Last Updated on October 26, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Jaishawn Barham is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 2, 2004, he grew up in District Heights, Maryland, before playing college football at the University of Maryland and the University of Michigan.
Behind his journey to professional football is a family that supported him during his development from a highly recruited high school athlete into an NFL player.
Jaishawn Barham’s parents are Anthony Barham and Chrishawn Nelson. He also has at least one brother, whose identity has not been publicly established in reliable reporting.
His mother has been particularly visible during important moments of his football career, including his college recruitment and selection by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Here is everything publicly known about Jaishawn Barham’s girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Jaishawn Barham’s Girlfriend: Is He in a Relationship?
Jaishawn Barham has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend or romantic partner in the reliable sources reviewed.
Although the Dallas Cowboys linebacker has attracted considerable attention throughout his football career, he has generally maintained privacy concerning his romantic relationships.
His official biographies from the University of Maryland, University of Michigan and Dallas Cowboys primarily focus on his athletic achievements, education and family background.
These sources do not identify a current girlfriend or provide verified information about his dating history.
Does Jaishawn Barham Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, no reliable public source reviewed for this profile identifies Jaishawn Barham’s current girlfriend.
Most interviews with Barham have concentrated on his transition from college football to the NFL and his development as a defensive player.
He has not publicly introduced a romantic partner through the official interviews and biographies examined for this article.
However, the absence of public information does not establish that he is single.
Until Barham discusses a relationship publicly or reliable reporting identifies a partner, his romantic status remains unconfirmed.
Is Jaishawn Barham Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Jaishawn Barham is married.
His official football biographies do not identify a wife, and no verified wedding announcement has been established through the sources reviewed.
Therefore, his marital status should be described as publicly unconfirmed rather than definitively unmarried.
Jaishawn Barham’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Jaishawn Barham has children.
His official college and professional football profiles do not identify any sons or daughters.
Public reporting about his personal background has focused primarily on his parents, college recruitment and professional football career.
As of now, no verified birth announcement or established interview reviewed for this article confirms that Barham has become a father.
However, the lack of public information should not be interpreted as definitive proof that he does not have children.
His parental status remains private and unverified.
Jaishawn Barham’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Jaishawn Barham’s parents are Anthony Barham and Chrishawn Nelson. Their names are officially confirmed in the University of Michigan’s football biography.
Barham grew up in District Heights, Maryland, a community in Prince George’s County, near Washington, D.C.
His family was part of his early life as he developed an interest in football and eventually became one of Maryland’s highly regarded high school prospects.
Although both parents have been publicly identified, his mother has received more direct media attention through interviews discussing his college recruitment.
Jaishawn Barham’s Father: Anthony Barham
Anthony Barham is the father of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaishawn Barham.
His identity is confirmed by the University of Michigan’s official athletic records, which name Anthony Barham and Chrishawn Nelson as Jaishawn’s parents.
Anthony is part of the player’s publicly documented family background in Maryland.
However, reliable information about his occupation, education and personal history remains limited.
Some secondary sports biographies discuss Anthony in connection with his son’s football development, but these reports do not provide enough independently verified information to establish specific details about his professional life.
For that reason, claims about his occupation or a previous athletic career should not be treated as established facts.
As of now, Anthony Barham is publicly confirmed as Jaishawn’s father, while further biographical information remains limited.
Jaishawn Barham’s Mother: Chrishawn Nelson
Chrishawn Nelson is Jaishawn Barham’s mother and one of the most publicly documented members of his family.
Her name appears in the official University of Michigan football biography and in reporting about Jaishawn’s recruitment to the University of Maryland.
Chrishawn was directly involved in discussions surrounding her son’s college football opportunities.
During the 2021 recruiting cycle, Barham received scholarship offers from several major universities, including Maryland, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Penn State.
In an interview with Rivals in October 2021, Chrishawn discussed her family’s communication with Maryland head coach Mike Locksley and the university’s football program.
She explained that the family had maintained contact with the coaching staff and that Jaishawn had visited the university on several occasions.
Her comments demonstrated that she was involved in her son’s recruitment and understood the opportunities available to him.
How Chrishawn Nelson Supported Jaishawn’s College Decision
Jaishawn Barham became one of the most closely followed high school football recruits in Maryland during the 2021 season.
He initially committed to the University of South Carolina, where head coach Shane Beamer was building his recruiting class.
