Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Julius Chestnut is an American football running back for the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 26, 2000, in Bowie, Maryland, Chestnut developed into a successful college football player at Sacred Heart University before joining the Titans in 2022.
Behind his professional football career is a close-knit family that includes his parents, Keith and Nichelle Chestnut, and his older sister, Torri Chestnut. Both parents have played important roles in his upbringing, teaching him discipline, perseverance, and the importance of hard work.
Chestnut has also publicly discussed his relationship with Sarah Ciszek, a former Sacred Heart University volleyball player. However, more recent details about his romantic life and whether he has children remain limited.
Julius Chestnut’s Girlfriend: Who Is Sarah Ciszek?
Julius Chestnut was previously in a publicly documented relationship with Sarah Ciszek, a former collegiate volleyball player at Sacred Heart University.
Their relationship was reported in September 2021 by CT Insider, which identified Ciszek as Chestnut’s girlfriend while discussing his successful college football career.
Both athletes attended Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where Chestnut played running back and Ciszek competed for the women’s volleyball team.
During their relationship, Ciszek accompanied Chestnut and his family to an online ceremony for the Walter Payton Award, which recognizes the most outstanding offensive player in NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football.
Chestnut finished third in the voting, and the event was an important milestone in his college career.
Although their relationship was publicly documented in 2021, reliable sources have not established whether Chestnut and Ciszek are still together.
Consequently, Sarah Ciszek should be described as his previously reported girlfriend rather than definitively identified as his current partner.
Who Is Sarah Ciszek?
Sarah Ciszek is a former American college volleyball player from San Juan Capistrano, California.
She attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School before enrolling at Sacred Heart University, where she became one of the most accomplished volleyball players in the school’s history.
Ciszek played as a setter and earned numerous individual awards during her collegiate career.
Her achievements included five Northeast Conference (NEC) Setter of the Year awards and two NEC Player of the Year honors.
In 2022, she was named both NEC Player of the Year and Setter of the Year, becoming the first five-time Setter of the Year winner in conference history.
She also earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America honorable mention recognition.
Despite their shared university background and publicly documented relationship, both athletes have generally maintained privacy regarding their personal lives.
Is Julius Chestnut Married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Julius Chestnut is married.
His official Tennessee Titans biography does not identify a wife, and the reliable reports reviewed for this profile do not establish that he has held a wedding ceremony.
Although his relationship with Sarah Ciszek was documented during his college years, that information does not establish his present marital status.
Without a verified statement from Chestnut or another trustworthy source, it would be inaccurate to identify a wife.
Does Julius Chestnut Have Children?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Julius Chestnut has any children.
His official Tennessee Titans and Sacred Heart University biographies do not identify a son or daughter, and he has not made a widely documented public announcement about becoming a father.
Chestnut has spoken frequently about his own parents and his appreciation for their sacrifices, but he has shared comparatively little information about whether he has started a family of his own.
For that reason, the names or existence of any children should not be assumed without reliable confirmation.
Julius Chestnut’s Parents
Julius Chestnut was born to Keith Chestnut and Nichelle Chestnut, who raised him in Bowie, Maryland.
His father operates a landscaping business, while his mother has worked in government employment.
Both parents have provided support throughout his football career, from his childhood in Maryland to his college years at Sacred Heart and his transition to the NFL.
The family’s story has also included significant health challenges, with both Keith and Nichelle receiving cancer diagnoses at different stages of their son’s athletic journey.
Julius Chestnut’s Father: Keith Chestnut
Keith Chestnut is Julius Chestnut’s father and one of the most influential figures in his personal and professional development.
Keith owns a landscaping company in Maryland and began teaching Julius the importance of responsibility and hard work when he was young.
While growing up in Bowie, Julius frequently helped his father with landscaping projects, particularly during school vacations.
The work often required waking up around 5 a.m. to prepare trucks, transport materials, and perform demanding outdoor tasks.
Even during his college football career, Chestnut continued helping with the family business during summer breaks.
In a 2021 interview with CT Insider, Chestnut explained that working alongside his father taught him practical skills and gave him a greater appreciation for the effort required to provide for a family.
