Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Jalen Pitre is an American professional football player who plays as a safety and nickel defensive back for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 3, 1999, in Stafford, Texas, Pitre played college football at Baylor University before being selected by the Texans in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Beyond his successful football career, Pitre comes from a close-knit family that has played an important role in his development. His father introduced him to competitive sports, his mother emphasized discipline and financial responsibility, and his older brother helped inspire his aggressive playing style.
Pitre has also established a family of his own. In 2025, he married his longtime girlfriend, Julianna, whom he had known since kindergarten.
Jalen Pitre’s wife is Julianna Pitre. His parents are Rick Pitre and DeVita Pitre, and his older brother is Jerick Pitre, a former college football player at the University of the Incarnate Word.
Here is everything publicly known about Jalen Pitre’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Jalen Pitre’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Jalen Pitre is married to Julianna Pitre, his longtime girlfriend and childhood sweetheart.
The couple married in 2025, according to reporting by Houston Texans journalist Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.
Their relationship has a particularly meaningful history because they first met as children while attending kindergarten in Stafford, Texas.
They remained acquainted throughout their school years and eventually began dating during their junior year at Stafford High School.
After several years together, Pitre proposed to Julianna at the restaurant where they had enjoyed one of their earliest dates.
The couple subsequently married during the 2025 NFL offseason.
Who Is Julianna Pitre?
Julianna Pitre is the wife of Houston Texans defensive back Jalen Pitre.
Although she is married to a prominent professional football player, Julianna has generally maintained a relatively private personal life.
Her full maiden name, date of birth, educational qualifications, and current occupation have not been extensively documented in major sports publications.
However, her relationship with Jalen has been publicly confirmed through reporting based on interviews with the player.
According to a July 7, 2026, feature published by KPRC 2 Houston, Julianna and Jalen have known each other since kindergarten.
They attended school in Stafford and eventually developed a romantic relationship as teenagers.
Their story demonstrates how a childhood friendship eventually developed into a lasting partnership and marriage.
How Did Jalen Pitre Meet His Wife?
Jalen Pitre first met Julianna when they were in kindergarten.
Both grew up in the Stafford, Texas, community and attended Stafford High School.
Although they knew each other for many years, their relationship did not become romantic until high school.
According to KPRC 2 Houston, Pitre was particularly interested in spending time with Julianna during their junior year.
He approached their social studies teacher, Christopher Reid, and asked to transfer into the class she attended.
Pitre also arranged for a classmate to exchange seats with him so that he could sit next to Julianna.
The effort eventually helped the two become closer.
They began dating during their junior year and continued their relationship as Pitre pursued college football at Baylor University.
Despite the demands of his athletic career, their relationship continued into his professional years with the Houston Texans.
Jalen Pitre and Julianna’s First Dates
One of the most memorable places in Jalen and Julianna’s relationship is an International House of Pancakes restaurant near Stafford High School.
According to the July 2026 KPRC 2 interview, they visited the restaurant during one of their earliest dates.
The location eventually became personally significant because it reminded them of the beginning of their romantic relationship.
Years later, Pitre decided to return to the same restaurant for another important occasion.
He chose the location for his marriage proposal.
The sentimental decision allowed the couple to celebrate their future in the same setting where they had shared some of their earliest memories.
Jalen Pitre and Julianna’s Engagement
Jalen Pitre proposed to Julianna in 2024.
The engagement was publicly discussed by NFL reporter Aaron Wilson in May 2025.
Rather than arranging a proposal at an unfamiliar or extravagant location, Pitre chose the IHOP restaurant associated with their early dating years.
He surprised Julianna by recreating an important moment from their relationship.
During his July 2026 interview, Pitre explained that returning to the restaurant made the engagement particularly meaningful.
He also recalled their different food preferences, explaining that Julianna liked French toast while he preferred pancakes.
The experience became another important milestone in a relationship that had begun during childhood.
When Did Jalen Pitre Get Married?
Jalen Pitre married Julianna during the 2025 NFL offseason.
On May 31, 2025, Aaron Wilson reported that the Houston Texans defensive back had married his longtime girlfriend.
The couple’s relationship attracted attention because they had known each other since kindergarten and had been dating since high school.
In July 2026, Wilson published another detailed article confirming that Pitre and Julianna had married approximately one year earlier.
Although their marriage is publicly confirmed, the exact wedding date and location have not been reliably established through the sources reviewed.
As of now, Julianna is publicly identified as Jalen Pitre’s wife.
Jalen Pitre’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Jalen Pitre has children.
Although Pitre married Julianna in 2025, the couple has not made a widely documented announcement confirming the birth of a son or daughter.
His official Houston Texans biography and major interviews do not identify any children.
