Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Jaylinn Hawkins is an American professional football player who plays as a safety for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 25, 1997, in Buena Park, California, Hawkins played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, before being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Beyond his football career, Jaylinn Hawkins comes from a supportive family that has played an important role in his athletic development. His parents are Jermaine and Angie Hawkins, while his siblings include Jo Jo Hawkins, a former Princeton University football player, and Yasleen Hawkins.
In his personal life, Hawkins is married to Jayda Howard Hawkins, a former collegiate volleyball player. The couple met while attending the University of California, Berkeley, and married in Hawaii on March 23, 2025.
Here is what is publicly known about Jaylinn Hawkins’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Jaylinn Hawkins’s Wife: Who Is Jayda Hawkins?
Jaylinn Hawkins is married to Jayda Howard Hawkins, a former college volleyball player who has supported him throughout several stages of his professional football career.
The couple married on March 23, 2025, at Kualoa Ranch on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
Their wedding was featured in Vogue, which published a detailed account of their relationship, engagement, and marriage in May 2025.
According to the publication, Jaylinn and Jayda first met while attending the University of California, Berkeley, where both were student-athletes.
Although they developed a friendship during college, they did not immediately begin dating because they were involved in other relationships.
After graduating, Jaylinn began his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons, while Jayda moved to Los Angeles for professional opportunities.
The two eventually reconnected in 2020 when Jayda visited Atlanta for a friend’s birthday celebration.
They gradually developed a romantic relationship and continued supporting each other through the challenges associated with professional football.
Jayda Hawkins’s Education and Volleyball Career
Jayda Hawkins, whose maiden name is Jayda Howard, grew up in La Jolla, California.
She attended The Bishop’s School, where she became a successful volleyball player.
According to her official University of California Athletics biography, Jayda earned All-San Diego Section Second Team recognition during high school.
She also helped her school win a California Interscholastic Federation Division III championship in 2013.
Her volleyball performances earned her an opportunity to compete at Wake Forest University.
Jayda played indoor volleyball for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
She later transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where she joined the Golden Bears’ beach volleyball program.
Her experience as a college athlete gave her an understanding of the physical and mental demands associated with competitive sports.
That background became particularly meaningful during her relationship with Jaylinn, whose professional football career required frequent travel, training, and relocation.
How Jaylinn Hawkins and Jayda Howard Met
Jaylinn Hawkins and Jayda Howard first crossed paths while attending UC Berkeley.
In their May 2025 Vogue interview, Jaylinn recalled feeling an immediate attraction to Jayda when he first saw her.
However, their relationship initially remained a friendship.
After college, their lives took different directions, with Jaylinn entering the NFL and Jayda pursuing professional opportunities in Los Angeles.
They reconnected in Atlanta in 2020 before eventually beginning a romantic relationship.
Hawkins later explained that their friendship helped establish a strong foundation for their partnership.
Over the following years, Jayda accompanied him through different stages of his NFL career, including his time with the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots.
Jaylinn Hawkins Proposed to Jayda in July 2024
Jaylinn Hawkins proposed to Jayda Howard in July 2024 during a surprise event at Montage Laguna Beach in California.
According to Vogue, Hawkins arranged the proposal with assistance from Jayda’s close friend.
He told Jayda that he would be occupied with a charity event, while her friend invited her to what appeared to be a separate gathering.
When Jayda arrived at the hotel, she discovered Hawkins waiting in a romantic setting decorated with flowers and candles overlooking the ocean.
He proposed, and she accepted.
The couple subsequently celebrated with family members who had traveled to attend a surprise dinner.
The engagement marked an important milestone in their relationship, which had developed from a college friendship into a long-term partnership.
Jaylinn Hawkins and Jayda’s Wedding in Hawaii
Jaylinn and Jayda married on March 23, 2025, at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, Hawaii.
The location was especially meaningful to Jayda because of her family’s Hawaiian heritage.
According to Vogue, Jayda had dreamed of marrying at Kualoa Ranch because of its natural beauty and family significance.
The couple originally considered holding their wedding in June 2025 but moved the ceremony to March after learning that Jayda’s best friend and maid of honor was expecting a baby.
The celebration included several events, including a sunset catamaran gathering, an all-white welcome party, and a beachside baptism.
During the ceremony, Jayda wore a custom wedding ensemble designed by Sept by Sarah Seven, while Hawkins wore a black tuxedo by Pantheon Limited.
Jayda also incorporated traditional Hawaiian jewelry belonging to her grandmother into her wedding attire.
The couple exchanged personal vows during a ceremony attended by relatives and close friends.
Hawkins described the occasion as one of the happiest moments of his life.
How Jayda Hawkins Supports Her Husband’s NFL Career
Jayda Hawkins has remained an important source of emotional support throughout her husband’s professional football journey.
After beginning his career with Atlanta, Hawkins experienced several changes in teams and playing opportunities.
He subsequently played for the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots before joining the Baltimore Ravens.
During an October 2026 interview with Pro Football Network, Hawkins credited his wife with helping him navigate the challenges associated with professional football.
He explained that Jayda had supported him through difficult moments, career transitions, and periods of uncertainty.
