Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Bud Dupree, whose full name is Alvin Dupree Jr., is an American professional football player who plays as an outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 12, 1993, in Macon, Georgia, Dupree grew up in Toomsboro and became one of the most recognizable football players from his hometown.
Family has remained an important part of Dupree’s life throughout his NFL career. His parents are Alvin Dupree Sr. and Sophia Stephens, and he is the father of at least two sons, Jett and Ace. He also has a younger sister named Zoria, whom he publicly supported during her treatment for multiple sclerosis. Although Dupree has spoken openly about fatherhood and his family, he has kept the identity of his current romantic partner private.
Bud Dupree’s Girlfriend or Wife
As of now, Bud Dupree has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend or wife. There is no reliable, independently verified information establishing that the Los Angeles Chargers linebacker is married.
Despite being a father, Dupree has generally avoided discussing his romantic relationships in interviews. Most of his public appearances focus on football, his children, community projects and charitable initiatives.
Some online biographies have speculated about his relationship status, but these reports do not provide sufficient evidence to identify a spouse or current partner.
The identity of the mother or mothers of his children has also not been reliably established in major public sports reporting. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to assign that relationship to any individual without confirmation.
Bud Dupree’s Children
Bud Dupree is a father and has publicly discussed raising his sons. His children are an important part of his life, particularly as he balances professional football with parenting and coaching youth sports.
In an ESPN feature published on October 12, 2026, Dupree discussed coaching his sons, Jett and Ace, in flag football. The article identified Jett as eight years old and Ace as six.
Earlier online family profiles claimed that Dupree had three sons. However, ESPN’s more recent reporting specifically identifies Jett and Ace, and the identity of any additional child has not been independently established through similarly reliable sources.
Bud Dupree’s Son: Jett Dupree
Jett is one of Bud Dupree’s sons. He was eight years old when ESPN interviewed his father for its October 2026 feature about professional athletes coaching their children.
Some earlier profiles identify his full name as Breitlen Jett Dupree and report that he was born on August 10, 2018. However, these additional details have not been independently verified through official NFL reporting.
According to ESPN, Jett began playing organized flag football when he was approximately four years old.
Dupree wanted to remain involved in his son’s development, so he began coaching rather than simply watching from the sidelines.
His approach emphasized teaching football fundamentals, developing confidence and helping young players learn from mistakes rather than focusing exclusively on winning games.
Bud Dupree’s Son: Ace Dupree
Ace is another of Bud Dupree’s sons. ESPN identified him as six years old in October 2026.
Some secondary biographies refer to him as Bryston Ace Dupree and report a January 2020 birth date. Those details have not been independently confirmed through primary sources.
Like his older brother Jett, Ace has developed an interest in playing flag football.
Dupree has spoken about how meaningful it is to watch his sons become increasingly interested in the sport that has defined his own professional career.
He particularly enjoys seeing them demonstrate determination, improve their skills and develop a willingness to practice.
How Bud Dupree Coaches His Children
Fatherhood has inspired Bud Dupree to become involved in youth football coaching.
According to ESPN’s October 2026 report, Dupree established a youth football organization called BD Elite after beginning to coach his sons.
The program expanded beyond his own children to include teams for several age groups, including 8U, 10U, 15U and 18U players.
Although the initiative began as an opportunity to help Jett and Ace, Dupree explained that he wanted to provide other children with opportunities to develop their football abilities and potentially earn college scholarships.
He also emphasized that young athletes should enjoy the sport while learning discipline, teamwork and the fundamentals of football.
Dupree considers it especially rewarding that his sons have observed the dedication required to compete professionally and have begun applying similar habits to their own development.
Bud Dupree’s Parents
Bud Dupree was born to Alvin Dupree Sr. and Sophia Stephens. Their names are confirmed in his official University of Kentucky athletics biography and in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ announcement following his selection in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Dupree grew up in Toomsboro, a small community in Wilkinson County, Georgia. His upbringing helped shape his sense of loyalty to family, his work ethic and his commitment to giving back to his hometown.
Bud Dupree’s Father: Alvin Dupree Sr.
Bud Dupree’s father is Alvin Dupree Sr., from whom he inherited his first name.
His official University of Kentucky player biography identifies him as the son of Alvin Dupree Sr. and Sophia Stephens.
Although Dupree has spoken frequently about his Georgia upbringing and family connections, comparatively little information about his father’s personal life has been published in major sports interviews.
Details regarding Alvin Dupree Sr.’s professional occupation, education and involvement in his son’s early football career have not been reliably established in the sources reviewed.
Nevertheless, the family’s connection to Toomsboro remained important as Bud developed from a high school standout into a first-round NFL Draft selection.
Bud Dupree’s Mother: Sophia Stephens
Bud Dupree’s mother is Sophia Stephens, a longtime hairstylist who operated a salon in their hometown.
According to an August 2023 feature published by the Atlanta Falcons, Sophia was well known in her community, and her hair salon served as a gathering place for local residents.
Dupree described his mother as someone who helped bring people together and supported the community through her work.
He developed a close relationship with Sophia and eventually honored her with a tattoo on his right shoulder.
The tattoo includes her name, a rose and a pair of hairstyling scissors, representing her professional career and importance to the community.
Interestingly, Dupree received his first tattoo at just 13 years old, something his mother initially disapproved of.
He later recalled accidentally revealing the tattoo while visiting her salon, leading to an uncomfortable moment because he had tried to keep it hidden.
