Last Updated on October 26, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Jake Ferguson is an American football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Born Jonathan Quinn Ferguson on January 18, 1999, in Rapid City, South Dakota, he grew up in Wisconsin in a family with a remarkable football background.
Beyond his NFL career, Jake Ferguson is married to Haley Cavinder, a former college basketball player and social media personality. The couple married on June 20, 2026, after nearly three years together.
His parents are Brad Ferguson and Dawn Alvarez Thomas, while his older brother, Joe Ferguson, previously played college football at the University of Wisconsin. Jake is also the grandson of Barry Alvarez, the legendary former Wisconsin football coach and athletic director.
Here is everything publicly known about Jake Ferguson’s family, including his wife, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and personal background.
Jake Ferguson’s Wife: Who Is Haley Cavinder?
Jake Ferguson is married to Haley Cavinder, a former University of Miami basketball player, model, and social media influencer.
The couple began dating in 2023 after connecting through Instagram. Their relationship quickly became popular among NFL fans, particularly because both had established successful careers in professional or college sports.
Ferguson and Cavinder publicly celebrated their engagement in April 2025 before marrying in Miami on June 20, 2026.
According to interviews published by People and GQ, the couple developed a strong connection from their earliest meetings.
They frequently attended each other’s sporting events, with Haley supporting Jake at Dallas Cowboys games and Jake attending her college basketball games.
As of now, the couple remains publicly identified as married.
Who Is Haley Cavinder?
Haley Cavinder is an American former college basketball player and social media personality who became widely recognized alongside her identical twin sister, Hanna Cavinder.
The sisters are popularly known as the Cavinder Twins and gained significant attention through their basketball careers and social media content.
Haley played college basketball at Fresno State University before transferring to the University of Miami.
At Miami, she helped the Hurricanes reach the Elite Eight of the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
She later returned to college basketball for the 2024-25 season and received All-Atlantic Coast Conference recognition.
Beyond athletics, Haley has developed a career in social media, modeling, brand partnerships, and business ventures alongside her sister.
Her relationship with Ferguson became increasingly public as she regularly attended Cowboys games and shared photographs celebrating his achievements.
In an October 2026 interview with People, Haley discussed their relationship and explained how her close bond with her twin sister influenced her approach to dating.
She revealed that Hanna’s approval was particularly important when she began developing a serious relationship with Ferguson.
How Did Jake Ferguson and Haley Cavinder Meet?
Jake Ferguson and Haley Cavinder first connected through Instagram in 2023.
During an interview with GQ published in June 2026, Ferguson explained that Haley had interacted with several of his Instagram photographs before he contacted her directly.
The Dallas Cowboys tight end eventually sent her a message asking about her golf game.
At the time, Haley was living in Miami, while Ferguson’s parents had connections to Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
After exchanging messages and speaking by telephone, Ferguson arranged to meet her while visiting Florida.
Their first date developed into an extended period of spending time together, and they quickly realized that they shared similar interests and values.
Ferguson later explained that he recognized the possibility of a serious relationship almost immediately.
The couple continued dating throughout the following years, supporting each other’s athletic careers and sharing important personal milestones.
When Did Jake Ferguson Get Engaged?
Jake Ferguson proposed to Haley Cavinder in April 2025 during a romantic beachside moment in Florida.
The engagement was publicly announced on April 18, 2025.
The couple subsequently celebrated their engagement with family and friends while preparing for their wedding.
By that time, Ferguson had established himself as one of the Dallas Cowboys’ leading offensive players, while Haley had completed her college basketball career.
Jake Ferguson and Haley Cavinder’s Wedding
Jake Ferguson and Haley Cavinder married on June 20, 2026, at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida, near Miami.
The wedding was documented by People magazine and GQ, which published exclusive details and photographs of the celebration.
The location was particularly meaningful because Miami played an important role during the early stages of their relationship.
