Last Updated on October 14, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Justin Strnad is an American professional football linebacker who plays for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 21, 1996, in Palm Harbor, Florida, he played college football at Wake Forest University before Denver selected him in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His journey from a talented young athlete in Florida to an established NFL linebacker reflects determination, patience and strong family support.
Justin Strnad’s parents are Shawn Mazzoni and Jennifer Strnad, and his older brother is Nick Mazzoni. Secondary family reporting also identifies a younger sister named Gianna Mazzoni. His father and brother have publicly discussed his football development, including the unusual childhood nickname that followed him into the NFL. However, Strnad has not publicly confirmed a current wife, girlfriend or children through reliable, independently verified reporting.
Justin Strnad’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Justin Strnad’s current romantic relationship status has not been reliably confirmed.
Although the Denver Broncos linebacker has received considerable attention for his performances in the NFL, he generally keeps his dating life outside the public spotlight.
His interviews with the Broncos, Wake Forest Athletics and The Denver Gazette have focused primarily on his football career, childhood experiences and relationships with family members.
He has not publicly identified a current girlfriend in a recent, independently verified interview.
Some online biography websites have made claims about his romantic relationships, but the available accounts are inconsistent and do not provide sufficient evidence to establish his current relationship status.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to identify a particular woman as his girlfriend without additional confirmation.
Having no publicly confirmed partner does not necessarily mean that Strnad is single. He may simply prefer to keep his personal relationships private.
Is Justin Strnad Married?
There is no reliable, independently verified public confirmation that Justin Strnad is married.
The Broncos linebacker has not announced a wedding or identified a spouse through official team communications or established sports reporting.
Although some lesser-known biography websites have made claims about a wife, those accounts have not been corroborated by reliable firsthand sources.
For that reason, his marital status should be described as publicly unconfirmed rather than definitively married or unmarried.
Justin Strnad’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
There are no publicly verified reports confirming that Justin Strnad has children.
The NFL linebacker has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter through the Denver Broncos or established sports publications.
Most available information about his family concerns his parents, brother and other relatives who have supported his football career.
His official Broncos and Wake Forest biographies also do not identify him as a father.
Although professional athletes sometimes keep information about their children private, there is currently no reliable basis for claiming that Strnad has any.
As of now, no children have been publicly confirmed for Justin Strnad.
Justin Strnad’s Parents: Meet Shawn Mazzoni and Jennifer Strnad
Justin Strnad’s parents are Shawn Mazzoni and Jennifer Strnad.
Their names are confirmed by Wake Forest University’s official football biography, which identifies Justin as their son.
The university also included their names in its February 2015 announcement introducing the football program’s incoming recruiting class.
Strnad spent part of his early childhood around Chicago before growing up in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.
His family encouraged his participation in sports, particularly football and baseball.
His father’s involvement in his development is documented in a detailed September 2021 interview published by The Gazette.
Justin Strnad’s Father: Shawn Mazzoni
Shawn Mazzoni is Justin Strnad’s father and one of the most important figures in his football journey.
In September 2021, Shawn participated in an extensive interview with The Gazette about his son’s childhood, athletic abilities and development into an NFL linebacker.
He explained that Justin had been a naturally competitive athlete from an early age.
Although baseball initially became his favorite sport, Justin also demonstrated significant potential in football.
Shawn recognized his son’s physical abilities and encouraged him to pursue opportunities that would allow him to compete at a higher level.
He remained involved as Justin progressed through high school, college and professional football.
How Shawn Mazzoni Supported Justin’s Football Career
During his childhood in Florida, Justin participated in the Tampa Bay Youth Football League.
He played running back for the Oldsmar Falcons and competed against other talented young athletes.
However, he eventually shifted his attention toward baseball.
For a period, Justin hoped to become a professional baseball pitcher rather than an NFL player.
His ambitions changed after he injured his throwing elbow during his freshman year at East Lake High School.
At the encouragement of a school friend, Jake Hudson, he returned to football.
When Justin began playing high school football, his athletic ability immediately attracted attention.
Shawn attended his games and supported his development.
In his 2021 interview, he recalled how quickly Justin became one of the school’s most promising defensive players.
He also emphasized his son’s preparation, competitive personality and understanding of football.
