Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Ethan Burke is an American professional football player who plays as an outside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 20, 2003, in Maryland, Burke grew up in Pasadena before moving with his family to California and later Texas. He played college football at the University of Texas before joining Baltimore as an undrafted free agent in 2026.
Beyond football, Ethan Burke comes from a family with strong connections to athletics, particularly lacrosse. His father, Zack Burke, was a successful college lacrosse player and high school coach, while his mother, Jill Riding Burke, has been a supportive presence throughout his development. Burke has also publicly acknowledged his siblings, although their individual identities remain largely private.
Here is what is publicly known about Ethan Burke’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Ethan Burke’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Ethan Burke has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner.
The Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker has attracted attention primarily because of his football career, his unusual transition from lacrosse to football, and his connection to Maryland.
During interviews with the Baltimore Ravens, CBS News, and other sports publications, Burke has spoken extensively about his parents, childhood, and journey to professional football.
However, these interviews have not established the identity of a current girlfriend.
There are also no sufficiently reliable public reports confirming that Burke is married or engaged.
Although he maintains a public profile as a professional athlete, he has generally kept his romantic relationships outside mainstream sports coverage.
Consequently, his current relationship status remains undisclosed. The absence of public information should not be interpreted as confirmation that he is single.
Ethan Burke’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, Ethan Burke has no publicly confirmed children.
Neither his official Baltimore Ravens player biography nor his University of Texas football profile identifies him as the father of a son or daughter.
Burke has discussed his parents and siblings during interviews, particularly after securing a place on Baltimore’s roster in August 2026.
However, he has not publicly announced becoming a father in the reliable sources reviewed.
There are also no verified public details regarding the names or birth dates of any children belonging to the NFL linebacker.
Therefore, his parental status remains unconfirmed rather than definitively established.
Ethan Burke’s Parents
Ethan Burke was born to Zack Burke and Jill Riding Burke, whose involvement in his athletic development has been documented by the Baltimore Ravens, CBS News Baltimore, and The Baltimore Banner.
His father introduced him to lacrosse at an early age, while his mother supported his athletic ambitions and celebrated his eventual entry into the NFL.
The family lived in Maryland before relocating to California and later settling in Austin, Texas, where Ethan attended Westlake High School.
Zack Burke – Ethan Burke’s Father
Zack Burke is Ethan Burke’s father and one of the most influential figures in his athletic career.
He is a former college lacrosse player who competed at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
Before attending UMBC, Zack played lacrosse at St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis, Maryland, where he established himself as a talented defender.
He later continued playing lacrosse professionally and eventually pursued coaching.
According to a September 2026 article published by the Baltimore Ravens, Zack served as head lacrosse coach at Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn, Maryland.
His coaching experience gave Ethan an opportunity to learn the sport from a young age.
Zack introduced his son to lacrosse when Ethan was approximately three years old, helping him develop the technical skills that eventually attracted major college programs.
During childhood, Ethan became a talented left-handed lacrosse player, even though he was naturally right-handed.
According to The Baltimore Banner, he learned to hold his lacrosse stick with his left hand while following the example of his father and an uncle.
As Ethan continued growing, Zack recognized that his son’s height and physical ability could also make him a successful football player.
The family eventually moved to Texas when Zack accepted an opportunity to coach lacrosse at Westlake High School in Austin.
In an August 2026 interview with CBS News Baltimore, Zack explained that the move provided an opportunity for his son to compete in Texas high school football.
At Westlake, Ethan developed into a talented defensive end while continuing to play lacrosse.
His father remained closely involved in his recruiting process, accompanying him on college visits and helping him evaluate opportunities in both sports.
Zack initially supported Ethan’s ambition to play lacrosse at the University of Maryland.
However, as football scholarship opportunities increased, he encouraged his son to consider the sport offering the strongest path toward his future.
Following Ethan’s decision to attend the University of Texas, Zack continued supporting him throughout his college career.
