Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Kaden Wetjen’s family includes his parents, Lee and Lindsay Wetjen, and his two younger brothers, Braylon and Grady Wetjen. Born on March 9, 2002, in Iowa City, Iowa, Kaden Derek Wetjen is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). His girlfriend, Rachel Bierman, has also been an important part of his personal life and was present when he received his NFL Draft call in April 2026.
Wetjen grew up in Williamsburg, Iowa, in a family with strong connections to football. His father played and coached the sport, while his younger brothers followed similar athletic paths. His mother has also been one of his most dedicated supporters, traveling regularly to attend her sons’ games.
After developing his skills at Iowa Western Community College and the University of Iowa, Wetjen became one of college football’s leading return specialists before joining the Steelers in 2026.
Here is everything publicly known about Kaden Wetjen’s girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings, including his family’s influence on his football career.
Kaden Wetjen’s Girlfriend: Who Is Rachel Bierman?
Rachel Bierman is Kaden Wetjen’s most recently publicly confirmed girlfriend. Their relationship became widely known during Wetjen’s college football career at the University of Iowa.
Rachel attended the University of Iowa, where she studied journalism, mass communication, and sport media.
She also has an interesting family connection to college football because her brother, Frank Bierman, played tight end for the University of Minnesota.
Frank and Kaden were previously teammates and roommates at Iowa Western Community College before transferring to different Big Ten football programs.
In an October 2025 interview with KWQC, both players discussed their friendship and how their families became connected through Kaden’s relationship with Rachel.
Rachel continued supporting Wetjen as he completed his college football career and prepared for the NFL Draft.
In April 2026, she was with him at a golf course when the Pittsburgh Steelers called to inform him that they had selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
As of now, Rachel Bierman remains the most recently publicly identified girlfriend of Kaden Wetjen. No widely verified announcement of their separation, engagement, or marriage has been reported, although their exact current relationship status has not been independently confirmed through a more recent statement.
Who Is Rachel Bierman?
Rachel Bierman is a University of Iowa graduate who became publicly known through her relationship with Pittsburgh Steelers player Kaden Wetjen.
She grew up in Iowa and has connections to the state’s college football community through her brother Frank Bierman.
In May 2025, Rachel announced that she had graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and mass communication, along with studies in sport media and culture.
Her educational background reflects her interest in communication, journalism, and the sports industry.
Rachel frequently supported Wetjen during his Iowa football career and attended games involving both Kaden and her brother Frank.
Although she occasionally shares personal milestones through social media, detailed information about her current professional activities remains limited.
How Did Kaden Wetjen and Rachel Bierman Meet?
Kaden Wetjen and Rachel Bierman’s relationship began through an unexpected connection involving Rachel’s brother, Frank Bierman.
Wetjen and Frank first met when they became roommates at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
The two football players developed a friendship and frequently joked with each other during their time together.
Their families also became acquainted while attending Iowa Western football games.
Through these family gatherings, Kaden met Rachel, Frank’s younger sister.
According to an October 2025 KWQC interview, Rachel initiated their romantic connection by contacting Kaden through social media.
The two eventually began dating, initially without Frank being fully aware of their developing relationship.
Kaden later joked with Frank that he would be attending his family’s Christmas celebration.
The relationship added another dimension to the friendship between the two athletes.
When Wetjen transferred to Iowa and Bierman joined Minnesota, the former teammates became Big Ten rivals while remaining connected through Rachel.
Rachel Bierman Was With Kaden Wetjen During the 2026 NFL Draft
One of the couple’s most memorable publicly documented moments occurred on April 25, 2026.
Wetjen was playing golf at Stone Creek Golf Club near Iowa City with Rachel and friends when he received a telephone call from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He was on the eighth hole when Pittsburgh informed him that he had been selected with the 121st overall pick.
Rachel recorded the moment on video and shared it through social media.
The footage quickly attracted attention because Wetjen received one of the most important calls of his life while casually playing golf.
