Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Dean Connors is an American professional football running back for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 29, 2003, in Bend, Oregon, Connors developed his football career through Riverside City College, Rice University and the University of Houston before joining the Rams in 2026.
Beyond his football achievements, Connors comes from an athletic family. His parents are Brian Connors and Toni Johnson, while his sister, Hillary Connors, has also participated in college athletics. His father’s experience as a college football player helped shape Dean’s passion for the sport from an early age.
Although his family background has been documented in university athletic biographies and interviews, Connors maintains considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and personal life. Here is what is publicly known about Dean Connors’ girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Dean Connors’ Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Dean Connors has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend, and there is no reliable, independently verified information identifying his current romantic partner.
Throughout his college football career at Rice University and the University of Houston, Connors primarily attracted media attention for his performances as a running back rather than his dating life.
His interviews have largely focused on football, his upbringing in Hawaii, his family’s athletic background and his ambitions as a professional athlete.
Although Connors may choose to keep a relationship private, there is insufficient public evidence to identify a particular person as his girlfriend.
There is also no verified public announcement confirming that Connors is married.
Therefore, his current relationship status remains publicly unconfirmed.
Dean Connors’ Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, there is no verified public information indicating that Dean Connors has children.
The Los Angeles Rams running back has not publicly announced becoming a father, and his official university biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.
While Connors has discussed his parents and family background in interviews, he has not provided any confirmed public information about having children of his own.
Consequently, there are no publicly confirmed details about any children belonging to Dean Connors.
Dean Connors’ Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Dean Connors was born to Brian Connors and Toni Johnson. His parents have been identified in his official Rice University Athletics biography.
Connors was born in Oregon and spent an important part of his childhood on the Big Island of Hawaii. His family’s connection to football influenced his decision to pursue the sport competitively.
His father had experience playing college football, while his mother supported his move to California as he sought better opportunities for his football career.
Dean Connors’ Father: Brian Connors
Dean Connors’ father is Brian Connors, a former college football player who competed at the University of the Pacific.
Brian also has a documented connection to the University of Oregon, according to his son’s University of Houston and Los Angeles Rams player biographies.
During his college football career, Brian played running back for Pacific, providing Dean with an early example of what it meant to compete at the collegiate level.
In a November 2025 interview with Aloha State Daily, Dean recalled watching old recordings of his father’s football games when he was young.
One of those recordings featured Pacific playing against the University of Hawaii at Aloha Stadium. Watching his father compete inspired Dean to pursue his own college football ambitions.
Brian was also involved in coaching his son during his childhood in Hawaii.
Dean played youth football with the Waimea Cowboys and Honoka’a Dragons, with his father helping coach him during those formative years.
As Dean grew older, Brian encouraged him to consider opportunities beyond Hawaii to improve his chances of receiving a college football scholarship.
When Dean moved to Southern California during high school, his father remained in Hawaii. However, Brian’s advice and experience continued to influence his son’s athletic development.
Dean has publicly credited his father’s football background with helping him understand the challenges involved in pursuing a college football career.
Dean Connors’ Mother: Toni Johnson
Dean Connors’ mother is Toni Johnson, whose name is confirmed in his official Rice University Athletics biography.
Although Toni has generally remained outside the sports media spotlight, she played an important role in supporting Dean’s education and football ambitions.
Connors spent part of his youth in Hawaii, where he attended Hawaii Preparatory Academy before moving to California during high school.
According to his November 2025 interview with Aloha State Daily, he relocated to California and stayed with his mother and grandmother while attending Murrieta Valley High School.
The move was an important decision because it provided more opportunities for Connors to compete against highly regarded football players and attract the attention of college recruiters.
Although the available reporting does not provide extensive details about Toni’s professional background or private life, her involvement during this transition was an important part of Dean’s journey.
His decision to continue pursuing football eventually led him to Riverside City College, Rice University, the University of Houston and the NFL.
Dean Connors’ Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
Dean Connors has one publicly documented sibling, a sister named Hillary Connors.
His official Rice University Athletics biography identifies Hillary as his sister and notes that she participated in track and field at Linfield University.
Hillary Connors: Dean Connors’ Sister
Hillary Connors is the sister of Los Angeles Rams running back Dean Connors.
Like her brother and father, Hillary has an athletic background. Rice University’s official football biography reports that she competed in track at Linfield University in Oregon.
Her participation in collegiate athletics reflects the sporting interests shared by several members of the Connors family.
While Dean pursued football, Hillary followed a different athletic path through track and field.
However, she has generally maintained a more private public profile than her brother. Reliable information about her professional career, relationships and other personal activities is limited.
There is no verified public information confirming that Dean Connors has additional siblings beyond Hillary.
Dean Connors’ Family Background and Football Journey
Dean Russell Connors was born in Bend, Oregon, and later moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, where he spent much of his childhood.
Growing up, he was surrounded by a family with a strong connection to athletics, particularly football.
His father, Brian Connors, had played college football, and Dean regularly watched recordings of his father’s games. Those experiences helped develop his early ambition to compete at a high level.
Connors attended Hawaii Preparatory Academy before relocating to California, where he played football at Murrieta Valley High School.
After high school, he joined Riverside City College in 2021, rushing for 516 yards and seven touchdowns during his freshman season.
His performances helped him earn an opportunity to play at Rice University, where he became one of the team’s most productive offensive players.
During his three seasons at Rice from 2022 through 2024, Connors established himself as a versatile running back capable of contributing both as a runner and receiver.
He transferred to the University of Houston for the 2025 season, making the decision after discussing his future with family members.
At Houston, Connors recorded 977 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns during the 2025 season. He also contributed as a receiver, demonstrating his versatility.
After completing his college football career, Connors joined the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2026.
His progression from youth football in Hawaii to the NFL reflects years of persistence and the influence of his family’s sporting background.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dean Connors’ Family
Who is Dean Connors’ girlfriend?
As of now, Dean Connors has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend, and his current relationship status has not been reliably established.
Is Dean Connors married?
There is no verified public information confirming that Dean Connors is married or has a wife.
Does Dean Connors have children?
Dean Connors has no publicly confirmed children.
Who is Dean Connors’ father?
His father is Brian Connors, a former college football player who competed at the University of the Pacific and has also been associated with the University of Oregon.
Who is Dean Connors’ mother?
His mother is Toni Johnson, who supported his move to California during high school as he pursued greater football opportunities.
Does Dean Connors have any siblings?
Yes. Dean Connors has one publicly documented sibling, a sister named Hillary Connors.
Who is Dean Connors’ sister?
His sister is Hillary Connors, who participated in track and field at Linfield University in Oregon.
Does Dean Connors have a brother?
There is no verified public information identifying a brother. His official Rice University biography lists one sister.
Where is Dean Connors’ family from?
Dean Connors was born in Bend, Oregon, and grew up partly on the Big Island of Hawaii before moving to California for high school.
Did Dean Connors’ father play football?
Yes. Brian Connors played college football, including as a running back at the University of the Pacific.
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.
