Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Kaevon Merriweather is an American professional football player who plays as a safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 20, 1999, in Michigan, Merriweather played college football at the University of Iowa before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
Beyond his professional football career, Merriweather comes from a close-knit family that has played an important role in his personal and athletic development. His mother is LaTanya Franklin, and he has a younger brother named Dion Franklin.
Raised in a household led by his mother, Merriweather grew up understanding the importance of hard work, education and personal responsibility. He has publicly credited LaTanya with helping him develop leadership qualities and encouraging him to pursue opportunities in sports.
His family also includes his grandfather, Roshell McMillion, who has publicly celebrated his grandson’s NFL achievements.
Here is everything publicly known about Kaevon Merriweather’s girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Does Kaevon Merriweather Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, Kaevon Merriweather has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. There is no reliable publicly available information identifying his current romantic partner or establishing that he is in a relationship.
The Jacksonville Jaguars safety has generally maintained privacy regarding his dating life, with most interviews focusing on football, his family and his development as a professional athlete.
During his college career at Iowa, Merriweather frequently discussed his relationship with his mother, his commitment to education and his ambition to reach the NFL.
However, he has not shared extensive information about his romantic relationships.
His official NFL and college football biographies do not identify a girlfriend or fiancée.
Therefore, it remains unknown whether Merriweather is currently single, dating someone privately or involved in a long-term relationship.
Is Kaevon Merriweather Married?
There is currently no publicly verified information confirming that Kaevon Merriweather is married.
His official Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and University of Iowa player biographies do not identify a wife or spouse.
He has also not made a widely documented public announcement about an engagement or wedding.
Although some professional athletes share their marriages and relationships through social media, Merriweather has kept this aspect of his personal life relatively private.
Consequently, his marital status remains unconfirmed.
Does Kaevon Merriweather Have Children?
As of now, there is no publicly confirmed information indicating that Kaevon Merriweather has children.
The Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back has not publicly announced becoming a father, and his official professional biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Merriweather has spoken extensively about his mother and younger brother, he has not provided verified public information about having children of his own.
Therefore, there is no reliable basis for identifying the number, names or ages of any children.
His status as a father remains unknown rather than definitively established.
Who Are Kaevon Merriweather’s Parents?
Kaevon Merriweather was raised in Michigan by his mother, LaTanya Franklin.
Her identity is confirmed in his official University of Iowa football biography and multiple interviews published during his college career.
Although LaTanya has spoken publicly about raising her children and supporting Kaevon’s football ambitions, reliable information about his biological father remains limited.
Kaevon Merriweather’s Mother: LaTanya Franklin
LaTanya Franklin is Kaevon Merriweather’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She raised Kaevon and his younger brother, Dion Franklin, emphasizing education, responsibility, discipline and leadership.
Her influence was documented extensively in a September 15, 2022, feature published by The Daily Iowan, the University of Iowa’s student newspaper.
During the interview, LaTanya explained how she encouraged her sons to pursue their interests while remaining committed to their education and personal development.
She remembered that Kaevon was naturally curious and interested in learning from an early age.
When he was approximately six years old, he asked his mother for a laptop computer rather than a video game console.
Although LaTanya initially declined his request, Kaevon continued asking until she eventually agreed.
He used the computer to research information, study sports and explore topics that interested him.
His mother believed that encouraging this curiosity would help him develop confidence and independence.
She also made a deliberate effort to improve his communication skills.
As a child, Merriweather was comfortable talking with people his own age but sometimes felt nervous speaking with adults.
LaTanya encouraged him to handle simple conversations independently, including asking employees for help during family bowling outings.
These experiences helped him become more outgoing and confident.
Her influence continued throughout his high school and college years as he developed into a talented athlete and respected football leader.
How LaTanya Franklin Encouraged Kaevon’s Football Career
Interestingly, Kaevon Merriweather initially preferred basketball over football.
During his early high school years, he concentrated on basketball and received scholarship offers from Western Michigan University and Ferris State University.
At the time, he believed basketball offered his best opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.
However, his mother encouraged him to continue training and remain physically active rather than depend entirely on his existing scholarship opportunities.
According to The Daily Iowan, Merriweather surprised LaTanya one evening by revealing that he had joined his high school’s football team.
He initially viewed football practice as an opportunity to improve his physical conditioning for basketball.
After transferring to Belleville High School for his senior year, he considered concentrating exclusively on basketball again.
However, Belleville football coach Jermain Crowell recognized his athletic potential and encouraged him to join the football program.
Merriweather eventually agreed, and his performances attracted attention from the University of Iowa.
His mother supported his decision to pursue football, recognizing that the sport could provide both educational and professional opportunities.
When Iowa offered him a scholarship, LaTanya accompanied him during the recruiting process.
She later explained that the welcoming environment at Iowa helped reassure her that her son would be in a supportive community.
Her encouragement contributed significantly to his transition from basketball prospect to college football player.