Haley wore a custom lace wedding gown designed by Galia Lahav, while Jake chose a white dinner jacket and black trousers.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier, who had previously been Ferguson’s teammate, officiated the ceremony.
Jake’s older brother, Joe Ferguson, served as his best man.
The reception included several personalized details reflecting the couple’s personalities, including a ranch dressing fountain requested by Jake.
The newlyweds celebrated with relatives, friends, and guests from the sports and entertainment communities.
Following their wedding, the couple enjoyed a short honeymoon in the Bahamas.
The ceremony represented the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship after approximately three years of dating.
Jake Ferguson’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, Jake Ferguson has no publicly confirmed children.
Although the Dallas Cowboys tight end married Haley Cavinder in June 2026, neither has made a verified public announcement about welcoming a son or daughter.
The couple has discussed their marriage and life together in several interviews, but there is no reliable reporting establishing that they have biological or adopted children.
However, Jake and Haley did welcome a new member into their household shortly after their wedding.
Jake Ferguson and Haley Cavinder’s Dog, Boozer
In July 2026, Ferguson and Cavinder introduced a golden retriever puppy named Boozer.
Haley shared photographs and videos of the puppy through social media, celebrating the addition to their household.
Some online headlines playfully referred to the dog as their son or described the couple as becoming a family of three.
However, those descriptions referred to their pet, not the birth of a child.
As of now, Boozer is the couple’s publicly known pet, while Jake and Haley have no confirmed human children.
Jake Ferguson’s Parents: Meet Brad Ferguson and Dawn Alvarez Thomas
Jake Ferguson’s parents are Brad Ferguson and Dawn Alvarez Thomas.
Their identities are confirmed by the University of Wisconsin’s official football biography.
Both parents come from a family background strongly connected to American football.
His father played college football at the University of Nebraska, while his mother is the daughter of legendary Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez.
Growing up with these influences helped Ferguson develop a passion for football from an early age.
Jake Ferguson’s Father: Brad Ferguson
Brad Ferguson is Jake Ferguson’s father and a former college football linebacker.
He played at the University of Nebraska during the 1980s, becoming part of a successful college football program.
Brad’s experience helped him introduce football to his sons, Jake and Joe, during childhood.
In a July 2026 interview on the Dallas Cowboys’ CommuniTea podcast, Jake explained that his father coached him in youth football.
Brad encouraged his children to develop their physical abilities and understand the different aspects of the game.
Jake initially played quarterback and several defensive positions before eventually becoming a tight end.
His father remained involved in his development throughout his school years.
According to a May 2022 interview published by the Cape Coral Breeze, Brad coached Jake from childhood through high school.
His football knowledge helped Jake understand the discipline and effort required to compete successfully.
During his college years, Ferguson benefited from having access to advice from his father, grandfather, and older brother.
In his 2026 podcast interview, Jake emphasized that football was an important part of both sides of his family.
Jake Ferguson’s Mother: Dawn Alvarez Thomas
Dawn Alvarez Thomas is Jake Ferguson’s mother and the daughter of former Wisconsin football coach Barry Alvarez.
She raised Jake and his older brother Joe in a household closely connected to college football.
Dawn regularly attended Wisconsin football games and supported her sons as they developed their athletic careers.
Both brothers eventually played for the Wisconsin Badgers, the program their grandfather had helped transform into a national contender.
After Jake enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, Dawn relocated to Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
According to a May 2022 report published by the Cape Coral Breeze, she became involved in community affairs and served as chair of the Fort Myers Beach Public Safety Committee.
She continued following her son’s football achievements while living in Florida.
Dawn was especially proud when the Dallas Cowboys selected Jake in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The family watched the draft together at Barry Alvarez’s residence in Florida.
Following the selection, Dawn spoke publicly about her excitement and explained that reaching the NFL had been one of Jake’s lifelong ambitions.
Her continued encouragement has remained an important part of Ferguson’s professional journey.