Keith also challenged his son academically and athletically.
Rather than allowing Julius to remain in comfortable situations, he encouraged him to compete against older athletes and take on difficult responsibilities.
Before Julius entered ninth grade, his parents moved him from public school to Archbishop Spalding High School, a private school in Maryland.
The decision required the family to drive approximately 45 minutes each way, but they believed the opportunity would support his development.
In an August 2026 interview with the Tennessee Titans, Chestnut credited his father’s approach with helping him become more disciplined and competitive.
Keith has remained closely involved in his son’s life, even after Julius became an NFL player.
Chestnut has jokingly recalled that his father still expects him to help with landscaping work whenever he returns home.
Keith Chestnut’s Battle With Cancer
Keith Chestnut was diagnosed with skin cancer while Julius was attending high school.
According to an October 2024 Tennessee Titans feature, Keith initially kept the diagnosis from his son because he did not want Julius to become distracted or worried.
Keith underwent surgery to remove cancerous tissue from his back and later told Julius about the experience.
In the 2024 interview, Julius confirmed that his father had become cancer-free.
The experience gave Chestnut a greater appreciation for his father’s strength and the importance of family support during difficult circumstances.
Julius Chestnut’s Mother: Nichelle Chestnut
Nichelle Chestnut is Julius Chestnut’s mother and another central figure in his upbringing.
According to a 2021 CT Insider profile, Nichelle worked for the government while helping raise Julius and his older sister, Torri.
She supported her son’s football ambitions and attended important events throughout his college career.
Nichelle was among the family members who celebrated Julius’s recognition as a Walter Payton Award finalist during his time at Sacred Heart.
She has also supported him through the challenges of establishing himself as an undrafted NFL player.
Chestnut has publicly described his mother as a strong and determined person, particularly after she faced a significant health challenge during the early stages of his professional football career.
Nichelle Chestnut’s Battle With Breast Cancer
Nichelle Chestnut was diagnosed with breast cancer during the latter part of the 2022 NFL season, Julius’s rookie year with the Tennessee Titans.
Like her husband, Nichelle initially chose not to tell her son about her diagnosis because she wanted him to remain focused on football.
She waited until after the Titans’ season ended before sharing the news.
According to a Tennessee Titans report published on October 10, 2024, Nichelle underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy as part of her treatment.
During that interview, Chestnut explained that his mother had reached a significant recovery milestone and had been cancer-free for approximately one year.
Her experience profoundly affected him, strengthening his appreciation for the sacrifices and resilience demonstrated by both parents.
He later participated in the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative to raise awareness about cancer prevention and early detection.
For the Titans’ October 2024 game against the Indianapolis Colts, Chestnut planned to wear a shirt honoring both Nichelle and Keith.
The gesture was intended to recognize their experiences and encourage others affected by cancer.
Julius Chestnut’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Julius Chestnut has one publicly documented sibling, an older sister named Torri Chestnut.
His official Tennessee Titans biography confirms that Torri is his older sister.
Like Julius, Torri was involved in competitive athletics, pursuing a college basketball career.
Torri Chestnut – Julius Chestnut’s Older Sister
Torri Chestnut is Julius Chestnut’s older sister and a former college basketball player.
She grew up in Bowie, Maryland, and attended Archbishop Spalding High School, the same school Julius later attended.
Torri continued her athletic career at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where she played for the women’s basketball team.
According to Morgan State University’s official athletics records, she was listed as a 5-foot-8 guard during the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons.
Her college basketball experience demonstrated the family’s broader interest in competitive sports.
Torri also attended important family celebrations during Julius’s college career.
In 2021, she joined Keith and Nichelle Chestnut for the online Walter Payton Award ceremony, when Julius finished third in the national voting.
Her presence reflected the close relationship between Julius and his family during his development as a football player.
Although Torri’s college basketball career is publicly documented, reliable sources provide limited information about her later professional activities or personal relationships.
Julius Chestnut’s Family History With Cancer
Cancer has affected several members of the Chestnut family, extending beyond his parents’ experiences.
