Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Jarrett Allen is an American professional basketball player who plays as a center for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. Born on April 21, 1998, in San Diego, California, Allen has established himself as one of the league’s most dependable rebounders and defensive players. Beyond his basketball achievements, he comes from an athletic family that has played an important role in shaping his career and personality.
Jarrett Allen’s family includes his wife, Jordyn January, his parents, Leonard Allen Sr. and Cheryl Allen, and his older brother, Leonard Allen Jr. His father was a professional basketball player, while his brother also pursued basketball at the collegiate level. Allen married his longtime girlfriend in July 2025, making another important milestone in his personal life.
Jarrett Allen’s Wife: Meet Jordyn January
Jarrett Allen is married to Jordyn January, his longtime girlfriend and a registered nurse. The couple reportedly began dating in 2016, long before Allen became an established NBA star.
Their relationship developed during their younger years in Texas, where Allen attended the University of Texas at Austin and Jordyn pursued her education. Despite his increasing popularity in professional basketball, the couple generally maintained a private relationship, occasionally sharing special moments with fans through social media.
According to published reports, Jordyn January attended Concordia University Texas, where she studied nursing. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2020 and developed a professional career in healthcare.
Allen and January became engaged in 2023 after several years together. The basketball star reportedly proposed during a romantic beach outing, which he later shared with his followers on Instagram.
When Did Jarrett Allen Marry Jordyn January?
Jarrett Allen and Jordyn January officially married on July 27, 2025, in a wedding ceremony in Austin, Texas. Their celebration brought together family members, close friends, and several of Allen’s current and former NBA teammates.
One of the most memorable moments from the wedding was a choreographed dance inspired by the Disney movie “High School Musical.” Allen, his bride, and members of their wedding party performed to the film’s famous song “We’re All in This Together.”
The performance attracted considerable attention after former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Isaac Okoro shared footage from the celebration on social media. NBA player Dean Wade also participated in the festivities.
The wedding highlighted Allen’s playful personality and his longstanding affection for the musical. His interest in the movie had already become familiar to fans through his social media activity.
As of now, Jordyn January is Jarrett Allen’s wife, and their relationship remains one of the more established romantic partnerships among NBA players of his generation.
Jarrett Allen’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
Jarrett Allen and his wife, Jordyn January, have not publicly announced having children. Available reports about the couple’s personal life do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Allen occasionally shares aspects of his life outside basketball, he has maintained a relatively private approach to family matters.
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Jarrett Allen has children. Any future announcement about parenthood would need to come from the couple or another reliable source.
Jarrett Allen’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Jarrett Allen was born to Leonard Allen Sr. and Cheryl Allen. His parents raised him and his older brother in a family that valued education, personal responsibility, independence, and athletic development.
Although Jarrett was born in San Diego, California, his family relocated to Round Rock, Texas, when he was approximately eight years old. The move brought him to the area where he would spend much of his childhood and develop his basketball abilities.
Both parents have influenced his life in different ways, with Leonard providing guidance shaped by his own professional basketball experience and Cheryl emphasizing education, security, and personal development.
Jarrett Allen’s Father: Leonard Allen Sr.
Jarrett Allen’s father, Leonard Allen Sr., is a former professional basketball player who played college basketball at San Diego State University from 1982 to 1985.
During his collegiate career, Leonard developed a reputation as a strong interior defender. His performances attracted attention from NBA scouts, and he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 50th overall pick in the third round of the 1985 NBA Draft.
Although he did not establish a lengthy NBA playing career, Leonard continued playing basketball professionally in Europe, including several seasons in Spain.
After retiring from professional basketball, Leonard pursued a career in technology. A 2018 Bleacher Report profile reported that he worked as a manager at Dell, a technology company with a significant presence in the Austin, Texas, area.
Leonard’s influence on his son extended beyond basketball. In an interview with Bleacher Report, Jarrett explained that his father encouraged him to become independent and accept responsibility for his decisions.
Rather than forcing his son to follow his basketball career, Leonard allowed Jarrett to develop his own interests and discover his passion for the sport naturally.
Interestingly, Leonard also helped maintain Jarrett’s recognizable afro hairstyle. During his early NBA career, Jarrett revealed that his father was the only person he trusted to cut his hair.
Jarrett Allen’s Mother: Cheryl Allen
Jarrett Allen’s mother is Cheryl Allen, who has been an important figure in his education, personal development, and professional basketball journey.
Cheryl emphasized academic achievement while raising her children. She helped select St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin for Jarrett because of its educational standards, giving him an environment where he could develop both academically and athletically.
