Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Rock Ya-Sin, whose birth name is Abdurrahman Ibn Ya-Sin, is an American professional football player who plays cornerback for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 23, 1996, in Decatur, Georgia, Ya-Sin overcame a difficult childhood before establishing himself as a professional football player.
Beyond his NFL career, Ya-Sin comes from a family that played an important role in his personal development. His parents are Ramadan Ya-Sin and Abrenda Kelly, according to official football biographies published by Temple University and the Detroit Lions.
Although both parents are identified in his athletic records, Ya-Sin was raised primarily by his mother, who supported him through considerable financial difficulties. His high school wrestling coach, Keith Johnson, also became an influential father figure during his teenage years.
While Ya-Sin has publicly discussed his upbringing and his mother’s sacrifices, information about his girlfriend, wife, children and siblings remains limited. Here is everything reliably known about Rock Ya-Sin’s family.
Rock Ya-Sin’s Girlfriend: Is He in a Relationship?
As of now, Rock Ya-Sin has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner.
Despite playing in the NFL since 2019, the Detroit Lions cornerback has generally kept his dating life outside the public spotlight.
His official NFL biographies and interviews with major sports publications focus primarily on his football career, family background, education and personal development.
Reliable public reporting has not established whether Ya-Sin is currently dating anyone.
Although several online celebrity biographies discuss his relationship status, they do not provide sufficiently reliable evidence to identify a particular woman as his girlfriend.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to name a romantic partner without a verified announcement or credible reporting.
Is Rock Ya-Sin Married?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Rock Ya-Sin is married.
The Detroit Lions cornerback has not made a widely documented wedding announcement, and authoritative public sources have not identified a wife.
However, the absence of publicly available information does not necessarily establish that he is unmarried. His current marital status remains unverified.
Rock Ya-Sin’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, Rock Ya-Sin has no publicly confirmed children.
Neither his official Detroit Lions biography nor the reliable interviews reviewed establishes whether he has welcomed a son or daughter.
Ya-Sin has frequently discussed the importance of supporting family members, particularly his mother, but he has not made a widely documented announcement identifying children of his own.
Therefore, there is insufficient verified information to determine whether he is currently a father.
Rock Ya-Sin’s Parents: Meet Ramadan Ya-Sin and Abrenda Kelly
Rock Ya-Sin was born to Ramadan Ya-Sin and Abrenda Kelly in Decatur, Georgia.
Both parents are identified in the official football biographies published by Temple University and the Detroit Lions.
Although his parents’ names are publicly documented, much of the detailed information about his childhood concerns his relationship with his mother.
According to a May 2020 interview published by Sports Illustrated, Ya-Sin grew up in a financially disadvantaged community in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
His mother raised him through difficult circumstances, while his high school wrestling coach, Keith Johnson, became an important male role model.
Rock Ya-Sin’s Mother: Who Is Abrenda Kelly?
Abrenda Kelly is Rock Ya-Sin’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
Her identity is confirmed in Temple University’s official football biography, which lists her alongside Ramadan Ya-Sin as his parents.
According to Sports Illustrated, Kelly raised Ya-Sin while facing serious financial challenges.
Growing up in the eastern Atlanta metropolitan area, the future NFL player experienced circumstances in which opportunities for higher education and professional sports were limited.
Despite those challenges, his mother provided support and helped him pursue his athletic ambitions.
Ya-Sin has publicly explained that his childhood experiences encouraged him to become independent and develop a strong work ethic.
He also understood that succeeding in football could eventually allow him to improve his family’s financial circumstances.
Although Kelly’s influence is well documented, reliable public reporting provides limited information about her occupation, educational background and other personal details.
How Abrenda Kelly Motivated Rock Ya-Sin to Reach the NFL
Rock Ya-Sin has repeatedly identified his mother’s sacrifices as an important source of motivation.
In May 2020, while playing for the Indianapolis Colts, he participated in a virtual conversation with students from the Fulton County Schools PEAK Academies in Georgia.
During the discussion, he explained how growing up in poverty influenced his determination to succeed.
