Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Rasul Douglas is an American professional football player who plays as a cornerback for the Washington Commanders in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 29, 1994, in East Orange, New Jersey, Douglas overcame financial difficulties during his childhood before establishing himself as an NFL defensive back. He played college football at Nassau Community College and West Virginia University before the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Beyond his achievements on the football field, Rasul Douglas has a family story shaped by his grandmother’s sacrifices, his relationships with his siblings and his experience as a father. He has a son named Jeremiah Lusar Douglas, whom he welcomed with his longtime girlfriend, Ny-Asia Franklin, in October 2018. Douglas is also one of seven siblings who were raised by their grandmother, Carletta Williams. Although his grandmother’s influence has been extensively documented, reliable public information about his biological parents remains limited.
Rasul Douglas’ Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Rasul Douglas has been in a publicly documented relationship with Ny-Asia Franklin, who is also the mother of his son, Jeremiah Lusar Douglas.
Their relationship is confirmed in official Buffalo Bills player materials, which identify Franklin as Douglas’ girlfriend and confirm that they welcomed a child together in October 2018.
Franklin was also identified as his longtime romantic partner in a November 2023 article published by FirstSportz.
Although their relationship has been publicly discussed, Douglas generally maintains privacy regarding his romantic life.
Unlike some NFL players who regularly share details about their partners through interviews or social media, he has focused much of his public attention on football, fatherhood and his childhood experiences in New Jersey.
There is limited reliable information about when Douglas and Franklin first met or began dating.
Sports entertainment publications have described them as longtime partners, but a detailed relationship timeline has not been independently established.
As of now, Ny-Asia Franklin is Rasul Douglas’ most recently documented girlfriend. However, whether they remain romantically involved has not been confirmed through recent reliable reporting.
Who Is Ny-Asia Franklin, Rasul Douglas’ Girlfriend?
Ny-Asia Franklin is publicly known as the longtime partner of NFL cornerback Rasul Douglas and the mother of their son, Jeremiah.
According to FirstSportz, Franklin grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, the same city where Douglas spent his childhood.
She pursued higher education in the northeastern United States, attending ASA College and Providence College.
The publication reported that Franklin earned an associate degree in criminal justice from ASA College before completing a bachelor’s degree in sociology at Providence College.
Her professional background has included work in the legal field.
According to the same report, she previously worked as a legal intern and later held a paralegal position.
However, these career details were published in 2023, and her current employer and professional status have not been independently verified.
Franklin has generally maintained a private life despite her connection to a well-known NFL player.
Her relationship with Douglas became more widely recognized after the couple welcomed their son in 2018.
Is Rasul Douglas Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Rasul Douglas is married or has a wife.
Official Buffalo Bills materials identify Ny-Asia Franklin as his girlfriend rather than his spouse.
There is also no verified public wedding announcement involving Douglas.
Although the couple share a son, parenthood does not establish that they are married.
As of now, Rasul Douglas has no publicly confirmed wife, and his current marital status remains undisclosed.
Rasul Douglas’ Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
Yes. Rasul Douglas has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Jeremiah Lusar Douglas.
Jeremiah was born on October 2, 2018, according to published biographical accounts. His parents are Rasul Douglas and Ny-Asia Franklin.
The Buffalo Bills’ official player biography confirms Jeremiah’s full name and identifies Franklin as his mother.
Douglas has spoken openly about the happiness and responsibilities associated with fatherhood.
During a January 2022 interview with The Ringer, he explained that becoming a father was among the most rewarding experiences of his life.
His relationship with Jeremiah has become an important part of his personal story, particularly because Douglas grew up facing considerable financial difficulties.
Jeremiah Lusar Douglas: Rasul Douglas’ Son
Jeremiah Lusar Douglas is the son of NFL cornerback Rasul Douglas and Ny-Asia Franklin.
Born on October 2, 2018, Jeremiah entered the family during a particularly emotional period in his father’s life.
His birth occurred shortly before the death of Rasul’s beloved grandmother, Carletta Williams, who passed away on October 15, 2018.
According to The Ringer, Carletta was able to see photographs and participate in video calls involving Jeremiah but never had an opportunity to hold him in person.
Her death was especially difficult for Rasul because she had raised him and his six siblings.
