Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Woody Marks is an American professional football running back for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 29, 2000, in Atlanta, Georgia, his full name is Jo’Quavious Dequane Marks. He played college football at Mississippi State University and the University of Southern California (USC) before being selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Beyond his football career, Marks comes from a close-knit family that has played an important role in his development. His mother, Tameka Marks, has been one of his biggest supporters, while his older brother, Dontavious Marks, and sister, Dallas Marks, have influenced his personal life and athletic journey.
Although Marks has publicly discussed his mother, siblings, and late grandmother, he has remained relatively private about his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Who Is Woody Marks’ Girlfriend?
As of now, Woody Marks has not publicly confirmed that he is dating anyone. The Houston Texans running back generally keeps his romantic relationships away from public attention.
Despite his increasing popularity in the NFL, there is no reliable public information identifying his current girlfriend.
Marks has primarily used interviews and public appearances to discuss football, family relationships, and his professional ambitions rather than his dating life.
His relatively private approach means that fans have limited insight into whether he is currently involved in a romantic relationship.
While some online profiles describe him as single, the absence of a confirmed girlfriend does not necessarily establish his actual relationship status.
Is Woody Marks Married?
As of now, Woody Marks has not publicly announced a marriage or identified anyone as his wife.
There are no widely verified reports establishing that the NFL running back has married or become engaged.
Until Marks publicly confirms otherwise, his marital status should be regarded as unconfirmed rather than assuming that he is definitely single.
Does Woody Marks Have Children?
As of now, there is no verified public information indicating that Woody Marks has any children.
The Houston Texans running back has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, nor has he identified himself as a father in major interviews or official biographies.
Although he maintains a close relationship with his family and has participated in charitable initiatives supporting young people, these activities should not be confused with having children of his own.
In 2026, Marks organized community activities through his charitable foundation, including a bowling event in Houston and a football camp for military-connected children at Fort Hood, Texas.
These initiatives reflected his interest in helping younger generations develop confidence, teamwork, and important life skills.
However, his personal status as a parent remains undocumented in reliable public sources.
Who Are Woody Marks’ Parents?
Woody Marks was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. His mother is Tameka Marks, who has been actively involved in supporting his football career since childhood.
Although his mother has appeared in numerous interviews and newspaper profiles, considerably less information is publicly available about his biological father.
Woody Marks’ Mother: Tameka Marks
Tameka Marks is the mother of Woody Marks and his two older siblings. She raised her children in Atlanta and has remained an important influence throughout Woody’s football journey.
As the youngest of her three children, Woody developed a particularly close relationship with his mother.
Tameka recognized her son’s athletic potential at an early age and encouraged him to pursue his interests while emphasizing hard work, confidence, and determination.
She regularly attended his football games and became known for defending and encouraging him whenever he encountered challenges.
One memorable incident occurred while Woody was playing at Carver High School in Atlanta.
After he committed a fumble during a game, his coach removed him from the field. Tameka approached the sideline and encouraged the coach to give her son another opportunity rather than allowing one mistake to affect his confidence.
The coach eventually returned Woody to the game, demonstrating the confidence his mother had in his abilities.
During an October 2025 interview with the Houston Chronicle, Tameka explained that she had always encouraged Woody to work hard for whatever he wanted to accomplish.
She also emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and continuing to improve rather than becoming discouraged.
Tameka Marks’ Role in Woody’s College Career
Tameka continued supporting her son after he enrolled at Mississippi State University in 2020.
When Woody experienced injury problems during his final season with the Bulldogs, she helped him consider his options for continuing his football career.
Following the 2023 season, Marks considered entering the NFL Draft. However, a lingering hamstring injury raised concerns about whether he would be physically prepared for the evaluation process.
His mother encouraged him to consider using his remaining college eligibility rather than entering the draft before fully recovering.
When USC expressed interest in bringing Woody to Los Angeles, Tameka and her eldest son, Dontavious, carefully studied the team’s offensive system.
They were particularly interested in how USC head coach Lincoln Riley had developed running backs during his previous coaching assignments.
After evaluating the opportunity, the family supported Woody’s decision to transfer to USC for the 2024 season.
