Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Carnell Tate is an American football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 19, 2005, in Chicago, Illinois, Tate developed into one of the country’s most talented college football players before being selected fourth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Behind his success is a family that has played an important role in his life. His parents are LeSean Tate and the late Ashley Griggs, and he has four siblings: A’Kayla, Re’Niyah, Re’Asia and LeSean Tate Jr.
Tate’s family story includes a heartbreaking tragedy. His mother was killed in a shooting in Chicago in July 2023, shortly before he began his freshman season at Ohio State University. Since then, the wide receiver has repeatedly honored her memory through his football celebrations and public appearances.
Although Tate openly discusses his parents and siblings, he maintains a relatively private romantic life. Here is what is publicly known about Carnell Tate’s girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Carnell Tate’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Carnell Tate has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner through reliable interviews or official NFL reporting.
Despite attracting national attention during his college football career at Ohio State and following his selection by the Tennessee Titans, Tate has generally kept his dating life away from public discussion.
His official Tennessee Titans and Ohio State biographies focus on his football achievements, education and family background rather than romantic relationships.
There is no sufficiently verified public information identifying a current girlfriend.
Consequently, claims about Tate dating a particular person should be treated as unconfirmed unless supported by a credible source or a direct public statement.
Is Carnell Tate Married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Carnell Tate is married.
The Tennessee Titans wide receiver has not publicly identified a wife or announced a wedding through official team communications or established news publications.
His current relationship status remains private.
Does Carnell Tate Have Children?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Carnell Tate has any children.
His official NFL and college football biographies do not identify a son or daughter, and he has not made a verified public announcement about becoming a father.
Although Tate frequently discusses his family, particularly his late mother and siblings, he has not publicly established that he has children of his own.
Carnell Tate’s Parents
Carnell Tate was born to LeSean Tate and Ashley Griggs in Chicago, Illinois.
His parents have been important figures in his personal development, particularly his mother, who raised him in Chicago and supported his dream of becoming a professional football player.
His father has also remained involved in his life, attending important football games and celebrating his achievements.
Carnell Tate’s Father: LeSean Tate
LeSean Tate is Carnell Tate’s father. He is also identified as Sean Tate in Ohio State University’s official football biography and earlier recruiting profiles.
According to On3’s recruiting biography, Sean Tate attended Alabama A&M University.
Although detailed information about his professional career is not widely available, he has remained a visible supporter of his son’s football journey.
On November 16, 2024, LeSean attended Ohio State’s game against Northwestern at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
The occasion was particularly emotional because it represented Carnell’s return to his hometown following his mother’s death.
His father, grandmother, sister and other relatives were among approximately 30 to 40 family members and loved ones who attended the game.
Carnell responded with two touchdown receptions, helping Ohio State defeat Northwestern 31-7.
Following the game, he emphasized how meaningful it was to perform well in front of his family.
LeSean also supported his son during the transition from college football to the NFL.
In April 2026, he was among the relatives expected to attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when Carnell entered the league.
His father has also maintained his own football loyalties. Growing up in Chicago, Carnell supported the Chicago Bears, and his father remained a devoted Bears fan even after his son joined the Tennessee Titans.
During an August 2026 media appearance, Tate jokingly discussed his father’s reluctance to wear Titans merchandise when Tennessee faced Chicago in the preseason.
Carnell Tate’s Mother: Ashley Griggs
Ashley Griggs was Carnell Tate’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She raised him on the West Side of Chicago, where he grew up facing challenges associated with his neighborhood.
In a November 2025 feature produced by FOX Sports, Tate described his mother as his closest confidante and an essential source of guidance.
He explained that he could turn to her whenever he needed advice, emotional support or someone to listen to his concerns.
Griggs worked hard to provide opportunities for her son and encouraged him to pursue his football ambitions.
She supported his development from youth football through high school and into his recruitment by major college programs.
When Tate began attracting interest from universities across the country, his mother participated in the recruitment process.
