Elfrid Payton’s Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Candida Lucia

Elfrid Payton is an American professional basketball player known for his playmaking ability, defensive skills, and lengthy career in the NBA. Born on February 22, 1994, in Gretna, Louisiana, Payton has represented several NBA franchises, including the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, and New York Knicks. In September 2026, he joined the Sacramento Kings on a training camp contract, continuing his professional basketball journey.

Many fans are curious about Elfrid Payton’s girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings. His parents are Elfrid Payton Sr. and Danielle Payton, while his five sisters are Courtney, Ashley, Shamyra, Erin, and Brianna Payton. His father is a former professional American football player who was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Although Payton’s family background is well documented, the basketball player has maintained considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.

Elfrid Payton’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?

Elfrid Payton has generally kept his romantic relationships away from public attention despite spending more than a decade in professional basketball.

Although fans have shown interest in whether the Sacramento Kings guard has a girlfriend, he has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current romantic partner.

His interviews and public appearances have mainly focused on basketball, family relationships, community involvement, and his professional development.

Payton has frequently discussed his parents and sisters, particularly their support during his college basketball career and his early years in the NBA.

However, he has rarely shared detailed information about his dating history.

There are no reliable public reports confirming that he is currently engaged or married.

Although some professional athletes regularly share photographs and information about their romantic partners, Payton has maintained a relatively private approach to this aspect of his personal life.

As of now, Elfrid Payton has no publicly confirmed girlfriend or wife. His current relationship status remains private, and there is insufficient reliable information to determine whether he is dating someone.

Elfrid Payton’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?

There is currently no verified public information confirming that Elfrid Payton has children.

The professional basketball player has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father, and his official NBA and college basketball biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.

Although Payton comes from a large family and has participated in numerous activities supporting children and young people, those activities should not be confused with confirmation that he has children of his own.

Throughout his professional career, he has organized youth basketball camps, educational initiatives, and community programs through the Elfrid Payton Foundation.

His charitable work demonstrates his interest in helping younger generations develop their skills and access educational opportunities.

However, Payton has generally avoided discussing his private family responsibilities beyond his relationships with his parents and siblings.

As of now, Elfrid Payton has no publicly confirmed children. This does not necessarily mean he has none, only that reliable public information about any children is unavailable.

Elfrid Payton’s Parents: Meet Elfrid Payton Sr. and Danielle Payton

Elfrid Payton was born to Elfrid Payton Sr. and Danielle Payton on February 22, 1994, in Gretna, Louisiana.

His parents raised six children in the New Orleans metropolitan area, where sports, education, and community involvement became important parts of family life.

According to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s official basketball biography, Payton is the only son in a family that includes five daughters.

His father established a successful career in professional American football, while his mother emphasized education, personal responsibility, and maintaining strong family relationships.

Both parents supported Elfrid’s basketball ambitions from childhood and remained involved as he progressed from high school basketball to the NBA.

Elfrid Payton’s Father: Elfrid Payton Sr.

Elfrid Payton Sr. is Elfrid Payton’s father and a former professional American football player who enjoyed a distinguished career in the Canadian Football League.

Born on September 22, 1967, in Gretna, Louisiana, Payton Sr. developed into a talented defensive football player during his teenage years.

He attended Grambling State University in Louisiana, where he played football under legendary head coach Eddie Robinson.

According to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Payton Sr. initially joined Grambling as a walk-on player before earning a scholarship through his performances.

Despite being relatively undersized for his defensive position, he developed a reputation for his speed, determination, and ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

During three seasons at Grambling, he recorded 117 tackles, including 70 solo tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 16.5 quarterback sacks.

He was named the team’s Most Valuable Player in both 1988 and 1989.

His achievements eventually attracted attention from professional football organizations.

In 1991, Payton Sr. signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

He subsequently played for several teams, including the Shreveport Pirates, Baltimore Stallions, Montreal Alouettes, Toronto Argonauts, and Edmonton Eskimos.

During his professional football career, he earned numerous individual honors and became one of the league’s most productive defensive players.

He won the Grey Cup championship with the Baltimore Stallions in 1995 and again with the Edmonton Eskimos in 2003.

He also received the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player award in 2002.

By the time he retired in 2004, Payton Sr. had recorded 154 quarterback sacks, ranking second in CFL history at the time.

His outstanding career was recognized in 2010 when he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

However, his influence on his son extended beyond his accomplishments in professional football.