Similarly, the July 2026 KPRC 2 feature discussing his wife, parents, brother, and family background does not establish that he is a father.
However, the absence of publicly available information does not necessarily mean that Pitre has no children.
He and Julianna may choose to maintain privacy regarding certain aspects of their family life.
Until they or another reliable source provide confirmation, Pitre’s status as a father remains publicly unverified.
Does Jalen Pitre Have a Son?
There are currently no reliable public reports confirming that Jalen Pitre has a son.
No official NFL biography or major sports interview reviewed identifies a male child.
Does Jalen Pitre Have a Daughter?
There is also no reliable public confirmation that Jalen Pitre has a daughter.
His publicly documented immediate family includes his wife Julianna, parents Rick and DeVita, and older brother Jerick.
Jalen Pitre’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Jalen Pitre’s parents are Rick Pitre and DeVita Pitre.
Their identities are confirmed in his official Baylor University football biography and multiple family interviews published by ESPN and the Houston Chronicle.
Both parents originally came from Louisiana before settling in the Houston area.
They raised their two sons, Jerick and Jalen, in Stafford, Texas.
Rick and DeVita emphasized discipline, education, humility, hard work, and responsible financial decisions.
Their influence has remained evident throughout Jalen’s football career.
Jalen Pitre’s Father: Rick Pitre
Jalen Pitre’s father is Rick Pitre, a longtime UPS truck driver and former youth sports coach.
According to a September 2022 ESPN feature, Rick had worked as a driver for UPS for approximately 28 years at the time.
Before settling in Texas, he grew up in Louisiana.
His family originally came from Plaisance, a small rural community north of Lafayette.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Rick’s parents were farmers who emphasized hard work and perseverance.
Rick spent portions of his childhood visiting relatives in Houston before eventually establishing his own family in the area.
After becoming a father, he devoted considerable attention to developing his sons’ athletic abilities.
How Rick Pitre Introduced His Sons to Sports
Rick began introducing Jerick and Jalen to organized sports while they were young.
According to the Houston Chronicle, he initially encouraged both boys to participate in soccer because he believed it could improve their footwork.
He also established a youth basketball team called In Ya Face.
Rick personally coached the team, using the experience to teach his children the importance of preparation, teamwork, and competition.
When the boys began playing football, he continued guiding their development.
He placed particular emphasis on toughness, confidence, and the importance of understanding the game.
During childhood, Jalen and Jerick regularly watched college and professional football games with their father.
Rick asked them questions about what they were watching and encouraged them to analyze different situations.
These experiences helped Jalen develop the football intelligence that later became one of his defining strengths.
How Rick Pitre Influenced Jalen’s Tackling Style
Rick’s influence is particularly evident in Jalen’s aggressive tackling style.
In a July 2026 KPRC 2 interview, Pitre explained that his father taught him how to compete physically from an early age.
During childhood, Jalen regularly practiced tackling his older brother, Jerick.
Because Jerick was older and physically stronger, the exercises challenged Jalen to become more confident and determined.
Rick encouraged both sons to initiate contact rather than hesitate.
As Jalen developed into a professional defensive back, these lessons remained central to his playing style.
In December 2025, Pitre discussed how his childhood training helped him become one of the NFL’s hardest-hitting defensive backs.
He emphasized the importance of proper technique, leverage, and approaching tackles with confidence.
Rick has expressed pride in his son’s understanding of football and his continued dedication to studying the game.
Jalen Pitre’s Mother: DeVita Pitre
Jalen Pitre’s mother is DeVita Pitre.
According to ESPN, she had worked as a bank teller for approximately 21 years when the publication interviewed the family in September 2022.
DeVita and Rick raised Jerick and Jalen in Stafford, where both boys attended school and participated in athletics.
Like her husband, DeVita emphasized humility, discipline, and responsibility.
Her influence became particularly noticeable after Jalen entered the NFL.
Despite signing a multimillion-dollar rookie contract with the Houston Texans in 2022, Pitre decided to continue living with his parents for a period.
His mother supported the decision and helped him research housing options.
The experience attracted national attention because many newly drafted NFL players immediately purchase expensive homes or relocate.
However, Pitre preferred to make a financially responsible decision rather than spend money unnecessarily.
Why Jalen Pitre Continued Living With His Parents
One of the most memorable family stories involving Jalen Pitre occurred during his rookie NFL season.
According to ESPN’s September 20, 2022, report, Pitre continued living in his childhood home after signing a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $8.9 million.
His parents lived about 20 minutes from the Houston Texans’ stadium and training facilities.
Remaining at home allowed Pitre to avoid expensive housing costs while adjusting to professional football.
DeVita helped him research homes, but some of the options he considered were significantly more expensive than he wanted to spend.
