Last Updated on October 15, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova

Ezra Cleveland’s family has played an important role in his journey from a young athlete in Washington to a professional offensive lineman for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL. Born on May 8, 1998, in Spanaway, Washington, Cleveland grew up in a supportive household where his parents encouraged his interests in football, motocross and other outdoor activities.
The Jacksonville Jaguars offensive guard is married to his longtime sweetheart, Cassie Yerton Cleveland, whom he met during his school years. His parents are Jim Cleveland and Shawna Cleveland, both of whom supported his athletic development and professional ambitions. Although Cleveland has spoken publicly about his parents and marriage, information about his siblings and possible children remains limited. Here is everything to know about Ezra Cleveland’s wife, children, parents and siblings.
Ezra Cleveland’s Wife: Cassie Yerton Cleveland
Ezra Cleveland is married to Cassie Yerton Cleveland, his longtime partner and high school sweetheart.
The couple’s relationship began years before Cleveland became an NFL player, and Cassie supported him throughout his college football career and transition to professional football.
According to an August 2023 interview published by the Minnesota Vikings, Ezra and Cassie attended elementary school, junior high school and high school in Washington.
However, they did not develop a close relationship until Cleveland was a high school junior and Cassie was a sophomore.
They began dating during their teenage years and maintained their relationship as Ezra pursued football at Boise State University.
Who Is Cassie Yerton?
Cassie Yerton is Ezra Cleveland’s wife and a college graduate who has generally maintained a private life outside professional sports coverage.
She grew up in Washington, where she attended the same schools as Cleveland.
Although the couple knew each other during childhood, their romantic relationship developed during high school.
When Ezra moved to Idaho to attend Boise State University, they continued their relationship despite the challenges of his demanding college football schedule.
Cassie later pursued her own university education.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she relocated to Minnesota and completed her final year of college remotely while Ezra was beginning his rookie NFL season with the Vikings.
The move allowed the couple to spend more time together as Cleveland adjusted to professional football.
Although Cassie’s current professional occupation has not been extensively documented in reliable public sources, she has remained an important part of her husband’s personal life.
Ezra Cleveland and Cassie Yerton’s Engagement
Ezra Cleveland proposed to Cassie Yerton in June 2023 during a vacation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
The engagement was documented in an official Minnesota Vikings feature published on August 9, 2023.
According to the interview, Cleveland had been planning the proposal for several months and recruited his mother, Shawna, to help organize the surprise.
The idea developed after Vikings teammate Garrett Bradbury recommended a destination in Mexico featuring waterfront villas.
Cleveland decided that Playa del Carmen would provide the perfect location.
He arranged the proposal under the appearance of a regular family vacation so that Cassie would not suspect anything unusual.
Although Cleveland had been dating Cassie for approximately eight years, he admitted that he became unexpectedly nervous when the moment arrived.
He later joked that he could barely remember the words he used during the proposal.
Cassie accepted, and the couple celebrated their engagement with relatives.
The announcement attracted attention from Minnesota Vikings fans, particularly because Cleveland had maintained the relationship throughout his college and professional football career.
When Did Ezra Cleveland Get Married?
Ezra Cleveland and Cassie Yerton married in April 2024.
Their marriage was confirmed in a September 2025 feature published by Sports Illustrated Lifestyle about the wives and girlfriends of Jacksonville Jaguars players.
The publication reported that Cassie celebrated their first wedding anniversary in early April 2025.
The couple’s wedding followed nearly a decade together, beginning with their teenage relationship in Washington.
Although they have occasionally shared photographs from their personal life, they generally keep detailed information about their marriage away from extensive public coverage.
As of now, Cassie is publicly identified as Ezra Cleveland’s wife.
Ezra Cleveland’s Children
Ezra Cleveland has no publicly confirmed children.
As of now, reliable public sources have not identified any sons or daughters belonging to the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman.
Although Cleveland married Cassie Yerton in 2024, the couple has not made a widely verified public announcement confirming the birth of a child.
Official NFL biographies and established sports reporting have primarily concentrated on his football career, parents and marriage.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to claim that he has children without reliable confirmation.
Cleveland has also not publicly disclosed specific plans regarding fatherhood.
Ezra Cleveland’s Parents
Ezra Cleveland’s parents are Jim Cleveland and Shawna Cleveland. Their identities and professional backgrounds were documented in an August 2020 profile published by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
The couple raised Ezra in Spanaway, Washington, a community located near Tacoma.
Both parents encouraged their son’s athletic interests and helped him develop an appreciation for outdoor recreation and competitive sports.
Ezra Cleveland’s Father: Jim Cleveland
Jim Cleveland is Ezra Cleveland’s father and a heavy equipment operator who worked for Boeing.
His occupation was documented in the Minnesota Star Tribune’s August 31, 2020, profile of his son’s journey to the NFL.
Jim played an important role in introducing Ezra to outdoor activities, particularly motorcycles and dirt bikes.