In an October 2024 interview with the Tennessee Titans, Chestnut revealed that his grandfather and an uncle had died from lung cancer.
He honors their memory with tattoos bearing the names Joe and Gilbert on his right wrist.
Chestnut also explained that other extended family members, including aunts and cousins, had been affected by cancer.
These experiences made the NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign particularly meaningful to him.
Through the campaign, Chestnut has sought to raise awareness about cancer and recognize the courage of patients, survivors, and their families.
His involvement demonstrates how his family’s experiences have influenced his activities away from football.
Julius Chestnut’s Childhood and Family Background
Julius Chestnut was born and raised in Bowie, Maryland, where he developed an interest in athletics from a young age.
His parents emphasized discipline, education, and perseverance, encouraging him to take on challenges rather than avoid difficult situations.
Working with his father’s landscaping company taught him the value of physical effort and maintaining a strong work ethic.
During his high school years, Chestnut attended Archbishop Spalding High School, where he played football and developed into a college prospect.
As a senior, he rushed for 817 yards and scored 13 touchdowns on 133 carries.
He subsequently received opportunities to play college football at several programs, including Central Connecticut State University, Morgan State University, and Sacred Heart University.
Despite his sister’s connection to Morgan State, Chestnut chose Sacred Heart because he felt comfortable with the university’s football program and community.
That decision became a turning point in his athletic career.
How Julius Chestnut’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Julius Chestnut’s success on the football field has been shaped by the lessons he learned from his parents.
His father’s emphasis on hard work prepared him for the physical demands of competitive football, while his mother’s encouragement helped him maintain confidence and determination.
During his time at Sacred Heart University, Chestnut developed into one of the most productive running backs in the Football Championship Subdivision.
As a freshman in 2018, he rushed for 713 yards and seven touchdowns, earning Northeast Conference Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
He followed that performance with 1,495 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019.
During the shortened 2020–21 season, Chestnut recorded 717 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in four games.
His outstanding performances earned him All-America recognition and a third-place finish in Walter Payton Award voting.
Chestnut completed his college football career with 3,467 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns.
He also graduated from Sacred Heart in May 2022 with a degree in economics.
Despite going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Chestnut signed with the Tennessee Titans as a free agent on May 13, 2022.
He earned a place on the team’s roster and gradually established himself as a dependable contributor on special teams and as a reserve running back.
His performances helped him remain with Tennessee, and he signed another one-year contract with the Titans in March 2026.
Throughout his professional journey, Chestnut has continued acknowledging the lessons learned from his parents and the encouragement provided by his family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Julius Chestnut’s Family
Who is Julius Chestnut’s girlfriend?
Julius Chestnut was publicly identified as dating Sarah Ciszek, a former Sacred Heart University volleyball player, in a 2021 CT Insider report. However, their current relationship status has not been reliably confirmed.
Is Julius Chestnut married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Julius Chestnut is married.
Does Julius Chestnut have children?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Julius Chestnut has any children.
Who are Julius Chestnut’s parents?
Julius Chestnut’s parents are Keith Chestnut and Nichelle Chestnut. His father owns a landscaping company in Maryland, while his mother has worked in government employment.
How many siblings does Julius Chestnut have?
Julius Chestnut has one publicly documented sibling, an older sister named Torri Chestnut.
Who is Julius Chestnut’s sister?
Julius Chestnut’s older sister is Torri Chestnut, a former college basketball player who competed for Morgan State University.
Where is Julius Chestnut’s family from?
Julius Chestnut’s family is from Bowie, Maryland, where he grew up and attended Archbishop Spalding High School.
What does Julius Chestnut’s father do?
His father, Keith Chestnut, owns and operates a landscaping company in Maryland. Julius frequently helped him with landscaping work while growing up.
Did Julius Chestnut’s parents have cancer?
Yes. Keith Chestnut was treated for skin cancer, while Nichelle Chestnut underwent treatment for breast cancer. In October 2024, Julius reported that both parents had reached cancer-free milestones.
Which college did Julius Chestnut attend?
Julius Chestnut attended Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he played college football and graduated with a degree in economics.
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.
