Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Derrick Barnes is an American professional football player who plays linebacker for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 29, 1999, Barnes grew up in Covington, Kentucky, before playing college football at Purdue University and joining the NFL in 2021.
Beyond his achievements on the football field, Barnes is a devoted husband and father. He is married to Kylie Martin Barnes, and the couple has two children: a son named Trey and a daughter named Blake Ivy Barnes.
His family background also played an important role in shaping his character. Barnes grew up in a community affected by poverty and violence, where his hardworking mother and influential mentors helped him pursue his football ambitions.
Here is everything publicly known about Derrick Barnes’s family, including his wife, children, parents and siblings.
Derrick Barnes’s Wife: Who Is Kylie Martin Barnes?
Derrick Barnes is married to Kylie Martin Barnes, his longtime romantic partner.
The couple’s relationship became publicly known during his professional football career, and their wedding website confirms that they married on April 14, 2023.
Before marrying Barnes, Kylie was known as Kylie Martin. She grew up in Indiana and participated in high school athletics.
According to reporting published by the Journal & Courier in February 2023, Kylie is the older sister of Kennedy Martin, a basketball player from West Lafayette, Indiana.
The report identified Kylie as Derrick Barnes’s fiancée at the time, confirming their relationship before their wedding.
After their marriage, the couple began building a family together and subsequently welcomed two children.
When Did Derrick Barnes and Kylie Martin Get Married?
Derrick Barnes and Kylie Martin married on April 14, 2023.
The couple created a public wedding website through Zola, which identifies both individuals and confirms the wedding date.
Their marriage occurred approximately two years after Barnes entered the NFL as a fourth-round selection of the Detroit Lions.
In April 2026, Barnes celebrated their third wedding anniversary with a message shared on Instagram.
According to ClutchPoints, Barnes expressed his appreciation for Kylie, describing her as an exceptional wife and mother.
His message highlighted the importance of their relationship and the family they had built together.
Who Is Kylie Martin Barnes?
Kylie Martin Barnes is best known publicly as the wife of Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes.
Before her marriage, she attended West Lafayette High School in Indiana, where she participated in basketball, volleyball and softball.
According to her MaxPreps athletic profile, Kylie played point guard on the school’s varsity basketball team.
She also participated in varsity softball as a second baseman and competed in volleyball.
Her younger sister, Kennedy Martin, subsequently became a standout basketball player at West Lafayette High School.
Although Kylie’s athletic background is publicly documented, reliable sources provide limited information about her current profession and other private details.
As of now, she is married to Barnes and is the mother of their two publicly confirmed children.
Derrick Barnes’s Children: Meet Trey and Blake Ivy Barnes
Derrick Barnes and his wife Kylie have two children: a son named Trey Barnes and a daughter named Blake Ivy Barnes.
The couple welcomed Trey in January 2024, shortly before one of the most memorable moments of Derrick’s NFL career.
Their daughter, Blake Ivy, was born in March 2026.
Barnes has publicly demonstrated his affection for his children through interviews and appearances at Detroit Lions games.
Trey Barnes: Derrick Barnes’s First Child
Trey Barnes is Derrick Barnes’s first child and eldest son.
He was born in January 2024, during the Detroit Lions’ historic postseason run.
According to WCPO Cincinnati, Trey was only 12 days old when his father made a crucial interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 21, 2024.
The interception helped Detroit secure a 31-23 victory and advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1991 season.
After the game, Barnes explained that the emotional achievement was especially meaningful because of his newborn son.
Trey attended the playoff game with his family, giving Barnes an opportunity to celebrate one of the biggest achievements of his career while holding his child.
Barnes also noted that the moment reminded him of his former high school coach, Bruce Kozerski, who had experienced a similar milestone during his own NFL playing career.
The connection made the experience particularly memorable for the Barnes family.
Derrick Barnes and Trey Wore Matching Spider-Man Costumes
On September 13, 2026, Derrick Barnes attracted widespread attention when he arrived at Ford Field alongside Trey wearing matching Spider-Man costumes.
According to the Detroit Lions’ official website, the father and son dressed as the Marvel superhero ahead of Detroit’s regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints.
The pair posed together while entering the stadium, creating a memorable moment shared by the NFL and Lions social media accounts.
Barnes subsequently incorporated Spider-Man-inspired gestures into his on-field celebrations.
He enjoyed an impressive performance, recording five tackles, one sack, one interception, two passes defended and a tackle for loss.
Detroit defeated New Orleans 31-30, giving Barnes and his son another special football memory.
The appearance demonstrated how Barnes has begun including his children in his professional football experiences.
