Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Jadeveon Clowney is an American professional football player who plays as a defensive end for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 14, 1993, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Clowney played college football at the University of South Carolina before being selected with the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Beyond his football career, Clowney is a husband and father of three children. His family has played an important role in shaping his personality, values, and professional achievements, particularly because he grew up without a consistently present father.
Jadeveon Clowney is married, with his wife identified in published biographical reports as Najah Ré Martin. He has three children: Jahlil Zair Clowney, Jerzie Ane Clowney, and Jewel Blaise Clowney. His parents are Josenna Clowney and David Morgan, and he has an older sister whose name has not been widely documented.
Here is everything publicly known about Jadeveon Clowney’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Jadeveon Clowney is married. In an August 2026 interview published on the Houston Texans’ official website, he confirmed that he has a wife and discussed how marriage and fatherhood have changed his life.
His wife has been identified in published biographical coverage as Najah Ré Martin, also known as Najah Martin.
Before their marriage, Najah was publicly known as Clowney’s longtime girlfriend.
According to ESPN, the couple were together when they welcomed their first child in October 2015.
A May 2025 profile published by Players Bio identified Najah as Clowney’s wife and reported that the couple had been together for several years.
Although their marriage has now been publicly confirmed by Clowney himself, the exact date and location of their wedding have not been reliably established.
Who Is Najah Ré Martin?
Najah Ré Martin is a professional makeup artist who has worked in fashion, beauty, and production makeup.
According to a May 2025 feature published by Players Bio, she is originally from Anderson, South Carolina.
She attended the University of South Carolina, where she reportedly completed her undergraduate education in 2014.
Before pursuing her professional career in makeup artistry, Najah participated in track and field while attending T.L. Hanna High School.
She competed in athletic events that included the 400-meter race and long jump.
Although Najah initially pursued an educational path associated with medicine, she eventually established a career in the beauty industry.
Her professional work has included bridal makeup, fashion projects, and film production.
She has also maintained a social media presence associated with her makeup business, sharing examples of her professional work.
Despite being married to a well-known NFL player, Najah has generally maintained a relatively private personal life.
How Did Jadeveon Clowney Meet Najah Martin?
Published biographical reports indicate that Jadeveon Clowney and Najah Martin met during their college years.
Both attended the University of South Carolina, although their early relationship received relatively little media attention.
The couple became publicly known during Clowney’s early NFL career with the Houston Texans.
In October 2015, ESPN identified Najah as Clowney’s girlfriend while reporting the birth of their first child.
Their relationship continued as Clowney played for several NFL teams, including the Texans, Seahawks, Titans, Browns, Ravens, Panthers, and Cowboys.
In August 2026, Clowney spoke publicly about being married and raising his family in Houston.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
Yes, Jadeveon Clowney has three children: one son and two daughters.
His children are named Jahlil Zair Clowney, Jerzie Ane Clowney, and Jewel Blaise Clowney.
Their names have been documented by the Charlotte Observer and other biographical publications.
In an August 2026 interview with the Houston Texans, Clowney confirmed that his children were 10, six, and four years old at the time.
He also explained that all three were born and raised in Houston, Texas.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Son: Jahlil Zair Clowney
Jahlil Zair Clowney is Jadeveon Clowney’s oldest child and only publicly identified son.
He was born on October 19, 2015, to Clowney and Najah Martin.
His birth received national attention because his father was already playing professionally for the Houston Texans.
In an October 22, 2015, interview with ESPN, Clowney described the excitement of becoming a father for the first time.
He explained that he enjoyed holding his newborn son and watching him sleep.
Jahlil weighed approximately seven pounds and four ounces at birth.
Clowney also joked about how small his baby looked compared with his own 6-foot-5 frame.
As Jahlil grew older, he developed an interest in football and began participating in workouts with his father.
During a March 2026 interview with KPRC 2 Houston, Clowney revealed that his son regularly accompanied him to the gym.
He explained that spending time training with Jahlil was part of his commitment to being a present and supportive father.
In August 2026, Clowney also shared that Jahlil had become one of his toughest football critics.
He recalled that his son watched his games closely and was willing to point out when he believed his father had performed below his usual standard.
Clowney explained that his son’s enthusiasm motivates him to remain disciplined and continue improving.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Daughter: Jerzie Ane Clowney
Jerzie Ane Clowney is Jadeveon Clowney’s second child and oldest daughter.
According to published biographical reports, Jerzie was born in February 2020.
Her name was also included in a Charlotte Observer report discussing Clowney’s family during his time with the Carolina Panthers.
Although Clowney has publicly acknowledged his children, he generally avoids sharing extensive details about his daughters’ personal lives.
In his August 2026 interview with the Houston Texans, he confirmed that his six-year-old child lived in Houston with the family.
Jerzie’s personal interests and other private details have not been extensively documented.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Daughter: Jewel Blaise Clowney
Jewel Blaise Clowney is Jadeveon Clowney’s youngest publicly confirmed child.
According to Players Bio, Jewel was born in October 2021.
Her name was independently included in the Charlotte Observer’s reporting about Clowney’s children.
