Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Candida Lucia
John Ridgeway III’s family has played an important role in his journey from a talented high school athlete in Illinois to a professional football player for the New Orleans Saints. The NFL defensive tackle has maintained close relationships with his parents, sister, wife, and young son throughout his football career.
Born on May 7, 1999, in Bloomington, Illinois, John Robert Ridgeway III attended Bloomington High School before playing college football at Illinois State University and the University of Arkansas.
He entered the NFL in 2022 after being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. He subsequently played for the Washington Commanders before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2024.
Beyond his football achievements, many fans want to know more about John Ridgeway III’s wife, girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings.
As of now, John Ridgeway III is married to Ali Ridgeway, and they have a son named Johnny. His parents are John Ridgeway Jr. and Katie Ridgeway, and he has a younger sister named Grace Ridgeway.
Who Is John Ridgeway III’s Wife or Girlfriend?
John Ridgeway III’s wife is Ali Ridgeway, formerly known as Ali Domkuski. The couple married in April 2024 after dating for several years.
Ali is a former college softball player who attended Illinois State University, where she competed for the Redbirds.
According to Illinois State Athletics, she played as a pitcher and first baseman and was a member of the university’s softball program from 2016 through 2019.
During her senior season, Ali served as a team captain and made 24 pitching appearances.
Her experience as a college athlete provided a connection with John, who was also studying and competing at Illinois State.
Although fans sometimes search for John Ridgeway III’s girlfriend, Ali is now his wife rather than simply his dating partner.
How Did John Ridgeway III Meet Ali Ridgeway?
John Ridgeway III and Ali first met while attending Illinois State University.
Both were student-athletes, with John playing football and Ali representing the university in softball.
In a November 2025 interview with Business Insider, Ali explained that they initially developed a connection through their shared university experiences.
However, their relationship did not become romantic until 2020, when Ali was attending graduate school.
She described John as someone with a strong sense of humor and explained that his personality was one of the qualities that attracted her.
As their relationship developed, Ali supported John’s college football career and eventually accompanied him through the challenges of playing professional football.
When Did John Ridgeway III Get Engaged?
John Ridgeway III proposed to Ali in May 2023.
According to Ali’s interview with Business Insider, the proposal took place in a private room at a steakhouse.
John arranged photographs of the couple around the room and decorated the space with flower petals before getting down on one knee.
Ali accepted his proposal, and the couple began preparing for their wedding.
At that time, John was playing for the Washington Commanders, having entered the NFL in 2022.
John Ridgeway III and Ali Ridgeway’s Wedding
John Ridgeway III and Ali Ridgeway married in April 2024.
Ali confirmed their wedding date in a November 2025 interview with Business Insider.
She explained that their wedding took place on a Saturday and that John returned to football practice the following Monday.
Because of his demanding professional schedule, the couple postponed their honeymoon for several months.
They eventually traveled to Hawaii, where they enjoyed time together before returning to their regular responsibilities.
Shortly after their honeymoon, they discovered that Ali was pregnant with their first child.
The news marked the beginning of another important chapter in their relationship.
As of now, John and Ali remain publicly identified as married and continue raising their family together.
How Many Children Does John Ridgeway III Have?
John Ridgeway III has one publicly documented child, a son named Johnny Ridgeway.
Johnny was born in February 2025, during the NFL offseason.
His birth was confirmed directly by Ali Ridgeway in her November 2025 Business Insider interview.
Meet Johnny Ridgeway – John Ridgeway III’s Son
Johnny Ridgeway is the son of John and Ali Ridgeway.
His parents discovered they were expecting him shortly after returning from their honeymoon in Hawaii.
Ali explained that the couple had already discussed starting a family and were happy to learn they were expecting their first child.
Johnny was born in February 2025 while the couple was staying in the Bloomington-Normal area of Illinois, close to their extended family.
Being near relatives provided additional support during the early weeks following his birth.
However, the family’s circumstances soon changed because of John’s football responsibilities with the New Orleans Saints.
