Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
John Simpson is an American professional football offensive guard for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 19, 1997, in South Carolina, Simpson played college football at Clemson University before being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Away from football, his wife, two children, parents and younger brother have played significant roles in his personal life and professional development.
John Simpson’s family includes his wife, Aliyah Caroline Simpson, their two sons, his mother, Keyonna Snipe, his father, John Simpson Jr., and his younger brother, Jayden. His paternal grandfather, John Simpson Sr., was also an important influence during his childhood. Simpson grew up in North Charleston, South Carolina, where financial difficulties and his father’s incarceration placed considerable responsibilities on his mother. He has frequently credited his family’s sacrifices with motivating him to succeed in football and life.
John Simpson’s Wife: Aliyah Caroline Simpson
John Simpson is married to Aliyah Caroline Simpson, formerly known as Aliyah Simmons. The couple met during their college years at Clemson University and married on July 10, 2021, in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
According to a 2024 report published by EssentiallySports, Simpson and Aliyah met in 2017 while attending an African-American theatre class at Clemson.
Their friendship gradually developed into a romantic relationship, and they continued dating as Simpson became one of Clemson’s leading offensive linemen.
Aliyah graduated from Clemson University in May 2019. According to a 2026 interview published by Go Long, she studied biochemistry and pursued a career in medicine.
The relationship continued when Simpson entered the NFL in 2020 after being selected by the Raiders.
The couple subsequently became engaged and began planning their wedding.
John Simpson and Aliyah Simmons’ Wedding
John Simpson married Aliyah Simmons on July 10, 2021, in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
The wedding was confirmed by The Clemson Insider in an article published the following day.
Several former Clemson teammates attended the ceremony to celebrate the couple’s marriage.
Simpson also announced the occasion through social media, expressing excitement about beginning married life with Aliyah.
The wedding occurred shortly before he returned to Las Vegas for the Raiders’ 2021 training camp.
In a 2026 interview with journalist Tyler Dunne, Simpson discussed why he chose to marry relatively young.
He explained that growing up in a difficult family environment had encouraged him to establish a stable household and make responsible decisions about his future.
He also expressed admiration for Aliyah’s intelligence, determination and professional ambitions.
As of now, John and Aliyah Simpson remain publicly identified as married and have two children together.
How Aliyah Simpson Supports Her Husband’s NFL Career
Aliyah has supported John throughout his professional football career, including his time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets.
Her support became particularly important in September 2023, when she gave birth to their first child shortly before a Ravens game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Simpson remained with his wife during the birth, causing him to miss the team’s scheduled flight to Cincinnati.
He subsequently booked a commercial flight to join his teammates before the game.
According to The Baltimore Banner, Simpson was able to spend approximately two hours with his newborn son before traveling.
The event attracted national attention because he successfully balanced an important family milestone with his professional responsibilities.
Aliyah and John subsequently welcomed a second child, expanding their family to four members.
The couple generally maintains privacy concerning their children, although Simpson occasionally discusses fatherhood during football interviews.
John Simpson’s Children
John Simpson is the father of two publicly confirmed children, both sons, with his wife, Aliyah Caroline Simpson.
The couple welcomed their first son in September 2023 and their second son before the beginning of the 2026 NFL season.
Simpson confirmed that he had two children during a May 2026 appearance on the Baltimore Ravens’ The Lounge podcast.
An August 28, 2026, interview with Go Long provided further confirmation that both children are boys.
John Lucas Simpson – John Simpson’s First Son
John Lucas Simpson is the eldest son of John Simpson and Aliyah Caroline Simpson. He was born on September 16, 2023.
According to an announcement shared by his parents, John Lucas arrived approximately three weeks earlier than expected.
At birth, he weighed approximately seven pounds and six ounces and measured 20 inches long.
The couple affectionately refers to him as John Lucas or JL.
His birth occurred during the Baltimore Ravens’ preparations for their September 17, 2023, game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Simpson missed the team’s charter flight because he wanted to remain with his wife for the delivery.
After welcoming his son, he traveled separately to Cincinnati and joined the Ravens before kickoff.
He subsequently started at left guard and helped Baltimore defeat Cincinnati.
Following the victory, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh presented Simpson with a game ball honoring his newborn son.
During an interview with The Baltimore Banner, Simpson explained that he and Aliyah had originally considered naming their son John Simpson Jr.
However, they eventually chose the middle name Lucas because they wanted their child to develop his own identity.
The couple’s decision reflected their desire to honor the family name while allowing their son to establish an individual legacy.
John Lucas’ birth represented an important milestone in Simpson’s personal life, marking the beginning of fatherhood during his first full season with Baltimore.
John Simpson’s Second Son
John Simpson and Aliyah welcomed their second son after the birth of John Lucas in 2023.
His existence was publicly confirmed during the 2026 offseason.
In May 2026, Simpson discussed becoming a father of two during an appearance on the Ravens’ The Lounge podcast.
He explained that his family responsibilities had grown since his previous stint with Baltimore.
