Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Ivan Pace Jr. is an American professional football player who plays as a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 16, 2000, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Pace developed into one of the most successful undrafted defensive players of his generation.
Before entering the NFL in 2023, he played college football at Miami University in Ohio and the University of Cincinnati, where he earned unanimous First-Team All-American honors in 2022.
Beyond his football career, Pace comes from a close-knit family with strong connections to the sport. His parents are Ivan Pace Sr. and Shellie Pace, and he has three siblings: Jalynn, Deshawn and Quincy.
Pace is also married to McKenzie Paige, a registered nurse. The couple married in February 2026 and welcomed their son, Iverson Skye Pace, in September of the same year.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s Wife – McKenzie Paige
Ivan Pace Jr. is married to McKenzie Paige, a registered nurse based in Minnesota.
The couple publicly announced their engagement in June 2025 before marrying in February 2026, according to Pace’s official Minnesota Vikings player biography.
McKenzie has been part of Pace’s life during his professional football career and has publicly celebrated important personal milestones with him.
Who Is McKenzie Paige?
McKenzie Paige is a registered nurse who became publicly known through her relationship with Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.
According to a report published by People magazine on June 27, 2025, McKenzie was working as a nurse in Minnesota when the couple announced their engagement.
Although she occasionally shares personal milestones on social media, detailed information about her childhood, education and family background has not been extensively documented by reliable sources.
Her relationship with Pace attracted national attention when the linebacker organized a romantic marriage proposal in June 2025.
When Did Ivan Pace Jr. and McKenzie Paige Get Engaged?
Ivan Pace Jr. proposed to McKenzie Paige in June 2025.
The engagement was publicly reported by People magazine on June 27, 2025, after the couple shared photographs and videos of the proposal on social media.
The romantic setting featured a green mountain landscape and a heart-shaped balloon arch decorated with a marriage proposal message.
Both Pace and McKenzie wore white outfits as they celebrated the occasion.
Photographs captured Pace kneeling before McKenzie and presenting her with an engagement ring.
The couple subsequently shared their excitement with friends, family members and social media followers.
McKenzie expressed her affection for Pace in her engagement announcement, while the linebacker publicly celebrated the prospect of marrying her.
When Did Ivan Pace Jr. Get Married?
Ivan Pace Jr. married McKenzie Paige in February 2026.
The marriage is confirmed in the Minnesota Vikings’ official player biography, which identifies McKenzie as his wife.
Although their engagement received national media attention, additional details about the wedding ceremony, including the exact date and venue, have not been extensively documented in reliable public reporting.
Their marriage marked an important new chapter in Pace’s personal life, which expanded further when the couple welcomed their first child later in 2026.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s Children
Ivan Pace Jr. and his wife, McKenzie, have one publicly confirmed child, a son named Iverson Skye Pace.
His birth was confirmed by the Minnesota Vikings in an official article published on October 20, 2026.
Iverson Skye Pace – Ivan Pace Jr.’s Son
Iverson Skye Pace is the son of Ivan Pace Jr. and McKenzie Pace.
He was born in September 2026, shortly before the Minnesota Vikings played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Week 3 of the NFL season.
According to the Vikings’ official report, Iverson was born shortly after midnight, approximately 15 hours before his father took the field against Tampa Bay.
The birth was especially memorable because it nearly caused Pace to miss the game.
His wife had been experiencing medical concerns before the team’s scheduled departure, and Pace received a message informing him that she was being kept at the hospital.
Rather than traveling immediately with the team, he contacted head coach Kevin O’Connell and remained with McKenzie.
After their son was safely delivered, Pace arranged to travel to Tampa Bay separately.
Despite getting very little sleep, he arrived in time to participate in the game.
How Ivan Pace Jr. Celebrated His Son’s Birth
During the game against the Buccaneers, Pace recorded a half-sack against quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Immediately afterward, he celebrated by pretending to rock a baby in his arms.
The gesture was a tribute to his newborn son, Iverson.
In an interview published by the Vikings on October 20, 2026, Pace explained that the birth of his child had given him additional motivation.
He also described the happiness he experienced returning home to McKenzie and their newborn after the game.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores praised Pace’s dedication to his family and teammates, noting how much the linebacker had matured both personally and professionally.
The experience demonstrated how fatherhood had become an important new part of Pace’s life.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s Parents
Ivan Pace Jr. was born to Ivan Pace Sr. and Shellie Pace in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Both parents played important roles in his upbringing and athletic development.
His father was a talented high school football player, while his mother provided encouragement throughout his journey from Colerain High School to the NFL.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s Father – Ivan Pace Sr.
Ivan Pace Sr. is Ivan Pace Jr.’s father and one of the most influential people in his football career.
