Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Jon Gaines II is an American football offensive lineman who plays for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. Before beginning his professional career, he played college football at UCLA, where he developed into a versatile offensive guard and center. Beyond football, many fans are interested in learning about Jon Gaines II’s family, girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Born on May 24, 1999, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Gaines grew up in a family that emphasized education, responsibility and perseverance. His parents are Jon Gaines and Andrea Gaines, and he has two older siblings: one brother and one sister.
His father overcame a difficult battle with kidney cancer and underwent a kidney transplant in 2022. The experience had a profound influence on the young football player’s outlook on life.
In December 2025, the Arizona Cardinals also revealed that Gaines had become a father. His son was approximately six months old when the team published its family profile.
Although Gaines previously acknowledged having a girlfriend during his college football career, he has maintained privacy regarding his current romantic relationship.
Jon Gaines II’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Jon Gaines II previously confirmed having a girlfriend during his college football career at UCLA.
During a December 2021 interview ahead of UCLA’s scheduled appearance in the Holiday Bowl, Gaines discussed his plans to visit San Diego.
He mentioned that his girlfriend was from San Marcos, California, a city in northern San Diego County.
He also explained that her family lived in the area and would be attending the bowl game festivities.
The interview was published by Sports Illustrated on December 22, 2021.
However, Gaines did not identify his girlfriend by name during the conversation.
As of now, there is insufficient verified information to establish whether he remains in the same relationship or is dating someone else.
Who Was Jon Gaines II’s Girlfriend at UCLA?
In his December 2021 interview, Gaines revealed that his girlfriend had family connections to San Marcos, California.
Because UCLA’s Holiday Bowl game was scheduled to take place in San Diego, he was excited about the opportunity to spend time with her relatives.
He explained that he had visited the San Diego area previously because of their relationship.
However, the interview did not provide her name, occupation, education or other identifying details.
There is also no independently verified information establishing how or when the couple first met.
For that reason, it would be inaccurate to identify a specific woman as Gaines’ current girlfriend without additional evidence.
Is Jon Gaines II Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Jon Gaines II is married.
The Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman has not made a widely documented public wedding announcement.
Similarly, his official NFL and UCLA biographies do not identify a wife.
Although Gaines has a son, becoming a father does not establish his marital status.
As of now, it remains unclear whether he is married, engaged or in a relationship.
Jon Gaines II’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
Yes, Jon Gaines II has a son.
The Arizona Cardinals officially confirmed his fatherhood in an article published on December 24, 2025.
Written by team reporter Darren Urban, the feature described a family gathering following Arizona’s home game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Gaines’ relatives attended the game and had an opportunity to watch him play as a starting offensive lineman.
During the gathering, his six-month-old son met his one-year-old cousin.
The article offered an important glimpse into the player’s personal life, confirming that Gaines had become a father earlier in 2025.
Who Is Jon Gaines II’s Son?
Jon Gaines II has one publicly confirmed son whose name has not been established through official reporting.
His son’s existence was documented by the Arizona Cardinals in December 2025.
At the time, the child was approximately six months old, suggesting that he was born around the middle of that year.
However, the report did not identify his exact date of birth or name.
It also did not identify the child’s mother.
Although Gaines has spoken publicly about his family, he has generally maintained privacy regarding his son.
As of now, the boy remains his only child whose existence has been independently confirmed through established sports reporting.
How Fatherhood Fits Into Jon Gaines II’s NFL Career
Gaines became a father during an important period in his professional football career.
After missing his entire rookie season in 2023 because of a knee injury, he gradually worked toward earning more playing time.
He appeared in 13 games during the 2024 season and began taking on additional responsibilities in 2025.
By December 2025, injuries and roster circumstances had created opportunities for Gaines to start games along Arizona’s offensive line.
His family attended the Cardinals’ December 21 game against Atlanta, allowing his son and relatives to watch him compete.
The occasion brought together his responsibilities as a professional athlete and his growing family life.
Jon Gaines II’s Parents: Meet Jon and Andrea Gaines
Jon Gaines II’s parents are Jon Gaines and Andrea Gaines.
Their identities are confirmed by UCLA’s official football biography and detailed interviews published by the Los Angeles Times.
They raised their family in the Milwaukee metropolitan area of Wisconsin.
Education and personal responsibility were important parts of the household.
According to a December 2025 Arizona Cardinals profile, both parents encouraged their children to meet high expectations while developing independence and confidence.
Jon Gaines II’s Father: Jon Gaines
Jon Gaines is the father of Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jon Gaines II.
The two share the same name and have maintained a close relationship throughout the player’s football career.
