Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
T.J. Parker is an American professional football player who plays as an outside linebacker for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 19, 2004, Parker grew up in Phenix City, Alabama, and played college football at Clemson University before being selected in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Beyond his professional football career, Parker comes from a supportive family that has played an important role in his athletic development and personal values. His father, Tommy Parker, is a United States Army veteran, while his mother, Keyana Parker, inspired him through her determination and resilience.
Parker is married to former Clemson University volleyball player Aźyah Dailey, whom he met during college. The couple married in October 2025, several months before he entered the NFL.
His family also includes at least one brother, with whom he shared a love of football and wrestling during childhood.
T.J. Parker’s Wife: Who Is T.J. Parker Married To?
T.J. Parker is married to Aźyah Dailey Parker, a former Clemson University volleyball player and his college sweetheart.
The couple met while attending Clemson University in South Carolina, where both competed as student-athletes.
Parker played defensive end for the Tigers football team, while Aźyah represented Clemson’s women’s volleyball program.
Their shared experiences as college athletes helped strengthen their relationship, particularly because both understood the demands of training, competition and academic responsibilities.
In an interview with Clemson University Athletics in August 2025, Parker described meeting his future wife as one of the most meaningful experiences of his college career.
He explained that attending Clemson allowed him to pursue both his professional football ambitions and important personal goals.
Who Is Aźyah Dailey?
Aźyah Dailey is a former American college volleyball player who represented Clemson University from 2021 through 2024.
She was born on June 25, 2003, and is originally from Port Charlotte, Florida.
Before attending Clemson, Dailey played volleyball at Port Charlotte High School, where she developed into a highly regarded prospect.
She helped her high school team win three district championships between 2018 and 2020 and a regional championship in 2019.
Her performances earned recognition from several volleyball organizations, including an honorable mention on the 2020 American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America list.
Dailey joined Clemson’s volleyball program in 2021 and developed into an important offensive player.
During the 2024 season, she recorded a career-high 307 kills and 25 solo blocks, demonstrating her abilities as a pin attacker.
She also participated in university leadership programs and pursued interests in content creation, fashion, fitness and community involvement.
Her own father, Taru Dailey, played quarterback at Ventura College in California, giving her a family connection to competitive football.
T.J. Parker and Aźyah Dailey’s Engagement
T.J. Parker and Aźyah Dailey became engaged in May 2025.
The engagement was an important milestone for the couple, who had developed their relationship while competing at Clemson.
In an August 2025 interview published on Clemson University’s official athletics website, Parker described proposing to Aźyah as his favorite college memory.
He explained that their relationship had become an important part of his life and that meeting her made his decision to attend Clemson even more meaningful.
Although Parker was already considered one of the country’s leading defensive prospects, he emphasized that his personal accomplishments were just as significant as his achievements on the football field.
T.J. Parker and Aźyah Dailey’s Wedding
T.J. Parker and Aźyah Dailey married in October 2025, during a break in Clemson’s football schedule.
The wedding took place during the team’s bye week and was attended by close family members.
According to TigerNet, Parker and his wife preferred a small, intimate ceremony rather than a large wedding celebration.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney publicly congratulated the couple during a press conference on October 28, 2025.
Parker later discussed the wedding with reporters, explaining that marrying Aźyah was one of the happiest decisions of his life.
He also expressed excitement about referring to her as his wife instead of his girlfriend or fiancée.
The marriage took place while Parker was still a college student, making him one of the relatively young married players entering the 2026 NFL Draft.
How Aźyah Supports T.J. Parker’s Football Career
Aźyah has continued supporting Parker as he transitioned from college football to the NFL.
Following his selection by the Buffalo Bills in April 2026, Parker discussed his wife’s influence during an interview with the team’s official website.
He described Aźyah as highly competitive and explained that she continually encourages him to improve as an athlete.
Her experience playing Division I volleyball has given her an understanding of the dedication required to compete at a high level.
Parker has also explained that providing a good life for his wife is one of the motivations behind his determination to succeed in professional football.
T.J. Parker’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
T.J. Parker has no publicly confirmed children.
Although Parker married Aźyah Dailey in October 2025, reliable reporting has not established that the couple has welcomed a son or daughter.
His official Clemson University biography and the Buffalo Bills’ published interviews do not identify him as a father.
During interviews about his marriage, Parker has expressed excitement about building a future with his wife, but he has not publicly announced having children.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to assign names or ages to any children without additional verification.
