Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Darryl Peterson III is an American professional football player who plays as an outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League (NFL). Originally from Akron, Ohio, Peterson played college football at the University of Wisconsin before joining the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2026.
Darryl Peterson III’s family includes his father, Darryl Peterson II, his mother, Natatia Peterson, and his three younger siblings: Darryn Peterson, Dior Peterson and Daylon Peterson. His family has a strong sporting background, with his father having played college basketball and his younger brother Darryn becoming a professional NBA player.
Peterson has frequently acknowledged the important role his parents and siblings played in his athletic development. Although his family relationships are publicly documented, information about his romantic life and whether he has children remains private.
Darryl Peterson III’s Girlfriend or Wife
As of now, Darryl Peterson III has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or wife through reliable interviews, official NFL biographies or established news publications.
The Los Angeles Rams linebacker generally keeps his romantic relationships away from public attention. His interviews have focused primarily on his football career, family upbringing, training routines and close relationship with his younger brother, Darryn Peterson.
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Peterson is married or engaged.
Consequently, his current relationship status remains unconfirmed. The absence of publicly available information does not necessarily mean that he is single or has never been in a relationship.
Darryl Peterson III’s Children
As of now, there is no reliable public information confirming whether Darryl Peterson III has children.
His official Los Angeles Rams and University of Wisconsin player biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Peterson has spoken about his parents, siblings and upbringing in Ohio, he has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father.
His parental status therefore remains private, and it would be inaccurate to state definitively that he has no children.
Darryl Peterson III’s Parents
Darryl Peterson III was born to Darryl Peterson II and Natatia Peterson and grew up in Ohio.
His parents encouraged athletic participation from an early age, creating a competitive family environment that influenced both Darryl’s football career and his younger brother Darryn’s basketball development.
The identities of his parents were confirmed in reporting published by Andscape and The Sporting News, as well as interviews involving the Peterson family.
Darryl Peterson III’s Father: Darryl Peterson II
Darryl Peterson II, also known as Darryl Peterson Jr., is Darryl Peterson III’s father and a former college basketball player.
Born on July 31, 1983, he grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended Western Hills High School.
During his high school basketball career, Peterson II became a standout player, earning All-Cincinnati and All-Queen City Conference first-team honors.
He subsequently attended the University of Akron, where he played college basketball for the Akron Zips from 2001 through 2006.
According to the university’s official athletic biography, he developed into a productive college player, recording several strong scoring performances during his career.
After completing his playing career, he remained involved in basketball and helped guide his children’s athletic development.
His experience as a college athlete allowed him to provide valuable advice about training, discipline and the demands of competitive sports.
In a March 2026 interview with Pro Football Network, Darryl Peterson III discussed his father’s strict approach to training and preparation.
He explained that he and his younger brother Darryn did not always understand their father’s demanding expectations during childhood.
However, as they approached professional sports careers, both brothers came to appreciate the discipline and work ethic their father had encouraged.
Peterson II has also publicly discussed the importance of keeping his children focused despite their growing athletic success.
In 2026, he expressed pride in seeing Darryl III and Darryn pursue professional careers in football and basketball, respectively.
Darryl Peterson III’s Mother: Natatia Peterson
Natatia Peterson is Darryl Peterson III’s mother and a healthcare professional who has worked in maternal and reproductive health services.
According to The Sporting News, Natatia is a certified midwife in Ohio who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care.
She founded Your Womb Holistic Midwifery and Doula Services, an organization providing support and education to mothers and families.
Natatia has also been associated with The Strive Collective, a nonprofit initiative focused on supporting birth professionals and families.
She attended the University of Akron, where she earned a master’s degree in education with a specialization in family and consumer sciences.
Alongside her professional responsibilities, Natatia played an important role in supporting her children’s education and athletic activities.
During Darryl’s high school football recruitment, she accompanied him to college visits and helped evaluate potential universities.
In March 2020, Sports Illustrated reported that Natatia and Darryl’s younger sister joined him on a recruiting visit to the University of Wisconsin.
The family toured the football facilities, met coaches and discussed academic opportunities.
Peterson explained that the welcoming treatment his mother and sister received contributed to his positive impression of Wisconsin.
His mother’s involvement in the recruitment process demonstrated the importance his family placed on finding a supportive environment for his college career.
Darryl Peterson III’s Siblings
Darryl Peterson III has three younger siblings: two brothers, Darryn Peterson and Daylon Peterson, and a sister, Dior Peterson.
The siblings were identified in a December 2023 Andscape family profile and subsequent reporting about Darryn Peterson’s basketball career.
Sports have played an important role in the Peterson household, with several family members pursuing competitive athletics.
Darryn Peterson: Darryl Peterson III’s Brother
Darryn Peterson is Darryl Peterson III’s younger brother and a professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Born on January 17, 2007, in Canton, Ohio, Darryn developed into one of the most highly regarded basketball prospects in the United States.
He initially attended Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy in Ohio before continuing his high school basketball career at Huntington Prep in West Virginia and Prolific Prep in California.
During his teenage years, Darryn attracted national attention for his scoring ability and performances against elite competition.
He also represented the United States at the youth international level, helping the country win a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship.
In December 2023, Andscape reported that Darryn had signed significant endorsement agreements with Adidas and Fanatics Trading Cards.
He subsequently committed to the University of Kansas, where he played college basketball during the 2025-26 season.
Following his freshman season, Darryn entered the 2026 NBA Draft and began his professional career with the Utah Jazz.
His professional breakthrough coincided with Darryl III’s entry into the NFL, creating a significant moment for the Peterson family.
In May 2026, Darryn spoke about the brothers’ shared ambitions during an interview at the NBA Draft Combine.
He explained that both had spent years working toward professional sports careers and credited their parents for the sacrifices that made those opportunities possible.