According to Fox News and OutKick reporting published on April 27, 2026, Rachel was among the people celebrating his selection.
Her presence highlighted the support she provided during his transition from college football to the NFL.
Kaden Wetjen’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, Kaden Wetjen has no publicly confirmed children. The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver has not announced the birth or adoption of a son or daughter.
His official NFL and University of Iowa football biographies do not identify any children.
There are also no reliable mainstream sports reports establishing that Wetjen has become a father.
Although his relationship with Rachel Bierman has been publicly documented, neither has announced having children together.
Whether Wetjen intends to become a father in the future remains a personal matter that he has not publicly discussed in detail.
Kaden Wetjen’s Parents: Meet Lee and Lindsay Wetjen
Kaden Wetjen’s parents are Lee Wetjen and Lindsay Wetjen. They raised Kaden and his two younger brothers in Williamsburg, Iowa.
Both parents are identified in the official Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Iowa football biographies.
In December 2024, Lee and Lindsay participated in an interview with KCRG-TV9, discussing their son’s childhood and development into one of college football’s most exciting return specialists.
They described Kaden as an energetic child who loved football from a young age.
Kaden Wetjen’s Father: Lee Wetjen
Lee Wetjen is Kaden Wetjen’s father, a former high school football player and coach.
Lee played football at Williamsburg High School in Iowa, where he developed a passion for the sport.
After his playing days, he became involved in coaching the Williamsburg Raiders football program.
His experience allowed him to introduce Kaden and his younger brothers to the sport during childhood.
In a December 2024 interview with KCRG, Lee recalled that Kaden frequently waited at home with a football because he wanted someone to play catch with him.
Lee explained that his son had been around football practices since he was very young.
This early exposure helped Kaden develop an understanding of the game before he began competing at the high school level.
Lee later served as a running backs coach for Williamsburg, where all three of his sons became involved in the football program.
How Lee Wetjen Influenced Kaden’s Football Career
Lee Wetjen played an important role in developing his son’s confidence and determination.
Despite Kaden’s impressive high school performances, his relatively small physical stature made it difficult for him to attract scholarship offers from major college football programs.
According to an April 2024 interview published by Hawk Fanatic, Lee encouraged his son to prove that he could compete against larger and more heavily recruited athletes.
Kaden explained that his father consistently encouraged him to believe in his abilities and work toward his goals.
This guidance helped him remain motivated after receiving limited recruiting attention.
Lee’s encouragement became particularly important when Kaden decided to attend Iowa Western Community College before eventually joining the University of Iowa as a walk-on.
Throughout this journey, his father continued supporting him and attending football games.
Kaden Wetjen’s Mother: Lindsay Wetjen
Lindsay Wetjen is Kaden Wetjen’s mother and one of his most dedicated supporters.
Alongside her husband Lee, Lindsay raised three sons in Williamsburg, Iowa, where football and other sports became important family activities.
In a December 2024 KCRG interview, Lindsay recalled that Kaden was extremely energetic during childhood.
She described how her son had always been determined to achieve his goals, even when those ambitions seemed difficult.
When Kaden expressed his desire to reach the NFL, Lindsay initially recognized how challenging the dream would be.
However, she and Lee agreed that their role was to encourage him rather than discourage his ambitions.
The couple continued supporting Kaden throughout high school, junior college, and his years at Iowa.
Lindsay Wetjen Never Wanted to Miss Her Sons’ Games
One of the most revealing details about Lindsay Wetjen’s dedication emerged during her December 2024 interview with KCRG.
She explained that she and her husband made extraordinary efforts to attend their sons’ football games.
During the fall of 2023, their younger son Braylon was a senior at Williamsburg High School while Kaden was playing for Iowa.
Because the games sometimes took place on consecutive days, the family frequently faced difficult travel schedules.
Lindsay recalled attending a high school game before traveling overnight to reach Iowa’s next college football game.
She emphasized that she and Lee did not want to miss any of their children’s sporting events.
The family’s dedication demonstrated how important football had become in their household.
