Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Zay Flowers is an American professional football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 11, 2000, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Flowers has become one of Baltimore’s most important offensive players since entering the NFL in 2023. Away from football, his girlfriend, parents and 13 siblings have played significant roles in his personal life.
Zay Flowers’ family includes his girlfriend, Kennedi, his father, Willie Flowers, and his late mother, Jackie Walden. He grew up as the 11th of 14 children, with nine brothers and four sisters. One of his older brothers, Martin Flowers, died in 2017. Despite experiencing considerable family tragedy during childhood, Flowers has consistently credited his father and siblings with helping him become a professional athlete.
Zay Flowers’ Girlfriend: Kennedi
Zay Flowers is in a relationship with Kennedi, who has publicly supported the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver since at least December 2024.
According to People magazine, the couple has maintained a relatively private relationship while occasionally sharing photographs and affectionate messages on social media.
Kennedi attracted attention in December 2024 when she posted photographs from NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, during a game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. She wore clothing supporting Flowers and his No. 4 jersey.
Their relationship became more publicly visible in 2025, when they began appearing together in social media photographs.
In September 2025, Flowers celebrated Kennedi’s birthday through a social media post expressing his appreciation for having her in his life.
The couple has also shared photographs from trips, football events and personal celebrations.
According to an October 2026 article published by Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Kennedi was born on September 26, 2000.
She attended Louisiana State University and shared an Instagram post celebrating her graduation in May 2026.
Kennedi has developed a social media presence focused on lifestyle, fashion and travel. She occasionally shares photographs wearing customized Baltimore Ravens outfits in support of her boyfriend.
In November 2025, Flowers affectionately referred to Kennedi as his wife in an Instagram comment. However, the informal statement does not establish that the couple is legally married.
As of now, no independently verified wedding announcement or marriage date has been reported. Kennedi is therefore best described as Flowers’ girlfriend rather than his confirmed wife.
Zay Flowers’ Children
As of now, Zay Flowers has no publicly confirmed children.
Although the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver occasionally shares information about his girlfriend and extended family, he has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter.
His official NFL and college football biographies do not identify any children, and reliable recent reporting has not established that he has become a father.
Consequently, there are no verified names, birth dates or other biographical details concerning children belonging to Flowers.
This lack of public information does not necessarily establish that he has no children, but there is insufficient reliable evidence to identify him as a father.
Zay Flowers’ Parents
Zay Flowers was born to Willie Flowers and Jackie Walden in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His parents had 14 children, including Zay, who was the 11th child in the family.
His childhood was shaped by both parents, although his mother died when he was only five years old. Following her death, his father assumed responsibility for raising their large family.
Willie Flowers – Zay Flowers’ Father
Willie Flowers is Zay Flowers’ father and one of the most influential figures in his life.
He raised 14 children in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while working long hours to support the household.
According to a 2023 Baltimore Ravens feature, Willie worked as a driver for a medical device company. His demanding work schedule often required him to wake up around 4 a.m. before returning home to care for his family.
After the death of his partner, Jackie Walden, in 2005, Willie became the family’s primary caregiver.
Despite having numerous responsibilities, he continued attending his children’s football games and encouraging their athletic ambitions.
In interviews with the Baltimore Ravens, Zay recalled that his father regularly worked during the week before spending weekends preparing meals, washing clothes and taking the children to sporting events.
The experience taught Flowers the importance of discipline, perseverance and commitment.
Willie also encouraged his son to believe in his football abilities despite being smaller than many opposing players.
He frequently mentioned former NFL receiver Steve Smith Sr. as an example of a talented athlete who succeeded despite not possessing exceptional height.
His father’s encouragement helped Flowers develop confidence throughout high school and college football.
When Baltimore selected Flowers with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Willie celebrated the achievement alongside other family members.
Shortly afterward, Flowers surprised his father with a new Mercedes-Benz SUV as a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices he had made.
Flowers had initially offered to purchase his father a new house, but Willie preferred to remain in the home he already owned.
The vehicle became a public symbol of the close relationship between father and son.
In a September 2023 interview with What’s Up? Media, Flowers described his father as the biggest influence in his life.
Willie has continued supporting his son’s professional career and remains an important figure in the Flowers family.
Jackie Walden – Zay Flowers’ Mother
Jackie Walden was Zay Flowers’ mother. She died in 2005 when the future NFL player was approximately five years old.
According to the Baltimore Ravens, Jackie suffered a fatal head injury after falling near a damaged wooden fence.
Her death deeply affected the family, leaving Willie Flowers responsible for raising their 14 children.
Despite losing his mother at a young age, Zay has frequently discussed her influence on his life.
He has explained that Jackie was among the people who first encouraged the children to participate in football.
Her encouragement helped create the family’s strong connection to sports.
When Flowers entered the NFL in 2023, he honored his mother’s memory during the draft ceremony.
He wore a customized necklace featuring her photograph surrounded by 14 flower petals, representing the children in the family.
The necklace allowed him to symbolically include his mother in one of the most important moments of his career.
Flowers also wore a customized jacket featuring photographs of his family members.
In interviews following his selection by Baltimore, he explained that his mother’s influence remained important despite her death many years earlier.
He has also honored Jackie with a tattoo on his right wrist featuring her name and a crown.
Although she was unable to witness his professional achievements, Flowers continues to recognize her as an important part of his football journey.
Zay Flowers’ Siblings
Zay Flowers has 13 siblings, making him one of 14 children born to Willie Flowers and Jackie Walden.
According to the Baltimore Ravens, the family consists of 10 sons and four daughters. This means Zay has nine brothers and four sisters.
He is the 11th child, making him the fourth youngest in the family.