How Elfrid Payton Sr. Influenced His Son’s Basketball Career

Growing up, Elfrid Payton Jr. had an unusual opportunity to observe the daily responsibilities of a professional athlete through his father’s football career.

According to an interview published by Andscape in March 2019, Payton occasionally traveled with his father during the Canadian Football League season.

He spent time around professional football facilities and watched his father prepare for games.

His father also brought home recordings of football games, allowing the young Elfrid to observe professional athletes competing at a high level.

These experiences introduced him to the discipline and dedication required to maintain a career in professional sports.

Although his father played football, Elfrid initially participated in several sports, including football, baseball, soccer, track and field, and basketball.

During seventh grade, he decided to concentrate primarily on basketball.

His father supported that decision but made it clear that success would require consistent effort.

In his interview with Andscape, Payton recalled that his father regularly encouraged him to work hard, avoid quitting, and remain committed to his goals.

Payton Sr. understood the importance of persistence because his own professional career had begun without significant recruiting attention.

He also encouraged his son during the college basketball recruiting process.

Although Elfrid became a successful high school player, he initially received little attention from major NCAA Division I programs.

His father contacted several universities in an effort to generate interest, but scholarship opportunities remained limited.

Eventually, Elfrid accepted an offer from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

His father remained closely involved as he developed into one of the country’s leading college point guards.

Payton Sr. regularly attended his son’s NBA games and provided advice during difficult periods of his career.

During the 2018–19 season, when Elfrid was playing for his hometown New Orleans Pelicans, his father encouraged him to remain patient and continue working hard despite injuries and professional setbacks.

The relationship between father and son reflects a shared understanding of the challenges associated with professional sports.

Elfrid Payton’s Mother: Danielle Payton

Danielle Payton is Elfrid Payton’s mother and another important figure in his upbringing.

She raised six children alongside her husband, Elfrid Payton Sr., in Gretna, Louisiana.

According to the University of Louisiana’s official basketball biography, Danielle is the mother of Elfrid and his five sisters, Courtney, Ashley, Shamyra, Erin, and Brianna.

Although detailed information about her professional career is limited, her influence on her son’s education and personal development is well documented.

In a May 2015 interview published by Sports Illustrated Kids, Payton discussed one of the most important lessons his mother taught him during childhood.

Danielle emphasized that schoolwork and other responsibilities should be completed before recreational activities.

As a child, Elfrid was not allowed to play basketball or spend time with friends until he had finished his homework.

This approach helped him develop discipline and understand the importance of balancing education with sports.

Payton later explained that his mother’s advice continued influencing him as a professional athlete.

He learned to complete necessary responsibilities before enjoying leisure activities, a habit that remained useful during his NBA career.

Danielle also supported Elfrid during his transition from college basketball to professional competition.

One particularly memorable family moment occurred on October 28, 2014, when Payton made his NBA debut for the Orlando Magic against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The game took place near his hometown, allowing relatives and childhood friends to attend.

According to the Orlando Magic’s official website, Danielle and her husband rented a suite at the Smoothie King Center for approximately 15 family members and friends.

The occasion was especially emotional because Danielle had watched her son pursue his basketball ambitions for many years.

She expressed pride in seeing him compete at the NBA level and fulfill a dream that had developed during childhood.

Danielle remained supportive throughout his subsequent career with Orlando, Phoenix, New Orleans, and other NBA organizations.

Her emphasis on discipline, education, and personal responsibility helped establish the foundation for Elfrid’s development.

Elfrid Payton’s Siblings: Meet His Five Sisters

Elfrid Payton grew up in a large family with five sisters named Courtney Payton, Ashley Payton, Shamyra Payton, Erin Payton, and Brianna Payton.

Their identities are confirmed by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s official athletics biography and the Orlando Magic’s media guide.

Payton is the only son of Elfrid Payton Sr. and Danielle Payton.

Growing up with five sisters helped establish his close connection to family life in Gretna, Louisiana.

Although his sisters have generally maintained private lifestyles, Payton has publicly acknowledged their importance to him.

During an interview published by the New Orleans Pelicans in July 2018, he expressed excitement about returning to his hometown because it would allow him to spend more time with his parents and sisters.

Courtney Payton: Elfrid Payton’s Sister

Courtney Payton is one of Elfrid Payton’s five sisters.

She grew up as part of the Payton family’s six-child household in the New Orleans metropolitan area.

Her identity as Elfrid’s sister is confirmed by the University of Louisiana’s official basketball biography.

