Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Corliss Waitman is a Belgian-born American professional football player who plays as a punter for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 21, 1995, in Ghent, Belgium, Waitman has a unique international background, having grown up in the Netherlands before moving to the United States as a teenager.
Beyond his professional achievements, Corliss Waitman’s family includes his late father, José Waitman, and his mother, Aldofine Chaar. His father was an American professional basketball player who competed in Europe, while his mother was born in Suriname and later settled in the Netherlands.
Waitman’s family played an essential role in shaping his athletic development. His father introduced him to competitive sports and encouraged him to pursue professional athletics before dying unexpectedly in April 2013. The loss became one of the most difficult experiences of Corliss’s life and continues to motivate him.
Although his parents and several extended family members are publicly documented, Waitman has maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships, children and siblings. Here is everything publicly known about Corliss Waitman’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings and family background.
Corliss Waitman’s Girlfriend: Who Is He Dating?
As of now, Corliss Waitman has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. There is no reliable, widely documented information identifying a current romantic partner of the San Francisco 49ers punter.
Unlike some professional athletes who frequently share their relationships through interviews and social media, Waitman has generally kept his dating life outside the public spotlight.
His official NFL and college football biographies primarily focus on his athletic accomplishments, international upbringing and family background.
Interviews published by the Denver Broncos, Dutch broadcaster NOS and American sports publications have also concentrated on his parents, childhood and journey to the NFL.
Although these sources provide considerable information about his personal history, they do not identify a current girlfriend or provide verified details about previous romantic relationships.
Therefore, Waitman’s current relationship status remains unconfirmed.
Is Corliss Waitman Single?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Corliss Waitman is single or involved in a romantic relationship.
The NFL punter has not made a widely documented announcement introducing a girlfriend or discussing a longtime partner.
However, the absence of publicly available information does not establish that he is single. It simply means that he has maintained privacy regarding his romantic life.
Is Corliss Waitman Married?
As of now, there is no independently verified public information confirming that Corliss Waitman is married.
His official San Francisco 49ers biography does not identify a wife, and established sports news organizations have not published a verified wedding announcement involving him.
There is also no reliable public confirmation of an engagement.
Consequently, his marital status remains unverified.
Corliss Waitman’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, there are no publicly verified reports confirming that Corliss Waitman has children.
The San Francisco 49ers punter has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father.
His official NFL and South Alabama player biographies do not identify a son or daughter.
Although Waitman has frequently discussed his relationship with his parents and his commitment to honoring his father’s memory, he has shared limited information about whether he has started a family of his own.
Therefore, claims about the names, ages or identities of any children would be speculative without reliable supporting evidence.
Who Are Corliss Waitman’s Parents?
Corliss Waitman’s parents are José Waitman and Aldofine Chaar.
Their names are confirmed in the University of South Alabama’s official football biography and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ player records.
His father was born in the United States and played professional basketball in Europe, while his mother was born in Suriname before moving to the Netherlands.
The couple met during José’s basketball career in Europe, eventually welcoming Corliss in Belgium in 1995.
Corliss Waitman’s Father: José Waitman
José Waitman was Corliss Waitman’s father and a former professional basketball player.
He grew up in Milton, Florida, where he became a talented basketball player at Milton High School.
Standing approximately 6 feet 8 inches tall, José developed into a promising forward and earned an opportunity to play college basketball at the University of South Alabama.
He represented the South Alabama Jaguars from 1982 to 1986, according to university and Denver Broncos records.
After completing his college career, José moved to Europe to pursue professional basketball.
His career included spells in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Israel.
He played for several European basketball clubs, including the Dutch team based in Den Helder.
During the 1986-87 season, José was recognized as the Most Valuable Player of the Dutch basketball league.
His time in Europe also changed his personal life because he met Aldofine Chaar, who would become Corliss’s mother.
How José Waitman Influenced His Son’s Career
José Waitman played an important role in developing his son’s athletic abilities and competitive mentality.
Although Corliss initially preferred soccer, his father encouraged him to develop the discipline required to become a professional athlete.
During an October 2022 interview with The Gazette, Corliss explained that José was demanding during sports training.
His father expected consistent effort and encouraged him to approach every practice seriously.
Outside sports, however, Corliss remembered José as a supportive and caring parent.
When Corliss moved from the Netherlands to Florida at approximately 15 years old, his father helped him adjust to American life.
José recognized that American football offered opportunities that were less accessible through soccer in their local area.
Although he was a professional basketball player rather than an American football specialist, he encouraged Corliss to explore the sport.
Those lessons eventually helped him become a successful college punter.
How Did Corliss Waitman’s Father Die?
José Waitman died in April 2013 at the age of 48 after suffering a stroke.
At the time, Corliss was only 17 years old and attending Milton High School in Florida.
His father’s death was a devastating experience, particularly because the two had developed a close relationship through sports.
