Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Jonathan Allen is an American professional football player who plays defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. Born on January 16, 1995, in Anniston, Alabama, Allen grew up in a military family and experienced a challenging childhood before becoming a successful college football player at the University of Alabama.
Beyond his NFL career, Allen is a husband and father who places considerable importance on family. His wife is Hannah Franklin Allen, whom he married in 2018, and the couple has a daughter named Eleanor Mae Allen. His father, Richard Allen II, served in the United States Army, while his stepmother, Traci Allen, helped raise him. His older brother, Richard Allen III, also played an important role in his upbringing.
Jonathan Allen’s Wife: Hannah Franklin Allen
Jonathan Allen is married to Hannah Franklin Allen, a former University of Alabama student-athlete who competed in collegiate rowing.
The couple met while attending the University of Alabama, where Jonathan was a standout defensive lineman and Hannah was a member of the university’s rowing program.
According to the Washington Commanders’ official website, they met in a study hall class during Jonathan’s junior year in 2015. Their friendship eventually developed into a romantic relationship.
After dating for several years, Allen proposed to Hannah on April 17, 2017, shortly before the NFL Draft.
The engagement marked an important personal milestone for Allen, who was preparing to begin his professional football career.
Hannah accompanied him to the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia, where the Washington Redskins selected him with the 17th overall pick.
When Did Jonathan Allen Marry Hannah Franklin?
Jonathan Allen and Hannah Franklin married in July 2018 during a wedding celebration in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
The couple exchanged vows at Holy Spirit Catholic Church before hosting their wedding reception at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the home of the University of Alabama football team.
The location held special significance because Alabama was where they had first met and where Jonathan had achieved considerable success as a college football player.
Since their marriage, Jonathan and Hannah have supported several charitable initiatives, particularly those focused on helping vulnerable children and young people.
They have worked with Sasha Bruce Youthwork, a Washington, D.C.-area organization that assists young people experiencing homelessness and family instability.
Allen’s own childhood experiences have influenced the couple’s commitment to supporting children who face difficult circumstances.
Hannah has also supported her husband’s football career through his years in Washington, his move to the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, and his subsequent signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in March 2026.
Jonathan Allen’s Children
Jonathan Allen and his wife, Hannah, have one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Eleanor Mae Allen.
Eleanor Mae Allen: Jonathan Allen’s Daughter
Eleanor Mae Allen was born in 2024, making Jonathan and Hannah parents for the first time.
Her name and birth year were confirmed in the Minnesota Vikings’ official 2025 media guide.
In March 2026, Eleanor accompanied her parents to Cincinnati when Jonathan signed a two-year contract with the Bengals.
The Bengals reported that Eleanor was approximately 17 months old when her father joined the organization.
During a September 2026 interview with the Cincinnati Bengals, Allen discussed how becoming a father had changed his understanding of the sacrifices his own father made while raising him.
He explained that despite the physical demands of professional football, he makes an effort to spend time playing with Eleanor after games and practices.
His comments demonstrated his determination to remain actively involved in his daughter’s life while continuing his NFL career.
As of now, Eleanor Mae Allen is Jonathan Allen’s only publicly confirmed child.
Jonathan Allen’s Parents
Jonathan Allen’s Father: Richard Allen II
Jonathan Allen’s father is Richard Allen II, a former United States Army serviceman who worked as a nuclear, biological and chemical warfare specialist.
Richard played a central role in raising Jonathan and his older brother, Richard Allen III, particularly after a difficult period during their childhood.
Jonathan’s parents divorced when he was very young. His father’s military responsibilities took him to different locations, including South Korea and Washington state.
During that period, Jonathan and his older brother experienced family instability and spent approximately ten months in foster care.
Richard eventually secured custody of his sons in 2004, allowing the family to reunite.
Following their reunion, the family moved between different locations before settling in Virginia, where Jonathan attended Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn.
Richard emphasized discipline, education and responsibility throughout his children’s upbringing.
Jonathan has explained that his father required him to maintain strong academic results before allowing him to participate in football.
He also encouraged his son to develop physical strength and endurance through regular exercise and household responsibilities.
In a November 2021 article published by the NFL, Jonathan identified his father as one of the most influential people in his life.
He credited Richard with teaching him humility, discipline, determination and the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic.
During a September 2026 interview with the Cincinnati Bengals, Allen again praised his father for his sacrifices and dedication to his children.
Richard remained supportive of his son’s professional career and attended Cincinnati Bengals games after Jonathan joined the organization.
Jonathan Allen’s Biological Mother
Jonathan Allen’s biological mother has not been consistently identified by name in reliable public reporting.
According to interviews published by The Washington Post and CBS Sports, Allen spent part of his early childhood living with his biological mother following his parents’ divorce.
During that period, Jonathan and his older brother experienced significant difficulties, including frequent changes in living arrangements and interruptions to their education.
Child protective services eventually became involved, and the brothers spent approximately ten months in foster care before their father obtained custody.
