during her cancer treatment and continues to represent her memory.
Which NFL Team Does Bryan Bresee Play For?
As of now, Bryan Bresee plays defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. The team selected him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