Like his son, Ivan Sr. grew up in Cincinnati and attended Colerain High School, where he played football for the Cardinals.
During the 1990s, he developed into a talented high school football player with an opportunity to help his team compete for a state championship.
However, his athletic career was affected by eligibility problems during the 1995 season.
According to a December 2023 feature published by the Minnesota Star Tribune, Colerain discovered that Pace Sr. had exceeded the permitted number of years of high school eligibility.
The situation resulted in the team forfeiting its victories and prevented Pace Sr. from continuing his high school football career.
Although the experience was disappointing, he later focused on raising his family and helping his children pursue their ambitions.
How Ivan Pace Sr. Influenced His Son’s Football Career
Ivan Pace Sr. introduced his son to football when Ivan Jr. was approximately five years old.
He recognized his son’s athletic potential early and helped him understand the importance of physical toughness, effort and determination.
In a December 2023 interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune, Pace Sr. recalled that his son had been naturally strong and competitive from an early age.
He encouraged Ivan Jr. to develop his football abilities and learn from his own experiences.
His influence became particularly important because Pace Jr. faced challenges related to his height during high school and college recruiting.
Despite his defensive abilities, many major college programs overlooked him because he was shorter than the typical linebacker prospect.
His father continued supporting him, encouraging him to focus on his strengths rather than his physical limitations.
That determination helped Pace Jr. develop into a successful college player and eventually earn a place in the NFL.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s Mother – Shellie Pace
Ivan Pace Jr.’s mother is Shellie Pace, also identified in reporting as Shellie Lynne Pace.
She has been a major source of encouragement throughout her son’s football career.
Shellie and her husband raised four children in Cincinnati, including Ivan Jr., Jalynn, Deshawn and Quincy.
She supported her sons as they developed their football abilities and pursued opportunities at the college level.
In January 2022, when Ivan Jr. announced his transfer from Miami University to the University of Cincinnati, Shellie publicly celebrated the opportunity for her two football-playing sons to compete together.
The decision brought Ivan Jr. closer to home and reunited him with his younger brother Deshawn, who was already playing for the Bearcats.
Shellie again expressed her pride when Ivan Jr. earned a place on the Minnesota Vikings’ 53-man roster in August 2023.
Speaking to WCPO 9 Cincinnati, she credited her son’s faith and perseverance for helping him overcome the challenges of entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
Her reaction highlighted the significance of the achievement for the entire Pace family.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s Siblings
Ivan Pace Jr. has three siblings: a sister named Jalynn and two younger brothers named Deshawn and Quincy.
Their names were confirmed in a December 2023 Minnesota Star Tribune interview with Ivan Pace Sr.
Football has been especially important to the family’s two older sons, Ivan Jr. and Deshawn, who played together in high school and college.
Deshawn Pace – Ivan Pace Jr.’s Younger Brother
Deshawn Pace is Ivan Pace Jr.’s younger brother and a talented American football linebacker.
Like Ivan Jr., Deshawn attended Colerain High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The brothers were teammates during high school and contributed to one of the school’s most successful football periods.
After graduation, they initially attended different universities.
Ivan Jr. joined Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, while Deshawn committed to the University of Cincinnati.
Deshawn developed into a productive defensive player for the Bearcats, establishing himself as an important member of the team’s linebacker group.
In 2021, he led Cincinnati with four interceptions and finished the season with 94 tackles.
His performances helped the Bearcats reach the College Football Playoff during the 2021 season.
Ivan Pace Jr. and Deshawn Pace as College Teammates
In January 2022, Ivan Pace Jr. announced that he would transfer from Miami University to the University of Cincinnati.
The decision reunited him with Deshawn, allowing the brothers to play together during the 2022 college football season.
Their reunion attracted considerable attention from local sports media because both were accomplished linebackers with strong connections to Colerain High School.
Ivan Jr. became one of the nation’s leading defensive players during his only season with Cincinnati.
He recorded 137 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, earning unanimous First-Team All-American honors.
Deshawn continued his own football development and later transferred to the University of Central Florida.
According to Ivan Jr.’s Minnesota Vikings biography, Deshawn continued playing linebacker for the UCF Knights.
The brothers’ shared football experiences have been an important part of their family’s sporting identity.
Quincy Pace – Ivan Pace Jr.’s Younger Brother
Quincy Pace is Ivan Pace Jr.’s youngest publicly identified brother.
His identity was confirmed in a December 2023 interview with their father, Ivan Pace Sr.
At the time, Quincy was in sixth grade and had already developed an interest in football.
His father’s comments suggested that the sport remained an important part of everyday life in the Pace household.
However, additional information about Quincy’s education, athletic achievements and personal life has not been extensively documented in reliable public sources.
