Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Oren Burks is an American professional football player who plays linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. Born on March 21, 1995, in Alexandria, Virginia, Burks grew up in Northern Virginia before becoming a standout college football player at Vanderbilt University.
Beyond his professional football career, Burks is a husband and father who comes from a family with a strong background in education and athletics. His wife is Jocelyn Burks, a former college volleyball player and entrepreneur. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Eliza June Burks, in the summer of 2024.
His parents are Orlanda and Wanda Burks, while his younger sister, Whitney Burks, played college softball at Stanford University. Throughout his athletic journey, Burks has credited his family’s encouragement and emphasis on education with helping him succeed both on and off the football field.
Oren Burks’ Wife: Jocelyn Burks
Oren Burks is married to Jocelyn Burks, a former collegiate volleyball player, entrepreneur and creative professional.
Jocelyn, whose maiden name is Youngdahl, grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota, where she developed an interest in athletics and business.
She attended Hill-Murray School before enrolling at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she played volleyball from 2012 through 2015.
During her college volleyball career, Jocelyn became an important member of the Belmont Bruins women’s volleyball team.
As a freshman in 2012, she appeared in all 35 matches and received Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer Team recognition.
She continued developing as a player and earned academic recognition during her college career.
In her senior season in 2015, Jocelyn appeared in 31 matches and recorded 261 kills, 109 digs and 85 blocks.
After completing her college career, she pursued professional opportunities in entrepreneurship, marketing and creative design.
When Did Oren Burks Marry Jocelyn Youngdahl?
Oren Burks and Jocelyn Youngdahl married in 2020 during a wedding celebration in Nashville, Tennessee.
Their marriage took place while Burks was playing for the Green Bay Packers, the NFL team that selected him in the 2018 draft.
Although the couple generally maintains privacy regarding the earliest stages of their relationship, Jocelyn has been publicly identified as Oren’s wife since his time in Green Bay.
In September 2020, the Packers reported that Jocelyn and Oren’s parents had helped him remain positive during a challenging period involving injuries and uncertainty about his football career.
Oren later spoke about his wife’s continued encouragement during his moves between NFL teams.
When he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024, Jocelyn accompanied him to the team’s facilities and participated in an interview about their family’s future.
She explained that the couple appreciated the support they had received throughout Oren’s professional career and were excited about beginning another chapter together.
What Does Jocelyn Burks Do for a Living?
Jocelyn Burks is an entrepreneur who has worked in brand strategy, web design and creative business development.
After graduating from Belmont University, where she studied entrepreneurship, Jocelyn worked at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center for approximately two years.
The experience allowed her to learn from business owners and develop her understanding of marketing, branding and entrepreneurship.
She eventually established her own business specializing in brand strategy and website design.
In a February 2022 interview with NashvilleVoyager Magazine, Jocelyn explained that her business focused primarily on helping female entrepreneurs, personal brands and online educators develop their identities.
Her services included branding strategies, website development and creative design.
Although she initially considered focusing exclusively on professional athletes, her business gradually expanded to serve a wider range of clients.
Jocelyn has therefore developed an independent professional career while supporting her husband’s NFL journey.
Oren Burks’ Children
As of now, Oren Burks and his wife, Jocelyn, have one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Eliza June Burks.
The couple first announced that they were expecting a child during Oren’s introductory interview with the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024.
At the time, they described the pregnancy as an exciting development in their lives and explained that they were preparing to become parents for the first time.
Eliza June Burks: Oren Burks’ Daughter
Eliza June Burks was born in the summer of 2024, making Oren and Jocelyn parents for the first time.
Her birth marked an important milestone for the couple as Oren prepared for his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
During his March 2024 introductory interview, Burks explained that becoming a father had given him additional motivation to succeed in professional football.
He said that he had always wanted to become a father and was excited about the responsibilities and experiences that awaited him.
The arrival of Eliza also meant that Oren and Jocelyn had to balance the demands of professional football with raising a young child.
In March 2025, Eliza accompanied her parents to Cincinnati when Burks visited the Bengals’ facilities after agreeing to join the organization.
According to an official Cincinnati Bengals report, Eliza was approximately nine months old during the visit.
Her presence demonstrated how closely Burks’ family remained involved in the important decisions surrounding his professional career.
Sports Illustrated later identified the couple’s daughter by her full name, Eliza June Burks, in a feature about the wives and girlfriends of Cincinnati Bengals players.
As of now, Eliza is Oren Burks’ only publicly confirmed child. There is no verified announcement establishing that the couple has welcomed additional children.
