Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Malaki Starks is an American professional football player who plays as a safety for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 13, 2003, in Jefferson, Georgia, Starks played college football at the University of Georgia before being selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Beyond his football career, Malaki Starks is a married man who comes from a close-knit family. His wife, Savanna Jackson Starks, has known him since elementary school, while his parents, Larry and Tisha Starks, helped him overcome significant financial difficulties during childhood. His older sister, Mariah Starks, has also played an important role in his life.
Although Starks has openly discussed his family, marriage, and upbringing, he maintains privacy concerning certain aspects of his personal life. Here is what is publicly known about Malaki Starks’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Malaki Starks’s Wife: Who Is Savanna Jackson Starks?
Malaki Starks is married to Savanna Jackson Starks, his longtime girlfriend and childhood sweetheart.
The couple married on March 20, 2026, at Little River Farms in Milton, Georgia, surrounded by approximately 140 relatives and friends.
Their wedding was confirmed by the Baltimore Ravens on March 24, 2026, and featured in an exclusive interview published by People magazine.
Malaki and Savanna have known each other since fourth grade, when they attended school together in Jefferson, Georgia.
Their friendship gradually developed into a romantic relationship during high school, and they remained together throughout Starks’s college football career at Georgia.
Savanna has been one of his most consistent supporters, attending football games and encouraging him through personal and professional challenges.
How Malaki Starks Met Savanna Jackson
Malaki Starks and Savanna Jackson first met as elementary school students in Jefferson, Georgia.
According to an October 2025 interview with People magazine, their friendship began through ordinary childhood activities, including playing together at school.
Although they initially knew each other as classmates, they developed a close connection that continued throughout middle school.
They eventually began dating during high school.
Starks has described Savanna as his longtime best friend, emphasizing the importance of their shared history.
During difficult periods, including the financial instability his family experienced while he was growing up, Savanna remained part of his support system.
The relationship continued when Starks enrolled at the University of Georgia and became one of college football’s leading defensive backs.
Savanna attended his college games and celebrated his achievements, including Georgia’s national championship success.
Malaki Starks and Savanna Got Engaged in October 2024
Malaki Starks proposed to Savanna Jackson on October 25, 2024, during a romantic occasion at The Westin Chattanooga in Tennessee.
He arranged a proposal featuring flowers and a decorated setting before asking his longtime girlfriend to marry him.
The couple subsequently announced their engagement through social media photographs.
During an interview following the proposal, Starks explained that marriage was something he had considered for a considerable period.
The engagement took place before his final college football season ended and several months before he entered the NFL.
Savanna accompanied Starks to the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where they celebrated his selection by the Baltimore Ravens.
Malaki Starks and Savanna’s Wedding in March 2026
Malaki Starks and Savanna Jackson married on March 20, 2026, at Little River Farms in Milton, Georgia.
According to People magazine, the couple wanted an elegant and timeless wedding that reflected their relationship and personal values.
The ceremony included approximately 140 guests and featured light blue decorations, hydrangeas, and gold accents.
Savanna wore a Justin Alexander wedding gown, while Malaki wore a custom suit designed by Brian Alexander Bespoke.
The ceremony was officiated by Sylvania Watkins, Starks’s childhood pastor, who had also officiated the marriage of Malaki’s parents.
The couple exchanged handwritten vows and celebrated with family members who had supported their relationship since childhood.
Following their wedding, they planned a short honeymoon in Puerto Rico and additional travel later in the year.
As of now, Savanna Jackson Starks is publicly confirmed as Malaki Starks’s wife.
What Does Savanna Starks Do?
Savanna Jackson Starks has pursued education and personal interests outside her husband’s NFL career.
In her October 2025 interview with People magazine, she discussed studying online business management while adjusting to life with Starks following his move to Baltimore.
She explained that relocating to Maryland required changes to her educational plans, although she intended to complete her degree.
Savanna has also supported her husband’s football career by attending games and helping him prepare mentally for competition.
According to the Baltimore Ravens, she writes letters that Starks reads before games as part of his preparation routine.
The tradition reflects the emotional support she has provided throughout his athletic career.
Malaki Starks’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, Malaki Starks has no publicly confirmed children.
Neither his official Baltimore Ravens biography nor reliable interviews about his marriage identify him as the father of a son or daughter.
Following their March 2026 wedding, Starks and Savanna discussed their hopes of eventually starting a family.
However, their plans for the future should not be interpreted as confirmation that they already have children.
There are no independently verified public announcements establishing the birth of a child belonging to the couple.
Consequently, their parental status remains unconfirmed.
Malaki Starks’s Parents
Malaki Starks was born to Larry Starks and Tisha Starks, whose full first name has also been reported as Martisha.
His parents raised him and his older sister, Mariah, in Jefferson, Georgia.