According to a December 2025 Cardinals interview, the elder Gaines works as the chief executive of a nonprofit organization.
His personal determination and emphasis on education helped influence his youngest son’s upbringing.
Gaines II has also described his father as someone who encouraged his interests outside football, including science fiction and Star Wars.
However, the most publicly documented chapter of their relationship concerns his father’s experience with kidney cancer.
Jon Gaines II’s Father’s Battle With Kidney Cancer
In September 2021, the Los Angeles Times published a detailed account of Jon Gaines’ battle with kidney cancer.
Doctors had discovered cancerous growths affecting his kidneys, leading to surgery to remove both organs in 2019.
Because he no longer had functioning kidneys, Gaines required regular dialysis while waiting for a transplant.
The treatments made everyday activities and long-distance travel considerably more difficult.
Despite those challenges, he continued supporting his son’s college football career.
Traveling from Wisconsin to California for UCLA games required advance planning so that he could receive dialysis while away from home.
During the 2021 season, he attended UCLA’s game against LSU at the Rose Bowl.
His determination to remain involved in his son’s football journey became an important story among UCLA players and supporters.
How His Father’s Illness Affected Jon Gaines II
Jon Gaines II learned about his father’s cancer diagnosis during a college Christmas break.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the news was emotionally difficult for the young offensive lineman.
When he returned to UCLA, he discussed the situation with teammates, including Sam Marrazzo and Alec Anderson.
His teammates and coaches supported him throughout the difficult period.
UCLA also arranged for Gaines to return home during his father’s surgery.
Gaines later explained that his father’s response to adversity helped shape his own attitude toward difficult circumstances.
He even had the words “That’s Life” tattooed on his arm as a reminder of his father’s perspective.
The experience strengthened his determination to pursue football while remaining available to support his family.
Jon Gaines II’s Father Received a Kidney Transplant
In August 2022, the Gaines family received encouraging news.
After spending several years undergoing dialysis, Jon Gaines underwent a kidney transplant.
According to the Daily Bruin, his son learned about the surgery shortly before UCLA’s fall training camp.
He immediately arranged to travel home to Wisconsin and support his family.
After visiting his father during the recovery period, Gaines returned to UCLA to continue preparing for his final college football season.
He expressed gratitude for the transplant and explained that it would make attending future games easier for his father.
The Los Angeles Times also reported that the transplant would reduce the difficulties associated with traveling for football games.
The family’s experience became an important example of resilience and mutual support.
Jon Gaines II’s Mother: Andrea Gaines
Andrea Gaines is Jon Gaines II’s mother.
Her identity is confirmed by UCLA University’s official football biography and the Los Angeles Times’ September 2021 family profile.
Andrea helped raise Jon and his two older siblings in Wisconsin.
During her husband’s medical difficulties, she provided important support, including accompanying him to dialysis appointments.
The Los Angeles Times described how Andrea traveled with her husband to California so that he could attend their son’s college football games.
Those trips required early mornings, medical appointments and careful planning.
Her involvement allowed the family to remain connected to Gaines II’s football career despite challenging circumstances.
How Andrea Gaines Influenced Her Son
Andrea encouraged her children to prioritize education, responsibility and self-discipline.
In December 2025, the Arizona Cardinals published a feature about how Gaines’ upbringing influenced his professional development.
The report described his mother as a resilient woman who had not allowed a permanent disability to prevent her from pursuing life.
Although the article acknowledged her disability, it did not establish specific medical details, which remain private.
Gaines explained that both parents encouraged their children to approach responsibilities seriously and develop confidence through preparation.
Those lessons became valuable as he progressed from high school to UCLA and eventually the NFL.
Jon Gaines II’s Siblings: Meet His Older Brother and Sister
Jon Gaines II has two older siblings: one brother and one sister.
Their existence is confirmed by UCLA’s official football biography and an Arizona Cardinals interview published in December 2025.
Gaines is the youngest of the three children.
Although his siblings played important roles in his upbringing, their names have not been reliably established through authoritative sports reporting.
Jon Gaines II’s Older Brother
Jon Gaines II has an older brother who is approximately 10 years older than him.
The age difference was documented by the Arizona Cardinals in December 2025.
Growing up as the youngest child, Gaines experienced family expectations already familiar to his older siblings.
He explained that education and responsible behavior were important in the household.
However, reliable public reporting does not identify his brother’s name, occupation or educational background.
The family’s personal lives have generally remained private despite Gaines’ professional football career.
Jon Gaines II’s Older Sister
Jon Gaines II also has an older sister who is approximately seven years older than him.