Blake Ivy Barnes: Derrick Barnes’s Daughter
Blake Ivy Barnes is Derrick Barnes’s second child and only publicly confirmed daughter.
She was born in March 2026, approximately two years after her older brother Trey.
According to reporting published by ClutchPoints in September 2026, Barnes and Kylie welcomed Blake Ivy during the NFL offseason.
The couple’s expanding family became part of their public story as Barnes prepared for his sixth season with the Detroit Lions.
Although her name and birth month have been publicly reported, further details about Blake Ivy’s private life have generally remained outside the public spotlight.
As of now, Trey and Blake Ivy are Derrick Barnes’s two publicly confirmed children.
Derrick Barnes’s Parents: His Family Background in Kentucky
Derrick Barnes grew up in Covington, Kentucky, a city located across the Ohio River from Cincinnati.
His childhood was shaped by financial challenges and the influence of adults who encouraged him to make positive decisions.
According to a profile published by Stand Together, Barnes was raised primarily by a hardworking single mother.
Although his mother’s dedication has been documented, the full names and professional backgrounds of his parents have not been reliably established through the public sources reviewed.
Derrick Barnes’s Mother: Who Is His Mom?
Derrick Barnes’s mother played an important role in raising him and providing stability during his childhood.
According to Stand Together, she worked hard to support her family while living in a community affected by poverty and violence.
Growing up in Covington, Barnes witnessed some of the difficulties experienced by young people who lacked access to supportive role models and educational opportunities.
His mother worked to maintain a stable household despite those challenges.
However, Barnes has also acknowledged that he experienced behavioral difficulties when he was younger.
During an interview about his community mentorship activities, he explained that he sometimes struggled at school and had trouble making positive decisions.
These childhood experiences eventually influenced his desire to help young people experiencing similar difficulties.
His mother’s efforts provided an important foundation, while participation in the Boys & Girls Club introduced him to additional mentors.
Although her influence is publicly documented, her full name and occupation have not been reliably verified in the sources reviewed.
Derrick Barnes’s Father: Who Is His Dad?
Information about Derrick Barnes’s father is more limited.
Although Barnes was raised primarily by his mother, he has publicly recalled spending time with his father during childhood.
In a June 2022 report published by Pride of Detroit, Barnes described watching Cincinnati Bengals games with his father when he was younger.
Those experiences helped strengthen his interest in professional football.
His childhood admiration for the Bengals also influenced his appreciation for former NFL offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth.
However, his father’s full name, occupation and current personal circumstances have not been independently verified through authoritative public sources.
It would therefore be inaccurate to provide additional biographical details without supporting evidence.
How Andrew Whitworth Became an Important Mentor to Derrick Barnes
One of the most influential people in Derrick Barnes’s childhood was former NFL offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth.
While growing up in Covington, Barnes participated in activities organized by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati.
During that period, Whitworth was playing for the Cincinnati Bengals and regularly visited the organization to mentor young people.
According to reporting by the NFL and NBC Sports, Whitworth spent time speaking with Barnes and other children about discipline, education and opportunities for the future.
For Barnes, meeting an NFL player was a significant experience because he was already interested in pursuing football.
Whitworth’s encouragement helped him believe that a professional football career was possible despite his difficult circumstances.
Years later, their paths crossed again.
In October 2021, Barnes was playing for the Detroit Lions when the team faced Whitworth’s Los Angeles Rams.
After the game, Barnes approached Whitworth and reminded him that they had met years earlier at the Boys & Girls Club.
He explained how important Whitworth’s mentorship had been during his childhood.
Whitworth subsequently shared the story while accepting the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in February 2022.
The experience encouraged Barnes to use his own NFL platform to support young people.
Derrick Barnes’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
As of now, there is insufficient reliable public information establishing the names and number of Derrick Barnes’s siblings.
His official Detroit Lions and Purdue University biographies provide extensive details about his football achievements but do not identify brothers or sisters.
Although Barnes has discussed his childhood, parents and community mentors, he has not publicly provided a detailed account of his siblings in the reliable sources reviewed.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to identify particular individuals as his brothers or sisters without verified evidence.
It is also important not to assume that Barnes is an only child simply because sibling information is unavailable.
Derrick Barnes’s Sister-in-Law: Who Is Kennedy Martin?
Although information about Barnes’s biological siblings remains limited, his wife Kylie has a publicly documented younger sister named Kennedy Martin.
Kennedy is a former West Lafayette High School basketball standout from Indiana.
In February 2023, the Journal & Courier published an article discussing Kennedy’s high school basketball achievements and her friendship with Annie Karlaftis.