Instead, he decided to remain with his parents until he found a suitable property.
Rick and DeVita did not require him to pay rent or household bills.
They encouraged him to concentrate on his football career and make thoughtful financial decisions.
For Pitre, staying at home was also an opportunity to spend time with his family while managing the demands of his rookie season.
The story provided an example of the values his parents had taught him throughout childhood.
Jalen Pitre’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Jalen Pitre has one publicly confirmed sibling, an older brother named Jerick Pitre.
Jerick is approximately 15 to 18 months older than Jalen, according to interviews with the family.
Both brothers grew up in Stafford, Texas, and participated in organized sports under their father’s guidance.
They attended Stafford High School and later pursued college football careers.
Jalen Pitre’s Older Brother: Jerick Pitre
Jerick Pitre is Jalen Pitre’s older brother and a former college football player at the University of the Incarnate Word.
His identity and college football background were confirmed in a December 2022 Houston Chronicle feature.
Jerick grew up alongside Jalen and participated in several sports, including soccer, basketball, and football.
The brothers developed a competitive relationship that helped improve their athletic abilities.
According to ESPN, their father coached them in youth basketball and encouraged them to develop a strong understanding of football.
Jerick and Jalen also spent considerable time playing video games together.
During a September 2022 interview with the Houston Texans, Jalen recalled playing Madden and other games with his brother during childhood.
Their competitive personalities extended from organized sports into everyday activities.
Jerick Pitre’s College Football Career
After graduating from Stafford High School, Jerick continued his football career at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.
He played for the Incarnate Word Cardinals and was listed on the team’s roster during the 2020 season.
His college football experiences helped maintain the family’s connection to competitive athletics.
Although Jerick did not establish the same NFL career as his younger brother, his participation in college football reflected the dedication and sporting values emphasized by their parents.
Details about Jerick’s current occupation and personal relationships have not been widely documented in major public sources.
How Jerick Pitre Inspired His Younger Brother
Jerick played an important role in helping Jalen develop his physical confidence.
During childhood, the brothers regularly competed against one another in football and other sports.
According to a July 2026 KPRC 2 interview, Jalen remembered hearing family jokes suggesting that he could not hit as hard as his older brother.
Rather than becoming discouraged, he used those comparisons as motivation.
Jalen worked to become a stronger and more aggressive tackler.
He later credited the childhood competition with helping him develop the mentality required to succeed as an NFL defensive back.
The brothers have also remained connected through charitable activities in their hometown.
Does Jalen Pitre Have a Sister?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Jalen Pitre has a sister.
Major family profiles published by ESPN and the Houston Chronicle identify Rick and DeVita’s two sons as Jerick and Jalen.
The family’s charitable foundation also identifies Jerick as Jalen’s brother without mentioning any sisters.
Therefore, Jerick remains his only publicly confirmed sibling.
Jalen Pitre’s Grandparents and Louisiana Family Heritage
Jalen Pitre’s family history has strong connections to Louisiana.
His parents, Rick and DeVita, originally came from the state before establishing their family in the Houston area.
According to a May 2022 Houston Chronicle feature, Rick’s parents were farmers in Plaisance, Louisiana.
They had an unexpected child when Jalen’s grandmother was approaching her 50th birthday.
That child was Rick Pitre, who eventually became Jalen’s father.
Rick spent portions of his youth visiting his older sister Dorothy in Houston.
Dorothy was approximately 23 years older than Rick and helped connect him with life in Texas.
These family experiences influenced Rick’s eventual decision to raise his sons in the Houston area.
In July 2026, Rick spoke publicly about the family’s humble beginnings and expressed pride in his son’s achievements.
He also connected Jalen’s interest in helping others to the generosity demonstrated by earlier generations of the family.
Jalen Pitre’s Family Foundation and Community Work
The Pitre family’s influence extends beyond professional football.
Rick, Jerick, and Jalen are associated with the Pitreboyz Foundation, a charitable organization supporting young people in Stafford, Texas.
The foundation focuses on three primary areas: sports, nutrition, and education.
According to its official website, the organization was established by a family committed to supporting the community where their children grew up.
Its programs seek to provide young people with resources and opportunities that can contribute to their development.
The foundation has supported local schools and youth athletic programs.
In October 2024, Stafford Municipal School District publicly thanked the Pitre Boys Foundation for donating to the Stafford High School football program.
The district identified the organization with Rick and his two sons, Jerick and Jalen.
Pitre has also organized youth football camps at Stafford High School.
During these events, young athletes receive coaching, encouragement, and opportunities to interact with a professional NFL player.
He has additionally worked with Kids’ Meals, a Houston-area organization supporting children experiencing food insecurity.
