Last Updated on October 30, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Kevin Coleman Jr. is an American professional football player who plays as a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his speed, agility and determination, Coleman developed into an outstanding college football receiver before beginning his professional career. Away from football, he is a father who maintains close relationships with his parents and continues to honor the memory of his younger brother.
Born on September 10, 2003, in St. Louis, Missouri, Kevin Lamar Coleman Jr. is the son of Kevin Coleman Sr. and Chinara Meeks. His father helped develop his football skills from childhood, while his mother supported him through difficult family experiences. Coleman also has a daughter and previously lost his younger brother, Rashaad, in a tragic shooting in 2008. Here is what is publicly known about Kevin Coleman Jr.’s girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Kevin Coleman Jr. has not publicly confirmed whether he is currently in a romantic relationship. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver has generally maintained privacy regarding his dating life, choosing to focus public attention on his football career and family responsibilities.
Although Coleman has spoken openly about his daughter, parents and younger brother, he has not publicly identified a current girlfriend through a verified interview or official announcement.
During his college football career at Jackson State, Louisville, Mississippi State and Missouri, most media coverage concentrated on his athletic achievements, family background and determination to reach the NFL.
His growing popularity has also generated interest in his personal relationships, but reliable sports publications have not established the identity of a current romantic partner.
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Coleman is engaged or married.
Consequently, his current relationship status remains undisclosed. Although he is a father, that does not independently establish whether he is currently dating, married or single.
Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
Yes. Kevin Coleman Jr. has publicly confirmed that he is the father of a daughter.
Unlike his romantic relationship status, his fatherhood is documented through his own statements during an official Miami Dolphins press conference following the 2026 NFL Draft.
During the interview, Coleman explained that becoming a father influenced important decisions throughout his college football career.
Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Daughter
Kevin Coleman Jr. has one publicly confirmed daughter, although her name and exact date of birth have not been independently established through reliable reporting.
During his April 2026 introductory interview with the Miami Dolphins, Coleman discussed why he transferred from Mississippi State University to the University of Missouri for his final college football season.
He explained that he wanted to return closer to his family because he had a daughter and needed additional family support.
The decision allowed him to continue his football career while remaining closer to loved ones in Missouri.
Coleman’s statement demonstrated that his responsibilities as a father had become an important consideration in his athletic and personal decisions.
His transfer to Missouri also placed him closer to his mother and other relatives who had supported him throughout his childhood.
As of now, Coleman has not publicly disclosed additional verified information about his daughter’s personal life, and there is no reliable confirmation that he has other children.
Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Kevin Coleman Jr.’s parents are Kevin Coleman Sr. and Chinara Meeks. Both have played important roles in his development as a football player and individual.
His father helped him develop his athletic abilities from childhood, while his mother encouraged perseverance, discipline and resilience following difficult family experiences.
Kevin Coleman Sr. – Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Father
Kevin Coleman Jr.’s father is Kevin Coleman Sr., a youth football coach who has been particularly influential in his son’s athletic development.
Coleman Sr. recognized his son’s football potential when he was still a young child and began introducing him to training exercises designed to improve coordination, speed and catching ability.
During an April 2026 interview with the Miami Dolphins, Coleman Jr. explained that his father started training him when he was approximately five years old.
One of their regular exercises involved catching tennis balls that his father threw against walls or toward him unexpectedly.
The exercise helped improve his hand-eye coordination and ability to react quickly.
His father also encouraged him to use a speed ladder to improve his footwork, agility and balance.
Coleman revealed that he continued using the same speed ladder he had practiced with since childhood.
These early exercises helped him develop the athletic qualities that eventually made him a promising wide receiver.
How Kevin Coleman Sr. Influenced His Son’s Football Career
Coleman Sr. remained closely involved in Kevin’s football development as he progressed through youth leagues and high school.
During a September 2025 interview with Sports Illustrated’s Missouri football coverage, Coleman Sr. recalled that his son often scored multiple touchdowns in youth football games.
He explained that Kevin appeared to process the game faster than many children of the same age.
His father also introduced him to the idea of being different from other athletes, encouraging him to establish his own identity rather than imitate successful players.
The expression “Just Different” eventually became an important personal motto for Coleman.
His father also encouraged an intense training routine, frequently arriving at practice an hour early so Kevin could complete additional drills.
That commitment to preparation continued into his college football career.
Coleman Sr. has also remained involved in coaching young players, and his son has supported those activities.