According to The Gazette’s October 29, 2022 profile, José continued encouraging his son to follow his ambitions even during his final days.
Corliss later explained that losing his father was one of the hardest experiences of his life.
However, the tragedy also strengthened his determination to fulfill the expectations José had established for him.
He became motivated to pursue a professional athletic career and support his remaining family members.
How Corliss Waitman Honors His Late Father
One of the most significant ways Corliss Waitman honored his father was by attending the University of South Alabama.
José had played college basketball for the South Alabama Jaguars during the 1980s.
After his father’s death, Corliss accepted an opportunity to play football at the same university.
During an October 2023 interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS, Waitman explained that the decision was partly intended as a tribute to his father.
The university became an important connection between their athletic careers, even though they competed in different sports.
Corliss continued remembering José’s advice throughout college and during his eventual transition to the NFL.
Corliss Waitman’s Mother: Aldofine Chaar
Aldofine Chaar is the mother of Corliss Waitman and was born in Suriname, a South American country with strong historical connections to the Netherlands.
Her full name is confirmed in the University of South Alabama’s official football biography. Some later news reports spell her first name as Aldolphine.
She moved from Suriname to the Netherlands, where she eventually met José Waitman during his professional basketball career.
After welcoming Corliss in Belgium in 1995, Aldofine helped raise him in the Netherlands.
Corliss spent much of his childhood with his mother in Amsterdam, where he attended school and developed an interest in soccer.
During a November 2022 interview with the Denver Broncos, he explained that his mother’s Surinamese background remained an important part of his identity.
He also revealed that he had visited Suriname several times while growing up.
Although Corliss eventually moved to the United States to live with his father, his mother continued living in the Netherlands.
How Aldofine Chaar Supported Her Son’s NFL Dream
Aldofine has remained an important source of encouragement throughout Corliss’s career.
During an October 2022 interview with The Gazette, she discussed her pride in seeing him compete in the NFL.
At the time, Corliss was preparing to represent the Denver Broncos against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
The game was especially meaningful because many of his European relatives and friends had rarely been able to watch him play American football in person.
Aldofine explained that American football was not widely understood among people in the Netherlands, where soccer remained the dominant sport.
Nevertheless, she enthusiastically supported her son’s professional achievements.
She also reflected on José’s influence, remembering how strongly he encouraged Corliss to pursue his athletic ambitions.
For the family, watching Corliss compete professionally represented the fulfillment of a dream that his late father had helped inspire.
Corliss Waitman’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
As of now, the names and number of Corliss Waitman’s siblings have not been reliably established through official NFL and college football sources.
His University of South Alabama biography provides detailed information about his parents and extended athletic family but does not identify any brothers or sisters.
Similarly, interviews with the Denver Broncos, NOS and American newspapers primarily discuss his mother and late father.
A 2022 Gazette profile describes Corliss as the family’s only son, but that does not establish whether he has any sisters.
Does Corliss Waitman Have a Brother?
No biological brother of Corliss Waitman has been reliably identified through established sports reporting.
The available sources do not provide names or additional biographical information about potential brothers.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to claim that he has a brother without further confirmation.
Does Corliss Waitman Have a Sister?
As of now, there is no reliable public information identifying a sister of Corliss Waitman.
Although his family background has been extensively discussed in interviews, established reports have not confirmed the names or number of any sisters.
The available information is therefore insufficient to determine whether he is an only child.
Corliss Waitman’s Extended Family: Uncles, Aunt and Cousin
Although information about his siblings remains limited, Corliss Waitman’s official South Alabama biography identifies several extended family members who also participated in college athletics.
Greg Allen – Corliss Waitman’s Uncle
Greg Allen is identified as Corliss Waitman’s uncle in his official university biography.
He played college football at Florida State University from 1981 through 1984.
His athletic background adds another connection to American football within the extended Waitman family.
Dorothea Conwell – Corliss Waitman’s Aunt
Dorothea Conwell is identified as Corliss Waitman’s aunt.
According to South Alabama Athletics, she played college basketball at the University of Texas from 1986 through 1988.
Her athletic career reflects the family’s broader involvement in competitive sports.
Chris Barnes – Corliss Waitman’s Cousin
Chris Barnes is identified as Corliss Waitman’s cousin in official South Alabama records.
He played college basketball for the University of Georgia from 2008 through 2011.
Alongside José Waitman’s basketball career and Greg Allen’s football experience, Barnes represents another example of the family’s athletic background.
Corliss Waitman’s Childhood in Belgium and the Netherlands
Corliss Leendert Waitman was born on July 21, 1995, in Ghent, Belgium.
His father’s basketball career was the reason the family was living in Europe when he was born.
He later spent most of his childhood in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
According to his October 2023 interview with NOS, he attended Caland College in the Osdorp district of Amsterdam.