Kaevon Merriweather’s Father
As of now, the identity of Kaevon Merriweather’s biological father has not been reliably established in publicly available official sports biographies.
His University of Iowa biography identifies LaTanya Franklin as his mother but does not provide his father’s name.
Similarly, detailed interviews about his childhood have primarily focused on his mother’s role in raising him and his younger brother.
Merriweather has also described growing up in a single-parent household with his mother and younger brother.
However, the available reporting does not provide sufficient information to establish his father’s identity, occupation or involvement in his upbringing.
Therefore, claims identifying his father by name should be treated as unverified.
Does Kaevon Merriweather Have Siblings?
Yes. Kaevon Merriweather has a younger brother named Dion Franklin.
Dion’s identity was confirmed in The Daily Iowan’s September 2022 feature about Kaevon’s journey from basketball to college football.
The article included an interview with Dion, who discussed their mother’s influence on their development.
Both brothers grew up in Michigan and were encouraged to take education, sports and personal responsibility seriously.
Although Dion is his publicly confirmed sibling, there is no reliable information establishing whether Kaevon has any additional brothers or sisters.
Kaevon Merriweather’s Brother: Dion Franklin
Dion Franklin is Kaevon Merriweather’s younger brother.
Like Kaevon, Dion grew up in Michigan and developed an interest in athletics.
During his September 2022 interview with The Daily Iowan, Dion praised their mother for encouraging both sons to become responsible and confident individuals.
He explained that LaTanya had taught them the importance of being leaders, not only in sports but also in school and everyday life.
Dion credited his mother’s upbringing with helping him become more confident and responsible.
The brothers also share a connection through high school football.
In January 2024, Detroit television station WXYZ reported that Dion had won two state football championships at Ford Field while playing for Belleville High School.
The achievement was mentioned during a report about Kaevon’s return to Michigan with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a playoff game against the Detroit Lions.
Although Dion’s high school football accomplishments have been documented, reliable details about his current occupation and later athletic career remain limited.
Kaevon Merriweather’s Relationship With Dion Franklin
Kaevon and Dion Franklin grew up in a family environment that emphasized education, independence and leadership.
Their mother encouraged both children to express themselves, participate in sports and take responsibility for their decisions.
During The Daily Iowan’s 2022 interview, Dion described how those lessons helped shape both brothers’ personalities.
LaTanya also explained that she valued listening to her sons discuss what they learned at school, even when they were especially talkative.
These conversations encouraged curiosity and helped the brothers develop confidence.
Both eventually became involved in competitive athletics, with Kaevon reaching the NFL and Dion achieving high school football success.
Their shared sporting background represents an important part of the Merriweather family’s story.
Kaevon Merriweather’s Grandfather: Roshell McMillion
Kaevon Merriweather’s grandfather is Roshell McMillion.
His identity was documented in a January 18, 2024, report published by Detroit television station WXYZ.
The report focused on Merriweather’s family preparing to watch him compete against the Detroit Lions during the NFL playoffs.
Roshell expressed pride in Kaevon’s achievements and highlighted the family’s strong connection to football.
He also mentioned that Kaevon’s brother had won two state football championships at Ford Field, the Detroit Lions’ home stadium.
The upcoming playoff game was particularly special because it gave the family another opportunity to celebrate a major football milestone at the same venue.
Although Roshell McMillion has remained largely outside national media coverage, his comments demonstrated the family’s pride in Kaevon’s professional success.
Kaevon Merriweather’s Childhood and Family Background
Kaevon Merriweather was born on December 20, 1999, and grew up in southeastern Michigan.
He attended Romulus High School before transferring to Belleville High School for his senior year.
During his childhood, Merriweather developed an interest in several sports, particularly basketball.
He played football through eighth grade but temporarily stepped away from the sport to concentrate on basketball during his early high school years.
After returning to football as a junior, he discovered that his speed, size and athleticism made him a promising defensive player.
During his senior season at Belleville, he helped the team achieve an 11-1 record.
He recorded 50 tackles, including four tackles for loss and one sack.
Despite having limited experience in high school football compared with many recruits, Merriweather attracted attention from Iowa’s coaching staff.
He ultimately accepted a football scholarship from the University of Iowa and joined the Hawkeyes in 2018.
How Kaevon Merriweather’s Mother Helped Him Overcome Challenges
One of the most important examples of LaTanya Franklin’s influence occurred during Merriweather’s college football career.
In 2019, he earned an opportunity to start at free safety for Iowa.
However, he suffered a foot injury during the season opener against Miami University and missed most of the remaining games.
The injury was particularly frustrating because he had worked hard to earn his starting position.
In a 2021 interview published by Sports Illustrated’s HawkeyeNation, Merriweather explained that the experience affected him mentally.
During his recovery, he regularly communicated with his mother.
LaTanya encouraged him to remain focused, continue improving and avoid becoming discouraged.
Her support helped him maintain a positive attitude as he worked to regain his place in Iowa’s defensive secondary.
