Last Updated on October 13, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Sam Ehlinger is an American professional football quarterback who plays for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League (NFL). Born Samuel George Ehlinger on September 30, 1998, in Austin, Texas, he rose to prominence as the starting quarterback for the University of Texas Longhorns before beginning his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. Beyond football, Ehlinger’s personal life has been shaped by strong family relationships, Christian faith and the experience of overcoming significant personal losses.
The Denver Broncos quarterback is married to Cami Jo Ehlinger, formerly Cami Jo DiGiovanni. The couple announced in April 2026 that they were expecting their first child, a baby boy. His parents are the late Ross Ehlinger and Jena Ehlinger, while his siblings are his late younger brother, Jake Ehlinger, and his younger sister, Morgen Ehlinger. Throughout his life, Sam has spoken about the importance of his family’s encouragement and the values that helped him pursue a professional football career.
Sam Ehlinger’s Wife: Meet Cami Jo Ehlinger
Sam Ehlinger is married to Cami Jo Ehlinger (née DiGiovanni), a University of Texas graduate and former high school cheerleader from Southlake, Texas. The couple met in 2020 and married on June 20, 2022, in Aspen, Colorado.
Cami Jo grew up in Southlake, a suburb of Dallas, and attended Southlake Carroll High School, where she participated in cheerleading. Interestingly, Southlake Carroll was also the opponent in Sam Ehlinger’s first varsity football game at Westlake High School.
After finishing high school, Cami Jo enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her college education in approximately three years.
She later pursued professional opportunities in different fields, including healthcare-related work, real estate and education. A 2025 Houston Chronicle profile reported that she was working as a teaching assistant at a private Catholic school serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Although married to an NFL player, Cami Jo has generally maintained a relatively private personal life. She occasionally appears in photographs with her husband and has supported him during important moments throughout his professional football career.
How Did Sam Ehlinger Meet Cami Jo?
Sam Ehlinger and Cami Jo DiGiovanni began their relationship in 2020, during the final stages of Sam’s college football career at the University of Texas.
Their connection has a particularly meaningful family story because Sam’s younger brother, Jake Ehlinger, knew Cami Jo before the relationship began.
According to a 2025 Houston Chronicle interview, Jake had mentioned Cami Jo to Sam, describing her as an intelligent and grounded young woman.
Sam subsequently encountered Cami Jo during a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in March 2020. Their friendship developed into a romantic relationship, and the two began dating seriously.
Sam later reflected on the significance of their relationship, particularly because his brother Jake had helped introduce them before his death in 2021.
The couple became engaged in 2021 after Sam proposed during a beach vacation attended by members of their families.
When Did Sam Ehlinger Get Married?
Sam Ehlinger and Cami Jo DiGiovanni married on June 20, 2022, in Aspen, Colorado.
Their wedding took place in a picturesque mountain setting, with family members and close friends attending the celebration.
By that time, Sam had already completed his rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts after being selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Cami Jo continued supporting her husband during his time in Indianapolis and his eventual move to Denver.
The couple has also spoken publicly about the role of Christian faith in their marriage and personal lives. Sam has described his religious beliefs as an important foundation for navigating professional challenges and difficult experiences.
As of now, Sam Ehlinger and Cami Jo remain married.
Sam Ehlinger’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
Sam Ehlinger and his wife, Cami Jo, announced on April 12, 2026, that they were expecting their first child, a baby boy.
The announcement represented an important milestone for the couple, who had been married for nearly four years.
Sam and Cami Jo Ehlinger’s First Baby
In April 2026, Sam and Cami Jo shared their pregnancy news through social media, revealing that they were preparing to welcome a son in the fall.
The Denver Broncos also congratulated the couple through the team’s official social media accounts.
The pregnancy attracted attention from Broncos supporters, particularly because several Denver players, including Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham, were also experiencing important family milestones.
During an August 2026 interview following a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sam revealed that his wife’s expected delivery date was approaching. He explained that he might soon be at the hospital welcoming his first son.
The announcement added a personal dimension to an important period in his professional career as he competed for a position on Denver’s quarterback depth chart.
Although the couple had expected their son around early September 2026, the sources reviewed for this profile did not establish a confirmed birth date or publicly verified name. Consequently, those details should not be treated as confirmed without a subsequent announcement.
What is publicly established is that Sam and Cami Jo were preparing to become first-time parents in 2026.