In the January 2022 feature, Douglas’ aunt, Tish Williams, described Jeremiah as an energetic child who reminded her of his father.
The family affectionately called Jeremiah “Pop Pop.”
Douglas explained that one of his favorite experiences was returning home and seeing his son excited to greet him.
He described fatherhood as an opportunity to provide love, encouragement and stability to the next generation.
In January 2025, during an interview with the New York Post, Douglas again discussed his relationship with Jeremiah, who had recently turned six.
He explained that speaking with his son could immediately improve his mood, even following a difficult day.
His comments demonstrated that fatherhood remained an important priority throughout his professional football career.
As of now, Jeremiah Lusar Douglas is Rasul Douglas’ only publicly confirmed child. There is no reliable public confirmation that he has welcomed additional children.
Rasul Douglas’ Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Unlike many NFL players whose parents regularly appear in sports media coverage, Rasul Douglas has not publicly established the names of his biological mother and father through reliable reporting.
Instead, his family story has largely focused on his grandmother, Carletta Williams, who raised him and his six siblings in East Orange, New Jersey.
Her influence was so important that Douglas frequently described her as a mother figure, trusted adviser and source of inspiration.
Although his biological parents’ identities remain unclear in established public sources, Douglas has openly discussed the family environment in which he grew up.
Who Is Rasul Douglas’ Father?
The identity of Rasul Douglas’ biological father has not been reliably established through official NFL biographies or major published interviews.
Douglas has primarily discussed the role of his grandmother and childhood coaches when describing the adults who influenced his development.
One particularly important male figure was Michael Davis, a youth baseball coach who became a mentor to Douglas.
Davis worked with young athletes in East Orange and encouraged Rasul to remain focused on sports and education.
According to an official NFL Play Football feature, Douglas credited Davis with helping him avoid dangerous situations in his childhood neighborhood.
The coach provided encouragement when Douglas was uncertain about his future and introduced him to opportunities that helped develop his athletic interests.
However, Michael Davis was a mentor and father figure, not his publicly identified biological father.
As of now, Rasul Douglas’ father’s name and personal background remain publicly unconfirmed.
Who Is Rasul Douglas’ Mother?
Rasul Douglas’ biological mother has not been consistently identified by name in reliable public reporting.
However, his grandmother, Carletta Williams, assumed the central parenting role during his childhood.
In an extensive January 2022 interview with The Ringer, Douglas explained that his grandmother provided the emotional guidance, discipline and encouragement he needed while growing up.
He described her as much more than a grandparent because she fulfilled many of the responsibilities normally associated with a mother.
Carletta worked long hours while raising seven children in a modest apartment.
Despite the family’s financial challenges, she established rules, encouraged education and made sure the children understood the importance of helping others.
Her influence continued long after Douglas entered college and eventually became an NFL player.
Although his biological mother’s identity remains unconfirmed, Carletta Williams is the maternal figure most extensively documented in Rasul Douglas’ life.
Carletta Williams: The Grandmother Who Raised Rasul Douglas
Carletta Williams was Rasul Douglas’ grandmother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She raised Rasul and his six siblings in a three-bedroom apartment in East Orange, New Jersey.
According to The Ringer, Carletta worked at a local hospital and made significant sacrifices to provide food, clothing and stability for the children.
Despite the financial difficulties, she maintained a structured household and encouraged everyone to stay focused on positive activities.
The children were expected to return home after school, complete household chores and participate in church activities.
Carletta also taught them the importance of generosity, encouraging them to help neighbors and support people in need.
Douglas often expressed appreciation for the sacrifices she made while raising the family.
During his college years, when he occasionally struggled to afford food and accommodation, he regularly called his grandmother for encouragement.
Her support helped him continue pursuing football when he considered abandoning his ambitions.
Rasul Douglas Bought His Grandmother a House
One of Rasul Douglas’ most meaningful personal achievements was purchasing a house for his grandmother.
According to The Ringer, Douglas bought Carletta a new home in September 2018, fulfilling a promise he had made during childhood.
He had long dreamed of improving his family’s living conditions after witnessing the sacrifices she made while raising him and his siblings.
Unfortunately, the family experienced a tragedy shortly afterward.
On October 15, 2018, Carletta died at the age of 82.