Although the family experienced periods of homelessness and financial hardship, Larry and Tisha remained committed to supporting their children.
Their experiences were documented in detailed family interviews published by the Baltimore Ravens and The Baltimore Banner in 2025.
Tisha Starks – Malaki Starks’s Mother
Tisha Starks is Malaki Starks’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She worked hard alongside her husband to provide food, shelter, education, and opportunities for their children.
According to an August 2025 family profile published by The Baltimore Banner, Tisha experienced significant financial difficulties when Malaki was in elementary school.
During one particularly difficult period, the family was living in a motel and could no longer afford another night.
Tisha contacted relatives and close friends who allowed the family to stay with them temporarily.
Although asking for assistance was difficult, she prioritized the safety and well-being of her children.
She also encouraged Malaki to remain focused on school, sports, and his faith despite their unstable living circumstances.
Her determination became an important example for her son.
How Tisha Starks Supported Her Son’s Football Career
Tisha Starks has remained closely involved in Malaki’s athletic development.
She encouraged him to pursue his interests while emphasizing humility, responsibility, and treating other people with respect.
When the Baltimore Ravens selected Malaki with the 27th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tisha accompanied him to Green Bay.
The moment was particularly emotional because the family had overcome considerable financial difficulties during his childhood.
In a May 1, 2025, interview with the Baltimore Ravens, Tisha described her son as a caring, humble person who could connect easily with others.
She also explained that football had always been more than a hobby for him.
According to Tisha, her son’s success reflected his dedication, faith, and desire to become the best version of himself.
She continues supporting him as he develops his professional football career in Baltimore.
Larry Starks – Malaki Starks’s Father
Larry Starks is Malaki Starks’s father and another important influence in his upbringing.
He worked multiple jobs during periods of financial difficulty to help support the family.
According to The Baltimore Banner, Larry played an especially important role in helping Malaki overcome challenges at school.
When his son struggled with certain lessons, Larry studied the material himself and developed alternative ways of explaining it.
His patience helped Malaki gain confidence and improve his academic performance.
Larry also supported his son’s early interest in organized football.
Photographs published by The Baltimore Banner show him helping coach Malaki’s youth football team in 2010.
As Malaki became older, Larry continued encouraging him to work hard and remain focused on his goals.
How Larry Starks Influenced His Son’s Character
Malaki has repeatedly credited his father’s work ethic with shaping his approach to life.
During his introductory Baltimore Ravens press conference in April 2025, Starks discussed how both parents worked demanding schedules when the family experienced homelessness.
He explained that their refusal to give up taught him the importance of perseverance.
Instead of becoming discouraged when things went wrong, he learned to concentrate on what he could control.
Larry also emphasized the family’s Christian faith and encouraged his children to remain optimistic during difficult circumstances.
Those lessons became important as Malaki developed into a college football star and later entered the NFL.
Malaki Starks’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Malaki Starks has one publicly confirmed older sister named Mariah Starks.
Her identity and their close relationship have been documented by the Baltimore Ravens, the University of Georgia, and The Baltimore Banner.
Mariah grew up alongside Malaki in Jefferson, Georgia, and experienced many of the same financial challenges during childhood.
She also influenced his early interest in basketball and competitive sports.
Mariah Starks – Malaki Starks’s Older Sister
Mariah Starks is Malaki Starks’s older sister and an important member of his family.
According to The Baltimore Banner, Mariah was in seventh grade when Malaki was in third grade, making her approximately four school years older.
The siblings developed a close relationship while growing up in Jefferson.
During childhood, Mariah was a talented basketball player, and Malaki frequently competed against her.
Her basketball abilities encouraged him to improve his own skills and develop a stronger competitive mentality.
Starks has explained that basketball was one of his earliest sporting interests, partly because his sister enjoyed the game.
The two often played together, sometimes continuing their competitions late into the evening.
Those experiences helped Malaki develop confidence, coordination, and determination.
Mariah Starks’s Education and Family
Mariah Starks later attended college and became a nurse, according to an August 2025 report published by The Baltimore Banner.
She is also the mother of two children.
Her son Isaiah has been publicly mentioned in interviews about Malaki’s relationship with his extended family.
According to the Baltimore Ravens, Malaki maintains a particularly close bond with his nephew.
Mariah has described her younger brother as patient and caring, qualities that help him connect with children.
Although Malaki has achieved considerable success in professional football, he remains closely connected to his sister and her family.
Does Malaki Starks Have a Brother?
There is no publicly confirmed biological brother of Malaki Starks in the reliable family profiles reviewed.
Official reporting identifies Mariah as his older sister.
However, Starks shared a brotherly relationship with his late cousin, Keion Gresham, whom he considered one of his closest childhood companions.
Their relationship remains an important part of his personal story.