According to an interview published by the Minnesota Vikings in August 2023, Jim introduced his son to all-terrain vehicles when Ezra was approximately three years old.
For his fifth birthday, Ezra received his first dirt bike.
The father and son regularly enjoyed motorcycle riding, camping and exploring trails around Washington.
Jim had developed his own interest in motorcycles through his father, who was mechanically skilled and interested in automobile racing.
These family traditions eventually became an important part of Ezra’s childhood.
Jim Cleveland’s Influence on Ezra’s Childhood
Growing up around motorcycles helped Ezra develop confidence, balance and an interest in physically demanding activities.
However, the sport also involved occasional injuries.
In an August 2020 interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune, Jim recalled an accident that occurred while teaching his son to operate a dirt bike.
Ezra was approximately five years old when they collided with a fence, resulting in a broken collarbone.
Despite the incident, the young athlete continued enjoying motocross for several years.
He eventually stopped riding competitively during high school after suffering a leg injury that became infected.
By that stage, his increasing size and athletic ability had already made football a more realistic long-term opportunity.
Jim remained supportive as Ezra developed into a talented offensive and defensive lineman at Bethel High School.
His encouragement continued through the college recruiting process and the early stages of his professional career.
Why Is Ezra Cleveland Named Ezra?
One unusual detail about Ezra Cleveland’s family history concerns the inspiration behind his first name.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, his father named him after Ezra Lusk, a well-known American professional motocross racer who competed during the 1990s.
Jim admired the distinctive name and believed it combined a traditional sound with an unusual identity.
The choice reflected the family’s strong interest in motorcycle racing.
Interestingly, Ezra Cleveland eventually became a professional athlete himself, although he pursued American football rather than motocross.
Ezra Cleveland’s Mother: Shawna Cleveland
Shawna Cleveland is Ezra Cleveland’s mother and a former help desk technician for the Bethel School District in Washington.
Her professional background was documented in the Minnesota Star Tribune’s 2020 profile of the NFL player.
Shawna has remained an enthusiastic supporter of her son’s football career, attending games and celebrating significant milestones.
She also shares Ezra’s sense of humor and his interest in family traditions.
One entertaining example involves the family’s football rivalries.
According to the Star Tribune, several of Shawna’s brothers supported the Seattle Seahawks.
However, Ezra became a fan of the San Francisco 49ers during childhood, particularly because he admired running back Frank Gore.
He occasionally wore San Francisco clothing when visiting relatives who supported Seattle.
Shawna encouraged the playful rivalry, helping her son enjoy the competition between the two NFL teams.
Shawna Cleveland Helped Plan Ezra’s Engagement
Shawna also played an important role in one of Ezra Cleveland’s most memorable personal milestones.
When he decided to propose to Cassie Yerton in 2023, he asked his mother to help organize the surprise.
According to the Minnesota Vikings, the planning began several months before the couple traveled to Mexico.
Shawna helped coordinate the family vacation and ensured that Cassie did not discover the real purpose of the trip.
The proposal was successful, and the family celebrated when Cassie accepted.
Her involvement demonstrated the close relationship between mother and son and the importance of including relatives in major personal celebrations.
Ezra Cleveland’s Siblings
Reliable public information has not established whether Ezra Cleveland has brothers or sisters.
Although several interviews have explored his childhood and relationships with his parents, established sports publications have not identified any siblings by name.
His official Boise State University and Jacksonville Jaguars biographies also do not provide a complete family history.
Some online celebrity biographies describe Cleveland as an only child, but that claim has not been independently established through authoritative reporting.
Consequently, the number and identities of his possible siblings remain unconfirmed.
Does Ezra Cleveland Have a Brother?
There is no verified public information identifying a brother of Ezra Cleveland.
His interviews have primarily discussed his parents, extended relatives and former football teammates.
Without reliable confirmation, it would be inaccurate to claim that he has a brother or identify a particular individual as his sibling.
Does Ezra Cleveland Have a Sister?
Similarly, no established public source has reliably identified a sister of Ezra Cleveland.
Although the offensive lineman has shared stories about family gatherings and relatives, he has not publicly provided a comprehensive list of brothers and sisters.
Therefore, whether Cleveland has any sisters remains unknown.
Ezra Cleveland’s Extended Family
Beyond his parents and wife, Ezra Cleveland has spoken about several members of his extended family.
His paternal grandfather was interested in automobile racing and mechanical work, helping establish the family’s connection to motorsports.
That interest passed to Jim Cleveland and eventually to Ezra, who began riding motorcycles during early childhood.
On his mother’s side, several uncles were passionate Seattle Seahawks supporters.
Their enthusiasm for football created a playful rivalry because Ezra preferred the San Francisco 49ers.
These family experiences helped introduce him to professional football long before he entered the NFL.
Although most of his relatives have maintained private lives, their influence on his childhood has been documented through interviews with Cleveland and his parents.