Hawkins also discussed how marriage helped him become more disciplined and focused in his personal life.
His comments demonstrated the importance of having a supportive partner while managing the demands of an NFL career.
Jaylinn Hawkins’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, Jaylinn Hawkins has no publicly confirmed children.
Neither his official Baltimore Ravens player biography nor reliable interviews about his marriage identify him as the father of a son or daughter.
Although Hawkins and Jayda have spoken publicly about their relationship and wedding, they have not announced the birth of a child in the reliable sources reviewed.
There are also no verified details regarding the names, ages, or birth dates of any children belonging to the couple.
Consequently, their parental status remains unconfirmed rather than definitively established.
Jaylinn Hawkins’s Parents
Jaylinn Hawkins was born to Jermaine Hawkins and Angie Hawkins.
Their identities are confirmed in his official University of California football biography.
His parents supported his athletic ambitions as he grew up in Southern California, where he developed an interest in football from an early age.
Although both parents maintain relatively private lives, his father’s influence has been documented in interviews about Hawkins’s transition from wide receiver to safety.
Jermaine Hawkins – Jaylinn Hawkins’s Father
Jermaine Hawkins is Jaylinn Hawkins’s father and an important influence in his football development.
His name appears in the University of California’s official player biography, while Princeton University’s biography of Jaylinn’s brother uses the spelling Jeremaine Hawkins.
Jermaine supported his son’s football ambitions throughout childhood and college.
One particularly important moment occurred when Jaylinn was attending the University of California, Berkeley.
Hawkins originally joined the Golden Bears as a highly regarded wide receiver prospect.
However, the coaching staff eventually decided that his abilities could make him more valuable as a defensive back.
Hawkins was initially disappointed because he had dreamed of becoming an outstanding offensive player.
According to an October 2021 feature published by the Atlanta Falcons, he contacted his father after learning about the proposed position change.
He told Jermaine that he was considering transferring to another college program rather than playing defense.
His father encouraged him to reconsider and trust that his coaches were acting in his best interests.
After their conversation, Hawkins agreed to give the safety position an opportunity.
The decision eventually transformed his athletic career.
How Jermaine Hawkins Helped His Son Become an NFL Safety
Jermaine’s advice proved important because Jaylinn developed into one of California’s most productive defensive backs.
During his college career, Hawkins recorded ten interceptions and became known for his ability to anticipate opposing quarterbacks.
His performances attracted attention from NFL scouts and helped him become a fourth-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
In his 2021 interview with the Atlanta Falcons, Hawkins recalled the importance of his father’s encouragement during that difficult period.
Rather than abandoning his college program, he accepted the challenge of learning a different position.
The decision ultimately provided him with an opportunity to establish a professional football career.
Hawkins has continued acknowledging his father’s support during interviews about his development and achievements.
Angie Hawkins – Jaylinn Hawkins’s Mother
Angie Hawkins is Jaylinn Hawkins’s mother.
Her identity is confirmed in his official University of California player biography and the Princeton University football biography of his brother, Jo Jo Hawkins.
Angie raised her children in Southern California and supported their educational and athletic activities.
Two of her sons eventually played football at the NCAA Division I level, with Jaylinn attending California and Jo Jo attending Princeton.
Although Angie’s involvement in the family is documented through university records, reliable public reporting provides limited information about her occupation, education, and other personal circumstances.
She has generally remained outside mainstream sports media coverage while her sons pursued their athletic careers.
Jaylinn Hawkins’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Jaylinn Hawkins has two publicly confirmed siblings: a brother named Jo Jo Hawkins and a sister named Yasleen Hawkins.
Their identities are established in Jo Jo’s official Princeton University football biography.
The university records name Angie and Jeremaine Hawkins as the parents and identify Jaylinn and Yasleen as Jo Jo’s siblings.
Jo Jo Hawkins – Jaylinn Hawkins’s Brother
Jo Jo Hawkins is Jaylinn Hawkins’s brother and a former college football wide receiver at Princeton University.
He attended Orange Lutheran High School in California before continuing his football career at Princeton.
According to his official Princeton Athletics biography, Jo Jo competed as a wide receiver and contributed on special teams.
During the 2021 season, he appeared in seven games and recorded 111 all-purpose yards.
He continued developing as a receiver during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
In 2022, Jo Jo recorded 19 receptions for 130 yards and one touchdown despite missing part of the season because of an injury.
During the 2023 season, he caught 19 passes for 93 yards.
His college football achievements demonstrated the family’s connection to competitive athletics.
Although both brothers pursued football careers, Jaylinn eventually established himself in the NFL while Jo Jo competed at the Ivy League level.
Additional information about Jo Jo’s professional activities following college remains limited.
Yasleen Hawkins – Jaylinn Hawkins’s Sister
Yasleen Hawkins is Jaylinn Hawkins’s sister.
Her identity is confirmed by Princeton University Athletics, which lists her among Jo Jo Hawkins’s siblings.
Unlike her brothers, Yasleen has maintained a relatively private lifestyle.
Reliable public information does not establish her occupation, educational background, or personal relationships.
