Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Tanner Arkin is an American professional football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his physical playing style, blocking abilities, and leadership qualities, Arkin began his professional football career after playing college football at Colorado State University and the University of Illinois.
Born on July 7, 2003, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Arkin grew up in a sports-loving family before moving to Fort Collins, Colorado. His parents are Grady and Veronica Arkin, while his two siblings are Owen Arkin and Carmen Arkin.
Football has been an important part of the Arkin family for generations. Tanner’s grandfather, Dennis Arkin, was a longtime football coach, while his older brother, Owen, helped introduce him to the sport during childhood.
Despite his growing recognition in professional football, Tanner has maintained considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Here is everything you need to know about Tanner Arkin’s girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings.
Tanner Arkin’s Girlfriend: Who Is He Dating?
As of now, Tanner Arkin has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend.
The New England Patriots tight end has generally kept his romantic relationships away from media attention, focusing primarily on his football career, education, and family.
Although Arkin has participated in several interviews about his athletic development, he has not publicly identified a romantic partner in reliable sports publications.
His official biographies published by the New England Patriots, University of Illinois, and Colorado State University primarily discuss his parents, siblings, and football accomplishments.
There are also no widely verified reports identifying a previous girlfriend.
However, the absence of public information does not necessarily mean Arkin is single. He may simply prefer to keep his dating life private.
Is Tanner Arkin Married?
As of now, Tanner Arkin is not publicly known to be married.
There have been no reliable announcements confirming that the Patriots tight end has a wife, has become engaged, or has celebrated a wedding.
Until Arkin publicly provides more information about his romantic relationships, his marital status remains unconfirmed beyond the absence of a publicly documented marriage.
Does Tanner Arkin Have Children?
As of now, Tanner Arkin has no publicly confirmed children.
The New England Patriots tight end has not announced having a son or daughter, and reliable sports publications have not established that he is a father.
Arkin has also not publicly discussed specific plans regarding parenthood.
For now, his public interviews have primarily focused on football, his educational achievements, and his close relationship with his parents and siblings.
Who Are Tanner Arkin’s Parents?
Tanner Arkin’s parents are Grady Arkin and Veronica Arkin.
Both parents played important roles in his upbringing and helped support his football ambitions from childhood through his college career.
The family originally lived in Wisconsin before relocating to Fort Collins, Colorado, where Tanner attended high school and began attracting attention from college football recruiters.
Grady and Veronica have been particularly supportive of their son’s athletic development, regularly attending games and encouraging him during difficult periods.
Their close relationship with Tanner was documented in a September 2024 feature published by the University of Illinois Athletics.
Tanner Arkin’s Father: Grady Arkin
Tanner Arkin’s father is Grady Arkin, who grew up in a family with strong connections to American football.
His father, Dennis Arkin, was a longtime high school football coach, making football an important part of the family’s history.
Grady inherited an appreciation for the sport and later encouraged his son to pursue football during childhood.
When Tanner was growing up in Wisconsin, the family supported the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers.
Football games were a regular part of family life, and Tanner developed an early interest in the sport.
After moving to Colorado, Grady continued supporting his son’s participation in organized football.
He also recognized Tanner’s potential to compete at the college level.
How Grady Arkin Influenced Tanner’s Football Career
Grady Arkin played an important role in helping his son understand the opportunities available through football.
During Tanner’s early high school years, he began participating in additional seven-on-seven football competitions.
He helped establish a team called the Warriors, which allowed him to gain additional experience outside the regular high school season.
According to the University of Illinois, a coach involved with the team recognized Tanner’s athletic potential and approached his family about college football recruitment.
During a September 2024 interview, Grady explained that the conversation helped the family realize Tanner might have a future playing football beyond high school.
As Tanner’s recruitment developed, his father became an important source of encouragement.
Grady also supported his son’s decision to play at Colorado State University before transferring to Illinois.