Courtney belongs to a family with strong connections to professional sports through her father, who played in the Canadian Football League, and her brother, who reached the NBA.

However, unlike Elfrid, Courtney has maintained a relatively private public profile.

Reliable information about her occupation, education, and personal relationships has not been widely documented.

Nevertheless, she is one of the five sisters who formed part of Elfrid’s upbringing in Gretna.

Ashley Payton: Elfrid Payton’s Sister

Ashley Payton is another of Elfrid Payton’s sisters.

She was raised alongside Elfrid and their other siblings in Louisiana.

Ashley’s identity as a member of the family is confirmed by official university records and biographical reporting.

Although Elfrid’s basketball career has attracted considerable media attention, Ashley has generally remained outside the public spotlight.

Detailed information about her education, profession, or private relationships is limited.

However, she remains part of the family that Payton has repeatedly credited with providing encouragement throughout his basketball journey.

Shamyra Payton: Elfrid Payton’s Sister

Shamyra Payton is one of Elfrid Payton’s five sisters.

Her name appears in the official basketball biography published by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Like her siblings, Shamyra grew up in the Gretna area, where the family maintained strong connections to the surrounding community.

The Payton household was influenced by their father’s professional athletic career and their mother’s emphasis on education and personal responsibility.

Shamyra has not developed a widely documented public profile through professional sports or entertainment.

Consequently, reliable information about her occupation and personal life remains limited.

Erin Payton: Elfrid Payton’s Sister

Erin Payton is another of Elfrid Payton’s sisters.

She is one of the six children of Elfrid Payton Sr. and Danielle Payton.

Her identity is documented in the University of Louisiana’s official player biography.

Erin grew up in a family where athletic achievement, discipline, and community participation were important values.

Although her brother became internationally recognized through the NBA, Erin has generally maintained a private lifestyle.

Additional verified information about her educational background, professional career, or relationships has not been widely published.

Brianna Payton: Elfrid Payton’s Sister

Brianna Payton is Elfrid Payton’s fifth publicly identified sister.

She grew up alongside her siblings in the New Orleans metropolitan area.

Like Courtney, Ashley, Shamyra, and Erin, Brianna is named in Elfrid’s official college basketball biography.

Her family includes two professional athletes from different generations: her father, Elfrid Payton Sr., and her brother, Elfrid Payton Jr.

Although Brianna’s relationship with the NBA player is publicly documented, she has generally remained outside media attention.

Reliable information about her career, education, and personal relationships is limited.

How Elfrid Payton’s Sisters Supported His NBA Career

Although Elfrid Payton’s sisters have maintained relatively private lives, their relationship with the basketball player became an important subject when he returned to New Orleans in 2018.

After spending the first several seasons of his NBA career away from Louisiana, Payton signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The move allowed him to return to the region where he had spent his childhood.

According to a July 2018 interview published by the Pelicans, Payton explained that his sisters were particularly excited about the opportunity to see him more frequently.

Playing for teams in Orlando and Phoenix had previously limited the amount of time he could spend with relatives.

The demanding NBA schedule involved frequent travel, training sessions, and games in different cities.

Returning to New Orleans made it easier for his parents and sisters to attend home games and participate in family gatherings.

The move also strengthened his connection to the community where he grew up.

Although Payton later played for several other franchises, his relationship with his family remained an important part of his personal background.

Elfrid Payton’s Family Background: Growing Up in Gretna, Louisiana

Elfrid Payton was born and raised in Gretna, Louisiana, a city located across the Mississippi River from New Orleans.

His childhood was strongly influenced by sports, particularly because his father played professional football in Canada.

Growing up, Payton developed an interest in several athletic activities before choosing basketball as his primary sport.

However, his childhood was also affected by one of the most devastating natural disasters in American history.

How Hurricane Katrina Affected Elfrid Payton’s Family

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, causing widespread destruction across Louisiana and neighboring states.

At the time, Elfrid Payton was 11 years old and living with his family in Gretna.

According to an October 2014 article published by the Orlando Magic, the family evacuated Louisiana before the hurricane reached the area.

They traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, where they stayed with relatives while waiting for conditions at home to improve.

During the aftermath of the hurricane, communication with friends and relatives who had remained in Louisiana became difficult because of damaged infrastructure and disrupted telephone services.

Although the Payton family’s home experienced relatively minor damage, they were unable to return immediately.

The family eventually returned to Louisiana approximately six weeks after the disaster.