The article identified Kylie as Kennedy’s older sister and Derrick Barnes’s fiancée.
This connection makes Kennedy Martin Derrick Barnes’s sister-in-law through his marriage to Kylie.
However, Kennedy should not be confused with Barnes’s biological siblings, whose identities remain unverified.
How Derrick Barnes’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Derrick Barnes’s football journey began in Covington, Kentucky, where he attended Holy Cross High School.
He developed into a talented two-way football player, competing as both a linebacker and running back.
During his senior season in 2016, Barnes recorded 126 tackles, four forced fumbles and three interceptions on defense.
He also rushed for 1,567 yards and 22 touchdowns on offense.
His outstanding performances earned him All-State recognition and the Kentucky Class 2A District Six Player of the Year award.
After high school, Barnes received an opportunity to continue his football career at Purdue University.
He played for the Boilermakers from 2017 through 2020, developing into a productive linebacker capable of playing multiple defensive positions.
During his college career, Barnes recorded 226 tackles, including 26 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.
His performances earned Second-Team All-Big Ten recognition during the 2020 season.
Barnes also completed his studies in selling and sales management.
His progression from Covington to Purdue reflected the discipline and determination he developed through family support, coaching and mentorship.
Derrick Barnes’s NFL Career With the Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions selected Derrick Barnes in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 113th overall pick.
He made an immediate contribution as a rookie and gradually developed into an important member of Detroit’s linebacker rotation.
His responsibilities increased during the 2023 season, when he recorded 80 combined tackles, according to the team’s official statistics.
His game-sealing interception against Tampa Bay in the January 2024 playoffs became one of the defining moments of his professional career.
However, Barnes experienced a significant setback during the 2024 season after suffering a knee injury that limited him to three games.
Despite the injury, Detroit demonstrated confidence in his long-term potential.
In March 2025, Barnes signed a three-year contract extension with the franchise.
He subsequently returned to action and appeared in all 17 regular-season games in 2025, recording 78 tackles and four sacks.
As of now, Barnes remains a linebacker for the Detroit Lions, wearing jersey number 55.
His professional career continues alongside his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Derrick Barnes’s Commitment to Helping Young People
Barnes has used his NFL career to support children from communities facing challenges similar to those he experienced while growing up.
After entering the NFL, he returned to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, where he had previously benefited from mentorship.
He spoke with young people about working hard, making positive decisions and pursuing their ambitions.
Barnes has also supported youth development programs in Detroit.
Through his involvement with DBG Detroit, he has participated in initiatives focused on mentorship, education and personal development.
The organization has also collaborated with him during the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign, which allows players to promote charitable causes.
His involvement reflects the influence of his childhood experiences and his belief that positive adult role models can change young people’s lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Derrick Barnes’s Family
Who is Derrick Barnes’s wife?
Derrick Barnes is married to Kylie Martin Barnes, a former high school athlete from Indiana. The couple married on April 14, 2023.
When did Derrick Barnes get married?
Derrick Barnes married Kylie Martin on April 14, 2023, according to their public wedding website on Zola.
Does Derrick Barnes have children?
Yes. Derrick Barnes has two publicly confirmed children: a son named Trey Barnes and a daughter named Blake Ivy Barnes.
When was Derrick Barnes’s son Trey born?
Trey Barnes was born in January 2024. He was approximately 12 days old when his father made a crucial playoff interception against Tampa Bay.
Who is Derrick Barnes’s daughter?
Derrick Barnes’s daughter is Blake Ivy Barnes, who was born in March 2026.
Who is Derrick Barnes’s mother?
Derrick Barnes was raised primarily by a hardworking single mother in Covington, Kentucky. Her full name has not been reliably verified through the public sources reviewed.
Who is Derrick Barnes’s father?
Barnes has publicly recalled watching Cincinnati Bengals games with his father during childhood. However, his father’s full name and professional background have not been independently confirmed.
Does Derrick Barnes have siblings?
There is insufficient verified public information identifying Derrick Barnes’s brothers or sisters.
Who is Derrick Barnes’s sister-in-law?
Kennedy Martin, the younger sister of his wife Kylie, is Derrick Barnes’s sister-in-law.
Where is Derrick Barnes from?
Derrick Barnes grew up in Covington, Kentucky, where he attended Holy Cross High School before joining Purdue University.
How old is Derrick Barnes?
Derrick Barnes was born on May 29, 1999. He is 27 years old as of now.
What NFL team does Derrick Barnes play for?
As of now, Derrick Barnes plays linebacker for the Detroit Lions. He joined the franchise after being selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