She accompanied him on college visits and helped him evaluate his options.
According to a 2022 Sports Illustrated recruiting interview, Tate had to persuade his mother to take time away from work for another visit to Notre Dame.
Her involvement demonstrated how seriously she approached her son’s education and athletic future.
Unfortunately, Ashley Griggs died before she could witness his professional football debut.
What Happened to Carnell Tate’s Mother?
Ashley Griggs was killed in a drive-by shooting in Chicago on July 16, 2023.
According to reporting by ESPN and the Associated Press, the shooting occurred in the Garfield Park neighborhood during a high school reunion gathering.
Griggs was 40 years old at the time of her death. Four other people were wounded in the incident.
Tate was preparing for his freshman football season at Ohio State University when he received the devastating news.
The loss deeply affected him because of the close relationship he had shared with his mother throughout childhood.
Despite the tragedy, Tate continued pursuing his football ambitions with support from his family, coaches and teammates.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and members of the football program provided encouragement during his grieving process.
Tate subsequently began honoring his mother after touchdowns by blowing a kiss toward the sky.
He explained in a FOX Sports interview that the celebration represents his belief that his mother continues watching over him.
Her memory has remained an important source of motivation throughout his college and NFL careers.
Carnell Tate’s Siblings: Brothers and Sisters
Carnell Tate has four siblings, according to the Tennessee Titans’ official player biography.
They are three sisters, A’Kayla, Re’Niyah and Re’Asia, and one brother, LeSean Tate Jr.
Earlier recruiting profiles identified his three sisters, while the Titans’ updated biography also includes his brother.
Although the names of all four siblings are publicly documented, most details about their personal lives have remained private.
A’Kayla – Carnell Tate’s Sister
A’Kayla is one of Carnell Tate’s three sisters.
Her name appears in the Tennessee Titans’ official biography and in recruiting records from his high school football career.
While specific details about her education and professional activities are not widely available, she is part of the family network that has supported Carnell throughout his journey.
Tate has spoken openly about the importance of his sisters, particularly following the loss of their mother.
Re’Niyah – Carnell Tate’s Sister
Re’Niyah is another of Carnell Tate’s sisters.
She is identified in both his official Tennessee Titans biography and his earlier On3 recruiting profile.
Reliable public sources provide limited information about her age, education or professional activities.
Nevertheless, Tate’s public comments emphasize the importance of maintaining close relationships with his siblings and supporting one another through difficult circumstances.
Re’Asia – Carnell Tate’s Sister
Re’Asia is Carnell Tate’s third publicly identified sister.
Her name is included in the Tennessee Titans’ player biography alongside A’Kayla and Re’Niyah.
Like her sisters, Re’Asia generally maintains a private life outside professional football coverage.
Although individual details about the siblings are limited, their family relationship with Carnell is confirmed through official records.
LeSean Tate Jr. – Carnell Tate’s Brother
LeSean Tate Jr. is Carnell Tate’s brother and the fourth sibling identified in his official Tennessee Titans biography.
His name was not included in some of Carnell’s earlier recruiting profiles, which focused on his three sisters.
The Titans’ updated biography, however, confirms that Carnell has four siblings in total.
Additional reliable information about LeSean Jr.’s education, occupation and personal life has not been widely published.
Carnell Tate’s Close Relationship With His Sisters
Carnell Tate has repeatedly emphasized the importance of his family, especially his sisters, following the death of their mother.
During the 2026 NFL Draft, he wore a specially designed suit that included the names of his late mother and sisters embroidered inside the jacket.
The gesture attracted attention because of its emotional significance.
During his introductory press conference with the Tennessee Titans on April 23, 2026, Tate explained that his mother and a sister were among the most important people in his life.
He said that he and his sister communicate regularly and have supported each other through difficult experiences.
Although he did not identify the sister by name during that particular interview, his remarks demonstrated the strength of their relationship.
For Tate, the NFL Draft outfit served as a tribute to the family members who had supported him throughout his journey.