During an August 28, 2026, interview published by Go Long, Simpson provided additional information about his children.
At the time, his older son was approximately two years old, while his younger son was approximately 10 months old.
That places his second son’s birth around late 2025, although an exact birth date has not been independently confirmed.
Simpson also discussed his determination to become a present and supportive father.
Having experienced his own father’s absence during childhood, he explained that spending time with his sons was particularly important to him.
He wants to provide his children with encouragement, stability and opportunities that were not always available during his upbringing.
As of now, the younger child’s name has not been reliably established in public reporting.
John Simpson’s Parents
John Simpson was born to John Simpson Jr. and Keyonna Snipe. He grew up primarily under his mother’s care in North Charleston, South Carolina.
His childhood was marked by financial difficulties and periods when his father was incarcerated.
Although these experiences created considerable challenges, Simpson has repeatedly explained that they strengthened his determination to establish a better future for his family.
Keyonna Snipe – John Simpson’s Mother
Keyonna Snipe is John Simpson’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She raised John and his younger brother Jayden in North Charleston, South Carolina, while working demanding jobs to support the household.
According to a December 2019 Sports Illustrated feature, Snipe worked overnight shifts at Cummins Turbo Technologies, a manufacturing company producing engine components.
Her work schedule required her to spend long hours away from home, but she continued supporting her children’s education and athletic ambitions.
Simpson witnessed his mother’s determination throughout childhood and developed a strong desire to contribute financially to the household.
At approximately 15 years old, he began working at Halls Chophouse in Charleston through a community employment program called Teach The Need.
He became the restaurant’s first high school employee recruited through the program.
The job allowed him to earn money while continuing his education and playing football.
Simpson sometimes worked restaurant shifts immediately after high school football games.
Despite the demanding schedule, he remained committed to helping his mother and pursuing a college scholarship.
Keyonna also demonstrated extraordinary dedication to supporting his football career.
Because she disliked flying, she frequently traveled by car to watch Clemson’s games, including long journeys to College Football Playoff locations.
In December 2019, Sports Illustrated documented her plans to travel from South Carolina to Arizona for Clemson’s semifinal game against Ohio State.
The journey involved approximately 30 hours of driving with relatives.
Simpson has described his mother as his most important source of encouragement.
In an August 2026 interview with Go Long, he discussed the sacrifices she made while raising two sons without consistent support from their father.
The report also confirmed that Keyonna had recently retired from her manufacturing job.
Simpson credited her example with teaching him discipline, perseverance and the importance of providing for his own children.
John Simpson Jr. – John Simpson’s Father
John Simpson Jr. is the father of Baltimore Ravens offensive guard John Simpson.
His identity and relationship with the football player were documented in a December 2019 Sports Illustrated feature and an August 2026 interview published by Go Long.
During Simpson’s childhood, his father spent extended periods incarcerated, which limited his involvement in raising John and his younger brother.
As a result, Simpson grew up primarily with his mother and received additional support from his paternal grandfather.
According to Sports Illustrated, the separation affected Simpson emotionally during his younger years.
He occasionally visited his father while he was incarcerated in North Carolina, accompanied by his grandfather.
In interviews, Simpson has acknowledged the challenges of growing up without a consistently present father.
He has also spoken about learning to understand his father’s circumstances and developing a degree of forgiveness as he matured.
During an August 2026 interview with Go Long, Simpson explained that his relationship with his father continued to involve certain boundaries.
He also emphasized that the experience influenced the kind of father he wanted to become.
Rather than allowing his childhood circumstances to determine his future, Simpson chose to focus on education, football and building a stable household.
John Simpson’s Siblings
John Simpson has one publicly confirmed sibling, his younger brother Jayden.
Both brothers were raised by their mother, Keyonna Snipe, in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Their relationship was documented in Sports Illustrated’s December 2019 family profile and confirmed in reporting published by the New York Jets in 2024.
Jayden – John Simpson’s Younger Brother
Jayden is John Simpson’s younger brother and the other son raised by Keyonna Snipe.
The brothers grew up together in the Dorchester-Waylyn neighborhood of North Charleston.
Their childhood included financial difficulties and periods when their father was absent because of incarceration.
As the older brother, John developed a sense of responsibility toward Jayden from a relatively young age.
He began working during his teenage years partly because he wanted to reduce the financial pressure on their mother.
According to Sports Illustrated, Simpson’s early experiences encouraged him to think about how he could provide a better future for his family.
In an August 2026 interview with Go Long, Simpson discussed his younger brother while reflecting on the importance of making responsible decisions despite difficult surroundings.
He explained that he wanted relatives who shared his upbringing to recognize that they could pursue opportunities beyond the challenges of their neighborhood.
Although Jayden has been publicly identified as his brother, reliable sources do not provide extensive information about his age, occupation or personal relationships.
There is also insufficient verified information to establish whether Jayden pursued competitive football.
Does John Simpson Have Sisters?
As of now, there are no publicly confirmed reports identifying biological sisters belonging to John Simpson.
Established reporting describes him and Jayden as the two sons raised by their mother.
