Last Updated on November 13, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Joel Dublanko is an American-Canadian professional football player who plays as a linebacker for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on January 12, 1998, in Aberdeen, Washington, Dublanko previously played college football at the University of Cincinnati before beginning his professional career.
He was selected by the Edmonton Elks with the first overall pick in the 2024 CFL Draft, becoming one of the most notable players in that year’s Canadian football draft class.
Beyond football, Dublanko has strong family connections to Canada. His father, Craig Dublanko, was born in Canada, while his paternal grandparents, Larry and Sharon Dublanko, are originally from Alberta.
He also has a sister and a cousin, Curtis Dublanko, who previously played professional football in the CFL.
Although several members of his family have been identified through interviews and sports reporting, details about his romantic relationships and children remain largely private.
Who Is Joel Dublanko’s Girlfriend?
Joel Dublanko has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend, wife or romantic partner through reliable interviews, official football biographies or established sports publications.
Most of the information available about the Edmonton Elks linebacker focuses on his professional achievements, Canadian family heritage and football development.
During an August 25, 2026, interview on The Jason Gregor Show, Dublanko discussed his childhood, family support, college football recruitment and professional career.
However, the interview did not identify a romantic partner or provide verified information about his relationship status.
Consequently, there is insufficient reliable information to determine whether Dublanko is currently single, dating someone or married.
Does Joel Dublanko Have Children?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Joel Dublanko has any children.
His official Canadian Football League profiles, University of Cincinnati football records and available interviews do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Dublanko has openly discussed his parents, grandparents and extended family, he has not publicly provided reliable information about fatherhood.
Therefore, whether he has children remains unconfirmed.
Who Are Joel Dublanko’s Parents?
Joel Dublanko’s father is Craig Dublanko, whose identity was confirmed in an August 22, 2013, article published by ThurstonTalk.
The report discussed Joel’s development as a promising high school linebacker and included comments from Craig about his son’s athletic abilities.
Joel has also spoken about the sacrifices made by both parents to help him pursue football opportunities.
Joel Dublanko’s Father: Craig Dublanko
Craig Dublanko is the father of Edmonton Elks linebacker Joel Dublanko.
His identity was documented in a 2013 ThurstonTalk interview, which explored Joel’s early football development in Aberdeen, Washington.
According to the article, Craig enjoyed playing golf and had limited experience playing football during high school.
Despite not having an extensive competitive football background, he became actively involved in helping his son develop as an athlete.
During Joel’s childhood, Craig recognized that his son possessed unusual physical abilities and athletic potential.
He helped arrange opportunities for Joel to attend football camps and compete against talented players from other parts of the United States.
In an August 2026 interview with The Jason Gregor Show, Joel recalled that his father understood the importance of exposing him to national-level competition.
Growing up in Aberdeen, Washington, presented challenges because the community was relatively small compared with major football recruiting areas.
However, Craig helped Joel attend prestigious football camps, including the Top Gun football camp during his middle school years.
These experiences helped Joel attract attention from college recruiters and develop confidence in his abilities.
Craig also played an important role in maintaining his son’s perspective as recruiting attention increased.
During the 2013 ThurstonTalk interview, he explained that Joel remained focused on working hard despite receiving national recognition.
Craig’s Canadian background also became important to Joel’s professional career.
Because his father was born in Canada, Joel qualified for Canadian citizenship and became eligible to enter the 2024 CFL Draft as a national player.
Joel Dublanko’s Mother
The name of Joel Dublanko’s mother has not been reliably established through the public interviews and official football records reviewed.
However, her involvement in his upbringing and football development has been documented.
In the August 2013 ThurstonTalk article, Craig Dublanko discussed his wife’s family background while describing Joel’s physical development.
He mentioned that his wife’s father stood approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall, suggesting that Joel’s height may have come partly from his mother’s side of the family.
During his August 2026 appearance on The Jason Gregor Show, Joel also discussed consulting his mother while making important decisions about his college football future.
He recalled discussing his commitment to the University of Cincinnati with his mother and other trusted advisers.
Although her name and professional background remain publicly unverified, these interviews indicate that she was involved in supporting her son’s education and athletic ambitions.
Does Joel Dublanko Have Siblings?
Yes. Joel Dublanko has at least one sister.
Her existence was confirmed in an August 22, 2013, article published by ThurstonTalk.
The article included comments from Joel’s father, Craig Dublanko, comparing the physical characteristics of his children.
Joel Dublanko’s Sister
Joel Dublanko’s sister was mentioned during a discussion about the family’s height and athletic characteristics.
In the 2013 interview, Craig explained that his daughter was approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, while Joel was already around 6 feet 3 inches tall as a teenager.
He also noted that his wife’s father was approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall.
These remarks confirm that Joel has a sister, although the article does not identify her by name.
There is also insufficient reliable information about her age, educational background, occupation or personal life.
Does Joel Dublanko Have Brothers?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Joel Dublanko has a brother.
Although his father publicly mentioned a daughter, the available reporting does not provide a complete account of all Joel’s siblings.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to conclude that he has no brothers or additional sisters.
Joel Dublanko’s Grandparents: Larry and Sharon Dublanko
Two of the most important publicly identified members of Joel Dublanko’s extended family are his paternal grandparents, Larry Dublanko and Sharon Dublanko.
Both have strong connections to Alberta, Canada.
Their identities were confirmed in a May 1, 2024, Canadian Press report discussing Joel’s selection by the Edmonton Elks.
Joel Dublanko’s Grandfather: Larry Dublanko
Larry Dublanko is Joel Dublanko’s paternal grandfather.