Oren Burks’ Parents
Oren Burks’ Father: Orlanda Burks
Oren Burks’ father is Orlanda Burks, who has played an important role in his son’s education, athletic development and personal growth.
According to Oren’s official Vanderbilt University football biography, Orlanda worked as a senior systems engineer.
His technical career reflected the family’s emphasis on education and professional achievement.
Orlanda and his wife, Wanda, raised their children in Northern Virginia, where Oren and his younger sister developed into successful student-athletes.
During their childhood, both siblings participated in competitive sports that required extensive travel, training and academic commitment.
In a 2012 interview with Lorton Patch, Orlanda discussed the challenges of managing his children’s busy schedules.
He explained that the family initially used a physical calendar to organize practices, competitions and other activities, but their schedules eventually became too demanding for the available space.
The family subsequently adopted a digital calendar to coordinate everyone’s responsibilities.
Orlanda supported Oren throughout his high school football career at South County High School in Lorton, Virginia.
When Oren received scholarship offers from major universities, his father helped him consider opportunities that combined academic excellence with competitive football.
Orlanda and Wanda were present in February 2013 when Oren signed his letter of intent to attend Vanderbilt University.
How Orlanda Burks Influenced His Son’s Athletic Career
Orlanda Burks encouraged his son to participate in several sports during childhood rather than focusing exclusively on American football.
Oren played soccer, baseball and basketball while growing up.
In a February 2024 interview conducted before Super Bowl LVIII, Orlanda explained that basketball had originally been his son’s favorite sport.
Football eventually became Oren’s primary athletic pursuit during high school, leading him to Vanderbilt and later the NFL.
Orlanda has continued supporting his son’s professional achievements, including his appearances in major postseason games.
His parents expressed considerable pride when Oren reached Super Bowl LVIII as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
Oren Burks’ Mother: Wanda Burks
Oren Burks’ mother is Wanda Burks, who has been an important source of support throughout his life and football career.
According to Vanderbilt University’s official player biography, Wanda worked as a program operations manager.
Like her husband, she emphasized the importance of education and personal responsibility while raising their children.
Wanda supported Oren’s football development while also encouraging his younger sister, Whitney, to pursue her own athletic ambitions.
In a 2012 interview with Lorton Patch, Wanda discussed the healthy competition between her children.
She explained that Whitney challenged Oren academically, while Oren encouraged Whitney to develop her athletic abilities.
The siblings regularly supported one another, celebrating achievements and providing encouragement during challenging moments.
Wanda also helped organize the family’s demanding schedule of practices, tournaments and school responsibilities.
Her involvement contributed to both children becoming accomplished student-athletes who earned opportunities at prestigious universities.
When Oren signed with Vanderbilt in February 2013, Wanda expressed excitement about his decision and praised the opportunities the university offered.
She continued supporting her son through his college career and his subsequent transition to professional football.
In February 2024, Wanda and Orlanda publicly celebrated Oren’s appearance in Super Bowl LVIII, describing the experience as an important moment for their family.
Oren Burks’ Siblings
Whitney Burks: Oren Burks’ Younger Sister
Oren Burks has a younger sister named Whitney Burks, a former college softball player who attended Stanford University.
Whitney grew up alongside her older brother in Northern Virginia, where both children became highly accomplished athletes.
She attended South County High School in Lorton, Virginia, the same school as Oren.
While Oren developed into one of the region’s leading football prospects, Whitney earned recognition for her performances in softball.
She was named Patriot District Softball Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013 and helped South County win a Virginia Class 6A state championship in 2014.
Whitney also established several school softball records, including a career batting average of .547 and 34 stolen bases.
Her achievements attracted interest from universities across the United States.
She ultimately chose Stanford University, where she combined competitive softball with a demanding academic program.
Whitney Burks’ Softball Career at Stanford
Whitney Burks played college softball for the Stanford Cardinal, competing primarily as an infielder.
She joined the university’s softball program in 2014 and completed her collegiate career in 2019.
During her time at Stanford, Whitney earned multiple Pac-12 All-Academic honors, demonstrating her ability to balance athletic competition with challenging academic responsibilities.
In her final season in 2019, she appeared in 49 games and recorded seven home runs, 31 runs batted in and 24 runs scored.
She also received National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete recognition.
Beyond softball, Whitney pursued studies in materials science and engineering.
According to her official Stanford biography, she participated in research involving nanotechnology and worked on engineering projects connected to product design and manufacturing.
She also became involved in student organizations supporting engineering education and opportunities for underrepresented students.