Sam Ehlinger’s Parents: Meet Ross Ehlinger and Jena Ehlinger
Sam Ehlinger was born to Ross Herbert Ehlinger and Jena Ehlinger in Austin, Texas. Both parents attended the University of Texas and developed a strong connection to the university’s football program.
Sam grew up attending Texas Longhorns games with his parents and younger siblings, an experience that significantly influenced his childhood dream of eventually playing quarterback for the university.
Sam Ehlinger’s Father: Ross Ehlinger
Ross Herbert Ehlinger was Sam Ehlinger’s father, a respected attorney, youth sports coach and recreational triathlete.
Ross graduated from the University of Texas and worked in the legal profession. Outside his professional career, he was actively involved in his children’s athletic development.
He frequently coached youth football teams and encouraged his children to pursue their athletic interests with discipline and determination.
Sam developed a particularly close relationship with his father, who became one of his earliest football mentors.
Tragically, Ross died on March 3, 2013, at the age of 46, while participating in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco, California.
He suffered a fatal medical emergency during the swimming portion of the competition. Reports described his death as resulting from an apparent heart-related event.
Sam was only 14 years old when he lost his father. The tragedy had a profound effect on his childhood and significantly influenced his development as a person.
Following Ross’s death, Sam began assuming additional responsibilities within the household, helping his mother and looking after his younger siblings.
He has frequently discussed his desire to honor his father’s memory through his behavior, leadership and accomplishments on the football field.
One of the most meaningful tributes Sam made to his father was a tattoo featuring Ross’s triathlon race number, 1566, written in Roman numerals as MDLXVI.
The tattoo serves as a permanent reminder of his father’s influence and the values he taught him.
Sam Ehlinger’s Mother: Jena Ehlinger
Jena Ehlinger is Sam Ehlinger’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
Like her late husband, Jena attended the University of Texas and has maintained a strong connection to the Longhorns football program.
After Ross died in 2013, she became responsible for raising their three children, Sam, Jake and Morgen, as a single mother.
Her dedication during this difficult period became a source of inspiration for Sam, who has publicly praised her strength, determination and ability to maintain a supportive family environment.
Jena continued attending her children’s sporting events and supporting their academic and athletic achievements.
She was particularly proud when Sam committed to the University of Texas, fulfilling a dream that had been important to the entire family for many years.
According to profiles published by ESPN and Bleacher Report, Sam became especially protective of his mother and siblings following his father’s death.
He helped with household responsibilities and frequently drove Jake and Morgen to school activities and sporting events.
Jena has also spoken about the difficulty of balancing her son’s growing responsibilities with her desire to ensure that he could continue enjoying his teenage years.
Her relationship with Sam reflects the close family bond that developed through their shared experiences.
Sam Ehlinger’s Siblings: Meet Jake and Morgen Ehlinger
Sam Ehlinger has two younger siblings: his late brother, Jake Ehlinger, and his sister, Morgen Ehlinger.
The three siblings grew up together in Austin, Texas, sharing a passion for sports and supporting one another throughout childhood.
As the oldest child, Sam developed a strong sense of responsibility toward Jake and Morgen, particularly after their father’s death in 2013.
Jake Ehlinger – Sam Ehlinger’s Younger Brother
Jake Ehlinger was Sam Ehlinger’s younger brother and a former college football linebacker for the University of Texas Longhorns.
Born in 2000, Jake grew up in Austin alongside Sam and their younger sister, Morgen.
Like his older brother, Jake attended Westlake High School, where he developed an interest in competitive football.
He eventually joined the University of Texas football program as a walk-on linebacker, fulfilling the family tradition of representing the Longhorns.
The brothers shared a particularly close relationship, both on and off the football field.
During their time together at Texas, Sam was one of the team’s leading quarterbacks, while Jake worked to establish himself within the defensive unit.
Their relationship became especially meaningful following the death of their father. As the older brother, Sam helped guide Jake during his teenage years and encouraged him to continue pursuing his ambitions.
Tragically, Jake Ehlinger died on May 6, 2021, at the age of 20.
He was found unresponsive near the University of Texas campus in Austin, just days after Sam had been selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2021 NFL Draft.
In October 2021, the Ehlinger family publicly explained that Jake’s death resulted from an accidental drug overdose involving what they believed was counterfeit Xanax containing fentanyl.
The family shared this information to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit medications and potentially prevent similar tragedies.
Jake’s death was another devastating loss for Sam, Jena and Morgen, coming approximately eight years after Ross Ehlinger’s passing.