When Kaden eventually reached the NFL in 2026, his parents’ years of encouragement and travel helped make the achievement particularly meaningful.
Kaden Wetjen’s Siblings: Meet His Brothers Braylon and Grady Wetjen
Kaden Wetjen has two younger brothers: Braylon Wetjen and Grady Wetjen. Both have participated in football and track and field at Williamsburg High School.
The three brothers grew up in a competitive athletic environment shaped by their father’s coaching experience and their parents’ enthusiasm for sports.
Although Kaden eventually reached the NFL, Braylon and Grady also experienced success as high school athletes.
Braylon Wetjen: Kaden Wetjen’s Younger Brother
Braylon Wetjen is one of Kaden Wetjen’s younger brothers and a former standout athlete at Williamsburg High School.
Braylon participated in football, basketball, and track and field.
He became an important member of Williamsburg’s football team during the 2023 season.
According to an April 2024 Hawk Fanatic interview, Braylon contributed as a skill-position player on offense and defense.
Williamsburg went on to win the Iowa Class 3A state football championship in 2023.
The achievement was particularly significant because it marked a milestone the program had not reached during Kaden’s own high school career.
Braylon and his younger brother Grady later enjoyed joking with Kaden about winning a championship that had eluded his earlier Williamsburg teams.
Braylon’s senior football season also created demanding travel arrangements for their parents, who continued attending both his high school games and Kaden’s college games.
Grady Wetjen: Kaden Wetjen’s Youngest Brother
Grady Wetjen is Kaden Wetjen’s youngest brother and another talented athlete from Williamsburg, Iowa.
Like his older brothers, Grady participated in football and track and field at Williamsburg High School.
He was part of the Williamsburg football program that won the 2023 Iowa Class 3A state championship.
Grady later developed into a promising wide receiver and defensive player for the Raiders.
According to August 2025 coverage by The Gazette, Grady was approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed around 205 pounds.
His size, speed, and athletic versatility made him an important contributor to the Williamsburg offense.
The team’s coaching staff praised his ability to create opportunities as a receiver while also contributing defensively.
Grady also demonstrated his athletic abilities in track and field.
During the spring of 2026, he continued competing in sprint events and relays.
His participation in track became part of an important family moment during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Grady Wetjen Was Competing When Kaden Was Drafted
On April 25, 2026, Kaden Wetjen received his NFL Draft call while playing golf with his girlfriend and friends.
Meanwhile, his parents were attending Grady’s track meet at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa.
According to reporting by PennLive and Steelers Now, Kaden had expected to be selected later in the draft and had planned a family gathering to celebrate afterward.
Instead, the Steelers selected him early in the fourth round.
The unusual timing meant that his parents were supporting one son’s athletic performance while another was achieving his NFL dream.
The moment illustrated the family’s continued commitment to supporting all three brothers.
Does Kaden Wetjen Have a Sister?
There is no reliable public information identifying a sister of Kaden Wetjen.
Published family profiles and interviews consistently identify his two younger brothers, Braylon and Grady.
However, additional family relationships should not be assumed without reliable confirmation.
How Kaden Wetjen’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Kaden Wetjen’s journey to the NFL began in Williamsburg, Iowa, where he grew up surrounded by football.
His father coached in the local high school program, and Kaden spent considerable time watching practices and learning the sport.
At Williamsburg High School, he competed as a running back, wide receiver, and defensive back.
During his senior season, Wetjen scored 31 touchdowns and recorded six interceptions.
He earned first-team all-state honors and helped Williamsburg reach the state playoffs.
Wetjen also competed in track and field, contributing to state championship relay teams in the 4×100-meter and 4×200-meter events.
Despite his impressive athletic achievements, he received limited interest from major college football programs.
He therefore began his college career at Iowa Western Community College, where he developed his receiving and return skills.
After two seasons, Wetjen transferred to the University of Iowa as a walk-on.
His path was demanding because he initially had to prove himself without the security of an athletic scholarship.