In October 2025, the Kansas City Star reported that Coleman Jr. had purchased cleats and mouthguards for children on his father’s youth football team.
The gesture reflected his desire to help young athletes whose families might struggle to afford football equipment.
Chinara Meeks – Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Mother
Kevin Coleman Jr.’s mother is Chinara Meeks, whose identity is confirmed by the University of Missouri’s official athletics biography.
Meeks has been one of her son’s strongest supporters throughout his life, particularly following a family tragedy that occurred during his childhood.
She discussed her relationship with Kevin during an October 2025 interview with the Kansas City Star.
According to the report, Meeks maintained a close relationship with her son from an early age.
She also encouraged him to develop responsibility, leadership and compassion toward other people.
After the death of Kevin’s younger brother, Rashaad, in 2008, Meeks worked to help her surviving son process the traumatic experience.
She sought counseling and support services for the family, including assistance through The Kids’ Clubhouse, an organization that helps children and families experiencing bereavement.
During the years that followed, she made several decisions intended to provide Kevin with a safe and supportive environment.
Her dedication contributed to his emotional development and eventual success in football.
Chinara Meeks’s Influence on Her Son
Chinara Meeks has also worked in education, an experience that has influenced her emphasis on helping young people.
During her interview with the Kansas City Star, she explained that she was especially proud of Kevin’s development as a person.
Although his football achievements attracted national attention, she considered his compassion and willingness to support others equally important.
Coleman has also spoken about his desire to provide financial security for his mother.
He explained that one of his ambitions was to ensure that she would not have to worry about financial difficulties as he progressed through professional football.
Meeks initially had concerns about her son returning to Missouri for his final college season because of the traumatic experiences their family had endured in the St. Louis area.
However, she became more comfortable with the decision after speaking with Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz and members of the university’s football program.
Her confidence in the coaching staff helped Coleman complete his college career closer to home.
Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Siblings: Meet His Late Brother Rashaad
Kevin Coleman Jr. had a younger brother named Rashaad, whose death in 2008 profoundly affected the family.
He has also been reported to have stepsiblings, although their names and the exact number have not been publicly established.
Rashaad – Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Younger Brother
Rashaad was Kevin Coleman Jr.’s younger brother. He died on October 21, 2008, when he was approximately 18 months old.
According to an October 2025 report by the Kansas City Star, Rashaad was killed when gunfire struck a vehicle carrying members of the family in the St. Louis area.
Kevin, who was five years old at the time, was also inside the vehicle but survived.
The tragedy had a lasting emotional impact on the family.
Before his brother’s death, Kevin had developed a close relationship with Rashaad and enjoyed spending time playing with him.
During an interview with the Kansas City Star, Coleman recalled their childhood activities and described his affection for his younger brother.
He explained that Rashaad was energetic and enjoyed playing games with him.
The loss became one of the defining experiences of Coleman’s childhood.
His mother subsequently sought counseling services to help him cope with the tragedy while continuing to support his education and athletic development.
How Kevin Coleman Jr. Honors His Brother Rashaad
Kevin Coleman Jr. continues to honor Rashaad’s memory through several personal traditions.
One of the most recognizable is a necklace containing a photograph of his younger brother.
During his time at Missouri, Coleman regularly wore the necklace, explaining that it helped him feel connected to Rashaad.
He has also used his football career to raise awareness about the consequences of gun violence.
In September 2026, Coleman discussed his brother’s death during an interview with the Palm Beach Post.
He explained that keeping Rashaad’s memory alive was an important part of his motivation as an athlete.
He also expressed his desire to encourage young people to resolve disagreements peacefully and pursue positive opportunities.
His ambitions extend beyond football. During his October 2025 interview with the Kansas City Star, Coleman discussed plans to establish a foundation named after Rashaad.
He hoped the organization could eventually support children by helping with youth sports expenses, educational opportunities and personal development.
Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Stepsiblings
Kevin Coleman Jr. has also been reported to have stepsiblings.
The Kansas City Star’s October 2025 feature described him as growing up with family members who included nearby stepsiblings.
However, the publication did not identify their names, ages or individual relationships to the NFL receiver.
Coleman’s official college football biographies also do not provide a complete list of his brothers and sisters.
Consequently, Rashaad remains his most extensively documented sibling, while information about his additional family relationships is limited.
Why Does Kevin Coleman Jr. Wear Number 21?
Kevin Coleman Jr. wears jersey number 21 for the Miami Dolphins to honor his late younger brother, Rashaad.
The number is particularly meaningful because Rashaad died on October 21, 2008.
