Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Tyler Higbee is an American professional football tight end for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 1, 1993, in Atlanta, Georgia, Higbee grew up in Florida and played college football at Western Kentucky University before entering the NFL in 2016.
Beyond his football achievements, Higbee is a husband and father of two children. He is married to Malea Higbee, and the couple has a daughter named Iyla Ty and a son named Hendrix Kai. Their wedding took place in June 2026 in California.
Higbee also comes from a supportive family that includes his parents, Michael and Lori Higbee, and a younger sister. His parents have longstanding connections to Maine, although Tyler spent much of his childhood in the Clearwater area of Florida.
Tyler Higbee’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Tyler Higbee is married to Malea Higbee, his longtime romantic partner and the mother of his two children.
The couple began publicly sharing their relationship in 2021. On April 19 of that year, Malea posted one of their earliest public photographs together on Instagram.
Over the following years, their relationship became increasingly visible as Malea regularly attended Los Angeles Rams games and supported Higbee throughout his professional football career.
She celebrated the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory in February 2022, sharing photographs and messages expressing pride in her partner.
In April 2022, the couple announced they were expecting their first child. Their daughter, Iyla Ty, arrived in October of that year.
Higbee and Malea subsequently welcomed their second child, Hendrix Kai, in May 2025.
On June 6, 2026, the couple celebrated their wedding at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
The ceremony brought together family members, friends and several professional football players.
Among the notable guests were former Rams quarterback Jared Goff and his wife, Christen Goff. Former Rams receiver Robert Woods and other NFL players also attended.
The wedding was organized by Pure Lavish Events, which later published photographs and details about the celebration.
As of now, Tyler and Malea Higbee are married and raising their two children together.
Who Is Malea Higbee?
Malea Higbee is best known publicly as the wife of Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee.
She has regularly appeared at NFL games, family celebrations and other events supporting her husband.
Malea has also shared selected moments from their family life through social media, including pregnancy announcements, photographs of their children and messages celebrating Tyler’s football achievements.
Her public support became particularly notable during Higbee’s recovery from serious knee and chest injuries sustained during the 2023 and 2024 NFL seasons.
In December 2024, she published a message praising his determination and resilience throughout the rehabilitation process.
She also emphasized the importance of his responsibilities as a father and partner alongside his career as a professional athlete.
Although Malea occasionally shares family photographs publicly, reliable details about her education, professional career and parents remain limited.
Tyler Higbee’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Tyler Higbee has two publicly confirmed children with his wife, Malea: a daughter named Iyla Ty Higbee and a son named Hendrix Kai Higbee.
The couple welcomed their daughter in October 2022 and their son in May 2025.
Both children have appeared in selected family photographs shared by their parents.
Iyla Ty Higbee: Tyler Higbee’s Daughter
Iyla Ty Higbee is the eldest child of Tyler and Malea Higbee. She was born in October 2022.
Malea publicly announced her daughter’s arrival on October 28, 2022, sharing photographs and expressing the couple’s happiness about becoming parents.
Iyla’s birth represented a significant milestone in Higbee’s personal life, introducing him to fatherhood during his professional football career with the Rams.
In February 2024, Higbee shared a Valentine’s Day message celebrating Malea and Iyla, referring to them as the important people in his life.
Iyla has also accompanied her parents to football-related events, including appearances at SoFi Stadium supporting the Los Angeles Rams.
In December 2024, Malea announced another pregnancy through social media photographs that included Iyla.
The announcement revealed that the young girl would soon become an older sister.
Hendrix Kai Higbee: Tyler Higbee’s Son
Hendrix Kai Higbee is Tyler and Malea Higbee’s younger child.
He was born in May 2025, approximately two and a half years after his older sister, Iyla.
His arrival expanded the Higbee household to four members.
Published reports about the family’s personal life identify Hendrix Kai as the couple’s son.