However, his speed and ability to create explosive plays eventually helped him establish himself as a valuable return specialist.
During the 2024 season, he earned national recognition for his performances on kickoffs and punt returns.
He won the Jet Award, which recognizes the nation’s leading college football return specialist.
Wetjen continued improving during the 2025 season, earning consensus All-American recognition and winning the Jet Award for a second consecutive year.
He became the first player in the award’s history to win it twice.
His 2025 season included three punt return touchdowns, tying the Big Ten single-season record.
He completed his Iowa career with six combined punt and kickoff return touchdowns, establishing a school record.
Throughout his development, the encouragement of Lee, Lindsay, Braylon, and Grady remained an important part of his motivation.
Kaden Wetjen’s Family Celebrated His Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Selection
On April 25, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round of the NFL Draft with the 121st overall pick.
His selection represented a remarkable achievement for a player who had received limited recruiting attention after high school.
At the time of the telephone call, Wetjen was playing golf with Rachel Bierman and friends near Iowa City.
His parents were attending Grady’s track meet at the Drake Relays.
The family eventually had an opportunity to celebrate the achievement together.
On May 8, 2026, the Steelers officially announced that Wetjen had signed a four-year rookie contract.
Pittsburgh selected him primarily because of his outstanding abilities as a kickoff and punt returner.
The team’s special teams coordinator, Danny Crossman, praised his decision-making, ball security, and ability to create explosive plays.
Wetjen joined the Steelers for the 2026 NFL season, beginning the next stage of his football journey.
For his family in Williamsburg, his achievement demonstrated the value of years of encouragement, coaching, travel, and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kaden Wetjen’s Family
Who is Kaden Wetjen’s girlfriend?
Kaden Wetjen’s most recently publicly confirmed girlfriend is Rachel Bierman, a University of Iowa graduate. She is the sister of former Minnesota tight end Frank Bierman and was with Wetjen when he received his NFL Draft call in April 2026.
Is Kaden Wetjen married?
As of now, Kaden Wetjen has not publicly announced a marriage. No reliable reporting reviewed for this profile identifies a wife or confirms a wedding.
Does Kaden Wetjen have children?
As of now, Kaden Wetjen has no publicly confirmed biological or adopted children.
Who are Kaden Wetjen’s parents?
Kaden Wetjen’s parents are Lee Wetjen and Lindsay Wetjen. They raised him and his two younger brothers in Williamsburg, Iowa.
Who is Kaden Wetjen’s father?
His father is Lee Wetjen, a former Williamsburg High School football player who later coached in the school’s football program.
Who is Kaden Wetjen’s mother?
His mother is Lindsay Wetjen, who has regularly attended her sons’ football games and supported Kaden throughout his athletic career.
How many siblings does Kaden Wetjen have?
Kaden Wetjen has two publicly confirmed siblings, his younger brothers Braylon Wetjen and Grady Wetjen.
Who is Kaden Wetjen’s brother Braylon?
Braylon Wetjen is Kaden’s younger brother and a former Williamsburg High School football player who was part of the program’s 2023 Class 3A state championship team.
Who is Kaden Wetjen’s brother Grady?
Grady Wetjen is Kaden’s youngest brother, a Williamsburg High School athlete who competed in football and track and field.
Does Kaden Wetjen have a sister?
No sister has been publicly identified through reliable family interviews. His two documented siblings are Braylon and Grady Wetjen.
How did Kaden Wetjen meet Rachel Bierman?
Wetjen met Rachel through her brother Frank Bierman, who was Kaden’s teammate and roommate at Iowa Western Community College. The couple began dating after their families became acquainted.
Where is Kaden Wetjen’s family from?
Kaden Wetjen grew up with his family in Williamsburg, Iowa. He was born in Iowa City on March 9, 2002.
How old is Kaden Wetjen?
Kaden Wetjen was born on March 9, 2002, making him 24 years old as of now.
What NFL team does Kaden Wetjen play for?
Kaden Wetjen plays wide receiver and return specialist for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2026 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.