According to Canadian Press reporting, Larry is originally from Alberta, Canada.
Joel explained during a March 2024 interview that his grandparents were born and raised in Canada before moving to the United States, where they worked as pastors.
His grandfather’s Canadian roots were particularly significant because they helped establish the family’s longstanding connection to the country.
Joel has also discussed the family’s history of attending Canadian Football League games in Edmonton.
Joel Dublanko’s Grandmother: Sharon Dublanko
Sharon Dublanko is Joel Dublanko’s paternal grandmother.
Her identity was confirmed by the Canadian Press following the 2024 CFL Draft.
Sharon attended the draft celebration in Edmonton when Joel was selected first overall by the Elks.
Her husband, Larry, was unable to attend the event.
According to Joel, his grandparents had their first date at an Edmonton football game many years earlier.
That family memory made his selection by the Edmonton Elks particularly meaningful.
Joel also recalled visiting relatives in Alberta and spending time in Canada during family vacations.
These experiences helped him develop a connection to Canada long before beginning his professional football career in the CFL.
Joel Dublanko’s Cousin: Curtis Dublanko
Joel Dublanko also has a cousin named Curtis Dublanko, a former Canadian professional football player.
Curtis played as a linebacker in the Canadian Football League, representing the Montreal Alouettes and Edmonton football organization.
He played for Montreal from 2011 through 2013 before joining Edmonton in 2014.
Joel discussed this family connection during interviews surrounding the 2024 CFL Draft.
He explained that he had watched his cousin compete in the league during visits to Canada.
Curtis’s professional football experience provided Joel with an early connection to Canadian football.
When Edmonton selected Joel first overall in the 2024 CFL Draft, the two cousins became part of the same organization’s football history.
Joel Dublanko’s Canadian Family Heritage
Joel Dublanko was born and raised in Aberdeen, Washington, but his paternal family has deep roots in Alberta, Canada.
His grandparents, Larry and Sharon Dublanko, were born and raised in Canada before moving to the United States.
During a March 2024 interview with the Canadian Press, Joel explained that his grandmother returned to Canada to give birth to his father.
This family history ultimately became significant when Joel pursued opportunities in the Canadian Football League.
Because his father was born in Canada, he was eligible to obtain Canadian citizenship.
He subsequently qualified for the 2024 CFL Draft as a national player.
His selection by Edmonton was particularly meaningful because several members of his extended family still lived in Alberta.
Joel explained that Edmonton already felt like another home because of the many relatives he had in the province.
Joel Dublanko’s Early Life and Football Career
Joel Dublanko grew up in Aberdeen, Washington, where he began developing his football abilities during childhood.
He attended Aberdeen High School, becoming a promising linebacker and attracting national recruiting attention.
His father helped him participate in football camps and competitions against highly ranked players from across the United States.
During his high school career, Dublanko developed into one of Washington’s notable defensive prospects.
He later transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior season.
After completing high school, he enrolled at the University of Cincinnati, where he played college football for the Bearcats.
During his collegiate career, Dublanko developed into a dependable linebacker and team leader.
His strongest season came in 2021, when he recorded 113 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
He earned First Team All-American Athletic Conference recognition and helped Cincinnati become the first Group of Five program to qualify for the College Football Playoff.
Following his college career, Dublanko pursued opportunities in professional football.
He spent time with the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks in 2022 before playing for the Philadelphia Stars in the United States Football League during 2023.
After obtaining Canadian citizenship, he entered the 2024 CFL Draft.
The Edmonton Elks selected him first overall on April 30, 2024, and announced his signing in May.
During his rookie season, Dublanko appeared in all 18 regular-season games, primarily contributing on special teams.
His role expanded in 2025, when he recorded 80 defensive tackles, six special teams tackles and two sacks over 18 regular-season appearances.
In October 2026, Edmonton again nominated him for the team’s Most Outstanding Canadian award, recognizing his continued contributions to the defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joel Dublanko’s Family
Who is Joel Dublanko’s girlfriend?
Joel Dublanko has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner through reliable interviews or official football biographies.
Is Joel Dublanko married?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Joel Dublanko is married.
Does Joel Dublanko have children?
There is no reliable public information establishing whether Joel Dublanko has any sons or daughters.
Who is Joel Dublanko’s father?
Joel Dublanko’s father is Craig Dublanko, who helped support his early football development and encouraged him to attend national recruiting camps.
Who is Joel Dublanko’s mother?
The name of Joel Dublanko’s mother has not been reliably confirmed in the available public sources. However, he has discussed her support during his college football recruitment.
Does Joel Dublanko have a sister?
Yes. Joel Dublanko has at least one sister. His father mentioned her during a 2013 interview with ThurstonTalk, although her name was not disclosed.
Does Joel Dublanko have a brother?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Joel Dublanko has a brother.
Who are Joel Dublanko’s grandparents?
His paternal grandparents are Larry and Sharon Dublanko, who are originally from Alberta, Canada.
Who is Joel Dublanko’s cousin?
Joel Dublanko’s cousin is Curtis Dublanko, a former CFL linebacker who played for the Montreal Alouettes and Edmonton.
Why is Joel Dublanko eligible to play as a Canadian in the CFL?
Joel Dublanko qualified for Canadian citizenship because his father was born in Canada. This allowed him to enter the 2024 CFL Draft as a national player.
Where is Joel Dublanko from?
Joel Dublanko is from Aberdeen, Washington, United States, although his paternal family has strong connections to Alberta, Canada.
What team does Joel Dublanko play for?
Joel Dublanko plays as a linebacker for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League.
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.