Like his brother, she is identified through UCLA’s official biography and the Cardinals’ December 2025 reporting.
His sister was part of the family environment that emphasized education and personal responsibility.
However, established sports reporting does not provide her name, occupation or other personal details.
As of now, Gaines’ older sister remains publicly documented as a family member, while her individual biography remains private.
Does Jon Gaines II Have Any Other Siblings?
According to UCLA University, Jon Gaines II has one older brother and one older sister.
The Arizona Cardinals independently confirmed this family structure in December 2025.
No additional siblings have been identified in those authoritative records.
Therefore, Gaines has two publicly confirmed siblings.
Jon Gaines II’s Childhood and Family Background
Jon Gaines II grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee.
His parents emphasized education and encouraged him to take responsibility for his decisions.
He attended Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, a private preparatory school with demanding academic standards.
During high school, he participated in both football and track and field.
He became a talented offensive lineman and served as a team captain during his junior and senior seasons.
He also earned recognition from the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association and was ranked among the state’s leading football prospects.
Gaines’ academic achievements attracted interest from selective universities.
According to the Arizona Cardinals, he scored 31 on the ACT and seriously considered attending Princeton University before choosing UCLA.
The decision allowed him to pursue high-level college football while continuing his education.
How Jon Gaines II’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Jon Gaines II’s family played an important role in developing the character and work ethic that contributed to his football success.
His father emphasized perseverance, while his mother encouraged responsibility and academic achievement.
Growing up alongside older siblings also helped establish high expectations.
When Gaines joined UCLA in 2018, he continued demonstrating those values both in the classroom and on the football field.
He initially played a limited role before gradually becoming a regular contributor.
During his five-year college career, he appeared in 45 games and made 30 starts.
His versatility allowed him to play offensive guard, center and tackle.
He also earned multiple selections to the UCLA Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and received recognition on the Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll.
Gaines completed an undergraduate degree in political science and enrolled in a graduate program focused on transformative coaching and leadership.
Jon Gaines II’s NFL Career With the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals selected Jon Gaines II in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 122nd overall pick.
He became the first UCLA offensive lineman drafted by the Cardinals since Luis Sharpe in 1982.
Unfortunately, Gaines suffered a knee injury during the preseason and spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve.
After recovering, he made his NFL regular-season debut against the San Francisco 49ers on October 6, 2024.
He appeared in 13 games during the 2024 season, contributing along the offensive line and on special teams.
He also occasionally played as a fullback in specialized offensive formations.
During the 2025 season, Gaines appeared in all 17 regular-season games and made five starts.
His preparation and understanding of multiple offensive line positions helped him earn additional playing time.
In December 2025, the Arizona Cardinals published a feature explaining how his family’s emphasis on education had influenced his approach to football.
Coaches praised his intelligence, versatility and ability to understand different blocking responsibilities.
As of now, Gaines continues his professional football career with the Arizona Cardinals, wearing jersey number 71.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jon Gaines II’s Family
Who is Jon Gaines II’s girlfriend?
Jon Gaines II mentioned having a girlfriend from San Marcos, California, in a December 2021 interview. However, her name and his current relationship status have not been independently confirmed.
Is Jon Gaines II married?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Jon Gaines II is married or has a wife.
Does Jon Gaines II have children?
Yes. The Arizona Cardinals confirmed in December 2025 that Jon Gaines II has a son who was approximately six months old at the time.
What is Jon Gaines II’s son’s name?
His son’s name has not been publicly established through reliable sports reporting.
Who is Jon Gaines II’s father?
His father is Jon Gaines, a nonprofit executive who underwent a kidney transplant in August 2022 after a previous battle with kidney cancer.
Who is Jon Gaines II’s mother?
His mother is Andrea Gaines, who raised him and his two older siblings in Wisconsin.
How many siblings does Jon Gaines II have?
Jon Gaines II has two siblings: one older brother and one older sister.
What are Jon Gaines II’s siblings’ names?
The names of his older brother and sister have not been reliably established in official university or NFL reporting.
What happened to Jon Gaines II’s father?
His father underwent surgery to remove both kidneys after a cancer diagnosis and required dialysis. He later received a kidney transplant in August 2022.
Where is Jon Gaines II from?
Jon Gaines II was born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and attended Marquette University High School in Milwaukee.
When was Jon Gaines II born?
Jon Gaines II was born on May 24, 1999.
What college did Jon Gaines II attend?
He attended UCLA, where he played football from 2018 through 2022 and earned a degree in political science.
What NFL team does Jon Gaines II play for?
As of now, Jon Gaines II plays offensive line for the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