During Miami’s 2026 offseason, Coleman initially wore number 83 before switching to number 21.
In a September 2026 interview with the Palm Beach Post, he explained that he immediately thought about his brother when number 21 became available.
He wanted his NFL jersey to represent the memory of Rashaad and the family experiences that had influenced his development.
The number has become a visible tribute to his brother and a reminder of the motivation behind his professional football career.
Coleman has also encouraged his family to transform the anniversary of Rashaad’s death into an occasion that celebrates love, friendship and positive memories.
Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Childhood and Football Career
Kevin Coleman Jr. grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where he developed an interest in football from an early age.
His father’s coaching experience and structured training exercises helped him develop outstanding coordination and catching ability.
He attended St. Mary’s High School, where he became one of Missouri’s most highly regarded football prospects.
During his high school career, Coleman recorded 179 receptions for 3,968 receiving yards and 56 touchdowns.
He also helped St. Mary’s win the Missouri Class 3 state championship in 2021.
His performances earned him recognition as one of the state’s leading high school football players.
He subsequently committed to Jackson State University, where he played under head coach Deion Sanders during the 2022 season.
After Sanders left Jackson State, Coleman transferred to the University of Louisville for the 2023 season.
He later joined Mississippi State University in 2024, where he recorded 74 receptions for 934 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Despite his production, Coleman decided to transfer again, joining the University of Missouri for the 2025 season.
The decision carried personal significance because it allowed him to return closer to his family and daughter.
How Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Family Influenced His NFL Journey
Family responsibilities were an important consideration throughout Kevin Coleman Jr.’s transition from college football to the NFL.
His father helped establish the work ethic that made him a promising young athlete, while his mother encouraged him to develop resilience and compassion.
The memory of his younger brother provided additional motivation to succeed.
During his final college football season at Missouri, Coleman recorded 66 receptions for 732 yards and contributed as a punt return specialist.
One of his most memorable performances came against Arkansas, when he scored on a 67-yard punt return.
His versatility and ability to contribute on special teams attracted attention from NFL scouts.
The Miami Dolphins selected Coleman in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 177th overall pick.
The selection represented the fulfillment of a childhood ambition and an important opportunity to provide for his family.
During his first NFL season, Coleman began contributing as a receiver and return specialist.
He scored his first NFL receiving touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in October 2026, catching a pass from quarterback Malik Willis.
As of now, Coleman continues his professional career with the Miami Dolphins, wearing number 21 in memory of his younger brother.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kevin Coleman Jr.’s Family
Who is Kevin Coleman Jr.’s girlfriend?
As of now, Kevin Coleman Jr. has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend. His romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Kevin Coleman Jr. married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Kevin Coleman Jr. is married.
Does Kevin Coleman Jr. have children?
Yes. Kevin Coleman Jr. has publicly confirmed that he has a daughter. He discussed fatherhood during his introductory interview with the Miami Dolphins in April 2026.
What is Kevin Coleman Jr.’s daughter’s name?
His daughter’s name and exact date of birth have not been independently established through reliable public sources.
Who is Kevin Coleman Jr.’s father?
His father is Kevin Coleman Sr., a youth football coach who helped develop his athletic abilities from childhood.
Who is Kevin Coleman Jr.’s mother?
His mother is Chinara Meeks, whose identity is confirmed in the University of Missouri’s official football biography.
Does Kevin Coleman Jr. have siblings?
Yes. Kevin Coleman Jr. had a younger brother named Rashaad, who died in 2008. Published reporting has also mentioned stepsiblings, although their identities have not been established.
What happened to Kevin Coleman Jr.’s brother?
His younger brother, Rashaad, died on October 21, 2008, at approximately 18 months old after gunfire struck a vehicle carrying family members in the St. Louis area.
Why does Kevin Coleman Jr. wear number 21?
Kevin Coleman Jr. wears number 21 for the Miami Dolphins to honor Rashaad, who died on October 21, 2008.
Where was Kevin Coleman Jr. born?
Kevin Coleman Jr. was born on September 10, 2003, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
Where did Kevin Coleman Jr. play college football?
Kevin Coleman Jr. played college football at Jackson State, Louisville, Mississippi State and Missouri between 2022 and 2025.
Why did Kevin Coleman Jr. transfer to Missouri?
Coleman explained that he wanted to return closer to his family because he had a daughter and needed additional family support.
Which NFL team does Kevin Coleman Jr. play for?
As of now, Kevin Coleman Jr. plays wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2026 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.