Darryl III has also spoken about his close relationship with Darryn.
In a March 2026 interview with Pro Football Network, he described how the brothers regularly discussed their sporting ambitions and appreciated the opportunity to reach the professional level during the same year.
Despite pursuing different sports, their shared upbringing and competitive mentality helped strengthen their relationship.
Dior Peterson: Darryl Peterson III’s Sister
Dior Peterson is Darryl Peterson III’s younger sister.
Her identity was confirmed in a December 2023 Andscape family profile, which featured the Peterson family during Darryn’s rise as a nationally recognized basketball prospect.
Dior has grown up in a household strongly connected to competitive sports, with her father being a former college basketball player and two older brothers pursuing professional athletic careers.
In March 2020, Darryl III was accompanied by his mother and younger sister during a recruiting visit to Wisconsin.
Sports Illustrated reported that the visit helped the family evaluate the university’s facilities, academic programs and football environment.
Although Dior has appeared in family-related sports coverage, reliable details about her own athletic ambitions and personal interests remain limited.
Because she is not a public figure in the same way as her professional athlete brothers, additional information about her private life has generally remained outside media coverage.
Daylon Peterson: Darryl Peterson III’s Brother
Daylon Peterson is Darryl Peterson III’s youngest brother and another member of the family’s athletic household.
His identity was confirmed in an Andscape family profile published in December 2023.
Like his older brother Darryn, Daylon has shown an interest in basketball.
According to The Sporting News, Daylon participated in youth basketball competitions in Ohio and received recognition for his performances.
In 2025, he earned All-Tournament honors at the Adidas Earn Your Stripes Battle of the Cities event.
Although Daylon remains early in his athletic development, his participation in basketball continues the family’s connection to competitive sports.
Additional personal details about Daylon remain private.
How Darryl Peterson III’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Darryl Peterson III grew up in Akron, Ohio, where his family’s interest in sports influenced his development from childhood.
His father introduced him and his siblings to disciplined training, while his mother supported their educational and athletic opportunities.
Peterson attended Archbishop Hoban High School, where he became one of Ohio’s most productive defensive football players.
During his junior season, he recorded a school-record 21 sacks and earned recognition as one of the area’s outstanding defensive players.
He continued his strong performances during his senior season, recording 17.5 sacks and helping Archbishop Hoban win a state championship.
His achievements attracted attention from several major college football programs.
Peterson ultimately committed to the University of Wisconsin, where he joined the Badgers ahead of the 2021 season.
His mother’s positive experiences during the recruiting process were among the factors that influenced his decision.
During his five seasons at Wisconsin, Peterson developed into an important contributor on the team’s defensive line.
In 2023, he recorded 47 tackles and 4.5 sacks, earning Academic All-Big Ten recognition.
His final college season in 2025 proved particularly successful.
According to Wisconsin’s official athletic biography, Peterson played in all 12 games and recorded 35 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition and received Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors following a strong performance against Illinois in November 2025.
After completing his college football career, Peterson entered the 2026 NFL Draft.
Although he was not selected, the Los Angeles Rams signed him as an undrafted free agent in April 2026.
He initially joined the Rams’ practice squad before earning opportunities on the active roster during the regular season.
His transition to professional football represented the culmination of years of training and dedication supported by his family.
Darryl Peterson III’s Relationship With His Family
Darryl Peterson III has frequently credited his parents and siblings with helping him develop a strong work ethic.
Growing up in a competitive household encouraged him to take sports seriously and maintain high expectations for himself.
His father emphasized preparation, discipline and accountability, while his mother supported his recruitment and academic development.
His relationship with Darryn has also been particularly meaningful because both brothers pursued professional sports careers.
In a May 2026 interview, Darryn credited Darryl III with providing advice about dealing with criticism and staying focused on personal goals.
Both brothers have emphasized that their parents made significant sacrifices to support their ambitions.
The family’s continued involvement in their athletic careers reflects the supportive environment in which they were raised.
Frequently Asked Questions About Darryl Peterson III’s Family
Who is Darryl Peterson III’s girlfriend?
As of now, Darryl Peterson III has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend through reliable sources.
Is Darryl Peterson III married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Darryl Peterson III is married or has a wife.
Does Darryl Peterson III have children?
No reliable public information currently confirms whether Darryl Peterson III has children.
Who are Darryl Peterson III’s parents?
Darryl Peterson III’s parents are Darryl Peterson II, a former University of Akron basketball player, and Natatia Peterson, a certified midwife and healthcare professional.
Who is Darryl Peterson III’s father?
His father is Darryl Peterson II, who played college basketball for the Akron Zips from 2001 through 2006.
Who is Darryl Peterson III’s mother?
His mother is Natatia Peterson, a certified midwife who founded Your Womb Holistic Midwifery and Doula Services in Ohio.
How many siblings does Darryl Peterson III have?
Darryl Peterson III has three younger siblings: Darryn Peterson, Dior Peterson and Daylon Peterson.
Is Darryl Peterson III related to Darryn Peterson?
Yes. Darryl Peterson III is the older brother of NBA basketball player Darryn Peterson, who joined the Utah Jazz in 2026.
Who is Darryl Peterson III’s sister?
His younger sister is Dior Peterson, who has appeared in published coverage of the Peterson family’s sporting achievements.
Who is Darryl Peterson III’s youngest brother?
His youngest brother is Daylon Peterson, who has participated in youth basketball competitions in Ohio.
Where is Darryl Peterson III’s family from?
Darryl Peterson III grew up in Akron, Ohio, while his family has connections to the surrounding Canton area. His father also has roots in Cincinnati, Ohio.
What NFL team does Darryl Peterson III play for?
Darryl Peterson III plays for the Los Angeles Rams, who signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.
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.