T.J. Parker’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
T.J. Parker was born to Tommy Parker and Keyana Parker, who played important roles in shaping his character and football ambitions.
His father served in the United States Army for 11 years, while his mother supported his athletic development and demonstrated remarkable resilience during a serious health challenge.
According to Spectrum News, Parker considers his parents the foundation of his personal values, particularly his discipline, determination and commitment to treating others respectfully.
T.J. Parker’s Father: Tommy Parker
Tommy Parker is T.J. Parker’s father and a United States Army veteran.
He served in the military for 11 years, including deployments overseas.
His military career required the family to relocate several times during T.J.’s childhood, exposing the young athlete to different environments and experiences.
Although those moves sometimes presented challenges, Parker has explained that they helped him become adaptable and resilient.
His father emphasized discipline, responsibility and perseverance, qualities that later became essential to his development as a football player.
In a June 2026 interview with Spectrum News, Parker described his father as his childhood hero.
He explained that watching his father’s dedication and sacrifices helped him understand the importance of working hard even during difficult circumstances.
Tommy also encouraged his son to become a responsible leader and treat others with respect.
Those lessons influenced Parker’s leadership style during his time at Clemson University.
T.J. Parker Honors His Father’s Military Service
Parker has publicly honored his father through several meaningful gestures during his college football career.
On November 11, 2023, Clemson hosted Georgia Tech during its Military Appreciation Game.
Before the game, Parker carried the American flag as the Tigers entered the field at Memorial Stadium.
The moment was particularly meaningful because his father was in attendance.
Parker later explained that representing his father and other military personnel made the experience especially memorable.
He honored Tommy again during Clemson’s Military Appreciation Game in November 2025.
For that game, Parker changed his jersey number from No. 3 to No. 63, the number his father had worn while playing high school football.
The tribute recognized Tommy’s military service and the important role he played in his son’s upbringing.
T.J. Parker’s Mother: Keyana Parker
Keyana Parker is T.J. Parker’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She introduced him to organized football when he was approximately four years old.
According to Clemson University Athletics, Parker developed an enthusiasm for physical sports at a very young age.
His mother recognized his interest and enrolled him in youth football, beginning a journey that eventually led to the NFL.
However, her influence extended well beyond athletics.
Keyana faced a serious personal challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
During a June 2026 interview with Spectrum News, Parker discussed his mother’s experience and the determination she demonstrated while undergoing treatment.
He explained that watching her continue fighting through difficult circumstances changed his perspective on personal challenges.
Her resilience became a source of inspiration whenever he encountered setbacks during his football career.
According to the report, Keyana survived her battle with cancer and was able to celebrate her son’s achievements at Clemson and his selection in the NFL Draft.
Parker has credited his mother’s strength with teaching him that perseverance is necessary even when circumstances appear overwhelming.
T.J. Parker’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
T.J. Parker has at least one brother, whom he discussed during an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football in April 2026.
Although Parker publicly acknowledged their childhood relationship, his brother’s name and personal background have not been reliably established in the sources reviewed.
T.J. Parker’s Brother
Parker described growing up with a brother who shared his enthusiasm for wrestling and physical competition.
During the Good Morning Football interview, he recalled how they frequently watched professional wrestling and imitated the moves they saw on television.
The brothers regularly participated in playful wrestling matches at home, sometimes becoming so competitive that their games turned into arguments or fights.
Parker explained that those experiences helped him become comfortable with physical contact and contributed to his early enthusiasm for football.
His brother’s influence was therefore part of the sporting environment that shaped his childhood.
However, reliable public sources have not established his brother’s name, age or occupation.
There is also insufficient verified information to determine whether Parker has additional brothers or sisters.
T.J. Parker’s Family Background and Childhood
Tomarrion Parker, commonly known as T.J. Parker, grew up in a military family and eventually established himself as a talented football prospect in Alabama.
His father’s military service meant the family moved frequently during his early years.
Despite the challenges associated with those moves, his parents emphasized education, personal responsibility and maintaining a strong work ethic.
Parker’s interest in football began at approximately four years old, when his mother enrolled him in an organized program.
He also participated in other sports, including basketball and baseball, but football gradually became his primary passion.
He attended Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, where he developed into one of the state’s leading defensive players.
During his junior season in 2021, he recorded 75 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
He followed that performance with 63 tackles and 12 sacks during his senior season in 2022.
His achievements attracted attention from several major college football programs.
Parker eventually chose Clemson University, explaining that the program’s values closely matched the lessons he had learned from his father.