Ali explained that John had to return to New Orleans for team activities while their son was still very young.
She later moved with Johnny to New Orleans after John secured his place on the Saints’ roster.
Johnny has accompanied his mother to Saints games, where he has watched his father play.
In her interview, Ali described bringing their son to games while using appropriate hearing protection to shield him from the stadium noise.
She also shared that Johnny sometimes fell asleep during games, despite the excitement surrounding the football field.
As of now, Johnny is the only child publicly confirmed for John Ridgeway III.
Who Are John Ridgeway III’s Parents?
John Ridgeway III’s parents are John Ridgeway Jr. and Katie Ridgeway.
Their names are confirmed in his official University of Arkansas football biography.
John grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, where he developed an interest in football, wrestling, and other athletic activities.
His parents have been an important source of encouragement throughout his journey to professional football.
John Ridgeway III’s Father: John Ridgeway Jr.
John Ridgeway Jr. is the father of NFL player John Ridgeway III.
His name is documented in the official Arkansas Razorbacks football biography, which identifies the defensive tackle as the son of Katie and John Ridgeway Jr.
The family’s naming tradition is reflected in the player’s full name, John Robert Ridgeway III.
Although relatively little information is publicly available about his father’s occupation and professional background, John has openly expressed his appreciation for his family.
In a July 2022 interview published by BVM Sports, Ridgeway discussed a tattoo on his upper left arm that honors his immediate family.
The tattoo includes the initials of his father, mother, and sister, along with their birth years.
He explained that the design serves as a permanent reminder of the people who have supported him and his reasons for pursuing football.
The tribute demonstrates how meaningful his relationship with his father and other family members has been throughout his athletic career.
John Ridgeway III’s Mother: Katie Ridgeway
Katie Ridgeway is John Ridgeway III’s mother.
Her identity is confirmed in the official University of Arkansas football biography and in published interviews about her son’s football career.
Katie is part of the close-knit family that supported John’s development as an athlete in Bloomington.
Although she has generally maintained a relatively private public profile, her influence is reflected in the way John speaks about his family.
In his 2022 interview with BVM Sports, he identified Katie as one of the family members represented in his tattoo.
The letters J, K, and G symbolize his father John, mother Katie, and sister Grace.
He explained that seeing the tattoo while practicing or playing football reminds him of his family and the motivation behind his athletic ambitions.
As of now, Katie’s occupation and other personal details have not been extensively documented in reliable public sources.
Does John Ridgeway III Have Any Siblings?
Yes. John Ridgeway III has a younger sister named Grace Ridgeway.
Her identity and relationship to the NFL player are confirmed in his official Arkansas Razorbacks biography.
Grace is the only sibling specifically identified in the official college football profile.
John Ridgeway III’s Sister: Grace Ridgeway
Grace Ridgeway is John Ridgeway III’s younger sister.
She grew up as part of the Ridgeway family in Bloomington, Illinois.
Although Grace has maintained a relatively private public profile, John has publicly demonstrated the importance of their relationship.
His family tattoo features the letter G in her honor, alongside the initials representing their parents.
In his 2022 interview, John explained that the tattoo helps remind him of the family members who motivate him during training and games.
Grace’s inclusion in the tribute demonstrates the close connection between the siblings.
However, established public sources provide limited additional information about her education, occupation, or current personal activities.
As of now, those aspects of her life remain largely private.
Does John Ridgeway III Have a Brother?
His official University of Arkansas football biography identifies a younger sister, Grace, but does not list a brother.
As of now, no brother has been reliably identified in the public sources reviewed for this profile.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to claim that John has a particular brother without credible confirmation.
John Ridgeway III’s Special Family Tattoo
One of the most interesting details about John Ridgeway III’s family is the tattoo he has on his upper left arm.
In July 2022, BVM Sports reported that the design features the initials JKG.
Each letter represents an important family member:
- J: His father, John Ridgeway Jr.
- K: His mother, Katie Ridgeway.
- G: His younger sister, Grace Ridgeway.
Ridgeway also incorporated the birth years of these family members into the design.