Her support continued after Jarrett entered the NBA. During his early years with the Brooklyn Nets, Cheryl helped him make important personal decisions, including choosing a suitable apartment in New York.
According to a 2018 Bleacher Report interview, she wanted her son’s apartment building to have a full-time doorman, reflecting her concern for his safety and well-being.
Jarrett has acknowledged that his mother takes an active interest in helping him make responsible choices. He has also shown his appreciation for his parents by making arrangements to accommodate them comfortably when they visit.
Both Cheryl and Leonard encouraged their children to appreciate education and technology. Their influence contributed to Jarrett’s interest in computers, science, and engineering, subjects he continues to promote through charitable activities.
Jarrett Allen’s Siblings: Meet His Older Brother Leonard Allen Jr.
Jarrett Allen has one publicly documented sibling, his older brother Leonard Allen Jr., who also pursued a basketball career.
Growing up in an athletic household, the brothers shared an interest in sports, although their childhood rivalry was not limited to basketball. According to Jarrett’s interviews, they also competed against each other while playing video games.
Leonard Allen Jr.: Jarrett Allen’s Older Brother
Leonard Allen Jr. followed the family’s basketball tradition, developing into a promising player during his teenage years in Texas.
He attended Round Rock High School before continuing his basketball development at San Diego City College in California.
During the 2015–16 season at San Diego City College, Leonard averaged 14.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. His impressive performances earned him All-State recognition and attracted interest from higher-level college basketball programs.
Leonard eventually joined Baylor University’s basketball program in August 2017. Standing approximately seven feet tall, he was expected to provide size and defensive presence for the Bears.
However, Baylor announced in October 2017 that Leonard would take an indefinite leave of absence. His subsequent basketball career has received limited public coverage.
Despite pursuing different paths, Leonard and Jarrett share a family connection to basketball that began with their father’s experience as a professional player.
Jarrett has spoken about growing up alongside his older brother, recalling their competitive childhood and shared enthusiasm for video games.
Jarrett Allen’s Family Background and Childhood
Jarrett Allen was born in San Diego, California, before moving with his family to Round Rock, Texas. His upbringing combined exposure to competitive basketball with an emphasis on academic achievement and personal independence.
His father had experience in professional basketball, but Jarrett did not initially approach the game with the intention of becoming an NBA player. He began playing partly because he enjoyed spending time with friends.
As he grew taller and developed his skills, his potential became increasingly apparent. He eventually attended St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, where he became one of the country’s leading high school basketball prospects.
During his senior season, Allen averaged 19.7 points and 13.3 rebounds per game, helping his school win the Southwest Preparatory Conference championship.
He continued his education and basketball career at the University of Texas, where he played one season before entering the 2017 NBA Draft.
The Brooklyn Nets selected Allen with the 22nd overall pick. He later joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021 and earned his first NBA All-Star selection in 2022.
Outside basketball, Allen has developed a reputation for his interest in science, computers, video games, and community service. His charitable activities include the Meals and Math initiative, which helps children learn about mathematics and budgeting while providing food assistance.
In a 2022 interview with Andscape, Allen credited his parents with encouraging his interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics during childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jarrett Allen’s Family
Who is Jarrett Allen’s wife?
Jarrett Allen’s wife is Jordyn January, a registered nurse. The couple married on July 27, 2025.
Who was Jarrett Allen’s girlfriend?
Jarrett Allen’s longtime girlfriend was Jordyn January. They reportedly began dating in 2016, became engaged in 2023, and married in 2025.
Does Jarrett Allen have children?
There are no verified public reports confirming that Jarrett Allen and Jordyn January have children.
Who are Jarrett Allen’s parents?
Jarrett Allen’s parents are Leonard Allen Sr. and Cheryl Allen.
Who is Jarrett Allen’s father?
Jarrett Allen’s father is Leonard Allen Sr., a former professional basketball player who was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1985 NBA Draft.
Who is Jarrett Allen’s mother?
Jarrett Allen’s mother is Cheryl Allen, who supported his education and basketball development throughout his childhood and professional career.
How many siblings does Jarrett Allen have?
Jarrett Allen has one older brother, Leonard Allen Jr., who played basketball at San Diego City College and joined Baylor University’s basketball program.
Is Jarrett Allen’s brother also a basketball player?
Yes. His older brother, Leonard Allen Jr., played college basketball and was a member of Baylor University’s basketball program in 2017.
Where is Jarrett Allen’s family from?
Jarrett Allen was born in San Diego, California, but grew up primarily in Round Rock, Texas, where his family settled during his childhood.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