However, Barham reconsidered his decision during the final stages of the recruiting process.
On December 15, 2021, he announced that he would instead attend the University of Maryland.
The decision allowed him to remain in his home state and join a program led by Mike Locksley.
Chrishawn had previously discussed the family’s relationship with Maryland’s coaching staff, providing insight into their familiarity with the university.
Although Barham’s final decision was his own, his mother’s involvement in the recruiting process was documented by established college football reporting.
He subsequently enrolled at Maryland and immediately became an important player for the Terrapins.
Jaishawn Barham’s Mother Is a Dallas Cowboys Fan
One of the most memorable family moments in Jaishawn Barham’s football career occurred during the 2026 NFL Draft.
On April 24, 2026, the Dallas Cowboys selected him with the 92nd overall pick in the third round.
Following the selection, Barham revealed that his mother was already a Dallas Cowboys supporter.
Speaking to reporters, he explained that the announcement had initially left him shocked and excited.
However, seeing his mother’s reaction made the occasion even more meaningful.
According to an April 2026 report by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Barham described how happy he was to see his mother smiling after Dallas selected him.
The moment represented the fulfillment of a major professional ambition and gave Chrishawn an additional reason to support her favorite NFL team.
It also showed how important his mother’s happiness was to him during one of the biggest moments of his young career.
Jaishawn Barham’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Jaishawn Barham has at least one publicly confirmed brother.
His brother’s existence was established during interviews following Barham’s selection by the Dallas Cowboys in April 2026.
However, reliable public sources have not consistently identified his brother’s name, age or personal background.
Jaishawn Barham’s Brother: What Is Known About Him?
Jaishawn Barham mentioned his brother while speaking with reporters following the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to The Dallas Morning News, the family had different NFL allegiances before Jaishawn joined the Cowboys.
His mother supported Dallas, while his brother was a Philadelphia Eagles fan.
That rivalry created an amusing situation when the Cowboys selected Jaishawn.
Although his brother had previously supported Philadelphia, Barham suggested that his new professional circumstances would encourage his sibling to begin supporting Dallas.
The story provided a rare glimpse into the family’s interest in professional football.
However, the reporting did not identify the brother by name or provide details about his occupation, education or athletic background.
Therefore, it would be speculative to assign him a name without additional verification.
Does Jaishawn Barham Have a Sister?
No sisters have been independently identified in the reliable family sources reviewed for this article.
His official University of Michigan biography names his parents but does not provide a complete list of siblings.
Although Barham publicly acknowledged having a brother, the available reporting does not conclusively establish whether he has additional brothers or sisters.
As of now, at least one brother is publicly confirmed, while his complete sibling count remains unverified.
Jaishawn Barham’s Childhood and Family Background
Jaishawn Barham was born on February 2, 2004, and grew up in District Heights, Maryland.
He developed his football abilities in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, where several high schools have strong athletic traditions.
Barham initially attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, one of the region’s well-known football programs.
He later transferred to St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, where he continued developing into a highly regarded linebacker.
At St. Frances, he played under head coach Messay Hailemariam and competed against several prominent high school football programs.
His physical abilities, speed and defensive instincts attracted attention from major college recruiters.
He became a consensus four-star prospect and was ranked among the leading linebackers in the 2022 recruiting class.
During his senior year, Barham participated in the 2022 Polynesian Bowl and earned Defensive Most Valuable Player honors.
These achievements helped establish him as one of the most promising defensive recruits from Maryland.
How Jaishawn Barham’s Family Influenced His Football Journey
Jaishawn Barham’s family has been connected to several important moments in his development as a football player.
His mother’s involvement in the Maryland recruiting process provides one of the clearest documented examples.
During high school, she participated in discussions about Jaishawn’s college options while he evaluated opportunities at several major universities.
His eventual decision to attend Maryland allowed him to remain close to his home region during the early stages of his college career.
At Maryland, he quickly established himself as a productive defensive player.
His family later celebrated another important achievement when he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.
Barham’s comments about his mother’s reaction showed how meaningful that occasion was for him personally.
Although many details about the family’s private life remain unavailable, these public moments demonstrate their connection to important stages of his football journey.
Jaishawn Barham’s College Football Career at Maryland
Jaishawn Barham began his college football career at the University of Maryland in 2022.
He immediately became an important member of the Terrapins’ defense, appearing in 12 games during his freshman season.