Douglas had visited her the previous day and had been discussing plans to purchase furniture for her new home.
Her sudden death deeply affected him because she had been his closest source of emotional support throughout his life.
Although she did not live long enough to enjoy the home for many years, Douglas fulfilled his childhood promise.
Her legacy remains an important part of his story, particularly his determination to provide a better future for his son Jeremiah.
Rasul Douglas’ Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Rasul Douglas has six siblings, making him one of seven children raised by their grandmother, Carletta Williams.
This information is confirmed in official Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills materials, as well as interviews published by The Ringer and NFL Play Football.
According to NFL Play Football, Douglas is the fifth of seven children.
His childhood was therefore spent in a large household with four older siblings and two younger siblings.
Growing up with six brothers and sisters influenced his personality and helped him develop resilience, cooperation and a competitive spirit.
Despite the family’s financial difficulties, Douglas has spoken positively about always having relatives around him during childhood.
Rasul Douglas’ Older Siblings
Rasul Douglas has four older siblings, according to information published by NFL Play Football.
The siblings were raised together by their grandmother in East Orange, New Jersey.
Although Douglas has discussed the challenges of growing up in a large family, reliable public sources do not consistently identify the names of his four older siblings.
Information about their occupations, education and personal relationships is also limited.
As a result, it would be inaccurate to assign specific names or careers to them without further reliable evidence.
Rasul Douglas’ Younger Siblings
Rasul Douglas also has two younger siblings.
They grew up alongside him in the household maintained by Carletta Williams.
According to The Ringer, Carletta expected all the children to contribute to household responsibilities and help people in their neighborhood.
Her guidance encouraged a sense of cooperation among the siblings, particularly during difficult financial periods.
However, the names and individual backgrounds of Rasul’s younger siblings have not been established through reliable public reporting.
As of now, Rasul Douglas is publicly confirmed to have six siblings, although their names have not been consistently documented by official NFL sources.
Who Was Marquis, the Person Rasul Douglas Called His Brother?
During a January 2025 interview with the New York Post, Douglas mentioned a late loved one named Marquis, whom he referred to as his brother.
He explained that Marquis had died following a heart attack at approximately 30 years old, around five years before the interview.
However, an earlier January 2022 profile published by The Ringer described a deceased individual named Marquise as a close friend and former youth football coach.
The available reporting does not conclusively establish that Marquis or Marquise was one of Douglas’ biological siblings.
Because of this uncertainty, he should not be identified as a biological brother without additional verification.
The references nevertheless demonstrate the importance of close friendships and chosen family relationships in Douglas’ life.
Tish Williams: Rasul Douglas’ Aunt
Tish Williams is Rasul Douglas’ aunt and the daughter of his grandmother, Carletta Williams.
She appeared extensively in The Ringer’s January 2022 profile, discussing the family’s experiences and Rasul’s journey to professional football.
Tish maintained a close relationship with Douglas and encouraged him through challenging periods of his career.
One of her most memorable contributions occurred during the 2017 NFL Draft.
When Douglas was waiting to learn whether an NFL team would select him, Tish secretly arranged a celebration cake.
She wanted the family to celebrate his achievement but initially hid the cake because she did not know whether his name would be called.
The Philadelphia Eagles eventually selected Douglas with the 99th overall pick.
After the announcement, Tish brought out the cake, allowing the family to celebrate the moment together.
She also helped support Rasul emotionally following his grandmother’s death in 2018.
Her involvement illustrates how the extended Williams family remained important throughout Douglas’ professional journey.
Rasul Douglas’ Family Background and Early Life
Rasul Douglas grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, a city located near Newark.
His childhood was marked by economic hardship, but he found encouragement through family members, community coaches and sports.
He attended East Orange Campus High School, where he developed into a promising football player.
However, he did not receive major college scholarship offers immediately after completing high school.
Douglas eventually enrolled at Nassau Community College in Garden City, New York.
His years at Nassau were financially challenging because he struggled to afford meals, transportation and stable accommodation.
According to ESPN and The Ringer, he sometimes slept on friends’ floors and attended practices without having eaten enough food.
Despite those difficulties, he developed into one of the nation’s leading junior college cornerbacks.
