Last Updated on November 13, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Justin Rankin is an American professional football running back who plays for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on June 22, 1997, in Oberlin, Ohio, Rankin has established himself as one of Edmonton’s most productive offensive players after overcoming several challenges during his professional football journey.
Beyond his success on the field, fans are interested in Justin Rankin’s family, including his girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings. His official Northwest Missouri State University biography identifies Mark Rankin and Dionne Rankin as his parents. However, a more recent report names Mark and Sharhonda Rankin, creating some uncertainty about his publicly documented family background.
Justin Rankin’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Justin Rankin has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner through the reliable sports sources reviewed.
Although the Edmonton Elks running back has received increasing media attention because of his football performances, he has maintained a relatively private personal life.
His official player biographies, team announcements, and interviews primarily discuss his athletic development, professional achievements, and experiences playing football in the United States and Canada.
There is also no verified public announcement confirming that Justin Rankin is married or identifying a wife.
Consequently, his current relationship status remains unconfirmed. This does not necessarily mean he is single, only that reliable information about a girlfriend or spouse is unavailable.
Justin Rankin’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
There is no verified public information confirming that Justin Rankin has children.
His official Edmonton Elks and college football biographies do not identify any sons or daughters. Likewise, available interviews discussing his professional journey have not established that he is a father.
Rankin has generally kept his private relationships separate from his professional football career.
Until he publicly confirms having children or a reliable source reports such information, his parental status should be considered unknown rather than assuming he has no children.
Justin Rankin’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Justin Rankin grew up in Oberlin, Ohio, and attended Elyria Catholic High School, where he developed into a talented football player.
His official Northwest Missouri State University athletics biography, published during his college career in 2019, identifies his parents as Mark and Dionne Rankin.
However, a September 2026 report from Shotgun Sports Network described Mark and Sharhonda Rankin as Justin’s parents after they attended an Edmonton Elks event.
While Mark’s identity is consistent across both reports, the different names given for his mother have not been publicly explained. The sources do not establish whether the discrepancy reflects a change in family circumstances, a different parental relationship, or a reporting error.
Justin Rankin’s Father: Mark Rankin
Justin Rankin’s father is Mark Rankin.
Mark is identified in Justin’s official Northwest Missouri State University football biography, which lists him as one of the player’s parents.
Mark also received public attention in September 2026 when he attended an Edmonton Elks pregame gathering before a game against the Calgary Stampeders.
According to Shotgun Sports Network, Mark visited the event alongside Sharhonda Rankin and interacted with Edmonton supporters.
Their appearance coincided with an important period in Justin’s CFL career, when the Elks were competing for a playoff position.
Although Mark’s connection to Justin is documented, reliable public information about his occupation, age, education, and personal background is limited.
Justin Rankin’s Mother: Dionne Rankin and the 2026 Report
Dionne Rankin is named alongside Mark Rankin in Justin’s official 2019 Northwest Missouri State University football biography.
The university’s player profile specifically identifies Justin as the son of Mark and Dionne Rankin. It is therefore the clearest official collegiate source for his parents’ names.
However, a report published on September 13, 2026, by Shotgun Sports Network named Sharhonda Rankin alongside Mark Rankin and referred to them as Justin’s parents.
The report described their appearance at an Edmonton Elks pregame gathering, where they met supporters and posed for photographs.
Because the two sources identify different women, it is important not to assume that Dionne and Sharhonda are the same person or to assign either woman a particular biological or stepparental relationship without further confirmation.
Neither report provides enough information to resolve the discrepancy definitively.
Justin Rankin’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
There is currently no verified public information identifying Justin Rankin’s brothers or sisters.
His official Kent State University and Northwest Missouri State University athletics biographies do not provide the names of any siblings.
Similarly, available interviews and professional football reports focus on his athletic career rather than documenting whether he grew up with brothers or sisters.
Does Justin Rankin Have a Brother?
No brother has been publicly identified through reliable sources reviewed for this article.
Although Rankin has developed close relationships with teammates throughout his career, these connections should not be confused with confirmed biological or family relationships.