These initiatives reflect the family’s longstanding commitment to giving back to the community.
Jalen Pitre’s Childhood and Early Football Career
Jalen Pitre was born on June 3, 1999, in Stafford, Texas.
He grew up participating in several sports, including soccer, basketball, and football.
His father, Rick, coached him and his older brother in youth athletics.
Pitre attended Stafford High School, where he developed into one of the area’s leading defensive backs.
During his sophomore season, he earned District 12-4A Newcomer of the Year honors.
His junior season was interrupted by a knee injury, but he returned to deliver an impressive senior campaign.
In 2016, he recorded 83 tackles, six interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and four forced fumbles.
His performances earned District 12-4A Defensive Most Valuable Player recognition.
He eventually committed to Baylor University, becoming an important member of the program’s 2017 recruiting class.
How Jalen Pitre’s Family Influenced His College Career
Pitre enrolled at Baylor University in January 2017.
He remained committed to the program despite significant changes involving the coaching staff and university administration.
His loyalty became widely recognized because many other recruits reconsidered their commitments during that period.
Throughout his five seasons at Baylor, Pitre developed into one of the nation’s most productive defensive players.
During the 2020 season, he recorded 60 tackles and 13 tackles for loss.
His outstanding performances continued in 2021 when he earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.
He also received consensus First-Team All-American recognition and helped Baylor win the Big 12 championship.
Outside football, Pitre prioritized education.
He completed his undergraduate business degree in 2020 and earned a master’s degree in educational psychology in 2021.
His academic achievements reflected the importance his parents placed on education and personal development.
Jalen Pitre’s NFL Career and Family Support
The Houston Texans selected Jalen Pitre with the 37th overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
His selection allowed him to pursue his professional football career in the same metropolitan area where he grew up.
During his rookie season, Pitre recorded 147 tackles and five interceptions.
He became one of the most productive rookie defensive backs in franchise history and earned Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team recognition.
Despite the demands of professional football, he remained closely connected to his parents and hometown.
In 2025, the Texans rewarded him with a three-year contract extension reportedly worth up to $42.6 million.
The same year, Pitre married his longtime girlfriend, Julianna.
During the 2025 season, he continued developing into one of Houston’s most valuable defensive players, contributing at the nickel position.
His father and brother remained important influences, particularly regarding tackling technique and preparation.
As of now, Pitre continues his NFL career with the Texans while maintaining close connections to his family and the Stafford community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jalen Pitre’s Family
Who is Jalen Pitre’s girlfriend?
Jalen Pitre’s longtime girlfriend was Julianna, whom he had known since kindergarten. The couple married in 2025, making Julianna his wife rather than his girlfriend.
Who is Jalen Pitre’s wife?
Jalen Pitre’s wife is Julianna Pitre. They met in kindergarten, began dating during their junior year at Stafford High School, and married during the 2025 NFL offseason.
When did Jalen Pitre get married?
Jalen Pitre married Julianna during the 2025 NFL offseason. Their marriage was publicly reported by Aaron Wilson on May 31, 2025.
Where did Jalen Pitre propose to his wife?
Pitre proposed to Julianna at an IHOP restaurant near Stafford High School. The restaurant was meaningful because the couple had enjoyed one of their earliest dates there.
Does Jalen Pitre have children?
As of now, there are no reliable public reports confirming that Jalen Pitre has children. He and his wife have not made a widely documented announcement about having a son or daughter.
Who is Jalen Pitre’s father?
Jalen Pitre’s father is Rick Pitre, a longtime UPS truck driver who coached his sons in youth sports and helped develop their athletic abilities.
Who is Jalen Pitre’s mother?
Jalen Pitre’s mother is DeVita Pitre. She worked as a bank teller and emphasized financial responsibility, education, and discipline throughout her son’s upbringing.
How many siblings does Jalen Pitre have?
Jalen Pitre has one publicly confirmed sibling, an older brother named Jerick Pitre.
Who is Jalen Pitre’s brother?
Jerick Pitre is Jalen’s older brother and a former college football player at the University of the Incarnate Word. He also participates in the family’s charitable work in Stafford.
Does Jalen Pitre have a sister?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Jalen Pitre has a sister. Major family profiles identify two sons in the Pitre household: Jerick and Jalen.
Why did Jalen Pitre live with his parents after being drafted?
Pitre continued living with Rick and DeVita in 2022 because he wanted to make financially responsible decisions and avoid unnecessary housing expenses. Their home was also conveniently located near the Texans’ facilities.
Where is Jalen Pitre’s family from?
Jalen Pitre’s parents originally came from Louisiana before settling in Stafford, Texas. His father’s family has roots in Plaisance, Louisiana.
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.