Higbee and Malea have shared selected family moments involving their children, although much of their private life remains outside the public spotlight.
As of now, Hendrix and Iyla are Tyler Higbee’s only publicly confirmed children.
Tyler Higbee’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Tyler Higbee was born to Michael Higbee and Lori Higbee, also identified in published reporting as Lori Richardson.
Both parents have family connections to Maine, where they grew up and attended school before eventually raising their son in Florida.
Their names are confirmed by Western Kentucky University’s football records and a 2019 newspaper interview with Tyler’s father.
Tyler Higbee’s Father: Michael Higbee
Tyler Higbee’s father is Michael Higbee, commonly known as Mike Higbee.
Mike grew up in Brunswick, Maine, where he attended Brunswick High School and graduated in 1977.
He participated in several sports during his younger years, particularly basketball and baseball.
After high school, Mike attended the University of Maine in Orono, where he played basketball during his freshman year.
He also had experience as a baseball player and attracted attention from University of Maine baseball coach John Winkin.
However, an elbow injury affected his ability to continue playing competitive baseball.
In a February 2019 interview with The Times Record, published by the Portland Press Herald, Mike discussed his upbringing, sporting background and relationship with Tyler.
He explained that he grew up supporting professional sports teams from the Boston area, including the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins.
When the family relocated to Florida, Mike continued following those teams and introduced Tyler to the same sporting traditions.
Growing up, Tyler also developed an interest in the Patriots, influenced by his father’s enthusiasm for the team.
Despite that connection, Mike enthusiastically supported the Los Angeles Rams after his son joined the franchise.
One of the family’s memorable football moments came during the 2018 NFL season, when the Rams advanced to Super Bowl LIII against the New England Patriots.
Mike traveled to Atlanta to watch Tyler participate in his first Super Bowl.
The occasion was particularly meaningful because Mike had previously declined an opportunity to attend a Super Bowl, explaining that he preferred to experience the event when his son was playing.
Although the Rams lost that championship game, Tyler later helped the franchise win Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.
Tyler Higbee’s Mother: Lori Higbee
Tyler Higbee’s mother is Lori Higbee, also known as Lori Richardson in newspaper reporting.
Lori grew up in the Topsham area of Maine and attended Mt. Ararat High School.
Like her husband, she maintained family connections to Maine before the couple settled in Florida.
Lori helped raise Tyler in the Clearwater area, where he attended East Lake High School in nearby Tarpon Springs.
His early years included participation in several sports, particularly football and baseball.
Although Lori has maintained a relatively private public profile, she has been identified in her son’s college football records and family-related reporting.
She has also been associated with the family support that accompanied Tyler’s transition from high school to Western Kentucky University and eventually to professional football.
Reliable public reporting provides limited information about Lori’s professional background and personal activities outside the family.
Her connections to Maine and her role as Tyler’s mother are among the most clearly documented details.
Tyler Higbee’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
Tyler Higbee has a younger sister, according to published biographical profiles.
However, his official Los Angeles Rams and Western Kentucky player biographies provide little information about his siblings.
While some secondary websites identify his younger sister as Michelle Sara Higbee, that full name has not been independently corroborated through strong primary sources.
Tyler Higbee’s Younger Sister
Published family biographies indicate that Tyler Higbee has a younger sister.
Unlike her brother, who became a well-known professional football player, she has largely remained outside the public spotlight.
There is limited reliable information about her education, professional activities or personal relationships.
Consequently, detailed claims about her background should be treated cautiously unless supported by more authoritative reporting.
Does Tyler Higbee Have a Brother?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Tyler Higbee has a brother.
The available family profiles primarily identify a younger sister rather than any brothers.
However, the absence of detailed information in official player biographies does not establish a complete family history.
Tyler Higbee’s Family Background and Early Life
Tyler Higbee was born on January 1, 1993, in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in the Clearwater area of Florida.
His parents’ sporting interests contributed to an environment in which athletics were an important part of everyday life.