Shawn Mazzoni’s Reaction to Justin Becoming an NFL Starter
One of the most memorable moments for the family occurred in September 2021.
After missing his entire rookie season with a wrist injury, Strnad received an opportunity to start for the Broncos following an injury to linebacker Josey Jewell.
His first NFL start came against the New York Jets on September 26, 2021.
Shawn spoke publicly about the achievement shortly before the game.
He explained that he had spent years encouraging, mentoring and supporting his son.
Now that Justin had reached the professional level, Shawn wanted to enjoy the experience as a proud father.
The occasion represented the culmination of years of training, setbacks and determination.
Justin Strnad’s Mother: Jennifer Strnad
Jennifer Strnad is Justin Strnad’s mother.
Her identity is documented by Wake Forest University’s official athletics department.
She is named alongside Shawn Mazzoni in Justin’s college football biography.
Although Jennifer is an established member of Strnad’s immediate family, she has maintained a relatively private public profile.
Unlike Shawn, who participated in The Gazette’s September 2021 feature, Jennifer has not been extensively profiled in major NFL reporting.
Reliable details about her occupation, educational background and personal interests remain limited.
For that reason, it would be inaccurate to assign her an unverified professional career or make unsupported claims about her private life.
Jennifer Strnad’s Role in Justin’s Upbringing
Justin grew up in an athletic environment and pursued different sports before concentrating on football.
His early experiences included playing football with neighborhood friends and participating in organized youth leagues.
He later became particularly interested in baseball before returning to football during high school.
Jennifer was part of the family during those formative years.
However, publicly available interviews do not provide enough detail to describe her specific responsibilities during his athletic development.
What is confirmed is her relationship to the Broncos player through Wake Forest’s official university records.
Justin Strnad’s Siblings: Meet Nick and Gianna Mazzoni
Justin Strnad has an older brother named Nick Mazzoni. Their relationship is independently documented through firsthand interviews with The Gazette.
Secondary sports biographies also identify a younger sister named Gianna Mazzoni, although her name has not been independently established in major team or newspaper profiles.
His older brother has received considerably more public attention because of his involvement in football and the influence he had on Justin during childhood.
Nick Mazzoni – Justin Strnad’s Older Brother
Nick Mazzoni is Justin Strnad’s older brother.
According to a September 2021 feature published by The Gazette, Nick is approximately three years older than Justin.
The brothers grew up playing football and other sports together in Florida.
Nick was particularly competitive and enjoyed challenging his younger brother.
Those experiences helped Justin develop the determination that later became an important part of his football career.
Nick also played an unexpected role in creating one of Justin’s most recognizable personal nicknames.
Why Does Justin Strnad Have the Nickname “Garbs”?
Justin Strnad is widely known as “Garbs,” a nickname given to him by his older brother Nick.
According to The Gazette’s September 2021 interview, the nickname originated when the brothers were in middle school.
Nick jokingly called Justin “garbage” during their competitive childhood games.
Rather than becoming upset, Justin embraced the nickname.
Over time, family members and close friends began calling him “Garbs.”
The nickname followed him through high school, Wake Forest University and professional football.
In October 2024, Justin confirmed to The Denver Gazette that family members and friends continued using the nickname.
His Instagram username, @justin_garbs, also reflects its importance in his personal identity.
What began as a joke between two brothers eventually became one of his most recognizable nicknames among Broncos fans.
Nick Mazzoni’s Football Coaching Background
Nick Mazzoni has also been involved in football.
During his September 2021 interview with The Gazette, he was identified as a high school football coach.
He discussed Justin’s early performances in the Tampa Bay Youth Football League and the impressive athletes who competed in the region.
Nick recalled that his younger brother demonstrated considerable athletic ability long before becoming an NFL player.
He also described Justin as someone who enjoyed competing and challenging others.
His comments provided firsthand insight into the linebacker’s personality away from professional football.
How Nick Supported Justin During His NFL Injury
Justin’s older brother provided emotional support after the linebacker suffered a serious wrist injury in August 2020.
The injury ended his rookie season before he could make his regular-season NFL debut.
According to Nick’s interview with The Gazette, Justin was devastated by the setback.
However, his family encouraged him to remain patient and concentrate on recovering.