Ya-Sin described his neighborhood as a place where relatively few young people had opportunities to pursue college education or professional athletics.
Nevertheless, he remained committed to developing a different future.
He believed that reaching the NFL would provide the financial security necessary to support the people who had helped him throughout childhood.
His mother was central to that ambition.
When he eventually became an NFL player, Ya-Sin regarded the achievement as an opportunity to repay her years of support.
The experience demonstrated that his professional ambitions were closely connected to his family’s circumstances.
Rock Ya-Sin Celebrated His NFL Draft Selection With His Mother
One of the most memorable moments in Rock Ya-Sin’s family history occurred during the 2019 NFL Draft.
Before the draft, his agent encouraged him to travel to Nashville, Tennessee, where the event was being held.
However, Ya-Sin decided to remain in Georgia and celebrate with his mother, relatives and close friends.
The Indianapolis Colts selected him in the second round with the 34th overall pick.
According to his May 2020 Sports Illustrated interview, the selection was particularly emotional because it meant he could finally provide financial support to his family.
After years of limited resources, reaching the NFL represented a major change in his circumstances.
Ya-Sin considered the moment meaningful not only because he had achieved his childhood ambition but also because his mother could share in the accomplishment.
His decision to remain at home for the draft reflected the importance of family in his life.
Rock Ya-Sin Maintained a Close Connection With His Mother After Entering the NFL
Even after becoming a professional football player, Ya-Sin maintained close ties to his mother and hometown.
In a 2019 interview published by the Indianapolis Colts, the cornerback explained that he was staying at his mother’s home in the Atlanta area during the offseason.
He also discussed how his college and professional football experiences had shaped his perspective on life.
Rather than distancing himself from his upbringing, Ya-Sin continued acknowledging the people who supported him before he became an NFL player.
His relationship with his mother remained an important part of his personal story.
Rock Ya-Sin’s Father: Who Is Ramadan Ya-Sin?
Ramadan Ya-Sin is Rock Ya-Sin’s father.
His name is confirmed in the official football biographies published by Temple University and the Detroit Lions.
However, reliable public reporting provides limited information about Ramadan’s occupation, educational background and personal circumstances.
Although his identity is documented, interviews about Rock’s upbringing indicate that his mother was his primary caregiver.
As a teenager, Ya-Sin also received important guidance from wrestling coach Keith Johnson, whom Sports Illustrated described as a father figure.
That description does not mean Johnson was his biological father. The two individuals should not be confused.
As of now, additional information about Ramadan Ya-Sin’s involvement in his son’s upbringing has not been independently established through reliable public sources.
Keith Johnson: The Coach Who Became a Father Figure to Rock Ya-Sin
Although Keith Johnson is not Rock Ya-Sin’s biological father, he played an exceptionally important role in the future NFL player’s development.
Johnson was a wrestling coach at Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Georgia.
According to a May 2020 Sports Illustrated report, Johnson became an influential mentor during Ya-Sin’s teenage years.
He helped provide guidance and structure while encouraging the young athlete to develop discipline through wrestling.
Johnson sometimes picked Ya-Sin up for school and supported him when transportation or other resources were limited.
Under Johnson’s guidance, Ya-Sin became one of Georgia’s leading high school wrestlers.
How Keith Johnson Encouraged Rock Ya-Sin to Play Football
Before becoming an NFL cornerback, Rock Ya-Sin was primarily interested in wrestling.
He developed into a successful competitor at Southwest DeKalb High School and won two Georgia state wrestling championships.
His achievements attracted interest from college wrestling programs.
However, Johnson recognized that Ya-Sin possessed physical abilities that could also translate into football.
According to a 2022 feature published by the Las Vegas Raiders, Johnson encouraged him to try football during high school.
Although Ya-Sin initially had limited experience in the sport, he quickly demonstrated promise as a defensive back.
His strength, competitiveness and ability to perform in one-on-one situations helped him make the transition.
He subsequently earned a football scholarship to Presbyterian College in South Carolina.
That opportunity became the starting point of his journey toward the NFL.
Keith Johnson’s Continued Connection to Wrestling
Keith Johnson remained involved in wrestling long after coaching Rock Ya-Sin.