However, this does not conclusively establish whether Simpson has additional half-siblings or other family relationships outside the documented household.
Jayden remains his only clearly identified sibling in reliable public reporting.
John Simpson Sr. – John Simpson’s Grandfather
John Simpson Sr. is the paternal grandfather of Baltimore Ravens offensive guard John Simpson.
He played an important role in helping raise his grandson during periods when the younger Simpson’s father was incarcerated.
According to Sports Illustrated, John Sr. experienced difficulties earlier in his own life but later became determined to provide positive guidance for his grandchildren.
Following his release from prison in 2000, he established a lawn care business and encouraged younger family members to participate in the work.
During summer vacations, his grandchildren helped with landscaping and other responsibilities.
In exchange, their grandfather used their earnings to help purchase school clothes and other necessities.
He also encouraged them to perform well academically, rewarding strong school results.
For Ronnie’s future Ravens teammate John Simpson, these experiences provided early lessons about the relationship between effort, responsibility and achievement.
His grandfather also helped him maintain contact with his father during childhood.
As Simpson developed into a college football prospect, John Sr. remained involved in supporting his progress.
He attended family gatherings and traveled with relatives to watch important Clemson games.
In an August 2026 Go Long interview, Simpson again acknowledged the importance of his grandfather’s guidance during his childhood.
His grandfather’s involvement helped provide stability during a period when the family faced substantial personal and financial challenges.
John Simpson’s Family Background and Early Life
John Simpson grew up in North Charleston, South Carolina, where football became an important part of his childhood.
He attended Fort Dorchester High School and developed into one of the state’s leading offensive line prospects.
Outside football, he also competed in wrestling and won a South Carolina state championship during his junior year.
His athletic performances attracted scholarship offers from several major universities, including Clemson, Florida and LSU.
Simpson eventually committed to Clemson University, where he played college football from 2016 through 2019.
During his college career, he contributed to Clemson’s national championship-winning teams following the 2016 and 2018 seasons.
He developed into a consensus All-American offensive lineman in 2019.
In December 2019, Simpson graduated from Clemson with a sociology degree, becoming the first member of his immediate family to graduate from college.
The achievement was particularly meaningful because of the financial and personal challenges he had experienced growing up.
His mother and grandfather celebrated the milestone, recognizing the importance of education alongside his football success.
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Simpson with the 109th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
He played for the Raiders before joining the Baltimore Ravens late in the 2022 season.
During the 2023 season, he became Baltimore’s starting left guard and helped the team reach the AFC Championship Game.
He subsequently signed with the New York Jets in 2024, where he started every regular-season game over the following two seasons.
In March 2026, Simpson returned to Baltimore as a free agent.
By that time, he had become a married father of two, and his personal responsibilities had grown considerably since his first stint with the Ravens.
He explained that fatherhood had strengthened his determination to remain disciplined and provide a positive example for his sons.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Simpson’s Family
Who is John Simpson’s girlfriend?
John Simpson’s longtime girlfriend was Aliyah Caroline Simmons. The couple married in July 2021, so she is now his wife, Aliyah Caroline Simpson.
Is John Simpson married?
Yes. John Simpson married Aliyah Simmons on July 10, 2021, in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
Who is John Simpson’s wife?
John Simpson’s wife is Aliyah Caroline Simpson, a Clemson University graduate who studied biochemistry and pursued a career in medicine.
How did John Simpson meet his wife?
According to published reporting, John and Aliyah met in 2017 while attending an African-American theatre class at Clemson University.
How many children does John Simpson have?
John Simpson has two publicly confirmed children, both sons. He confirmed the number during a May 2026 Baltimore Ravens podcast appearance.
Who is John Simpson’s oldest son?
His oldest son is John Lucas Simpson, also known as JL, who was born on September 16, 2023.
Does John Simpson have a second child?
Yes. Simpson has a younger son who was approximately 10 months old in August 2026. His name and exact birth date have not been reliably confirmed.
Who are John Simpson’s parents?
John Simpson’s parents are John Simpson Jr. and Keyonna Snipe. He was primarily raised by his mother in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Who is John Simpson’s mother?
John Simpson’s mother is Keyonna Snipe, who worked overnight shifts in manufacturing while raising him and his younger brother Jayden.
Who is John Simpson’s father?
John Simpson’s father is John Simpson Jr. His father spent periods incarcerated during Simpson’s childhood, limiting his involvement in raising the family.
How many siblings does John Simpson have?
John Simpson has one publicly confirmed sibling, his younger brother Jayden.
Who is John Simpson’s brother?
Jayden is John Simpson’s younger brother. The two grew up together in North Charleston, South Carolina, under the care of their mother.
Who is John Simpson’s grandfather?
John Simpson’s paternal grandfather is John Simpson Sr., who operated a lawn care business and helped guide him during childhood.
Where is John Simpson’s family from?
John Simpson grew up in North Charleston, South Carolina, where he attended Fort Dorchester High School.
When was John Simpson born?
John Simpson was born on August 19, 1997.
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.