Keion Gresham – Malaki Starks’s Late Cousin
Keion Gresham was Malaki Starks’s cousin and childhood best friend.
The two were extremely close, often spending time together and playing football.
Unfortunately, Keion died when he was nine years old, while Malaki was approximately seven.
His death was a traumatic experience that deeply affected Starks during childhood.
According to an August 2025 Baltimore Ravens profile, Keion’s death influenced Malaki’s understanding of life and encouraged him to appreciate his relationships with family members.
Why Does Malaki Starks Wear No. 24?
Malaki Starks wears the No. 24 jersey to honor his late cousin, Keion Gresham.
Keion had worn the number while playing youth football.
Following his cousin’s death, Starks adopted No. 24 as a way of remembering him.
He continued wearing the number throughout high school, college, and his professional football career.
The gesture demonstrates the importance of Keion’s memory in his life.
Malaki Starks’s Childhood and Family Background
Malaki Starks grew up in Jefferson, Georgia, where his family faced several financial challenges.
During his elementary school years, his parents struggled to secure stable housing.
The family spent periods living in motels and staying with relatives or friends.
According to The Baltimore Banner, those difficulties occurred during different periods between Malaki’s third and sixth grades.
Despite the uncertainty, his parents continued working and providing opportunities for their children.
In 2024, the Starks family purchased their first home, marking a significant improvement in their circumstances.
Malaki has since discussed his childhood experiences publicly, hoping that his story will encourage other families facing similar challenges.
How Malaki Starks’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Starks began participating in football and basketball during childhood.
He attended Jefferson High School, where he developed into one of Georgia’s leading football prospects.
His athletic ability allowed him to contribute on offense, defense, and special teams.
He also competed in track and field, winning a Georgia high school state championship in the long jump.
Following his high school career, Starks enrolled at the University of Georgia in 2022.
He quickly became an important member of the Bulldogs’ defense and helped the team win the College Football Playoff National Championship during his freshman season.
Starks subsequently earned multiple All-America honors and established himself as one of the country’s leading defensive backs.
After three seasons at Georgia, he entered the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Baltimore Ravens selected him with the 27th overall pick in the first round.
His parents, sister, and future wife were among the people who celebrated his achievement.
Throughout his career, Starks has credited his family’s faith, sacrifices, and determination with helping him remain focused.
Malaki Starks’s Family and Community Activities
Starks’s experiences during childhood have also influenced his charitable activities.
While attending Georgia, he participated in programs supporting children, schools, and families facing financial difficulties.
His community involvement included helping provide school supplies and participating in youth football camps.
According to the Baltimore Ravens’ official media guide, he received recognition through the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for his charitable activities.
His parents have also supported community organizations, including initiatives assisting children and families experiencing homelessness.
These activities reflect the family’s desire to help others overcome challenges similar to those they once experienced.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malaki Starks’s Family
Who is Malaki Starks’s wife?
Malaki Starks’s wife is Savanna Jackson Starks, his childhood sweetheart. The couple married on March 20, 2026, in Milton, Georgia.
Is Malaki Starks married?
Yes. Malaki Starks married Savanna Jackson on March 20, 2026, after becoming engaged in October 2024.
How did Malaki Starks meet his wife?
Malaki Starks met Savanna Jackson when they were in fourth grade in Jefferson, Georgia. Their friendship developed into a romantic relationship during high school.
Does Malaki Starks have children?
As of now, Malaki Starks has no publicly confirmed children. He and his wife have discussed plans to start a family in the future.
Who is Malaki Starks’s mother?
His mother is Tisha Starks, also identified as Martisha Starks, who helped raise Malaki and his older sister in Jefferson, Georgia.
Who is Malaki Starks’s father?
His father is Larry Starks, who worked multiple jobs during the family’s financial difficulties and helped guide Malaki’s education and athletic development.
Does Malaki Starks have siblings?
Yes. Malaki Starks has a publicly confirmed older sister named Mariah Starks, who played basketball during her youth and later became a nurse.
Does Malaki Starks have a brother?
No biological brother has been confirmed in reliable public reporting. However, Starks considered his late cousin, Keion Gresham, to be like a brother.
Who is Malaki Starks’s nephew?
His publicly identified nephew is Isaiah, one of the two children of his older sister, Mariah.
Why does Malaki Starks wear No. 24?
Starks wears No. 24 to honor his late cousin, Keion Gresham, who wore the same jersey number in youth football.
Did Malaki Starks grow up homeless?
Yes. During his elementary school years, Starks and his family experienced periods of homelessness, staying in motels and with relatives or friends before achieving financial stability.
Where is Malaki Starks from?
Malaki Starks is from Jefferson, Georgia, where he attended Jefferson High School before playing college football at the University of Georgia.
How old is Malaki Starks?
Malaki Starks was born on November 13, 2003, making him 22 years old as of now.
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.