The experience became an important part of Elfrid’s childhood.

It also indirectly influenced his athletic development.

Before Hurricane Katrina, Payton participated in both football and basketball.

However, the disruption caused by the storm resulted in changes to school athletic programs.

His middle school’s football program was discontinued, leaving basketball as his primary competitive sport.

The circumstances encouraged him to concentrate more seriously on basketball.

Although the natural disaster created significant difficulties for his community, Payton later recognized that it contributed to the path he eventually followed into professional basketball.

Elfrid Payton’s Grandparents and Extended Family

Elfrid Payton’s extended family has also played a role in his upbringing and personal development.

According to the New Orleans Pelicans, two of his grandparents worked in education.

Their professional backgrounds complemented the emphasis that his mother placed on academic achievement and responsibility.

One of Payton’s grandfathers was Willis Clofer, whose death became a difficult experience during the basketball player’s early NBA career.

Willis Clofer: Elfrid Payton’s Grandfather

Willis Clofer was Elfrid Payton’s grandfather.

According to a March 2019 feature published by Andscape, Clofer died on February 6, 2018, at the age of 69 following a battle with cancer.

Payton had remained concerned about his grandfather’s health throughout the 2017–18 NBA season.

His father explained that Elfrid regularly traveled home to Louisiana to visit his grandfather during his illness.

The loss occurred shortly before Payton was traded from the Orlando Magic to the Phoenix Suns.

Experiencing a family bereavement while simultaneously adjusting to a major professional change was an emotionally challenging period for the basketball player.

Nevertheless, he continued competing in the NBA and remained connected to his family.

How Elfrid Payton’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career

Elfrid Payton’s basketball journey began in Gretna, Louisiana, where his parents encouraged him to participate in sports while maintaining a strong commitment to education.

His father provided an example of professional athletic discipline, while his mother emphasized the importance of completing schoolwork and other responsibilities.

Payton attended John Ehret High School in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.

During his early high school years, he was relatively small compared with many leading basketball prospects.

However, he continued developing his ball-handling, passing, and defensive abilities.

He experienced significant physical growth during his final years of high school and eventually became a talented point guard.

During his senior season in 2010–11, he averaged 12.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 steals per game.

His performances helped John Ehret finish with a 30–4 record and reach the Louisiana Class 5A state semifinals.

Despite his achievements, Payton received limited attention from major college basketball programs.

His only NCAA Division I scholarship offer came from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

He accepted the opportunity and joined the Ragin’ Cajuns for the 2011–12 season.

During his freshman year, Payton gradually established himself as an important contributor.

He averaged approximately 7.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

His development accelerated during the 2012–13 season, when he averaged 15.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.

Those performances earned him First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference recognition.

In the summer of 2013, he represented the United States at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Prague.

Payton helped the American team win the gold medal, competing alongside several players who later reached the NBA.

During the 2013–14 college season, he became one of the nation’s leading defensive players.

He averaged 19.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.

His performances helped Louisiana reach the 2014 NCAA Tournament.

He also won the Lefty Driesell Award, recognizing him as the country’s outstanding defensive college basketball player.

After completing his junior season, Payton declared for the 2014 NBA Draft.

On June 26, 2014, the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the 10th overall pick.

His draft rights were immediately traded to the Orlando Magic, where he began his professional career.

For the Payton family, the selection represented the realization of years of hard work and sacrifice.

Elfrid’s father had followed a similarly unconventional path to professional football, overcoming limited opportunities before establishing himself in the Canadian Football League.

The younger Payton’s NBA career demonstrated that the family’s commitment to determination and discipline had produced another professional athlete.

Elfrid Payton’s NBA Career and Family Support

Elfrid Payton made his NBA debut for the Orlando Magic on October 28, 2014, against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Playing his first professional game near his hometown made the occasion particularly meaningful.

His parents and other relatives attended the game, celebrating the beginning of his NBA career.

During the 2014–15 season, Payton averaged approximately 8.9 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game.

His performances earned him a place on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

He continued developing as Orlando’s starting point guard over the following seasons.

In February 2018, the Magic traded him to the Phoenix Suns.

Later that year, he signed with the New Orleans Pelicans, returning to his home region.

The move provided an opportunity to reconnect with his family and participate more actively in community programs.

During the 2018–19 season, he recorded five consecutive triple-doubles, joining an exclusive group of NBA players who had achieved the feat.

He subsequently represented the New York Knicks and returned to Phoenix for another stint.