Barham recorded 58 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
His performances earned Freshman All-American recognition from College Football News and honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
He also demonstrated versatility by contributing in pass coverage and as a pass rusher.
During his sophomore season in 2023, Barham continued playing an important role in Maryland’s defense.
He recorded his first career interception against the University of Michigan on November 18, 2023.
After completing the season, Barham decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal and explore opportunities elsewhere.
He eventually committed to Michigan, where he would spend his final two college football seasons.
Jaishawn Barham’s Career at the University of Michigan
Jaishawn Barham joined the Michigan Wolverines ahead of the 2024 season.
The transfer reunited him with former St. Frances Academy teammate Derrick Moore.
At Michigan, Barham became a regular member of the defense and developed his ability to play multiple linebacker positions.
During the 2024 season, he started 13 games and recorded 66 tackles.
He also earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition, reflecting his achievements in the classroom.
In 2025, Michigan’s coaching staff expanded his responsibilities by using him more frequently as an edge rusher.
Barham appeared in 12 games and recorded 32 tackles, including ten tackles for loss and four sacks.
His ability to contribute as both an off-ball linebacker and edge defender became an important part of his NFL Draft evaluation.
During his college career, Barham studied Family Science at Maryland before pursuing General Studies at Michigan.
His academic background is documented in the University of Michigan’s official athletic biography.
Jaishawn Barham’s NFL Career With the Dallas Cowboys
Jaishawn Barham achieved his ambition of reaching the NFL when the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dallas used the 92nd overall selection to add the former Michigan defender to its linebacker group.
The Cowboys valued his versatility, particularly his experience playing both inside linebacker and edge rusher.
Following the draft, head coach Brian Schottenheimer explained that the team planned to begin developing Barham primarily as an inside linebacker.
During the summer of 2026, Barham participated in the team’s training camp and competed for a role in the defensive rotation.
He made his preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals in August after recovering from a minor injury.
His responsibilities subsequently increased during the regular season.
In September 2026, the Cowboys used Barham at middle linebacker and entrusted him with defensive communication responsibilities when DeMarvion Overshown was unavailable.
The opportunity represented an important early milestone in his professional career.
For Barham and his family, his arrival in Dallas was particularly meaningful because his mother had supported the Cowboys before he entered the league.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaishawn Barham’s Family
Who is Jaishawn Barham’s girlfriend?
Jaishawn Barham has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend in the reliable sources reviewed. His current romantic relationship status remains unverified.
Is Jaishawn Barham married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Jaishawn Barham is married or has a wife.
Does Jaishawn Barham have children?
There is no publicly verified information confirming that Jaishawn Barham has any children.
Who are Jaishawn Barham’s parents?
Jaishawn Barham’s parents are Anthony Barham and Chrishawn Nelson, according to the University of Michigan’s official football biography.
Who is Jaishawn Barham’s father?
His father is Anthony Barham. Further verified information about his occupation and personal background remains limited.
Who is Jaishawn Barham’s mother?
His mother is Chrishawn Nelson, who was involved in discussions surrounding his college recruitment and celebrated his selection by the Dallas Cowboys in 2026.
Is Jaishawn Barham’s mother a Dallas Cowboys fan?
Yes. Barham confirmed that his mother supported the Dallas Cowboys before the franchise selected him in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Does Jaishawn Barham have a brother?
Yes. Jaishawn Barham publicly mentioned having a brother following the 2026 NFL Draft. His brother was previously a Philadelphia Eagles fan, although his name has not been reliably established.
How many siblings does Jaishawn Barham have?
Jaishawn Barham has at least one publicly confirmed brother. His complete number of siblings has not been independently established.
Does Jaishawn Barham have a sister?
No sisters have been independently identified in the reliable public sources reviewed for this article.
Where is Jaishawn Barham from?
Jaishawn Barham is from District Heights, Maryland. He attended DeMatha Catholic High School and St. Frances Academy before playing college football.
When was Jaishawn Barham born?
Jaishawn Barham was born on February 2, 2004.
What colleges did Jaishawn Barham attend?
Barham played college football at the University of Maryland from 2022 to 2023 and the University of Michigan from 2024 to 2025.
When did Jaishawn Barham join the Dallas Cowboys?
The Dallas Cowboys selected Jaishawn Barham with the 92nd overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