The move proved beneficial, as Marks enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his college career.
Tameka’s involvement illustrates how closely the family worked together when making decisions about Woody’s athletic future.
Who Is Woody Marks’ Father?
Unlike his mother, Woody Marks’ father has not been prominently identified in reliable public biographies or major interviews.
Official profiles from Mississippi State and USC primarily discuss his mother, grandmother, and older siblings.
As a result, his father’s name, occupation, and personal background have not been reliably established through publicly available information.
It would be inaccurate to identify someone as his father without supporting evidence.
Although details about his paternal family background remain private, Marks has consistently emphasized the importance of family support in his personal and professional development.
Who Are Woody Marks’ Siblings?
Woody Marks is the youngest of three children born to Tameka Marks. He has two older siblings: a brother named Dontavious Marks and a sister named Dallas Marks.
Both siblings played important roles in his upbringing in Atlanta, and Woody has credited them with inspiring his competitive spirit.
1. Dontavious Marks – Older Brother
Dontavious Marks is Woody Marks’ older brother and one of the most influential people in his early athletic development.
Like Woody, Dontavious played football while growing up in Atlanta.
Woody frequently watched his older brother practice and compete, gradually developing an interest in participating in football himself.
According to a USC Athletics profile published in September 2024, Woody initially hesitated to play football because he was concerned about the physical contact involved in the sport.
However, watching his older brother and spending time around football practices eventually helped him overcome those concerns.
Woody followed Dontavious to Carver High School, where they spent time training together.
His brother’s involvement in football provided an early example of the discipline and commitment required to succeed as an athlete.
Dontavious Marks’ Role in Woody’s Career
Dontavious remained involved in Woody’s football development as he progressed from high school to college.
When Woody considered transferring from Mississippi State to USC, Dontavious helped their mother evaluate the opportunity.
According to an April 2024 Los Angeles Times profile, Dontavious and Tameka examined Lincoln Riley’s offensive approach before supporting Woody’s decision to transfer.
They believed USC would provide an opportunity for him to demonstrate his complete abilities as a running back.
Dontavious has also spoken publicly about his younger brother’s competitiveness.
During Woody’s charity bowling tournament in Houston in May 2026, Dontavious recalled how Woody frequently spent time around older athletes during his childhood.
He explained that his younger brother became increasingly competitive as he grew older and eventually developed the confidence to challenge athletes who had previously been stronger than him.
Although Dontavious maintains a relatively private personal life, his support has remained an important part of Woody’s journey to the NFL.
2. Dallas Marks – Older Sister
Dallas Marks is Woody Marks’ older sister and another important member of his family.
Her name has an interesting connection to the family’s love of football.
According to an October 2025 Houston Chronicle profile, Woody’s maternal grandmother, Frances Marks, was a passionate Dallas Cowboys supporter.
Frances was such an enthusiastic fan of the NFL franchise that she encouraged her daughter, Tameka, to name her daughter Dallas.
Tameka followed her mother’s suggestion, giving Woody’s sister a name inspired by the Cowboys.
Dallas also had an interest in music while growing up.
According to USC Athletics, she participated in her school band and played the cymbals.
Her involvement in music initially influenced Woody, who considered joining the band instead of pursuing football.
Woody played musical instruments during his childhood, including the trumpet and trombone, before eventually choosing to concentrate on football.
This shared interest illustrates how his older sister influenced his childhood activities.
Although Dallas has generally remained outside the public spotlight, she is part of the family that supported Woody throughout his journey from Atlanta to professional football.
Further verified information about her occupation, romantic relationships, or children is not widely available.
Woody Marks’ Grandmother: Frances Marks
One of the most influential people in Woody Marks’ childhood was his maternal grandmother, Frances Marks.
Frances shared a particularly close relationship with her grandson and was responsible for giving him the nickname that eventually became famous throughout college football and the NFL.
Her affection for Woody and enthusiasm for football helped create lasting childhood memories.
How Frances Marks Gave Woody His Nickname
Woody Marks’ real first name is Jo’Quavious, but his family began calling him Woody when he was a young child.
The nickname originated from his fascination with Woody, the cowboy character from Disney and Pixar’s animated film Toy Story.