According to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Johnson served as head coach at Southwest DeKalb High School from 2005 through 2023.
During that period, he coached numerous successful wrestlers, including state champions.
He subsequently became a coordinator for wrestling programs in DeKalb County Schools.
In 2026, Johnson was recognized by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his lifetime service to wrestling.
His career demonstrates the broader influence he had on young athletes beyond Ya-Sin.
Rock Ya-Sin’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
As of now, there is insufficient reliable public information identifying Rock Ya-Sin’s brothers or sisters.
His official Temple University and Detroit Lions biographies identify his parents but do not list siblings.
Similarly, the reliable interviews reviewed discuss his mother, childhood and mentors without establishing the names or number of his brothers and sisters.
Some online celebrity biographies have described Ya-Sin as an only child, but those claims have not been supported by authoritative evidence.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to conclude that he has no siblings simply because their identities have not been publicly documented.
Is Rock Ya-Sin an Only Child?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Rock Ya-Sin is an only child.
The absence of sibling information from an athlete’s official biography does not necessarily establish that he has no brothers or sisters.
Until Ya-Sin or another authoritative source provides additional information, his sibling relationships should be considered private or unverified.
What Is Rock Ya-Sin’s Real Name?
Rock Ya-Sin’s birth name is Abdurrahman Ibn Ya-Sin, according to Temple University’s official football biography.
His commonly used first name, Rock, originated during his teenage years.
According to the Indianapolis Colts’ 2020 media guide, his wrestling coach, Keith Johnson, had difficulty pronouncing Abdurrahman.
Johnson began calling him Rock, and the nickname eventually became widely used by teammates, coaches and friends.
Ya-Sin continued using the nickname throughout his college and professional football careers.
In August 2025, during an interview published by Detroit Football Network, he explained that his parents still used his given name rather than Rock.
The distinction illustrates the connection between his personal identity and his professional football career.
How Rock Ya-Sin’s Childhood Influenced His Work Ethic
Rock Ya-Sin grew up in Decatur, Georgia, where he experienced financial hardship during childhood.
According to his 2020 Sports Illustrated interview, the neighborhood where he lived offered limited examples of young people advancing to college or professional athletics.
Those experiences encouraged him to establish clear goals and distance himself from negative influences.
He began prioritizing sports, education and physical training.
One of his most memorable stories involved remaining after football practice to complete additional drills.
When natural light disappeared, he asked a coach to illuminate the practice field with vehicle headlights so he could continue training.
The experience reflected his determination to improve despite limited resources.
Ya-Sin eventually became the first person from his apartment complex to attend college, according to his account.
He has subsequently shared his experiences with young people, encouraging them to remain focused on their goals.
Rock Ya-Sin’s High School Football and Wrestling Career
Rock Ya-Sin attended Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Georgia.
Before concentrating on football, he established himself as one of the state’s most accomplished high school wrestlers.
According to his official Temple University biography, he won two state wrestling championships and three regional titles.
He also earned three county wrestling championships.
His achievements demonstrated his physical strength, balance and competitive determination.
With encouragement from Keith Johnson, Ya-Sin began playing football during high school.
He quickly developed into a promising defensive back and earned All-Region recognition twice.
His performances eventually attracted interest from Presbyterian College.
Ya-Sin also earned recognition for his academic performance, including appearances on the honor roll and principal’s list.
Rock Ya-Sin’s College Football Career
Rock Ya-Sin joined Presbyterian College in South Carolina in 2015.
He gradually developed into one of the program’s most productive defensive players.
During his freshman season, he appeared in all 11 games and recorded 15 tackles.
His responsibilities increased during the following seasons.
In 2016, he recorded 31 tackles and nine passes defended.
During the 2017 season, he started all 11 games and recorded 49 tackles, five interceptions and 13 passes defended.
His five interceptions established a Presbyterian College school record at the time.
He also earned First-Team All-Big South recognition.
After Presbyterian announced changes to its football program, Ya-Sin transferred to Temple University for the 2018 season.