His performances attracted scholarship offers from major college programs, including West Virginia University.
Douglas transferred to West Virginia in 2015 and quickly established himself as an important defensive player.
During his senior season in 2016, he recorded eight interceptions, tying for the national lead.
His performances earned first-team All-Big 12 recognition and attracted attention from NFL scouts.
In April 2017, the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the third round of the NFL Draft.
The achievement represented the fulfillment of a goal that had once seemed impossible for Douglas and his family.
Rasul Douglas’ NFL Career
Rasul Douglas began his professional football career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017.
During his rookie season, he contributed to the team’s defensive rotation and became a Super Bowl champion when Philadelphia defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
He spent three seasons with the Eagles before joining the Carolina Panthers in 2020.
After experiencing several roster changes in 2021, Douglas signed with the Green Bay Packers during the regular season.
The move proved to be a turning point in his professional career.
He recorded five interceptions in 12 games for Green Bay, including two returned for touchdowns.
His performances helped the Packers secure the top seed in the NFC during the 2021 season.
Douglas remained with Green Bay until October 2023, when the Packers traded him to the Buffalo Bills.
He became an important member of Buffalo’s defensive secondary and continued producing interceptions and pass breakups.
After completing the 2024 season with the Bills, he signed with the Miami Dolphins in August 2025.
During his season in Miami, Douglas started 13 games and recorded two interceptions, 62 tackles and 13 passes defended.
In July 2026, the Washington Commanders signed him to strengthen their defensive secondary.
His career has included a Super Bowl championship, several successful seasons as a starting cornerback and a reputation for overcoming adversity.
Throughout his journey, Douglas has repeatedly credited the encouragement of his grandmother, family members and childhood mentors for helping him continue when his professional future appeared uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rasul Douglas’ Family
Who is Rasul Douglas’ girlfriend?
Rasul Douglas’ most recently publicly documented girlfriend is Ny-Asia Franklin, the mother of his son Jeremiah. Their current romantic relationship status has not been independently confirmed.
Is Rasul Douglas married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Rasul Douglas is married or has a wife.
Does Rasul Douglas have children?
Yes. Rasul Douglas has a son named Jeremiah Lusar Douglas, born on October 2, 2018.
Who is the mother of Rasul Douglas’ son?
Jeremiah Lusar Douglas’ mother is Ny-Asia Franklin, who was identified as Rasul Douglas’ girlfriend in official Buffalo Bills biographical materials.
How many children does Rasul Douglas have?
Rasul Douglas has one publicly confirmed child, his son Jeremiah Lusar Douglas. No additional children have been reliably documented.
Who are Rasul Douglas’ parents?
The names of Rasul Douglas’ biological parents have not been reliably established through the official NFL sources and major interviews reviewed. He was raised primarily by his grandmother, Carletta Williams.
Who is Rasul Douglas’ mother?
His biological mother’s identity is not publicly confirmed in the sources reviewed. His grandmother, Carletta Williams, was the primary mother figure who raised him.
Who is Rasul Douglas’ father?
Rasul Douglas’ biological father’s identity has not been reliably established through public reporting.
Who raised Rasul Douglas?
Rasul Douglas was raised by his grandmother, Carletta Williams, who cared for him and his six siblings in East Orange, New Jersey.
What happened to Rasul Douglas’ grandmother?
Carletta Williams died on October 15, 2018, at the age of 82. Her death occurred shortly after Douglas purchased her a new home.
How many siblings does Rasul Douglas have?
Rasul Douglas has six siblings. According to NFL Play Football, he is the fifth of seven children.
What are the names of Rasul Douglas’ siblings?
The names of Rasul Douglas’ six siblings have not been consistently established through official NFL biographies or reliable published interviews.
Who is Tish Williams?
Tish Williams is Rasul Douglas’ aunt and the daughter of his grandmother, Carletta Williams. She has supported Douglas throughout his football career.
Where is Rasul Douglas from?
Rasul Douglas grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, where he attended East Orange Campus High School.
When was Rasul Douglas born?
According to official Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills media materials, Rasul Douglas was born on August 29, 1994.
Which NFL team does Rasul Douglas play for?
Rasul Douglas plays cornerback for the Washington Commanders. He joined Washington in July 2026 after previously playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