As a preschooler, he became so obsessed with the character that he repeatedly wore a Woody costume.
His mother purchased the costume for Halloween, but young Jo’Quavious wanted to continue wearing it long after the celebration ended.
He also collected Toy Story clothing and accessories and frequently watched the movies at home.
Frances began calling her grandson Woody because of his enthusiasm for the character.
The nickname remained part of his identity throughout childhood and eventually became the name by which football fans recognized him.
Years later, when people repeatedly mispronounced Jo’Quavious during football games, his mother encouraged announcers to use Woody instead.
What Happened to Woody Marks’ Grandmother?
Frances Marks passed away in 2008 after suffering a stroke. Woody was approximately eight years old at the time.
Before her death, she had lived with her daughter’s family in Atlanta.
Although she did not live long enough to witness her grandson’s college football accomplishments or NFL debut, her influence remained an important part of his life.
During a 2025 interview with the Houston Chronicle, Marks reflected on his grandmother’s memory and expressed his belief that she continued watching over him.
He explained that honoring his family, particularly Frances, provided additional motivation whenever he stepped onto the football field.
His grandmother’s influence remains visible today through the nickname Woody, which connects his professional identity to his childhood memories.
How Woody Marks’ Family Influenced His Football Career
Woody Marks’ family played a significant role in shaping his development as a professional athlete.
Growing up in Atlanta, he watched his older brother participate in football while his sister pursued interests in music.
Although Woody initially considered following his sister into the school band, he eventually became more interested in playing football.
He began participating in organized football at approximately eight years old and later developed into one of Georgia’s leading high school running backs.
At Carver High School, Marks rushed for more than 6,000 yards across four seasons and attracted attention from several major college football programs.
He ultimately committed to Mississippi State University, where he became a productive runner and receiver.
During his four seasons with the Bulldogs, he established school records for career receptions and receiving yards by a running back.
Following his transfer to USC in 2024, he rushed for 1,133 yards and nine touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to handle a prominent offensive role.
His outstanding performance helped him secure selection by the Houston Texans with the 116th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Throughout the process, his mother, siblings, and memories of his grandmother remained important sources of inspiration.
Woody Marks’ Family and Community Involvement
As his professional football career progressed, Marks increasingly used his platform to support children and families through charitable activities.
In May 2026, he organized a charity bowling tournament in Houston through the Woody Marks Foundation.
The event brought together members of his family, community supporters, and fellow Houston Texans players.
His mother and brother attended the gathering, demonstrating their continued involvement in his professional and charitable activities.
Marks also hosted a youth football camp at Fort Hood, Texas, in July 2026.
The camp provided military-connected children with opportunities to learn football fundamentals, develop teamwork, and build personal confidence.
His charitable work reflects the family-oriented values that have influenced him since childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Woody Marks’ Family
Does Woody Marks have a girlfriend?
As of now, Woody Marks has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Woody Marks married?
There is no verified public information confirming that Woody Marks is married or has a wife.
Does Woody Marks have children?
As of now, Woody Marks has not publicly announced having any children, and there are no reliably confirmed reports identifying him as a father.
Who is Woody Marks’ mother?
His mother is Tameka Marks, who has supported his football career from his childhood in Atlanta through his transition into the NFL.
Who is Woody Marks’ father?
Woody Marks’ biological father has not been reliably identified in major public biographies or interviews.
How many siblings does Woody Marks have?
Woody Marks has two older siblings: a brother named Dontavious Marks and a sister named Dallas Marks.
Who is Woody Marks’ brother?
His older brother is Dontavious Marks, who played football during his youth and helped Woody develop his interest in the sport.
Who is Woody Marks’ sister?
His older sister is Dallas Marks. Her name was inspired by their grandmother’s enthusiasm for the Dallas Cowboys.
Who was Woody Marks’ grandmother?
His maternal grandmother was Frances Marks, who gave him the nickname Woody because of his childhood obsession with the movie Toy Story. She passed away in 2008.
What is Woody Marks’ real name?
His full name is Jo’Quavious Dequane Marks. He became widely known as Woody because of the nickname given to him during childhood.
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.