The children grew up together in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where competition and sports were important parts of everyday life.
Although Flowers has spoken extensively about his siblings, the names of most of his brothers and sisters have not been reliably established in major public reporting.
Martin Flowers – Zay Flowers’ Late Older Brother
Martin Flowers was one of Zay Flowers’ older brothers and an important influence during his childhood.
According to the Baltimore Ravens, Martin was 26 years old when he was shot and killed during a robbery in Sanford, North Carolina, in November 2017.
Zay was 17 years old at the time and attending NSU University School in Fort Lauderdale.
The tragedy occurred during the high school football season.
In a 2023 Ravens feature, Flowers’ former high school coach, Daniel Luque, recalled visiting the family after learning about Martin’s death.
Despite the devastating circumstances, Flowers decided to participate in his team’s football game the following evening.
He later explained that his brother had been one of the most talented athletes in their family.
Martin’s death became an important influence on Flowers’ outlook on life, reinforcing his appreciation for family relationships and the opportunities available to him.
Flowers has honored his late brother with several tattoos.
One tattoo features Martin’s name on his left wrist, while another includes his brother’s portrait on his rib cage.
During the 2023 NFL Draft, Flowers also included Martin among the relatives he remembered while celebrating his achievement.
In an April 2026 interview with the 4th & South podcast, Flowers again discussed his brother’s death and the importance of remembering family members who had passed away.
Zay Flowers’ Other Brothers
In addition to Martin, Zay Flowers grew up with eight other brothers.
His childhood experiences with his brothers contributed significantly to his physical development and competitive personality.
During interviews with the Baltimore Ravens, Flowers explained that the brothers regularly played football together in their front yard.
He began participating in these games when he was approximately four years old, sometimes wearing football equipment that was too large for him.
The brothers competed in football, basketball and other activities, often dividing themselves into teams based on age.
According to Flowers, the younger brothers frequently challenged the older ones, creating an environment that encouraged everyone to improve.
He credited these experiences with teaching him how to compete against bigger and stronger opponents.
Some of his older brothers also played organized football during their childhood.
In an April 2026 interview, Flowers revealed that Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had known some of his brothers through youth football before the two became NFL teammates.
However, the complete names, occupations and personal histories of his other brothers have not been consistently verified in public reporting.
Zay Flowers’ Four Sisters
Zay Flowers also has four sisters, completing the family’s 14 children.
Although the sisters have received less attention than Zay and his late brother Martin, they were part of the same close household in Fort Lauderdale.
Flowers has described his siblings as his closest friends and has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining strong family relationships.
His sisters were also represented in the customized necklace he wore during the 2023 NFL Draft.
The necklace featured 14 petals, with each petal symbolizing one of the Flowers children.
As of now, the names, ages and professional activities of his four sisters have not been reliably established in official team reporting or other major verified sources.
Zay Flowers’ Family Background and Early Life
Zay Flowers grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in a household shared with his father and 13 siblings.
Following his mother’s death, the family relied heavily on Willie Flowers, who worked to provide financial and emotional support while maintaining a close relationship with his children.
According to Flowers, growing up in such a large family meant that there was almost always someone available to play sports or spend time with.
The competitive atmosphere encouraged him to develop speed, agility and determination from an early age.
He attended NSU University School, where he developed into a promising high school football player.
Although he did not initially receive widespread recruiting attention, he earned an opportunity to play college football at Boston College.
Flowers played for the Boston College Eagles from 2019 through 2022, becoming one of the most productive wide receivers in the university’s history.
He finished his college career with 200 receptions, 3,056 receiving yards and 29 receiving touchdowns, setting school records in all three categories.
His achievements attracted attention from NFL teams, eventually leading to his selection by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
After entering the NFL, Flowers quickly became an important receiving option for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
His rookie season included 77 receptions for 858 yards, setting Baltimore Ravens rookie records in both categories.
His success also allowed him to support his family financially and honor the sacrifices his father had made throughout his childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zay Flowers’ Family
Who is Zay Flowers’ girlfriend?
Zay Flowers’ girlfriend is Kennedi. Their relationship became publicly visible during 2024 and 2025, and she has regularly supported him at Baltimore Ravens games.
Is Zay Flowers married?
As of now, there is no independently verified public announcement confirming that Zay Flowers is married. He has publicly referred to Kennedi affectionately as his wife, but no wedding has been established.
Does Zay Flowers have children?
Zay Flowers has no publicly confirmed children. He has not made a verified announcement about having a son or daughter.
Who are Zay Flowers’ parents?
Zay Flowers’ parents are Willie Flowers and the late Jackie Walden. His mother died in 2005, and his father subsequently raised their large family.
Who is Zay Flowers’ father?
Zay Flowers’ father is Willie Flowers, who worked as a driver for a medical device company and raised 14 children in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
What happened to Zay Flowers’ mother?
Zay Flowers’ mother, Jackie Walden, died in 2005 after suffering a head injury from a fall. Flowers was approximately five years old at the time.
How many siblings does Zay Flowers have?
Zay Flowers has 13 siblings: nine brothers and four sisters. He is the 11th of 14 children.
Who was Zay Flowers’ brother Martin?
Martin Flowers was Zay Flowers’ older brother. He was shot and killed during a robbery in North Carolina in November 2017 at the age of 26.
Is Zay Flowers the youngest in his family?
No. Zay Flowers is the 11th of 14 children, meaning he has three younger siblings and 10 older siblings.
What is Zay Flowers’ real name?
Zay Flowers’ full name is Xavien Kevonn Flowers, according to his official Boston College athletics biography.
Where is Zay Flowers’ family from?
Zay Flowers’ family is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he grew up with his father and 13 siblings.
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.