Grady Arkin’s Reaction to Tanner’s First Illinois Touchdown
One memorable moment for the Arkin family occurred on October 21, 2023, when Illinois played Wisconsin.
During the game, Tanner caught his first touchdown pass for the Fighting Illini.
The moment was particularly meaningful because the family had previously supported Wisconsin before Tanner transferred to Illinois.
Grady attended the game alongside other relatives, including his brother and sister-in-law.
According to the University of Illinois, the family was emotional after watching Tanner score against the team they had supported for years.
For Grady, the touchdown represented a special milestone in his son’s football journey.
The experience demonstrated how closely his family followed his athletic development.
Tanner Arkin’s Mother: Veronica Arkin
Tanner Arkin’s mother is Veronica Arkin, who has been one of his strongest supporters throughout his life.
Veronica helped raise Tanner and his two siblings in Wisconsin and Colorado.
Although information about her professional occupation has not been widely documented, she has spoken publicly about her son’s football career and their close relationship.
In a September 2024 University of Illinois interview, Veronica discussed the difficulties Tanner experienced while playing high school football.
During his junior season, he suffered a broken collarbone that prevented him from playing during the early part of the season.
After recovering and returning to competition, he unfortunately broke the same collarbone again.
The injuries were disappointing for the family, but Veronica explained that Tanner remained optimistic and determined to continue playing.
She admired his ability to remain positive despite repeated setbacks.
His determination eventually helped him secure an opportunity to play college football.
How Close Is Tanner Arkin to His Mother?
Tanner Arkin shares a particularly close relationship with his mother, Veronica.
Their connection became especially evident when Tanner transferred from Colorado State University to the University of Illinois in 2023.
While attending Colorado State, Tanner lived relatively close to his parents’ home in Fort Collins.
He could regularly visit his family, enjoy home-cooked meals, and spend time with his parents.
However, transferring to Illinois meant moving hundreds of miles away from home.
According to Veronica, the transition was emotionally challenging because the family could no longer see Tanner as frequently.
To maintain their relationship, she asked him to call home every day during his first week at Illinois.
Interestingly, Tanner continued making daily phone calls long after that first week.
During the September 2024 interview, Veronica revealed that Tanner still called her every day.
She also explained that the family made considerable efforts to attend his games and visit him whenever possible.
Despite the distance, Tanner remained connected to his parents and regularly returned home during breaks.
How Veronica Arkin Supported Tanner During Injuries
Veronica’s encouragement became particularly important during Tanner’s high school football career.
After suffering two collarbone injuries during his junior season, Tanner faced uncertainty about his athletic future.
His senior season was also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and another injury.
During his second game of that season, he suffered a broken fibula.
Despite these challenges, Tanner continued pursuing football.
Veronica expressed admiration for his perseverance and positive attitude.
Her support helped him remain focused on completing high school and pursuing college football opportunities.
Tanner Arkin’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Tanner Arkin has two siblings: an older brother named Owen Arkin and a younger sister named Carmen Arkin.
Both siblings are identified in the New England Patriots’ official biography and University of Illinois football records.
Tanner is the middle child in the family.
While Owen played an important role in introducing Tanner to football, Carmen has maintained a comparatively private life.
1. Owen Arkin – Tanner Arkin’s Older Brother
Owen Arkin is Tanner Arkin’s older brother.
He was an important influence during Tanner’s childhood, particularly in helping him develop an interest in football.
According to the University of Illinois, Tanner and Owen frequently played football together in their family’s backyard while growing up in Wisconsin.
These informal games provided Tanner with some of his earliest experiences playing the sport.
Before joining an organized football team, Tanner enjoyed competing with his older brother at home.
Eventually, his interest developed into a passion for organized football.
He began participating in a local flag football league during third grade before transitioning to tackle football after moving to Colorado.
How Owen Arkin Influenced Tanner’s Football Development
Playing football with Owen helped Tanner become familiar with the game from an early age.
The brothers spent time throwing passes, running with the ball, and competing in their backyard.