Jake Ferguson’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
Jake Ferguson has one publicly confirmed sibling, his older brother Joe Ferguson.
Both brothers played college football at the University of Wisconsin, continuing their family’s connection to the Badgers.
As of now, no additional brothers or sisters have been reliably identified through official university records or authoritative family interviews.
Joe Ferguson – Jake Ferguson’s Older Brother
Joe Ferguson is Jake Ferguson’s older brother and a former college football safety.
He played at the University of Wisconsin from 2013 to 2017.
Joe attended James Madison Memorial High School in Wisconsin before joining the Badgers.
During high school, he played quarterback and defensive back, receiving recognition for his leadership and athletic performances.
After enrolling at Wisconsin, Joe developed into a defensive player and contributed to the team’s secondary.
He completed his college football career in 2017 and graduated with a degree in real estate and urban land economics.
According to reporting published in 2022, Joe subsequently pursued a career in real estate.
How Joe Ferguson Influenced Jake’s Football Career
Joe Ferguson played an important role in developing his younger brother’s competitive mentality.
The brothers grew up playing football together in their family home, often competing against each other in their basement.
Because Joe was approximately four years older, Jake frequently competed against older and more physically developed players.
In a July 2026 Dallas Cowboys podcast interview, Jake recalled participating in youth football activities alongside his brother.
He explained that Joe helped him understand the competitive nature of football long before he began playing at the college level.
The brothers also briefly shared the Wisconsin football program during Jake’s redshirt freshman season in 2017.
Although Jake was not yet playing regularly, the opportunity to practice alongside Joe was particularly meaningful.
Jake has repeatedly praised his older brother’s athletic abilities and credited him with helping establish his love for football.
Their close relationship continued after college.
Joe served as Jake’s best man during his June 2026 wedding to Haley Cavinder.
According to GQ, Jake presented his brother with a special Rolex watch as a wedding gift, recognizing the importance of their relationship.
Jake Ferguson’s Grandfather: Who Is Barry Alvarez?
One of the most prominent members of Jake Ferguson’s family is his maternal grandfather, Barry Alvarez.
Alvarez is a former American football coach and college athletics administrator best known for transforming the University of Wisconsin football program.
He served as Wisconsin’s head football coach from 1990 to 2005.
During his coaching career, he led the Badgers to three Rose Bowl victories and helped establish Wisconsin as one of the leading college football programs in the Big Ten Conference.
Alvarez subsequently served as the university’s athletic director before retiring in 2021.
His achievements earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
For Jake Ferguson, growing up as Alvarez’s grandson meant spending considerable time around Wisconsin football facilities, practices, and games.
He frequently attended football events with his family and became familiar with the culture of the Badgers program.
Although the family connection brought considerable attention, Ferguson still needed to establish himself through his own athletic performances.
When he joined Wisconsin in 2017, he followed both his grandfather’s coaching legacy and his older brother’s playing career.
Alvarez was also present when Jake was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2022 NFL Draft.
According to the Cape Coral Breeze, the family gathered at Alvarez’s Florida residence to watch the draft together.
Following Jake’s selection, his grandfather encouraged him to continue working hard, reminding him that reaching the NFL represented only the beginning of his professional journey.
Jake Ferguson’s Childhood and Family Background
Jake Ferguson was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, before growing up in Madison, Wisconsin.
His family relocated to Wisconsin because of Barry Alvarez’s coaching career.
From an early age, Ferguson was surrounded by football.
His father had played at Nebraska, his grandfather coached Wisconsin, and his older brother eventually became a college football player.
Jake developed his own passion for the sport and participated in youth football programs.
He initially played quarterback before moving into other positions as he grew taller.
He attended James Madison Memorial High School, where he competed in football, basketball, and baseball.
During his high school football career, he played both wide receiver and linebacker.
He finished with 1,795 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns while also recording more than 300 tackles on defense.
His performances attracted interest from several college football programs.