In a January 2017 interview with CBS Sports, Allen explained that he had lost contact with his biological mother during childhood but hoped they might reconnect.
He also expressed appreciation for the role his stepmother played in his life.
As of now, reliable public reporting has not established whether Allen has subsequently reconnected with his biological mother.
Jonathan Allen’s Stepmother: Traci Allen
Jonathan Allen’s stepmother is Traci Allen, who helped raise him and his older brother following their reunion with their father.
Traci became an important maternal figure in Jonathan’s life during his childhood and teenage years.
According to CBS Sports, she helped Jonathan improve his academic performance and adjust to a more structured home environment.
His older brother, Richard Allen III, credited Traci with making sure the children spent time studying after school.
Her involvement helped Jonathan develop the educational discipline necessary to balance academics with competitive football.
Jonathan has publicly expressed affection and appreciation for his stepmother while also acknowledging the importance of his biological mother.
Jonathan Allen’s Siblings
Richard Allen III: Jonathan Allen’s Older Brother
Jonathan Allen has an older brother named Richard Allen III, who is approximately seven years older than him.
Richard III played a particularly important role during Jonathan’s childhood, especially when the brothers experienced family instability and spent time in foster care.
During interviews about their upbringing, Jonathan explained that he relied heavily on his older brother for emotional support and reassurance.
Richard III helped protect Jonathan and encouraged him to remain positive during difficult circumstances.
The brothers eventually reunited with their father and moved to Virginia, where Jonathan continued his education and began developing his football career.
Richard III followed his father’s example by pursuing a career in the United States Army.
In a 2017 CBS Sports report, Richard III was identified as an Army staff sergeant stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Although he did not pursue professional football, Richard supported Jonathan’s development as an athlete.
Jonathan has repeatedly acknowledged that his older brother was one of the most important influences in his early life.
Their close relationship reflects the significant role that family support played in helping him overcome childhood challenges.
Jonathan Allen’s Younger Siblings
Jonathan Allen also has younger siblings who have received considerably less public attention than his older brother Richard III.
A January 2017 CBS Sports report included a family photograph identifying two younger siblings alongside Jonathan, his father and his stepmother.
However, their names, occupations and other personal details have not been sufficiently established in reliable public reporting.
Consequently, Richard Allen III remains his best-documented sibling, while information about his younger siblings is limited.
Jonathan Allen’s Family Background and Upbringing
Jonathan Allen was born in Anniston, Alabama, before moving to several locations because of his father’s military career.
His childhood included periods in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington before his family eventually settled in Virginia.
Despite the difficulties he experienced while growing up, Allen developed a strong interest in football.
He attended Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, Virginia, where he became one of the country’s most highly regarded defensive line prospects.
During his senior season, he recorded 119 tackles and nine sacks, earning recognition as Virginia’s Gatorade Football Player of the Year.
He subsequently accepted a scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he played under head coach Nick Saban.
Allen helped Alabama win the national championship for the 2015 season and earned several individual awards during his college career.
The Washington Redskins selected him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
He spent eight seasons with Washington before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2025 and signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in March 2026.
His difficult early experiences also inspired his charitable involvement with organizations supporting disadvantaged children.
Throughout his career, Allen has consistently credited his father, stepmother and older brother with helping shape his character and determination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jonathan Allen’s Family
Who is Jonathan Allen’s girlfriend?
Jonathan Allen is married to Hannah Franklin Allen, a former University of Alabama rowing athlete. They married in July 2018.
Is Jonathan Allen married?
Yes. Jonathan Allen married Hannah Franklin in 2018 during a wedding ceremony in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Does Jonathan Allen have children?
Yes. Jonathan Allen and his wife have one publicly confirmed daughter, Eleanor Mae Allen, who was born in 2024.
What is Jonathan Allen’s daughter’s name?
His daughter is named Eleanor Mae Allen. She accompanied her parents to Cincinnati when Allen signed with the Bengals in March 2026.
Who is Jonathan Allen’s father?
His father is Richard Allen II, a former United States Army specialist who played an important role in his upbringing.
Who is Jonathan Allen’s biological mother?
The name of Jonathan Allen’s biological mother has not been reliably established in public reporting. His parents divorced during his early childhood.
Who is Jonathan Allen’s stepmother?
His stepmother is Traci Allen, who helped raise him and his older brother following their reunion with their father.
Does Jonathan Allen have siblings?
Yes. His older brother is Richard Allen III. Public reporting has also identified two younger siblings, although their names are not reliably documented.
Was Jonathan Allen raised in foster care?
Yes. Jonathan Allen and his older brother spent approximately ten months in foster care before their father obtained custody in 2004.
Where is Jonathan Allen’s family from?
Jonathan Allen was born in Anniston, Alabama, and grew up in several states before his family settled in Ashburn, Virginia. He also has family connections to Cincinnati, Ohio.
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.