After spending additional time in the NBA G League, Payton returned to the Pelicans during the 2024–25 season.

He also spent time with the Charlotte Hornets organization before continuing his career in the G League.

In December 2025, the Austin Spurs acquired his returning player rights.

On September 16, 2026, Payton signed a non-guaranteed training camp contract with the Sacramento Kings.

According to NBC Sports, the agreement gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot as Sacramento evaluated its options at point guard.

Although the contract did not guarantee a place on the regular-season roster, it represented another opportunity for the veteran guard to continue his NBA career.

Throughout these changes, Payton has remained closely connected to his family and hometown.

Elfrid Payton’s Charity Work and Family Values

Outside professional basketball, Elfrid Payton has developed a reputation for supporting charitable activities and community programs.

His upbringing in Gretna, where family relationships and education were emphasized, influenced his interest in helping young people.

Through the Elfrid Payton Foundation, he has supported programs focusing on health, education, mentoring, and arts and culture.

According to a July 2018 announcement published by the University of Louisiana, the foundation had positively affected the lives of more than 4,000 children.

One of its notable initiatives was the IAMME Arts and Culture Program, a 10-week educational project that encouraged children to participate in music, dance, poetry, and visual arts.

The program aimed to improve confidence, creativity, and personal development among participating students.

In February 2017, Payton received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in recognition of his charitable work.

He also received the Orlando Magic’s Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award for the 2016–17 season.

His foundation organized youth basketball clinics and charitable kickball tournaments in the New Orleans metropolitan area.

In July 2018, he hosted a charity weekend that included a community kickball tournament in Gretna and a free basketball clinic for children at the Alario Center.

The activities provided opportunities for young people to learn basketball skills and participate in recreational events.

Payton has also supported school-supply donations, computer laboratory improvements, and programs assisting disadvantaged children.

His charitable involvement reflects the importance of education and community responsibility emphasized by his parents during childhood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elfrid Payton’s Family

Who is Elfrid Payton’s girlfriend?

Elfrid Payton has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains private.

Is Elfrid Payton married?

There is no verified public information confirming that Elfrid Payton is married or has a wife.

Does Elfrid Payton have children?

There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Elfrid Payton has children.

Who are Elfrid Payton’s parents?

Elfrid Payton’s parents are Elfrid Payton Sr. and Danielle Payton. His father is a former Canadian Football League player, while his mother emphasized education and personal responsibility during his upbringing.

Who is Elfrid Payton’s father?

His father is Elfrid Payton Sr., a former professional American football defensive player who recorded 154 quarterback sacks during his Canadian Football League career.

Is Elfrid Payton’s father in the Hall of Fame?

Yes. Elfrid Payton Sr. was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2010 following a successful professional football career.

Who is Elfrid Payton’s mother?

His mother is Danielle Payton, who raised Elfrid and his five sisters in Gretna, Louisiana.

How many siblings does Elfrid Payton have?

Elfrid Payton has five siblings, all sisters. Their names are Courtney, Ashley, Shamyra, Erin, and Brianna Payton.

Does Elfrid Payton have a brother?

No. According to his official University of Louisiana basketball biography, Elfrid Payton is the only son in a family of six children.

Who are Elfrid Payton’s sisters?

His five sisters are Courtney Payton, Ashley Payton, Shamyra Payton, Erin Payton, and Brianna Payton.

Where is Elfrid Payton’s family from?

Elfrid Payton’s family is from Gretna, Louisiana, a city located near New Orleans in the United States.

Did Elfrid Payton’s father play in the NFL?

Elfrid Payton Sr. had a tryout with the New Orleans Saints but is primarily known for his successful career in the Canadian Football League.

How many Grey Cup championships did Elfrid Payton Sr. win?

Elfrid Payton Sr. won two Grey Cup championships, with the Baltimore Stallions in 1995 and the Edmonton Eskimos in 2003.

Did Hurricane Katrina affect Elfrid Payton’s family?

Yes. Payton and his family evacuated Gretna, Louisiana, before Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and stayed with relatives in Memphis, Tennessee. They returned to Louisiana approximately six weeks later.

What is Elfrid Payton’s full name?

His full name is Elfrid Payton Jr. He shares his first and last names with his father, Elfrid Payton Sr.

Which NBA team is Elfrid Payton with?

Elfrid Payton joined the Sacramento Kings on a non-guaranteed training camp contract in September 2026, giving him an opportunity to compete for a regular-season roster spot.