T.J. Parker’s College Football Career at Clemson
T.J. Parker enrolled at Clemson University in January 2023 and quickly established himself as an important member of the Tigers’ defense.
During his freshman season, he recorded 12.5 tackles for loss, setting a Clemson record for a true freshman.
His performances earned Freshman All-American recognition.
In 2024, Parker emerged as one of the leading defensive players in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
He recorded 11 sacks and established a school single-season record with six forced fumbles.
Although his statistical production declined during the 2025 season, Parker remained an important member of Clemson’s defensive line.
He finished his three-year college career with 144 tackles, 41.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks and six forced fumbles.
In December 2025, he graduated from Clemson with a degree in sports communication.
His college years were especially meaningful because he achieved major milestones both on and off the field, including meeting and marrying his wife.
T.J. Parker’s NFL Draft and Family Celebration
On April 24, 2026, the Buffalo Bills selected T.J. Parker with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft.
His selection represented the fulfillment of a childhood dream that began when his mother enrolled him in football.
During interviews following the announcement, Parker expressed gratitude for the sacrifices his parents had made throughout his life.
His mother and father were also interviewed by FOX Carolina following his selection.
Joining Buffalo offered Parker the opportunity to continue his development as an outside linebacker in the team’s defensive system.
He was assigned jersey No. 99 for his rookie season.
In interviews with the Bills, Parker identified his wife and parents as important sources of motivation.
He explained that remembering their sacrifices and expectations encourages him to work hard and remain committed to his professional responsibilities.
T.J. Parker’s Family Values and Personal Motivation
Throughout his college and early professional career, Parker has consistently emphasized the importance of family, faith and personal responsibility.
His father’s military background taught him discipline and leadership, while his mother’s resilience demonstrated the importance of perseverance.
His marriage to Aźyah Dailey also introduced new responsibilities and motivations.
In an interview published by Sports Illustrated in July 2026, Parker explained that his desire to provide for his wife was one reason he remained highly motivated.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his parents and the importance of representing his family positively.
These influences have helped shape his approach to professional football and his determination to succeed with the Buffalo Bills.
T.J. Parker’s Family Summary
- Full name: Tomarrion Parker
- Known as: T.J. Parker
- Date of birth: September 19, 2004
- Hometown: Phenix City, Alabama, United States
- Wife: Aźyah Dailey Parker
- Wife’s former profession: Clemson University volleyball player
- Engagement: May 2025
- Marriage: October 2025
- Children: None publicly confirmed
- Father: Tommy Parker
- Father’s background: U.S. Army veteran
- Mother: Keyana Parker
- Siblings: At least one brother
- Brother’s name: Not publicly verified
- High school: Central High School, Phenix City
- College: Clemson University
- College degree: Sports Communication
- Profession: NFL outside linebacker
- NFL team: Buffalo Bills
- Jersey number: 99
- NFL Draft: 2026, second round, 35th overall
Frequently Asked Questions About T.J. Parker’s Family
Who is T.J. Parker’s wife?
T.J. Parker’s wife is Aźyah Dailey Parker, a former Clemson University volleyball player. The couple met during college and married in October 2025.
Is T.J. Parker married?
Yes. T.J. Parker married his college sweetheart, Aźyah Dailey, during Clemson’s football bye week in October 2025.
Does T.J. Parker have children?
T.J. Parker has no publicly confirmed children. Reliable reporting has not established that he and his wife have welcomed a son or daughter.
Who are T.J. Parker’s parents?
His parents are Tommy Parker and Keyana Parker. His father served in the U.S. Army for 11 years, while his mother encouraged his interest in football from childhood.
Who is T.J. Parker’s father?
T.J. Parker’s father is Tommy Parker, a former U.S. Army sergeant who inspired his son’s discipline, leadership and work ethic.
Who is T.J. Parker’s mother?
His mother is Keyana Parker, who introduced him to organized football at four years old and inspired him through her resilience during a battle with breast cancer.
Does T.J. Parker have siblings?
Yes. T.J. Parker has at least one brother, whom he mentioned during an April 2026 interview on Good Morning Football. His brother’s name has not been reliably confirmed.
Where is T.J. Parker’s family from?
T.J. Parker grew up in a military family and attended Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama.
What sport did T.J. Parker’s wife play?
His wife, Aźyah Dailey, played collegiate volleyball at Clemson University, where she competed as a pin attacker.
When was T.J. Parker drafted into the NFL?
T.J. Parker was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 35th overall pick.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