He attended East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs, where he participated in football and baseball.
During his senior football season, Higbee became the team’s captain and most valuable player.
He recorded 42 receptions for more than 540 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Throughout his high school career, he accumulated more than 1,100 receiving yards and 18 receiving touchdowns.
He also received First-Team All-County recognition and participated in the Pinellas County All-Star Game.
Despite his performances, Higbee was not considered one of the country’s most highly recruited prospects.
He eventually joined Western Kentucky University, where he developed his football abilities and transitioned into a productive college tight end.
Tyler Higbee’s College and NFL Career
Tyler Higbee played college football at Western Kentucky University, where he developed into one of Conference USA’s notable tight ends.
After beginning his college career as a wide receiver, he transitioned to tight end and became an important contributor to the Hilltoppers’ offense.
During his senior season in 2015, Higbee earned First-Team All-Conference USA recognition.
His performances attracted NFL attention, and he entered the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Los Angeles Rams selected him in the fourth round with the 110th overall pick.
Higbee subsequently established himself as a dependable member of the Rams’ offense.
During the 2019 season, he recorded 69 receptions for 734 receiving yards, becoming one of the team’s most productive receivers.
His career also included an appearance in Super Bowl LIII and a Super Bowl LVI championship with the Rams.
After recovering from significant injuries, Higbee continued his professional career in Los Angeles.
In March 2026, he signed another two-year contract with the Rams, allowing him to remain with the organization for an 11th season.
By that point, he had become the franchise’s all-time leader among tight ends in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
His long association with Los Angeles has also coincided with major personal milestones, including becoming a father and marrying Malea.
Tyler Higbee’s Marriage and Fatherhood
Family life has become an increasingly visible part of Tyler Higbee’s personal story.
After beginning his relationship with Malea in 2021, the couple welcomed their first child in October 2022.
They expanded their family with the birth of Hendrix Kai in May 2025.
In June 2026, Tyler and Malea celebrated their marriage at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa.
Malea has frequently supported her husband during his career, including periods when he was recovering from injuries.
Her public messages have highlighted his dedication to his family as well as his teammates.
Although Higbee is best known for his accomplishments with the Rams, his role as a husband and father represents another important aspect of his life beyond football.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tyler Higbee’s Family
Who is Tyler Higbee’s girlfriend?
Tyler Higbee is married to Malea Higbee. The couple began their publicly documented relationship in 2021 and celebrated their wedding in June 2026.
Who is Tyler Higbee’s wife?
His wife is Malea Higbee, who regularly supports him at NFL games and shares two children with him.
When did Tyler Higbee get married?
Tyler Higbee married Malea on June 6, 2026, at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in California.
How many children does Tyler Higbee have?
Tyler Higbee has two children: a daughter named Iyla Ty Higbee and a son named Hendrix Kai Higbee.
Who is Tyler Higbee’s daughter?
His daughter is Iyla Ty Higbee, who was born in October 2022.
Who is Tyler Higbee’s son?
His son is Hendrix Kai Higbee, who was born in May 2025.
Who are Tyler Higbee’s parents?
His parents are Michael “Mike” Higbee and Lori Higbee, also identified as Lori Richardson. Both have connections to Maine.
What does Tyler Higbee’s father do?
Mike Higbee is a former athlete who played basketball at the University of Maine. His current profession has not been reliably established in the sources reviewed.
Where is Tyler Higbee’s mother from?
His mother, Lori Higbee, grew up in the Topsham area of Maine and attended Mt. Ararat High School.
Does Tyler Higbee have siblings?
Published biographical profiles report that Tyler Higbee has a younger sister. However, official player records provide limited information about his siblings.
Does Tyler Higbee have a brother?
There is no verified public information confirming that Tyler Higbee has a brother.
Where is Tyler Higbee’s family from?
Tyler Higbee was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in Florida. His parents originally came from Maine.
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.