These experiences helped Tanner develop confidence and an appreciation for the physical and competitive aspects of football.
Although Owen has not received the same national attention as his younger brother, his involvement in Tanner’s early life contributed to the family’s football tradition.
Reliable public information about Owen’s educational background, occupation, and athletic career remains limited.
2. Carmen Arkin – Tanner Arkin’s Younger Sister
Carmen Arkin is Tanner Arkin’s younger sister.
Her name is confirmed in official biographies published by the New England Patriots, Colorado State University, and the University of Illinois.
Carmen grew up alongside her two brothers in a household where athletics were an important part of family life.
Unlike Tanner, whose accomplishments have attracted national attention, Carmen has generally remained outside the public spotlight.
Reliable information about her age, educational background, professional activities, and personal relationships has not been extensively documented.
Although Carmen maintains a private lifestyle, she is part of the close-knit family that supported Tanner throughout his football development.
Does Tanner Arkin Have Any Other Siblings?
According to official NFL and college football biographies, Tanner Arkin has two siblings: Owen and Carmen.
There are no publicly confirmed reports identifying additional brothers or sisters.
Tanner Arkin’s Grandfather: Dennis Arkin
Tanner Arkin’s grandfather, Dennis L. Arkin, was another important member of the family’s football history.
Born on November 28, 1943, Dennis was a longtime educator and football coach in Wisconsin.
He served as a head football coach at several schools and remained involved in the sport for many years.
His coaching career included positions at Carroll College, Milwaukee Lutheran High School, and Weston High School.
Although Dennis had retired from coaching before Tanner was born, football remained an important tradition within the family.
According to a September 2024 University of Illinois profile, Tanner grew up surrounded by stories and experiences connected to his grandfather’s football career.
His grandfather’s influence contributed to the family’s longstanding enthusiasm for the sport.
When Did Tanner Arkin’s Grandfather Die?
Dennis Arkin passed away on June 10, 2024, at age 80.
According to his obituary published by Farber Funeral Home, he was survived by his wife, Cheryl, their children, and several grandchildren, including Tanner, Owen, and Carmen.
In addition to coaching football, Dennis enjoyed golf, fishing, and spending time with his relatives.
His years of involvement in athletics contributed to a family tradition that continued through Tanner’s football career.
Tanner Arkin’s Childhood and Family Background
Tanner Arkin was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, before his family relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado.
As a child, he developed an interest in football through games with his older brother and the family’s support for professional and college football teams.
He began playing organized flag football in third grade.
After moving to Colorado, he participated in recreational tackle football from fourth through sixth grade.
He subsequently played middle school football before enrolling at Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins.
During high school, Arkin competed in several sports, including football, basketball, and track and field.
His participation in multiple sports helped him develop strength, coordination, speed, and physical endurance.
Tanner Arkin’s High School Football Career
Tanner Arkin attended Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, Colorado.
He played football under head coach Jeff Fulton and contributed on both offense and defense.
Although his preferred position was tight end, Arkin also played outside linebacker during his early high school years.
His defensive experience helped him develop the physical playing style that later became one of his strengths.
Despite multiple injuries, he earned all-conference recognition and attracted attention from college recruiters.
During his high school football career, Arkin recorded:
- 12 receptions for 165 receiving yards and one touchdown.
- 55 tackles on defense.
- 9.5 tackles for loss.
- Six sacks.
- First-team All-Front Range Conference honors.
- Honorable mention All-State recognition in 2020.
Arkin also excelled academically, earning academic all-conference and all-state recognition.
In track and field, he competed in throwing events and placed third in the state in the discus during 2020.
His athletic accomplishments helped him earn an opportunity to play college football at Colorado State University.
How Tanner Arkin’s Family Supported His College Football Career
Arkin began his college football career at Colorado State University in 2021.
Attending Colorado State allowed him to remain close to his family in Fort Collins.
According to the University of Illinois, the campus was approximately 25 minutes from his parents’ home.