Nick reminded his younger brother that difficult circumstances could be overcome through persistence.
Justin eventually returned to the field in 2021.
When he made his first NFL start, Nick was among the family members celebrating the occasion.
Gianna Mazzoni – Justin Strnad’s Reported Younger Sister
Gianna Mazzoni has been identified as Justin Strnad’s younger sister in secondary family reporting.
A biographical article published by Mufcarena lists Justin’s siblings as Nicholas Mazzoni and Gianna Mazzoni.
The same source describes Gianna as having an interest in dance.
Another secondary sports profile independently states that Justin has an older brother and a younger sister, although it does not provide the sister’s name.
However, Gianna’s identity and dancing background have not been corroborated through the official Wake Forest or Denver Broncos biographies.
Consequently, these details should be treated as secondary reporting rather than independently confirmed facts.
Reliable information about her education, occupation and private relationships remains limited.
Does Justin Strnad Have Any Other Siblings?
The available reporting consistently identifies his older brother Nick.
Secondary biographies also report a younger sister, Gianna.
No reliable sources reviewed for this article identify additional siblings.
Therefore, the most accurate summary is that Justin has one independently confirmed brother and a younger sister identified in secondary family coverage.
Justin Strnad’s Extended Family
Strnad has occasionally discussed members of his extended family in interviews.
In June 2026, The Denver Gazette published an article about his decision to remain with the Broncos despite receiving interest from other NFL organizations.
The interview took place after Justin attended his cousin Justin Weimer’s wedding in Wisconsin.
During the gathering, his uncle Aaron Mazzoni asked what might have happened if Justin had signed with the Carolina Panthers instead of returning to Denver in 2024.
The conversation highlighted how his family continued following his professional football decisions.
Justin ultimately remained in Denver, where his career developed significantly during the following seasons.
Justin Strnad’s Childhood in Florida
Justin Strnad was born on August 21, 1996, in Palm Harbor, Florida.
He spent part of his early childhood around Chicago before growing up in the Tampa Bay area.
According to a 2020 Denver7 interview, he became a passionate Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan.
He regularly attended Buccaneers training camp with his brother Nick.
The experience gave him opportunities to watch professional football players before pursuing an NFL career himself.
As a young athlete, Justin initially enjoyed both football and baseball.
He eventually concentrated on baseball and dreamed of becoming a professional pitcher.
However, an elbow injury changed his sporting ambitions.
Encouraged by high school classmate Jake Hudson, Justin returned to football and quickly established himself as a talented defensive player.
Justin Strnad’s High School Football Career
Strnad attended East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
He played safety and became one of the team’s leading defensive players.
During his senior season, he recorded 81 tackles, eight passes defended, three sacks and three interceptions.
His performances earned first-team All-Pinellas County recognition from both the Tampa Tribune and Tampa Bay Times.
East Lake also enjoyed considerable team success during his high school career.
The program recorded consecutive undefeated regular seasons and reached the state semifinals in both 2013 and 2014.
Strnad subsequently received scholarship offers from several universities.
He chose Wake Forest partly because of its academic reputation and the opportunity to compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Justin Strnad’s College Football Career at Wake Forest
Justin Strnad enrolled at Wake Forest University in 2015.
He redshirted during his freshman season before beginning to earn playing time in 2016.
During the 2017 season, he became an important contributor on defense and special teams.
He finished that year with 51 tackles, 4.5 sacks and three interceptions.
His performances improved further in 2018 when he became a regular starter.
He led Wake Forest with 105 tackles and received honorable mention All-ACC recognition.
Strnad entered the 2019 season as one of the Demon Deacons’ leading defensive players and was selected as a team captain.
However, a torn biceps tendon suffered against Florida State ended his season prematurely.
Despite appearing in only eight games, he finished with 69 tackles, two sacks and one interception.
He again received honorable mention All-ACC recognition.
Across his college career, Strnad appeared in 47 games, recording 244 tackles, eight sacks and four interceptions.
He also earned a degree in communication.
Justin Strnad’s NFL Career With the Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos selected Justin Strnad with the 178th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
His rookie season ended before it began because of a serious wrist injury suffered during training camp.
After spending the 2020 season on injured reserve, he returned to the field in 2021.