How Ezra Cleveland’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Family support played an important role in Ezra Cleveland’s development from a young athlete in Washington to an NFL offensive lineman.
During childhood, he was involved in several sports, including football, baseball and wrestling.
His experiences in motocross also helped him develop physical confidence and balance.
At Bethel High School in Spanaway, Cleveland became a standout offensive and defensive lineman.
During his senior season, he recorded 41 tackles and four sacks while earning recognition as the school’s defensive player of the year.
His performances attracted college recruiting attention, and he eventually committed to Boise State University.
Ezra Cleveland’s College Football Career
Ezra Cleveland enrolled at Boise State in 2016 and redshirted his freshman season.
He became a starting offensive tackle in 2017, contributing to an offensive line that helped the Broncos establish one of the Mountain West Conference’s most productive rushing attacks.
During his first season as a starter, he appeared in all 14 games and received honorable mention All-Mountain West recognition.
He continued improving in 2018, earning first-team All-Mountain West honors.
Cleveland repeated that achievement in 2019, establishing himself as one of the conference’s best offensive tackles.
Across three seasons as a starter, he appeared in 40 games.
He also earned Academic All-Mountain West recognition, demonstrating his commitment to education alongside athletics.
Following the 2019 season, Cleveland declared for the NFL Draft, choosing to forgo his remaining college eligibility.
Ezra Cleveland Joins the Minnesota Vikings
On April 24, 2020, the Minnesota Vikings selected Ezra Cleveland with the 58th overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft.
The selection marked the beginning of his professional football career.
Cleveland joined the Vikings during the COVID-19 pandemic, which created unusual challenges for rookies preparing to enter the league.
His family and girlfriend Cassie provided support while he adjusted to the demands of professional football.
During his rookie season, Cleveland appeared in 13 games and made nine starts at right guard.
He became Minnesota’s starting left guard in 2021 and started all 17 regular-season games that year.
He repeated the accomplishment in 2022, further establishing himself as a dependable NFL offensive lineman.
Ezra Cleveland Joins the Jacksonville Jaguars
On October 31, 2023, the Minnesota Vikings traded Ezra Cleveland to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The move provided Jacksonville with additional experience and depth along its offensive line.
Cleveland appeared in nine games for the Jaguars during the remainder of the 2023 season, making six starts.
On March 8, 2024, Jacksonville announced that it had signed him to a three-year contract extension.
He subsequently became an important member of the team’s offensive line, helping protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
During the 2025 regular season, Cleveland started all 17 games in which he appeared.
According to the Jaguars’ official player biography, he contributed to an offensive line that completed five games without allowing a sack.
As of now, Cleveland remains a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars and wears jersey number 76.
His development from a high school athlete in Washington to an established NFL starter reflects the dedication encouraged by his parents and the personal support provided by his wife.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra Cleveland’s Family
Who is Ezra Cleveland’s girlfriend?
Ezra Cleveland does not have a girlfriend because he is married. His wife is Cassie Yerton Cleveland, his longtime sweetheart whom he met during his school years in Washington.
Who is Ezra Cleveland’s wife?
Ezra Cleveland’s wife is Cassie Yerton Cleveland. The couple dated for approximately eight years before becoming engaged in June 2023 and married in April 2024.
When did Ezra Cleveland get married?
Ezra Cleveland married Cassie Yerton in April 2024, according to reporting published by Sports Illustrated Lifestyle in September 2025.
Does Ezra Cleveland have children?
Ezra Cleveland has no publicly confirmed children. Reliable sources have not established that he and his wife have a son or daughter.
Who are Ezra Cleveland’s parents?
Ezra Cleveland’s parents are Jim Cleveland and Shawna Cleveland. His father worked as a heavy equipment operator for Boeing, while his mother worked as a help desk technician for the Bethel School District.
Who is Ezra Cleveland’s father?
Ezra Cleveland’s father is Jim Cleveland. He introduced his son to motorcycles and dirt bikes during childhood and supported his athletic development.
Who is Ezra Cleveland’s mother?
Ezra Cleveland’s mother is Shawna Cleveland. She supported his football career and helped organize his surprise proposal to Cassie Yerton in Mexico in 2023.
Does Ezra Cleveland have siblings?
Reliable public sources have not established whether Ezra Cleveland has brothers or sisters. The names and number of any siblings remain unconfirmed.
Why is Ezra Cleveland named Ezra?
According to his father, Jim Cleveland, Ezra was named after professional motocross racer Ezra Lusk, reflecting the family’s enthusiasm for motorcycle racing.
Where is Ezra Cleveland from?
Ezra Cleveland is from Spanaway, Washington, a community near Tacoma. He attended Bethel High School before playing college football at Boise State University.
How old is Ezra Cleveland?
Ezra Cleveland was born on May 8, 1998. He is 28 years old.
What NFL team does Ezra Cleveland play for?
As of now, Ezra Cleveland plays as an offensive guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He joined the franchise in October 2023 after beginning his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings.

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.