Consequently, additional details about her life cannot be confirmed without trustworthy supporting evidence.
Jeremiah Hawkins – Jaylinn Hawkins’s Uncle
Another notable member of Jaylinn Hawkins’s family is Jeremiah Hawkins, a former University of California wide receiver.
Although the two athletes are close in age, Jeremiah is Jaylinn’s paternal uncle rather than his brother or cousin.
This unusual family relationship was confirmed by California Athletics and the San Francisco Chronicle in 2017.
Jeremiah is the younger brother of Jaylinn’s father, Jermaine Hawkins.
The two players competed together at Buena Park High School before becoming teammates at the University of California, Berkeley.
Because Jeremiah is younger than his nephew, their relationship resembled that of two close friends or brothers.
During a September 2017 interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Jeremiah discussed how Jaylinn challenged him during football practices.
Their competitive relationship helped both players develop their athletic abilities.
In an April 2020 interview following his selection by the Atlanta Falcons, Jaylinn also reflected positively on the opportunity to play alongside a family member in high school and college.
Jaylinn Hawkins’s Childhood and Family Background
Jaylinn Hawkins grew up in Buena Park, California, where he developed an interest in football at a young age.
He began playing organized football around the age of four or five.
During childhood, Hawkins primarily enjoyed offensive positions, including running back and wide receiver.
He attended Orange Lutheran High School before transferring to Buena Park High School.
At Buena Park, Hawkins became a highly regarded wide receiver prospect and attracted attention from several major college football programs.
According to California Athletics, he was recognized as a four-star recruit by multiple recruiting services.
His performances eventually earned him a scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley.
Although he initially expected to play wide receiver, the coaching staff encouraged him to transition to safety.
With his father’s support, Hawkins accepted the new role and developed into an important member of California’s defense.
How Jaylinn Hawkins’s Family Influenced His NFL Career
Hawkins’s family has remained part of his professional football journey from college through the NFL.
His father’s encouragement helped him remain at California when he was considering transferring because of a position change.
His brother, Jo Jo, and uncle, Jeremiah, also pursued college football, providing additional family connections to the sport.
During the 2018 season, Hawkins recorded six interceptions and established himself among the leading defensive backs in the Pac-12 Conference.
He also earned Defensive Most Valuable Player honors in the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl after intercepting three passes against TCU.
Following his senior season, Hawkins entered the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Atlanta Falcons selected him with the 134th overall pick in the fourth round.
He played for Atlanta until 2023 before joining the Los Angeles Chargers.
Hawkins signed with the New England Patriots in 2024 and developed into an important contributor to their secondary.
During the 2025 season, he recorded four interceptions and helped New England reach Super Bowl LX.
In March 2026, Hawkins signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens worth a reported $10 million.
Throughout these career transitions, his wife, Jayda, remained a consistent source of encouragement.
During an October 2026 interview, Hawkins credited his family and loved ones with helping him manage the difficulties associated with moving between NFL organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaylinn Hawkins’s Family
Who is Jaylinn Hawkins’s wife?
Jaylinn Hawkins’s wife is Jayda Howard Hawkins, a former college volleyball player who competed at Wake Forest University and the University of California, Berkeley.
Is Jaylinn Hawkins married?
Yes. Jaylinn Hawkins married Jayda Howard on March 23, 2025, at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, Hawaii.
How did Jaylinn Hawkins meet his wife?
Jaylinn Hawkins met Jayda Howard while both were student-athletes at UC Berkeley. They remained friends before reconnecting in 2020 and beginning a romantic relationship.
Does Jaylinn Hawkins have children?
As of now, Jaylinn Hawkins has no publicly confirmed children. Reliable interviews and official NFL biographies do not establish that he has become a father.
Who is Jaylinn Hawkins’s father?
His father is Jermaine Hawkins, whose name is also spelled Jeremaine in Princeton University’s records. He encouraged Jaylinn to continue playing at California after coaches moved him from wide receiver to safety.
Who is Jaylinn Hawkins’s mother?
His mother is Angie Hawkins, whose identity is confirmed in the official football biographies of Jaylinn and his brother, Jo Jo.
How many siblings does Jaylinn Hawkins have?
Jaylinn Hawkins has two publicly confirmed siblings: a brother named Jo Jo Hawkins and a sister named Yasleen Hawkins.
Who is Jaylinn Hawkins’s brother?
His brother is Jo Jo Hawkins, who played college football as a wide receiver at Princeton University.
Who is Jaylinn Hawkins’s sister?
His sister is Yasleen Hawkins, who is identified in Princeton University’s official football records.
Is Jeremiah Hawkins related to Jaylinn Hawkins?
Yes. Jeremiah Hawkins is Jaylinn’s paternal uncle. Despite being younger than his nephew, Jeremiah played alongside Jaylinn at Buena Park High School and the University of California.
Where is Jaylinn Hawkins from?
Jaylinn Hawkins is from Buena Park, California, where he attended Buena Park High School before playing college football at UC Berkeley.
How old is Jaylinn Hawkins?
Jaylinn Hawkins was born on August 25, 1997, making him 29 years old as of now.
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.