When Ethan went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, his father was disappointed but remained confident in his ability to succeed professionally.
His confidence was rewarded when Ethan signed with the Baltimore Ravens and earned a place on their initial 53-man roster.
Jill Riding Burke – Ethan Burke’s Mother
Jill Riding Burke is Ethan Burke’s mother and another important figure in his life.
Her identity has been confirmed through reporting published by the Baltimore Ravens and The Baltimore Banner.
Jill has supported her son’s athletic development throughout his childhood, high school years, college career, and transition to the NFL.
She became particularly visible in August 2026, when Ethan earned a place on the Baltimore Ravens’ regular-season roster.
Following the announcement, Jill shared childhood photographs showing Ethan dressed as former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis for Halloween.
The photographs illustrated her son’s longstanding connection to the Baltimore franchise.
Growing up in Maryland, Ethan had been a Ravens fan and frequently wore Lewis’s No. 52 jersey.
His mother’s photographs attracted attention because they showed how his childhood football interests eventually became a professional reality.
In a September 1, 2026, interview published by the Ravens, Ethan explained that calling his mother after learning he had made the roster was an unforgettable experience.
Jill was excited about the news, which represented years of athletic development and dedication.
She also spoke to The Baltimore Banner in October 2026 about the challenges her son experienced after going undrafted.
Jill expressed pride in Ethan’s determination and his ability to prove that he belonged in the NFL despite earlier disappointments.
Although her support has been publicly documented, additional verified information about Jill’s professional background and private life remains limited.
Ethan Burke’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Ethan Burke has publicly acknowledged having siblings, although their individual names and the total number of his brothers and sisters have not been reliably established.
During an August 31, 2026, press conference with the Baltimore Ravens, Burke mentioned receiving memorable messages from his parents and siblings after earning a place on the team’s roster.
His comments confirmed that his siblings were among the relatives celebrating his professional achievement.
However, the Ravens’ official biography and major interviews about his family do not provide a complete account of his siblings’ identities.
Ethan Burke’s Brothers
As of now, there is insufficient reliable public information to establish the names or number of Ethan Burke’s brothers.
Although Burke has referred to his siblings collectively, official NFL and university records do not identify individual brothers.
Without verified reporting, it would be inaccurate to assign names or personal details to his male siblings.
Ethan Burke’s Sisters
Similarly, the names and number of Ethan Burke’s sisters have not been reliably confirmed.
Burke has generally discussed his family as a group rather than publicly identifying each sibling.
Therefore, additional information about his sisters’ education, professional careers, and private relationships remains outside the established public record.
Ethan Burke’s Childhood and Family Background
Ethan Burke grew up in Pasadena, Maryland, where lacrosse was one of the most important sports in his household.
His father’s experience as a player and coach gave him access to organized lacrosse training from an early age.
Burke developed considerable talent in the sport, eventually becoming an All-American high school lacrosse player.
During his childhood, he was also a devoted Baltimore Ravens supporter.
One of his favorite players was Ray Lewis, the Hall of Fame linebacker who became an important symbol of the franchise.
Burke regularly wore a Ray Lewis jersey during Halloween celebrations, a childhood memory that attracted attention after he joined the Ravens.
His family subsequently relocated from Maryland to California before moving to Austin, Texas.
In Texas, Burke attended Westlake High School, where he began developing into a prominent football prospect.
Although lacrosse remained his original passion, his size and athletic ability encouraged coaches to explore his potential as a defensive football player.
The transition eventually changed the direction of his athletic career.
How Zack Burke Helped Ethan Choose Between Lacrosse and Football
One of the most important decisions in Ethan Burke’s athletic journey involved choosing between lacrosse and football.
As a talented high school lacrosse player, Burke initially committed to the University of Maryland.
He had long dreamed of representing the Maryland Terrapins, one of the country’s leading college lacrosse programs.
His father had helped develop that ambition through years of training and coaching.
However, Ethan’s football performances at Westlake High School began attracting attention from major university programs.