Jalynn Pace – Ivan Pace Jr.’s Sister
Jalynn Pace is Ivan Pace Jr.’s sister.
She was identified by her father in the December 2023 Minnesota Star Tribune family profile.
Although Jalynn is part of Ivan Jr.’s publicly documented family background, she has generally remained outside the media attention surrounding her brothers’ football careers.
Reliable information about her occupation, education and personal relationships is limited.
Her exact age and position in the siblings’ birth order have also not been established through the reporting reviewed.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s Family Background and Childhood
Ivan Pace Jr. grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where football became a central part of his childhood.
His father introduced him to the sport at approximately five years old, helping him develop the physical playing style that later became his trademark.
Growing up alongside his brothers Deshawn and Quincy also contributed to a competitive family environment.
Pace attended Colerain High School, a school with a strong football tradition in the Cincinnati area.
He played both linebacker and fullback, demonstrating the physical versatility that made him an important contributor.
During his senior season in 2018, Pace recorded 84 tackles, 6.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
He also rushed for 1,414 yards and scored 22 touchdowns as a fullback.
His performances earned him Ohio Division I Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Despite these achievements, he received limited attention from major college football programs because of concerns about his height.
Miami University offered him an opportunity to continue playing football, and he joined the RedHawks in 2019.
How Ivan Pace Jr.’s Family Supported His NFL Career
Family support has played an important role in Ivan Pace Jr.’s development from an overlooked high school prospect to an established NFL linebacker.
His father helped introduce him to football and encouraged him to remain determined despite recruiting setbacks.
His mother supported him throughout college and celebrated his achievements when he received opportunities to advance his career.
His younger brother Deshawn also shared important stages of his football journey, particularly when they became teammates at the University of Cincinnati.
After his outstanding 2022 season with the Bearcats, Pace entered the 2023 NFL Draft.
Despite earning unanimous All-American recognition, he was not selected by any team.
However, the Minnesota Vikings signed him as an undrafted free agent, giving him the opportunity to prove himself at the professional level.
He impressed during training camp and earned a place on Minnesota’s initial 53-man roster.
His mother publicly celebrated the accomplishment, describing it as the realization of a long-held ambition.
During his rookie season, Pace appeared in all 17 games and started 11, recording 102 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception.
His performances earned him a place on the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie Team.
In December 2023, Pace returned to Cincinnati when the Vikings faced the Cincinnati Bengals, creating an emotional moment for his family and hometown supporters.
His personal life later reached additional milestones when he married McKenzie in February 2026 and became a father in September 2026.
These experiences have added new responsibilities and motivations to his life away from football.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ivan Pace Jr.’s Family
Who is Ivan Pace Jr.’s wife?
Ivan Pace Jr.’s wife is McKenzie Paige, a registered nurse based in Minnesota. The couple married in February 2026.
Is Ivan Pace Jr. married?
Yes. Ivan Pace Jr. married McKenzie Paige in February 2026, according to his official Minnesota Vikings player biography.
When did Ivan Pace Jr. get engaged?
Ivan Pace Jr. and McKenzie Paige announced their engagement in June 2025. The proposal was reported by People magazine on June 27, 2025.
Does Ivan Pace Jr. have children?
Yes. Ivan Pace Jr. and his wife have one publicly confirmed son, Iverson Skye Pace, who was born in September 2026.
Who is Ivan Pace Jr.’s son?
His son is Iverson Skye Pace. The Minnesota Vikings confirmed his birth in an October 20, 2026, article about Pace’s experiences as a new father.
Who are Ivan Pace Jr.’s parents?
His parents are Ivan Pace Sr. and Shellie Pace. Both have supported his football career since childhood.
Was Ivan Pace Jr.’s father a football player?
Yes. Ivan Pace Sr. played high school football at Colerain High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, during the 1990s.
Does Ivan Pace Jr. have siblings?
Yes. Ivan Pace Jr. has three siblings: two younger brothers named Deshawn and Quincy, and a sister named Jalynn.
Who is Deshawn Pace?
Deshawn Pace is Ivan Pace Jr.’s younger brother and a football linebacker who played college football at Cincinnati and UCF.
Who is Ivan Pace Jr.’s youngest brother?
Quincy Pace is his youngest publicly identified brother. He was described as a sixth-grade student who enjoyed football in a December 2023 family interview.
Who is Ivan Pace Jr.’s sister?
His sister is Jalynn Pace, whose name was confirmed by their father in a Minnesota Star Tribune interview.
Where is Ivan Pace Jr.’s family from?
The Pace family is from Cincinnati, Ohio, where Ivan Jr. attended Colerain High School before beginning his college football career.
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.