Despite receiving other scholarship offers, Ferguson chose to attend the University of Wisconsin.
The decision allowed him to represent the same institution associated with his grandfather’s legacy and older brother’s football career.
How Jake Ferguson’s Family Influenced His College Football Career
Jake Ferguson joined the Wisconsin Badgers in 2017 and spent his first season developing physically and adapting to the demands of college football.
Although he had primarily played receiver and linebacker in high school, Wisconsin recruited him to play tight end.
The transition required him to improve his blocking technique, increase his strength, and learn new offensive responsibilities.
During his college career, Ferguson became one of the team’s most dependable receiving targets.
He earned All-Big Ten recognition and eventually developed into one of the conference’s leading tight ends.
His experiences at Wisconsin were especially meaningful because of the family’s long association with the university.
However, Ferguson has explained that his success also depended on the support of coaches and teammates who helped him develop his skills.
His father, brother, and grandfather remained important sources of advice throughout his college football journey.
After completing his final college season in 2021, Ferguson declared for the NFL Draft.
Jake Ferguson’s NFL Career With the Dallas Cowboys
Jake Ferguson was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 129th overall pick.
He began his professional career as a backup tight end before earning a more prominent role in the team’s offense.
Following Dalton Schultz’s departure in 2023, Ferguson became Dallas’ primary tight end.
During the 2023 season, he recorded 71 receptions for 761 yards and five touchdowns.
His performances earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
Although injuries affected his 2024 season, Ferguson returned with an impressive campaign in 2025.
He recorded a career-high 82 receptions, 600 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns.
Those performances earned him another Pro Bowl selection, announced in January 2026.
In July 2025, the Cowboys signed Ferguson to a four-year contract extension with a maximum reported value of $52 million.
The agreement reflected the franchise’s confidence in his abilities as both a receiver and blocker.
As of now, Ferguson continues playing tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, wearing jersey number 87.
His professional achievements have allowed him to establish an identity beyond his grandfather’s successful coaching career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jake Ferguson’s Family
Who is Jake Ferguson’s girlfriend?
Jake Ferguson is married to former college basketball player Haley Cavinder. The couple began dating in 2023 and married on June 20, 2026.
Who is Jake Ferguson’s wife?
Jake Ferguson’s wife is Haley Cavinder, a former Fresno State and University of Miami basketball player and social media personality.
When did Jake Ferguson get married?
Jake Ferguson married Haley Cavinder on June 20, 2026, at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida.
Does Jake Ferguson have children?
As of now, Jake Ferguson has no publicly confirmed children. He and Haley Cavinder adopted a golden retriever puppy named Boozer in July 2026.
Who are Jake Ferguson’s parents?
Jake Ferguson’s parents are Brad Ferguson and Dawn Alvarez Thomas. His father played college football at Nebraska, while his mother is the daughter of former Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez.
Who is Jake Ferguson’s father?
His father is Brad Ferguson, a former University of Nebraska linebacker who helped coach Jake in youth football.
Who is Jake Ferguson’s mother?
His mother is Dawn Alvarez Thomas, the daughter of Barry Alvarez. She has been involved in community affairs in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
How many siblings does Jake Ferguson have?
Jake Ferguson has one publicly confirmed sibling, his older brother Joe Ferguson, who played college football at Wisconsin.
Who is Jake Ferguson’s brother?
His older brother is Joe Ferguson, a former Wisconsin Badgers safety who played for the program from 2013 to 2017 and later pursued a career in real estate.
Is Jake Ferguson related to Barry Alvarez?
Yes. Barry Alvarez, the legendary former Wisconsin football coach and athletic director, is Jake Ferguson’s maternal grandfather.
Where is Jake Ferguson from?
Jake Ferguson was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, and grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, where he attended James Madison Memorial High School.
What NFL team does Jake Ferguson play for?
As of now, Jake Ferguson plays tight end for the Dallas Cowboys. The team selected him in the fourth round of the 2022 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.