He explained that seeing the tattoo during workouts and games reminds him why he plays football and represents a personal expression of love for his family.
The tattoo offers insight into his values and the important role his family has played in his development.
John Ridgeway III’s Early Life and Family Background
John Ridgeway III was born on May 7, 1999, in Bloomington, Illinois.
He attended Bloomington High School, where he participated in several sports, including football, wrestling, and track and field.
Ridgeway became particularly successful in wrestling, winning the Illinois Class 2A heavyweight state championship in 2017.
He was also recognized for his performances in football, earning All-Conference and All-State honors.
His athletic achievements led to his selection as Bloomington High School’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2017.
Following graduation, Ridgeway accepted a football scholarship to Illinois State University.
There, he continued improving his abilities as a defensive lineman while also meeting the woman who would eventually become his wife.
He later transferred to the University of Arkansas, where he completed his final college football season in 2021.
John Ridgeway III’s Marriage and Life as an NFL Father
Professional football has required John Ridgeway III and his wife, Ali, to adjust to a lifestyle involving frequent travel and relocation.
In her November 2025 Business Insider interview, Ali explained that the couple had lived in five different states during John’s football journey.
She described the challenges of repeatedly moving while maintaining their relationship and preparing for parenthood.
The situation became especially demanding when she was pregnant and John was transitioning from the Washington Commanders to the New Orleans Saints.
After Johnny’s birth in February 2025, the family initially spent time in Illinois, where relatives could provide emotional and practical support.
Ali subsequently relocated with their son to New Orleans.
She also explained that the Saints organization provides a supportive environment for players’ families, including childcare options during games.
Despite the responsibilities associated with professional football, John and Ali have continued building their family life around his NFL career.
John Ridgeway III’s NFL Career
John Ridgeway III entered the National Football League after the Dallas Cowboys selected him with the 178th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He was released by Dallas before making his regular-season debut and subsequently joined the Washington Commanders in September 2022.
During his first two NFL seasons, Ridgeway established himself as a rotational defensive lineman.
He played for Washington during the 2022 and 2023 seasons before being traded to the New Orleans Saints in August 2024.
In New Orleans, he continued contributing to the team’s interior defensive line.
In March 2026, the Saints announced that Ridgeway had agreed to a new two-year contract.
As of now, John Ridgeway III remains a member of the New Orleans Saints, continuing his professional football career while raising his young family.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Ridgeway III’s Family
Who Is John Ridgeway III’s Wife?
John Ridgeway III’s wife is Ali Ridgeway, formerly known as Ali Domkuski. She played college softball at Illinois State University. The couple married in April 2024.
Who Was John Ridgeway III’s Girlfriend?
Before their marriage, John Ridgeway III dated Ali Domkuski. They began their romantic relationship in 2020 and became engaged in May 2023.
How Did John Ridgeway III Meet His Wife?
John and Ali met while attending Illinois State University, where both were student-athletes. They started dating in 2020.
Does John Ridgeway III Have Children?
Yes. John Ridgeway III has a son named Johnny Ridgeway, who was born in February 2025.
Who Is John Ridgeway III’s Father?
His father is John Ridgeway Jr., whose name is confirmed in the official University of Arkansas football biography.
Who Is John Ridgeway III’s Mother?
His mother is Katie Ridgeway, who is also honored in his family tattoo.
Does John Ridgeway III Have Any Siblings?
Yes. John Ridgeway III has a younger sister named Grace Ridgeway. No brothers have been reliably identified in official biographies.
What Does John Ridgeway III’s Family Tattoo Mean?
His tattoo features the initials JKG, representing his father John, mother Katie, and sister Grace. Their birth years are also incorporated into the design.
Where Is John Ridgeway III From?
John Ridgeway III is from Bloomington, Illinois, where he attended Bloomington High School and became a state champion wrestler.
Which NFL Team Does John Ridgeway III Play For?
As of now, John Ridgeway III plays defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. He joined the organization in August 2024 and agreed to a new two-year contract 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.