Sam has continued honoring his brother’s memory and discussing how faith, family and personal resilience helped him process the loss.
One particularly meaningful connection is that Jake had helped introduce Sam to Cami Jo, who later became his wife.
In a 2025 interview, Sam reflected on the importance of that connection, recognizing that his brother had played a lasting role in shaping his personal life.
Morgen Ehlinger – Sam Ehlinger’s Younger Sister
Morgen Ehlinger is Sam Ehlinger’s younger sister and the youngest of the three children born to Ross and Jena Ehlinger.
She grew up in Austin, Texas, alongside her older brothers and was actively involved in sports during her childhood.
According to ESPN and Sports Illustrated, Morgen participated in basketball and cheerleading while attending school.
Her relationship with Sam became especially close following their father’s death, as Sam assumed additional responsibilities in the household.
He frequently helped his younger siblings with everyday activities, including transportation to practices and school events.
Family interviews have described Sam as a protective older brother who took a genuine interest in Morgen’s well-being.
Morgen has also supported Sam throughout his football career, including his time at the University of Texas and his transition to the NFL.
She was present with her family during important milestones, including Sam’s selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Following Jake’s death, Morgen and Sam remained part of the close family unit centered around their mother, Jena.
Unlike her brother, who has maintained a public career in professional sports, Morgen generally keeps her personal and professional life away from widespread media attention.
Sam Ehlinger’s Family Background and Early Life
Sam Ehlinger grew up in Austin, Texas, in a household where football, education and family relationships were highly valued.
His parents were passionate supporters of the University of Texas, and the family regularly attended Longhorns football games.
From an early age, Sam dreamed of becoming the university’s starting quarterback.
He attended Westlake High School, where he developed into one of the country’s top high school quarterbacks. Under coach Todd Dodge, he established school records in passing and total offense.
His performances attracted interest from several college programs, but Sam ultimately committed to the University of Texas.
During his college career from 2017 to 2020, he threw for more than 11,000 yards and became one of the most productive quarterbacks in Longhorns history.
He also demonstrated leadership off the field, earning recognition for his involvement in community service.
In 2021, the Indianapolis Colts selected him with the 218th overall pick in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
After spending four seasons with Indianapolis, he signed with the Denver Broncos in April 2025.
Throughout his football journey, Sam has frequently emphasized that his identity extends beyond athletic achievements. He credits his Christian faith and relationships with loved ones for helping him navigate both success and adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Ehlinger’s Family
Who is Sam Ehlinger’s wife?
Sam Ehlinger’s wife is Cami Jo Ehlinger, formerly Cami Jo DiGiovanni. She is a University of Texas graduate from Southlake, Texas. The couple married on June 20, 2022, in Aspen, Colorado.
Does Sam Ehlinger have children?
Sam Ehlinger and his wife announced in April 2026 that they were expecting their first child, a baby boy, in the fall. Their child’s exact birth date and name were not independently confirmed in the sources reviewed for this profile.
Who are Sam Ehlinger’s parents?
Sam Ehlinger’s parents are Ross Herbert Ehlinger and Jena Ehlinger. His father was a lawyer and youth sports coach who died during a triathlon in 2013. His mother raised Sam and his two younger siblings following the tragedy.
How many siblings does Sam Ehlinger have?
Sam Ehlinger has two younger siblings: Jake Ehlinger and Morgen Ehlinger. Jake, a former University of Texas linebacker, died in May 2021.
What happened to Sam Ehlinger’s father?
Sam Ehlinger’s father, Ross Ehlinger, died on March 3, 2013, at the age of 46 while competing in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco, California.
What happened to Sam Ehlinger’s brother?
Sam Ehlinger’s younger brother, Jake Ehlinger, died on May 6, 2021, at age 20. His family later confirmed that his death resulted from an accidental overdose involving what was believed to be counterfeit Xanax containing fentanyl.
Who is Sam Ehlinger’s sister?
Sam Ehlinger’s younger sister is Morgen Ehlinger. She grew up in Austin, Texas, and has generally maintained a private life despite her brother’s professional football career.
When did Sam Ehlinger and Cami Jo meet?
Sam Ehlinger and Cami Jo DiGiovanni began their relationship in March 2020. Sam’s younger brother Jake knew Cami Jo and helped establish their connection before the couple began dating.
What NFL team does Sam Ehlinger play for?
Sam Ehlinger plays quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He joined the organization in April 2025 after spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts.
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.