He eventually returned to the field and developed into one of the team’s most dependable defenders.
His recovery demonstrated the importance of family encouragement during difficult stages of an athlete’s career.
Kaevon Merriweather’s Dream of Supporting His Mother Financially
One of Kaevon Merriweather’s most meaningful ambitions has been to provide financial security for his mother.
During his September 2022 interview with The Daily Iowan, LaTanya revealed that her son wanted to earn enough money through professional football to allow her to retire.
She explained that he had recognized how hard she worked to raise him and his brother.
Although LaTanya told him that he did not need to take responsibility for her retirement, Merriweather remained determined to help her financially.
He viewed reaching the NFL as an opportunity not only to fulfill his professional ambitions but also to reward his mother for the sacrifices she had made.
His commitment illustrates the close relationship between mother and son and the importance of family responsibility in his life.
However, there is no verified public information establishing whether he has since fulfilled that retirement goal.
Kaevon Merriweather’s Family Celebrated His First NFL Playoff Game
In January 2024, Merriweather experienced a memorable professional milestone when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Round.
The game was particularly meaningful because he had grown up in the Detroit metropolitan area.
His mother, LaTanya Franklin, spoke to WXYZ about the excitement surrounding her son’s return to Michigan.
Although she had supported the Detroit Lions while growing up, she made it clear that her loyalty would be with her son and his team during the matchup.
The family had already attended several Buccaneers games during Kaevon’s rookie season.
However, watching him compete at Ford Field carried special emotional significance because relatives, longtime friends and people from their hometown could attend.
His grandfather, Roshell McMillion, also expressed excitement about the occasion.
The game provided an opportunity for the family to celebrate how far Kaevon had progressed since his high school football days.
Kaevon Merriweather’s College Football Career
Kaevon Merriweather played college football at the University of Iowa from 2018 through 2022.
After contributing primarily on special teams during his freshman season, he gradually developed into an important defensive player.
He overcame an injury-shortened 2019 season and earned additional starting opportunities during the following years.
By 2021, Merriweather had established himself as a respected member of Iowa’s defensive secondary.
He recorded 42 tackles and an interception that season.
His best collegiate season came in 2022, when he recorded 47 tackles, three interceptions and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
His performances earned First-Team All-American recognition from Pro Football Focus and Second-Team All-American honors from the Associated Press.
He also served as a permanent defensive team captain and received the Iowa football program’s Coaches Appreciation Award.
These accomplishments helped establish him as an NFL prospect.
Kaevon Merriweather’s NFL Career
Kaevon Merriweather entered the NFL in 2023 after completing his college football career at Iowa.
Although he was not selected during the 2023 NFL Draft, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent.
He earned a place on Tampa Bay’s roster and appeared in 16 games during his rookie season, making two starts.
Merriweather continued contributing to the Buccaneers during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
He also spent a brief period on the Detroit Lions’ practice squad in November 2024 before returning to Tampa Bay.
In December 2025, he joined the Houston Texans and appeared in one regular-season game for the organization.
Following the 2025 season, he remained with Houston before entering the 2026 season with Jacksonville.
On September 1, 2026, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced that they had signed Merriweather to their practice squad.
He was elevated for Jacksonville’s October 11 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and recorded a tackle.
On October 13, 2026, the Jaguars officially signed him to their active roster.
The move represented another important milestone in his professional football journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kaevon Merriweather’s Family
Who is Kaevon Merriweather’s girlfriend?
As of now, Kaevon Merriweather has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current relationship status remains unknown.
Is Kaevon Merriweather married?
There is no publicly verified information confirming that Kaevon Merriweather is married or has a wife.
Does Kaevon Merriweather have children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Kaevon Merriweather has children.
Who is Kaevon Merriweather’s mother?
His mother is LaTanya Franklin, who raised him and his younger brother in Michigan and played an important role in his athletic development.
Who is Kaevon Merriweather’s father?
His biological father’s identity has not been reliably established in publicly available official football biographies or major interviews.
Does Kaevon Merriweather have siblings?
Yes. Kaevon Merriweather has a younger brother named Dion Franklin.
Who is Kaevon Merriweather’s brother?
His brother is Dion Franklin, who also played football at Belleville High School in Michigan and was part of two state championship-winning teams.
Who is Kaevon Merriweather’s grandfather?
His grandfather is Roshell McMillion, who discussed the family’s excitement about Kaevon’s NFL playoff appearance in January 2024.
Where is Kaevon Merriweather from?
Kaevon Merriweather is from Belleville, Michigan. He also attended Romulus High School before transferring to Belleville High School.
When was Kaevon Merriweather born?
Kaevon Merriweather was born on December 20, 1999.
Does Kaevon Merriweather play for the Jacksonville Jaguars?
Yes. Jacksonville signed him to its practice squad on September 1, 2026, and promoted him to the active roster on October 13, 2026.
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.