During his August 2026 interview, Clowney confirmed that his youngest child was four years old.
Like her older sister, Jewel has largely remained outside public attention.
Although her father is a prominent professional athlete, he has generally avoided discussing unnecessary personal information about his young daughters.
How Fatherhood Changed Jadeveon Clowney
Fatherhood has become one of the most important influences in Jadeveon Clowney’s adult life.
During a March 2026 interview with KPRC 2 Houston, he explained that raising children had encouraged him to become more responsible and disciplined.
Because his own father was incarcerated during much of his childhood, Clowney wanted his children to experience a different relationship with their father.
He emphasized that he wanted to remain actively involved in their lives, teaching them about hard work, personal responsibility, and perseverance.
During his August 2026 Houston Texans interview, he also discussed how marriage and parenting helped him develop patience.
He described raising children as an experience that changed his decision-making and priorities.
For Clowney, professional success is now closely connected to setting a positive example for his children.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Jadeveon Clowney’s parents are Josenna Clowney and David Morgan.
He was raised primarily by his mother in Rock Hill, South Carolina, with additional support from his maternal grandparents.
His father’s incarceration meant that Clowney experienced much of his childhood without his biological father living at home.
These circumstances influenced his understanding of family and his determination to become an involved father.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Mother: Josenna Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney’s mother is Josenna Clowney.
Josenna played a central role in raising Jadeveon and his older sister.
According to ESPN, Josenna was a former high school athlete who attended Rock Hill High School.
She became a mother at approximately 20 years old and faced significant responsibilities while raising her children.
To provide financial stability, Josenna worked at a Frito-Lay production facility in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Her employment required a daily commute from Rock Hill and sometimes involved demanding shifts.
According to reporting by FOX Sports and the Houston Chronicle, she began working at the factory in the 1990s and remained employed there for many years.
Despite her demanding schedule, Josenna remained closely involved in her son’s development.
She introduced him to organized youth football when he was approximately seven years old.
As his athletic abilities became increasingly apparent, she encouraged him to remain disciplined and focus on education.
Josenna also emphasized the importance of completing commitments rather than quitting when activities became difficult.
Her influence remained evident as Clowney developed into one of the most highly recruited high school football players in the country.
When the Houston Texans selected him with the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Josenna attended the event and celebrated alongside her son.
Clowney has repeatedly expressed gratitude for her sacrifices and has identified supporting his mother as one of his personal motivations.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Father: David Morgan
Jadeveon Clowney’s biological father is David Morgan.
Unlike his mother, David was not consistently present during Clowney’s childhood.
According to FOX Sports and the Houston Chronicle, Morgan was incarcerated during much of his son’s early life.
He served approximately 12 years in prison following a 1995 robbery conviction and was released in 2006.
Consequently, Clowney grew up without regular contact with his biological father.
In March 2026, Clowney discussed this experience during an interview with KPRC 2 Houston.
He explained that he did not meet his father until he was in middle school.
Rather than allowing the experience to define his future negatively, Clowney said it motivated him to become more involved in his own children’s upbringing.
He wanted his son to benefit from consistent guidance and support.
Although David Morgan’s absence has been publicly discussed, further details about their present-day relationship remain private.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Grandparents and Childhood Guardians
Jadeveon Clowney’s maternal grandparents also played significant roles in his upbringing.
His grandparents are John Clowney and Josephine Clowney.
According to FOX Sports, the couple helped care for Jadeveon while his mother worked long shifts.
His grandfather, John, was particularly supportive of his football ambitions.
John helped purchase some of his grandson’s first football equipment and encouraged his interest in athletics.
He also accompanied Josenna during interviews and family events connected to Clowney’s preparation for the NFL Draft.
Another important adult in his childhood was Christopher Jones, his mother’s longtime partner.
According to FOX Sports, Christopher helped care for Jadeveon during the years when his biological father was unavailable.
These extended family relationships provided additional stability during an important stage of his development.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Jadeveon Clowney has at least one older sister.
Her existence is confirmed by reporting published by NFL.com and the Houston Chronicle before the 2014 NFL Draft.
However, her name and personal background have not been reliably established through the major sources reviewed.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Older Sister
Clowney’s older sister grew up alongside him in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Both children were raised primarily by their mother, Josenna Clowney.
According to a May 2014 report published by the Houston Chronicle, Josenna worked long hours to support both children.
Her sacrifices were particularly important because their father was not consistently involved in the household.
In an NFL.com feature published before the 2014 NFL Draft, Clowney also mentioned his older sister and three young nieces.
This confirms that his extended family included nieces through his sister.
However, his sister’s age, profession, marital status, and other personal details have not been reliably documented.
Does Jadeveon Clowney Have a Brother?
As of now, reliable public sources have not confirmed that Jadeveon Clowney has a biological brother.
Major reports about his family consistently mention his older sister rather than a brother.
However, Clowney does have extended family members who have pursued football careers.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Cousin: Demon Clowney
Demon Clowney is a relative of Jadeveon Clowney who has also pursued college football.
The two are cousins, not brothers.