He regularly visited his family, enjoyed home-cooked meals, and spent time with his parents during his first two college seasons.
During his freshman season, he appeared in three games and recorded his first college reception against Nevada.
In 2022, he played in all 12 games and recorded 14 receptions for 116 yards.
However, after his second season, Arkin decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
His parents supported his decision to explore opportunities at another university.
He eventually transferred to Illinois in December 2022, enrolling for the spring 2023 semester.
The decision meant living farther away from his family for the first time.
Despite the distance, Grady and Veronica continued attending games and maintaining regular communication with their son.
Tanner Arkin’s College Football Career at Illinois
Arkin played three seasons for the Illinois Fighting Illini from 2023 through 2025.
During his first season, he appeared in all 12 games and made three starts.
His first touchdown reception for Illinois came against Wisconsin in October 2023.
In 2024, Arkin earned a starting role and became one of the team’s elected captains.
The leadership position reflected the trust his teammates and coaches placed in him.
He continued serving as a team captain during the 2025 season.
Throughout his college career, Arkin developed a reputation for physical blocking, dependable play, and leadership.
He finished his collegiate career with 45 receptions for 351 yards and six touchdowns across Colorado State and Illinois.
He also accumulated 29 starts at tight end for Illinois, the second-highest total by a tight end in school history.
Did Tanner Arkin Graduate From College?
Yes. Tanner Arkin graduated from the University of Illinois in May 2025 with a degree in kinesiology.
His academic achievements reflected the importance his family placed on education alongside athletics.
According to his university biography, Arkin has expressed interest in becoming a physical therapist or strength and conditioning coach after his football playing career.
These professional interests are closely connected to his studies in human movement, physical performance, and athletic development.
Tanner Arkin’s Journey to the New England Patriots
After completing his college football career, Tanner Arkin entered the 2026 NFL Draft.
Although he was not selected during the draft, the New England Patriots signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 8, 2026.
The signing marked an important milestone in his athletic journey.
After years of playing competitive football and overcoming injuries, Arkin had earned an opportunity to compete professionally.
His physical playing style and experience as a college team captain made him an interesting developmental prospect for New England.
During the 2026 season, Arkin began receiving opportunities to contribute to the Patriots’ offense.
He made his NFL regular-season debut in New England’s season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on September 9, 2026.
His advancement to professional football represented the continuation of a family tradition connected to the sport through his grandfather, father, and older brother.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanner Arkin’s Family
Who is Tanner Arkin’s girlfriend?
As of now, Tanner Arkin has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His romantic relationships remain private.
Is Tanner Arkin married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Tanner Arkin is married or has a wife.
Does Tanner Arkin have children?
As of now, Tanner Arkin has no publicly confirmed children.
Who is Tanner Arkin’s father?
His father is Grady Arkin, who supported his football development throughout high school and college.
Who is Tanner Arkin’s mother?
His mother is Veronica Arkin, who has maintained a close relationship with him and regularly attended his college football games.
How many siblings does Tanner Arkin have?
Tanner Arkin has two siblings: an older brother named Owen Arkin and a younger sister named Carmen Arkin.
Who is Tanner Arkin’s brother?
His older brother is Owen Arkin, who helped introduce him to football through backyard games during childhood.
Does Tanner Arkin have a sister?
Yes. Tanner Arkin has a younger sister named Carmen Arkin.
Who was Tanner Arkin’s grandfather?
His grandfather was Dennis L. Arkin, a longtime Wisconsin football coach who passed away in June 2024.
Where is Tanner Arkin from?
Tanner Arkin was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on July 7, 2003, and grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Where did Tanner Arkin play college football?
He played at Colorado State University from 2021 through 2022 before transferring to the University of Illinois, where he competed from 2023 through 2025.
Which NFL team does Tanner Arkin play for?
Tanner Arkin plays tight end for the New England Patriots, who signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent in May 2026.
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.