As he grew older, Dupree began using tattoos to recognize people and experiences that were especially meaningful to him, including his mother.
His tribute to Sophia became one of the most personal designs in his collection.
Bud Dupree’s Siblings
Bud Dupree has a younger sister named Zoria, whose relationship with him has been confirmed by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Bleacher Report.
Some secondary family biographies also identify a younger brother named Jarius. However, this information has not been independently corroborated in official team biographies or detailed primary interviews.
The complete number of Dupree’s brothers and sisters has therefore not been definitively established through the reliable sources reviewed for this profile.
Bud Dupree’s Younger Sister: Zoria
Zoria is Bud Dupree’s younger sister. Their close relationship became publicly known when Dupree participated in the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative in 2019.
According to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ official website, Zoria had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological condition affecting the central nervous system.
The diagnosis was an emotional experience for Dupree, who became concerned about his sister’s health and wanted to help her access appropriate medical care.
He subsequently chose multiple sclerosis awareness as the cause represented by his customized football cleats.
In a December 2019 interview, Dupree explained that he wanted Zoria to understand that he was supporting her during her treatment.
He also discussed the importance of raising awareness about the condition so that other people experiencing similar circumstances could receive support.
Bleacher Report reported that Dupree had helped teach Zoria basketball when they were younger, highlighting their shared interest in sports.
Following her diagnosis, he researched the disease and worked with family members to support her treatment.
Although Zoria’s experience has been publicly documented, details about her current health and personal circumstances have not been established through recent reliable reporting.
Bud Dupree’s Godmother and the Origin of His Nickname
One of the most interesting stories about Bud Dupree’s family involves his godmother, who gave him the nickname by which he became known throughout his football career.
Although his legal name is Alvin Dupree Jr., he has been called Bud since childhood.
According to an interview following his selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015, his godmother experienced a dream before he was born.
In the dream, she heard people calling him Bud and celebrating his achievements as a football player.
After sharing the story with his mother, Sophia Stephens, the nickname became part of the family’s everyday life.
Years later, when Dupree became a first-round NFL Draft selection, he remembered the dream as a meaningful coincidence.
He even brought his godmother to Chicago for the 2015 NFL Draft, allowing her to celebrate the achievement alongside him.
The experience reflected the importance of extended family relationships in his life and the support he received long before entering professional football.
Bud Dupree’s Childhood and Family Background
Bud Dupree was born in Macon, Georgia, and raised in Toomsboro, a small town in central Georgia.
He attended Wilkinson County High School in Irwinton, where he demonstrated exceptional talent in both football and basketball.
During high school, he played as a tight end on offense and a defensive end on defense.
In his senior season, Dupree recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns offensively, alongside 62 tackles and 10 sacks on defense.
He also helped his high school basketball team win a Georgia Class A state championship.
His performances attracted interest from college football programs, and he eventually enrolled at the University of Kentucky.
At Kentucky, Dupree developed into one of the Southeastern Conference’s leading defensive players while studying community and leadership development.
His college achievements helped him earn selection in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
How Bud Dupree Honors His Family and Community
Bud Dupree’s attachment to his family extends to his hometown in central Georgia.
In 2017, local officials renamed Pineview Street in Toomsboro as Bud Dupree Drive in recognition of his achievements and contributions to the community.
The honor became the inspiration for another of his tattoos, which features a street sign bearing his name.
Dupree also has the 478 telephone area code tattooed on his body as a tribute to the region where he grew up.
During his time with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, he discussed his commitment to remaining connected to his hometown and supporting local young people.
He has participated in community gatherings, youth activities and charitable initiatives designed to give children opportunities and positive role models.
His family values are also reflected in his tattoo featuring the words “Love is Loyalty,” which represents his belief that caring for others involves long-term commitment and support.
More recently, the youth football program he founded for his sons has expanded into another way of helping children develop both athletic abilities and life skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bud Dupree’s Family
Who is Bud Dupree’s girlfriend?
As of now, Bud Dupree has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend or romantic partner.
Is Bud Dupree married?
There is no reliable public confirmation establishing that Bud Dupree is married or identifying a wife.
Does Bud Dupree have children?
Yes. Bud Dupree is the father of at least two sons, Jett and Ace, whom he discussed in an ESPN interview published in October 2026.
What are Bud Dupree’s children’s names?
His publicly confirmed sons are Jett and Ace. Some earlier biographies use the fuller names Breitlen Jett Dupree and Bryston Ace Dupree, but those full names have not been independently corroborated in official reporting.
Who is Bud Dupree’s father?
His father is Alvin Dupree Sr., as confirmed by the University of Kentucky athletics department and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Who is Bud Dupree’s mother?
His mother is Sophia Stephens, a longtime hairstylist from Georgia whom he honored with a tattoo.
Does Bud Dupree have siblings?
Yes. He has a younger sister named Zoria. Some secondary profiles also mention a younger brother named Jarius, although the brother’s identity has not been independently verified through primary sources.
Who is Bud Dupree’s sister?
His younger sister is Zoria, whom he supported through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign after her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis.
Who gave Bud Dupree his nickname?
His godmother gave him the nickname Bud after a dream she experienced before he was born.
Where is Bud Dupree’s family from?
Bud Dupree was born in Macon, Georgia, and grew up in nearby Toomsboro, in Wilkinson County.
How old is Bud Dupree?
Born on February 12, 1993, Bud Dupree is 33 years old as of now.
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.