Demon played football at several college programs, including Ole Miss and Charlotte, before joining the University of South Carolina in 2025.
His move to South Carolina attracted attention because Jadeveon had previously established himself as one of the university’s most accomplished defensive players.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Family Background and Early Life
Jadeveon Davarus Clowney was born on February 14, 1993, in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
He grew up in a working-class household with his mother, older sister, and extended family members.
Although his family experienced financial difficulties, he developed an interest in football at a young age.
Clowney attended South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, where he became one of the country’s most talented defensive prospects.
His combination of height, strength, and speed made him a standout player.
During his senior season in 2010, he recorded 162 tackles and 29.5 sacks, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most highly regarded recruits.
He eventually earned South Carolina Mr. Football honors.
On February 14, 2011, his 18th birthday, Clowney announced that he would attend the University of South Carolina.
He played for the Gamecocks from 2011 through 2013, becoming one of college football’s most recognizable defensive players.
His performances earned him multiple All-American honors and helped establish his reputation as a future NFL star.
How Jadeveon Clowney’s Family Influenced His NFL Career
Clowney’s football success has been closely connected to the values he learned during childhood.
His mother demonstrated the importance of working consistently to provide for a family.
His grandparents offered additional encouragement and practical support.
Meanwhile, growing up without a consistently present father influenced his determination to become an involved parent himself.
After three successful seasons at South Carolina, Clowney entered the 2014 NFL Draft.
The Houston Texans selected him with the first overall pick.
Despite injuries during his early professional career, he developed into a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
He played for Houston from 2014 through 2018 before continuing his career with the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and Dallas Cowboys.
In 2026, Clowney returned to the Houston Texans.
His decision was influenced partly by the opportunity to remain close to his family while competing for another championship opportunity.
During his August 2026 interview with the organization, he explained that Houston had remained his home even while he played for other NFL teams.
He also emphasized that his children were born and raised in the city.
For Clowney, returning to the Texans represented both a professional opportunity and a meaningful family decision.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Family Facts
- Full name: Jadeveon Davarus Clowney
- Date of birth: February 14, 1993
- Birthplace: Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States
- Nationality: American
- Profession: NFL defensive end
- Current team: Houston Texans
- Jersey number: 90
- Marital status: Married
- Wife: Reportedly Najah Ré Martin
- Children: Three
- Son: Jahlil Zair Clowney
- Daughters: Jerzie Ane and Jewel Blaise Clowney
- Mother: Josenna Clowney
- Father: David Morgan
- Maternal grandfather: John Clowney
- Maternal grandmother: Josephine Clowney
- Mother’s longtime partner: Christopher Jones
- Siblings: At least one older sister
- Sister’s name: Not publicly verified
- Brothers: None publicly confirmed
- Cousin: Demon Clowney
- High school: South Pointe High School
- College: University of South Carolina
- NFL Draft: 2014, first round, first overall
- Major achievements: Three-time Pro Bowl selection
Frequently Asked Questions About Jadeveon Clowney’s Family
Who is Jadeveon Clowney’s girlfriend?
Jadeveon Clowney’s longtime girlfriend was Najah Ré Martin, a professional makeup artist. Clowney confirmed in August 2026 that he is married, and published biographical coverage identifies Najah as his wife.
Who is Jadeveon Clowney’s wife?
Jadeveon Clowney’s wife has been identified in biographical reports as Najah Ré Martin. Although Clowney has confirmed being married, he has not widely publicized the exact date or location of his wedding.
Does Jadeveon Clowney have children?
Yes. Jadeveon Clowney has three children: a son named Jahlil Zair Clowney and two daughters named Jerzie Ane Clowney and Jewel Blaise Clowney.
How old are Jadeveon Clowney’s children?
In August 2026, Clowney confirmed that his children were 10, six, and four years old. His oldest child, Jahlil, was born on October 19, 2015.
Who is Jadeveon Clowney’s son?
His son is Jahlil Zair Clowney, born on October 19, 2015. Jahlil enjoys football and has participated in workouts with his father.
Who are Jadeveon Clowney’s daughters?
Jadeveon Clowney’s daughters are Jerzie Ane Clowney and Jewel Blaise Clowney. Published reports place their births in February 2020 and October 2021, respectively.
Who is Jadeveon Clowney’s mother?
Jadeveon Clowney’s mother is Josenna Clowney. She raised him and his older sister in South Carolina while working at a Frito-Lay facility in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Who is Jadeveon Clowney’s father?
His biological father is David Morgan. Morgan was incarcerated during much of Clowney’s childhood, an experience that later motivated Clowney to become a consistently involved father.
Does Jadeveon Clowney have siblings?
Yes. Jadeveon Clowney has at least one older sister. Her name has not been reliably established in widely available public sources.
Who are Jadeveon Clowney’s grandparents?
His maternal grandparents are John Clowney and Josephine Clowney. Both helped care for him while his mother worked, and John supported his early interest in football.
Where does Jadeveon Clowney’s family live?
Jadeveon Clowney and his children live in Houston, Texas. He confirmed in August 2026 that Houston had remained his family’s home even during seasons when he played for other NFL teams.
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.