Her achievements reflected the same combination of academic commitment and athletic determination that characterized her older brother’s development.
The Relationship Between Oren and Whitney Burks
Oren and Whitney Burks share a close relationship built around athletics, academic achievement and family support.
During their school years, the siblings regularly encouraged one another to improve in their respective sports.
According to their mother’s comments in a 2012 interview, Whitney pushed Oren to maintain strong academic standards, while Oren encouraged his younger sister to challenge herself athletically.
Both benefited from growing up in a household where competition was balanced with cooperation and encouragement.
In a 2018 interview with the Green Bay Packers, Oren praised Whitney’s achievements in engineering at Stanford.
He described her academic work as impressive and acknowledged the challenges of balancing her studies with college softball.
Their relationship illustrates the importance that the Burks family placed on education and athletic development.
As of now, Whitney is the only sibling identified in Oren Burks’ official college football biography.
Oren Burks’ Family Background and Upbringing
Oren Spencer Burks was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and grew up in the Northern Virginia area.
His parents encouraged him and his sister to participate in sports while maintaining strong academic performance.
Oren developed an interest in several athletic activities before concentrating primarily on American football.
He attended South County High School in Lorton, where he became a highly regarded defensive player.
During his senior season, Burks recorded 123 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and six forced fumbles.
His achievements earned him first-team All-State recognition and the district Defensive Player of the Year award.
After receiving scholarship offers from several universities, he committed to Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.
At Vanderbilt, Burks played several defensive positions, including safety and linebacker.
He appeared in 45 college games and recorded 237 tackles, five interceptions and 4.5 sacks.
His achievements extended beyond football.
Burks served as president of Vanderbilt’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and participated in community service initiatives.
He graduated in 2017 with a degree in human and organizational development.
The Green Bay Packers selected him with the 88th overall pick in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
He spent four seasons in Green Bay before joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.
After two seasons with San Francisco, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024.
Burks helped Philadelphia win Super Bowl LIX in February 2025 before signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in March of that year.
Throughout his football career, Burks has continued emphasizing the importance of education, family support and personal responsibility.
Oren Burks and His Family’s Community Involvement
Oren Burks has also demonstrated a commitment to charitable activities throughout his NFL career.
During his time with the Green Bay Packers, he supported several community organizations, including House of Hope, which assists women and children experiencing homelessness.
His charitable contributions and fundraising efforts earned him NFL Players Association Community MVP recognition in Week 4 of the 2020 season.
Burks has explained that professional athletes have opportunities to support people facing difficult circumstances and make positive contributions to the communities where they play.
His charitable activities reflect the values of responsibility, leadership and service emphasized during his upbringing.
In March 2024, Burks again discussed his interest in community involvement after joining the Philadelphia Eagles.
He expressed enthusiasm about discovering local organizations and identifying opportunities to help families in need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oren Burks’ Family
Who is Oren Burks’ girlfriend?
Oren Burks is married to Jocelyn Burks, formerly Jocelyn Youngdahl. She is a former Belmont University volleyball player and entrepreneur.
Is Oren Burks married?
Yes. Oren Burks married Jocelyn Youngdahl in 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Does Oren Burks have children?
Yes. Oren Burks and his wife have one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Eliza June Burks.
Who is Oren Burks’ daughter?
His daughter is Eliza June Burks, who was born in the summer of 2024.
Who is Oren Burks’ father?
His father is Orlanda Burks, who has worked as a senior systems engineer and supported his son’s athletic development.
Who is Oren Burks’ mother?
His mother is Wanda Burks, who has worked as a program operations manager and encouraged both of her children to pursue academic and athletic excellence.
Does Oren Burks have siblings?
Yes. He has a younger sister named Whitney Burks, who played college softball at Stanford University.
Who is Oren Burks’ sister?
His sister is Whitney Burks, a former Stanford softball player who studied materials science and engineering.
What does Oren Burks’ wife do?
Jocelyn Burks is an entrepreneur who has worked in brand strategy, website design and creative business development.
Did Oren Burks’ wife play college sports?
Yes. Jocelyn Burks played volleyball at Belmont University from 2012 through 2015.
Where is Oren Burks’ family from?
Oren Burks was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and grew up in Northern Virginia, attending South County High School in Lorton.
What is Oren Burks’ full name?
His full name is Oren Spencer Burks. He was born on March 21, 1995.
Which NFL team does Oren Burks play for?
As of now, Oren Burks plays linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals, whom he joined in March 2025.
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.