Rock Ya-Sin’s Breakthrough Season at Temple
Ya-Sin arrived at Temple University with considerable college football experience but limited national recognition.
He quickly impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic, physicality and leadership.
Temple awarded him jersey number 6, one of the single-digit numbers traditionally reserved for the program’s toughest players.
During the 2018 season, he started all 12 games, recording 47 tackles, 12 passes defended and two interceptions.
His performances earned First-Team All-American Athletic Conference recognition.
He subsequently received an invitation to participate in the Senior Bowl and entered the 2019 NFL Draft.
The move to Temple proved especially important because it gave him an opportunity to compete at a higher level and attract attention from NFL scouts.
Rock Ya-Sin’s NFL Career: Colts, Raiders, Ravens, 49ers and Lions
Rock Ya-Sin entered the NFL when the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 34th overall pick.
He began his professional career as a cornerback in Indianapolis, where he spent three seasons.
During his rookie season, he appeared in 15 games and became a regular contributor to the defense.
He continued developing during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2022.
Ya-Sin spent one season with Las Vegas, appearing in 11 regular-season games.
In 2023, he joined the Baltimore Ravens, contributing to their defensive backfield.
He subsequently signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024.
His professional journey brought him to Detroit in March 2025, when the Lions signed him as an unrestricted free agent.
Rock Ya-Sin’s Career With the Detroit Lions
Rock Ya-Sin joined the Detroit Lions in 2025 as an experienced cornerback capable of contributing both on defense and special teams.
Although he initially entered the season in a reserve role, injuries created additional playing opportunities.
He appeared in all 17 regular-season games and made six starts.
According to the Detroit Lions, he finished the season with 47 tackles and a career-high nine passes defended.
Opposing quarterbacks completed approximately 52 percent of their passes when targeting him.
His performances encouraged Detroit to retain him for another season.
On March 16, 2026, Ya-Sin officially re-signed with the Lions on a one-year contract.
During an interview published by the team’s official website, he explained that he had developed a particularly strong connection with Detroit’s coaching staff and locker room.
After playing for several organizations, he viewed the Lions as a team where he wanted to continue his career.
As of now, Ya-Sin plays cornerback for the Detroit Lions, wearing jersey number 23.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rock Ya-Sin’s Family
Who is Rock Ya-Sin’s girlfriend?
As of now, Rock Ya-Sin has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Rock Ya-Sin married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Rock Ya-Sin is married or has a wife.
Does Rock Ya-Sin have children?
As of now, Rock Ya-Sin has no publicly confirmed children.
Who is Rock Ya-Sin’s mother?
Rock Ya-Sin’s mother is Abrenda Kelly, who raised him in the Atlanta area and supported him throughout his journey from high school athletics to professional football.
Who is Rock Ya-Sin’s father?
Rock Ya-Sin’s father is Ramadan Ya-Sin, whose identity is confirmed in official Temple University and Detroit Lions biographies.
Does Rock Ya-Sin have siblings?
There is insufficient reliable public information identifying Rock Ya-Sin’s brothers or sisters.
Is Rock Ya-Sin an only child?
There is no verified public evidence establishing that Rock Ya-Sin is an only child.
What is Rock Ya-Sin’s real name?
Rock Ya-Sin’s birth name is Abdurrahman Ibn Ya-Sin. He acquired the nickname Rock during high school.
Who gave Rock Ya-Sin his nickname?
His high school wrestling coach, Keith Johnson, began calling him Rock because he had difficulty pronouncing Abdurrahman.
Who was Rock Ya-Sin’s father figure?
Keith Johnson, his wrestling coach at Southwest DeKalb High School, became an important father figure and mentor during his teenage years.
Where is Rock Ya-Sin from?
Rock Ya-Sin was born in Decatur, Georgia, and grew up in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
How old is Rock Ya-Sin?
Rock Ya-Sin was born on May 23, 1996. He is 30 years old as of now.
What NFL team does Rock Ya-Sin play for?
As of now, Rock Ya-Sin plays cornerback for the Detroit Lions. He joined the franchise in March 2025 and signed a new one-year contract in March 2026.
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.