His combination of height, physical strength, and defensive ability made him an appealing prospect.
According to CBS News Baltimore, the University of Michigan was among the schools interested in his football potential.
Burke initially committed to Michigan before changing his decision and joining the University of Texas.
The decision allowed him to remain in Austin while competing at one of college football’s most prominent programs.
His father supported the transition despite the family’s longstanding connection to lacrosse.
At Texas, Burke developed into an important defensive contributor and helped the Longhorns compete at a high level.
How Ethan Burke’s Family Influenced His NFL Career
Ethan Burke’s journey to professional football was shaped by his family’s involvement in sports and willingness to support his decisions.
After enrolling at the University of Texas in 2022, he played four seasons for the Longhorns.
He appeared in 51 games and made 17 starts during his college career, according to the Baltimore Ravens.
Burke recorded 114 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks during his time at Texas.
Despite those performances, he was not selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The disappointment became an important challenge for Burke and his family.
However, the Baltimore Ravens offered him an opportunity as an undrafted free agent.
He joined the team during the offseason and impressed coaches with his physicality, defensive performances, and contributions on special teams.
During Baltimore’s preseason games, Burke recorded sacks, forced fumbles, and passes defended, strengthening his chances of earning a roster place.
On August 30, 2026, the Ravens announced that he had made their initial 53-man roster.
The achievement was particularly meaningful because Burke had grown up supporting the organization.
After receiving the news from general manager Eric DeCosta, he contacted his mother and celebrated with his family.
His father also expressed pride in his son’s determination after overcoming the disappointment of going undrafted.
The accomplishment demonstrated the importance of the family support Burke had received throughout his development.
Ethan Burke’s Relationship With the Baltimore Ravens
Ethan Burke’s connection to the Baltimore Ravens began long before he became an NFL player.
During his childhood in Pasadena, Maryland, he frequently followed the team’s games and admired linebacker Ray Lewis.
His mother’s photographs of him wearing a Ravens jersey during Halloween became a popular story after he earned a place on the team.
In September 2026, Burke acknowledged that joining the franchise represented the realization of a childhood ambition.
His father and mother also celebrated the connection between his Maryland upbringing and his professional football career.
In October 2026, Burke recorded his first regular-season NFL sack against the Tennessee Titans, tackling quarterback Cam Ward.
The moment marked another significant achievement for the young linebacker and his family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethan Burke’s Family
Who is Ethan Burke’s girlfriend?
As of now, Ethan Burke has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Ethan Burke married?
There is no sufficiently reliable public confirmation that Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Ethan Burke is married.
Does Ethan Burke have children?
Ethan Burke has no publicly confirmed children. Reliable interviews and official player biographies do not establish his parental status.
Who is Ethan Burke’s father?
Ethan Burke’s father is Zack Burke, a former college lacrosse player at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, who later became a high school lacrosse coach.
Who is Ethan Burke’s mother?
His mother is Jill Riding Burke. She supported his athletic development and publicly celebrated his achievement of making the Baltimore Ravens’ roster in August 2026.
Does Ethan Burke have siblings?
Yes. Ethan Burke acknowledged his siblings during an August 2026 Ravens press conference. However, their individual names and the total number of siblings have not been reliably established.
Where is Ethan Burke from?
Ethan Burke was born in Maryland and grew up in Pasadena before relocating with his family to California and later Austin, Texas.
Did Ethan Burke play lacrosse?
Yes. Burke was an accomplished high school lacrosse player who initially committed to the University of Maryland before choosing college football.
Did Ethan Burke’s father play lacrosse?
Yes. Zack Burke played college lacrosse at UMBC and later coached at Archbishop Spalding High School and Westlake High School.
How old is Ethan Burke?
Ethan Burke was born on June 20, 2003, making him 23 years old as of now.
Was Ethan Burke drafted into the NFL?
No. Ethan Burke went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft before signing with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent and earning a place on their regular-season roster.
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.