Without an official statement or trustworthy biographical information, the existence and identity of any brothers remain unconfirmed.
Does Justin Rankin Have a Sister?
There is also no reliable public confirmation identifying a sister of Justin Rankin.
Neither his official college biographies nor his Edmonton Elks player information names any sisters.
Therefore, it is currently unknown whether Justin has sisters or is an only child.
Justin Rankin’s Early Life and Family Background
Justin Rankin was born on June 22, 1997, in Oberlin, Ohio, United States.
He attended Elyria Catholic High School in Elyria, Ohio, where he became a standout athlete in football, basketball, and track and field.
As a high school football player, Rankin earned First Team All-Ohio honors three times and established himself as one of the region’s most talented running backs.
He scored 13 rushing touchdowns during his junior season and 15 during his senior season. He also received recognition in track and field, earning all-state honors in the 200 meters.
Following his high school career, Rankin joined Kent State University, where he played college football from 2016 through 2018.
He later transferred to Northwest Missouri State University for the 2019 season, rushing for 1,050 yards and scoring 13 rushing touchdowns.
Despite his collegiate success, Rankin was not selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. The COVID-19 pandemic also limited opportunities for professional tryouts.
He eventually joined the Indoor Football League, playing for the Bismarck Bucks in 2021, the Frisco Fighters in 2022, and the Bay Area Panthers in 2023.
During his time with the Panthers, Rankin helped the franchise win the 2023 Indoor Football League championship.
His performances eventually earned him an opportunity with the Edmonton Elks in 2024.
Justin Rankin’s Journey to the Edmonton Elks
Justin Rankin’s professional football journey was far from straightforward.
In a June 2026 interview with Sportsnet, Rankin discussed the challenges he encountered after completing his college career.
He initially resisted the idea of playing indoor football after going undrafted in 2020, but a longtime friend, defensive back Malik Duncan, encouraged him to reconsider.
Rankin ultimately joined the Bismarck Bucks, where his early salary was approximately $250 per game before taxes.
As his indoor football career progressed, he became one of the league’s most productive running backs while also working in insurance sales.
His opportunity with Edmonton came after coach Mike Davis recommended him to the Elks organization.
Although Rankin was initially released from Edmonton’s training camp in May 2024, he returned to the organization in July and quickly made an impact.
During the 2024 CFL season, he rushed for 765 yards and five touchdowns while averaging an impressive 7.8 yards per carry.
He followed that performance with another successful season in 2025, recording 1,013 rushing yards and 713 receiving yards.
In October 2025, the Edmonton Elks rewarded his performances with a contract extension through the 2027 season.
Rankin continued his productive career in 2026, helping Edmonton compete among the leading teams in the CFL.
Frequently Asked Questions About Justin Rankin’s Family
Who is Justin Rankin’s girlfriend?
Justin Rankin has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains unknown.
Is Justin Rankin married?
There is no reliable public announcement confirming that Justin Rankin is married or identifying a wife.
Does Justin Rankin have children?
There is no verified public information confirming that Justin Rankin has sons or daughters.
Who is Justin Rankin’s father?
His father is Mark Rankin, according to his official Northwest Missouri State University athletics biography and a September 2026 Edmonton sports report.
Who is Justin Rankin’s mother?
His official 2019 Northwest Missouri State University biography names Dionne Rankin. However, a September 2026 report identifies Sharhonda Rankin as one of his parents. The discrepancy has not been publicly clarified.
Does Justin Rankin have siblings?
There is currently no verified information identifying Justin Rankin’s brothers or sisters. His official college football biographies do not list any siblings.
Where was Justin Rankin born?
Justin Rankin was born in Oberlin, Ohio, on June 22, 1997.
Which college did Justin Rankin attend?
He attended Kent State University from 2016 to 2018 before transferring to Northwest Missouri State University for the 2019 football season.
Which CFL team does Justin Rankin play for?
Justin Rankin plays running back for the Edmonton Elks. He joined the organization in 2024 and signed a contract extension through the 2027 season.
Did Justin Rankin play in the NFL?
Justin Rankin was not selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. He later played in the Indoor Football League before establishing himself 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.