Carnell Tate’s Childhood and Family Background
Carnell Tate was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, where he developed a passion for football at an early age.
His mother worked to keep him focused on education and sports while navigating the challenges of raising a family in the city.
Tate attended Marist High School in Chicago during his freshman and sophomore years.
In 2019, he became one of the school’s few freshmen to participate in varsity football, recording 28 receptions for 444 yards and five touchdowns.
His sophomore football season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seeking opportunities to improve his athletic development, Tate later transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
The move allowed him to compete against nationally recognized high school football prospects.
During his senior season in 2022, he recorded 750 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in eight games.
His performances attracted scholarship offers from several major college football programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame and Ohio State.
He ultimately committed to Ohio State, where he believed the coaching staff could help him develop into an NFL-caliber wide receiver.
How Carnell Tate Honored His Mother During His College Career
Carnell Tate began his college football career at Ohio State in 2023, shortly after losing his mother.
Despite the emotional challenges, he appeared in 13 games during his freshman season and recorded 18 receptions for 264 yards and one touchdown.
His first collegiate touchdown came against Western Kentucky in September 2023.
During the following season, Tate developed into an important member of Ohio State’s receiving corps.
One particularly meaningful moment occurred on November 16, 2024, when Ohio State played Northwestern at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
The game was his first college football appearance in his hometown following his mother’s death.
With his father, grandmother, sister and numerous other relatives watching from the stands, Tate caught four passes for 52 yards and two touchdowns.
He celebrated by acknowledging his late mother, continuing the tradition he had established after her death.
The performance helped Ohio State secure a 31-7 victory.
Tate subsequently contributed to the Buckeyes’ national championship-winning season, which concluded with a victory over Notre Dame in January 2025.
During the 2025 season, he recorded 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American honors.
He also received first-team Academic All-American recognition.
Carnell Tate’s Family Celebrated His NFL Draft Selection
On April 23, 2026, the Tennessee Titans selected Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft.
The selection represented the realization of a dream he had pursued since childhood.
Several family members and loved ones traveled to Pittsburgh to celebrate the occasion.
Tate honored his mother by wearing a customized suit containing her name and the names of his sisters.
During interviews following his selection, he credited his mother’s sacrifices and dedication for helping him reach the NFL.
He also explained that the opportunity to become a professional football player was meaningful because of everything his family had experienced.
His selection made him one of the highest-drafted wide receivers in Ohio State history.
He later signed his rookie contract with the Titans and began his professional career in Nashville.
Throughout the transition to the NFL, Tate continued expressing appreciation for his family and the people who helped him succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carnell Tate’s Family
Who is Carnell Tate’s girlfriend?
Carnell Tate has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend. He generally keeps his romantic life private.
Is Carnell Tate married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Carnell Tate is married.
Does Carnell Tate have children?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Carnell Tate has any children.
Who are Carnell Tate’s parents?
Carnell Tate’s parents are LeSean Tate, also identified as Sean Tate, and the late Ashley Griggs.
What happened to Carnell Tate’s mother?
Carnell Tate’s mother, Ashley Griggs, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Chicago on July 16, 2023. She was 40 years old.
How many siblings does Carnell Tate have?
Carnell Tate has four siblings: three sisters named A’Kayla, Re’Niyah and Re’Asia, and a brother named LeSean Tate Jr.
Who is Carnell Tate’s father?
Carnell Tate’s father is LeSean Tate, who is also identified as Sean Tate in Ohio State’s official football records and recruiting profiles.
Where is Carnell Tate’s family from?
Carnell Tate’s family is from Chicago, Illinois, where he was born and raised before moving to Florida to attend IMG Academy.
Why does Carnell Tate blow kisses after touchdowns?
Carnell Tate blows kisses toward the sky after scoring touchdowns to honor his late mother, Ashley Griggs, who died in 2023.
Did Carnell Tate honor his family at the NFL Draft?
Yes. Tate wore a customized suit featuring the names of his mother and sisters during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
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.