He eventually earned his first NFL start against the New York Jets in September 2021.
However, his defensive opportunities remained limited during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Strnad continued contributing on special teams while waiting for another opportunity to play a larger role.
Justin Strnad’s Breakthrough During the 2024 Season
Strnad received another opportunity in September 2024 after Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton suffered a season-ending knee injury.
He entered the starting lineup and immediately made an impact.
During Denver’s victory over the New York Jets on September 29, 2024, Strnad sacked quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the game’s opening offensive play.
The performance attracted attention because he had spent several seasons waiting for consistent defensive playing time.
He eventually started eight games during the 2024 season and recorded three sacks.
His comeback demonstrated the determination that his father and brother had described in earlier interviews.
Justin Strnad’s Success During the 2025 NFL Season
Strnad continued building on his progress in 2025.
He appeared in 16 regular-season games and made eight starts.
He recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks, one interception and three passes defended.
One of his most important plays came against the New York Giants on October 19, 2025.
With Denver trailing during the fourth quarter, Strnad intercepted quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The turnover helped the Broncos complete a dramatic 33-32 comeback victory.
His performance reinforced his value to Denver’s defensive unit.
Justin Strnad’s New Broncos Contract in 2026
On March 10, 2026, the Denver Broncos announced that Justin Strnad had signed a three-year contract extension.
According to ESPN and the Associated Press, the agreement was worth approximately $18 million, including $10 million in guarantees.
The contract represented an important achievement for a player who had previously spent several seasons primarily contributing on special teams.
After overcoming injury setbacks and limited playing time, Strnad had established himself as a valuable part of Denver’s defense.
He remained with the Broncos during the 2026 season.
Justin Strnad’s Charitable Activities
Outside football, Justin Strnad has participated in charitable initiatives supporting mental health awareness.
Through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign, he selected the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as an organization he wanted to support.
He also highlighted the Nick Bales BTR Foundation, which supports teenagers experiencing mental health challenges and works to prevent youth suicide.
The Broncos’ official community website identifies both organizations among the causes associated with Strnad.
His participation demonstrates an interest in using professional football to raise awareness about important community issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Justin Strnad’s Family
Who is Justin Strnad’s girlfriend?
Justin Strnad has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend through reliable recent reporting. His relationship status remains private.
Is Justin Strnad married?
There is no independently verified public confirmation that Justin Strnad is married. Claims made by some online biography websites have not been corroborated by established sources.
Does Justin Strnad have children?
There are no publicly verified reports confirming that Justin Strnad has a son or daughter.
Who are Justin Strnad’s parents?
Justin Strnad’s parents are Shawn Mazzoni and Jennifer Strnad, according to Wake Forest University’s official football biography.
Who is Justin Strnad’s father?
Justin Strnad’s father is Shawn Mazzoni, who discussed his son’s childhood and football development in a September 2021 interview with The Gazette.
Who is Justin Strnad’s mother?
Justin Strnad’s mother is Jennifer Strnad, whose name is confirmed by Wake Forest Athletics.
Who is Justin Strnad’s brother?
Justin Strnad’s older brother is Nick Mazzoni, also identified as Nicholas Mazzoni in secondary reporting. Nick is approximately three years older and has worked as a high school football coach.
Does Justin Strnad have a sister?
Secondary family biographies identify a younger sister named Gianna Mazzoni, although her name has not been independently verified through official team or university sources.
Why is Justin Strnad called Garbs?
His older brother Nick gave him the nickname “Garbs,” short for “garbage,” during childhood. The name began as a joke and remained popular among family members and friends.
Where is Justin Strnad from?
Justin Strnad was born on August 21, 1996, in Palm Harbor, Florida, and attended East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs.
What college did Justin Strnad attend?
Justin Strnad attended Wake Forest University, where he played football from 2015 through 2019 and earned a degree in communication.
What NFL team does Justin Strnad play for?
Justin Strnad plays inside linebacker for the Denver Broncos. He joined Denver in the 2020 NFL Draft and signed a three-year contract extension in March 2026.
How much is Justin Strnad’s 2026 contract worth?
Justin Strnad signed a three-year contract worth approximately $18 million, including $10 million in guarantees, according to ESPN and the Associated Press.
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.