He also played youth soccer for RKAVIC in Amstelveen before joining Zeeburgia at approximately 13 years old.
Growing up in the Netherlands allowed him to develop fluency in Dutch alongside English.
His childhood also exposed him to several cultures through his American father, Surinamese mother and European surroundings.
During interviews with the Denver Broncos, Waitman expressed appreciation for Amsterdam’s multicultural environment.
He also recalled enjoying the city’s soccer culture and the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds.
Why Corliss Waitman Moved to the United States
When Corliss was approximately 15 years old, he moved from the Netherlands to Milton, Florida, to live with his father.
Although he had previously visited Florida during summer vacations, adjusting to American high school life represented a significant change.
Initially, he hoped to continue pursuing soccer.
However, he discovered that American football attracted considerably more attention in his new community.
At Milton High School, coaches recognized that his soccer experience had given him strong kicking abilities.
He began learning to punt and kick field goals.
According to his official South Alabama biography, Waitman earned first-team all-state and all-area recognition during his senior season.
He averaged approximately 44 yards per punt and converted eight of 10 field goal attempts.
Those performances helped him earn a scholarship to South Alabama, fulfilling his ambition to compete at the college level.
Corliss Waitman’s Surinamese Heritage
Corliss Waitman has frequently expressed pride in his Surinamese heritage through his mother.
During a November 2022 interview with the Denver Broncos, he explained that he wanted to use his professional football career to bring greater attention to Suriname.
He also participated in the NFL’s international helmet decal initiative, which allows players to represent countries connected to their family heritage.
Waitman chose to display the Surinamese flag on his helmet rather than the Dutch flag.
He explained that the Netherlands already had numerous internationally recognized athletes, while Suriname received less global attention.
His decision reflected his desire to honor his mother’s birthplace and represent the country through his professional accomplishments.
Corliss Waitman’s College and NFL Career
Corliss Waitman played college football for the University of South Alabama from 2014 through 2018.
During his 2017 season, he averaged 45.24 yards per punt, setting a school record at the time and earning First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference recognition.
Across his college career, he recorded 158 punts for 6,740 yards.
After college, Waitman pursued an additional season of eligibility at Mississippi State University in 2019, but his request was denied by the NCAA.
He subsequently entered professional football as an undrafted free agent.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed him in April 2020.
After spending time on practice squads and competing for opportunities, he made his NFL regular-season debut with Pittsburgh in December 2021.
Waitman became the Denver Broncos’ starting punter during the 2022 season.
He appeared in all 17 regular-season games and recorded 96 punts for 4,470 yards.
His performances earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition following Denver’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers in September 2022.
He later spent time with the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears before returning to the Steelers for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Corliss Waitman’s Career With the San Francisco 49ers
On March 18, 2026, Corliss Waitman signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
His arrival provided the team with an experienced left-footed punter.
Although San Francisco briefly released him during its roster adjustments on August 30, the team re-signed him the following day.
Waitman subsequently became the team’s regular punter, wearing jersey number 15.
On October 14, 2026, the 49ers announced that he had been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week following San Francisco’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
During that game, all five of his punts landed inside Seattle’s 20-yard line, including three inside the 10-yard line.
His performance helped the 49ers control field position and contributed to an important victory.
The award represented his second NFL Special Teams Player of the Week honor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corliss Waitman’s Family
Who is Corliss Waitman’s girlfriend?
As of now, Corliss Waitman has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend, and his current relationship status remains unverified.
Is Corliss Waitman married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Corliss Waitman is married or has a wife.
Does Corliss Waitman have children?
As of now, there are no publicly verified reports confirming that Corliss Waitman has a son or daughter.
Who is Corliss Waitman’s father?
His father was José Waitman, an American professional basketball player who competed in Europe and died in April 2013 at the age of 48.
Who is Corliss Waitman’s mother?
His mother is Aldofine Chaar, who was born in Suriname and later moved to the Netherlands. Her first name has also appeared as Aldolphine in news reporting.
Does Corliss Waitman have siblings?
The names and number of Corliss Waitman’s brothers or sisters have not been reliably established through official sports biographies or established reporting.
Where was Corliss Waitman born?
Corliss Waitman was born on July 21, 1995, in Ghent, Belgium.
Is Corliss Waitman Dutch or American?
Corliss Waitman is Belgian-born and American, grew up in the Netherlands, and has Surinamese heritage through his mother. He speaks both Dutch and English.
How old is Corliss Waitman?
Corliss Waitman is 31 years old. He was born on July 21, 1995.
Where did Corliss Waitman go to college?
He attended the University of South Alabama, where he played college football from 2014 through 2018.
Which NFL team does Corliss Waitman play for?
Corliss Waitman plays as a punter for the San Francisco 49ers, whom he joined in March 2026.
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.
