Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
DeMeco Ryans is an American professional football coach and former NFL linebacker who serves as the head coach of the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 28, 1984, in Bessemer, Alabama, Ryans played college football at the University of Alabama before beginning his professional career with the Texans in 2006.
Beyond his achievements in football, Ryans is a devoted husband and father whose family has played a central role in his personal and professional development. He grew up in a single-parent household, where his mother worked multiple jobs to provide opportunities for her four children.
Today, Ryans has a family of his own. He is married to Jamila Ryans, a registered nurse and nonprofit director, and the couple has four children.
DeMeco Ryans’ wife is Jamila Ryans. Their children are MJ, Xia, Micah, and Zuri. His parents are Martha Ryans and Morgan Turner, and he has three older siblings: two brothers and one sister.
Here is everything publicly known about DeMeco Ryans’ wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
DeMeco Ryans’ Wife: Is He Married?
DeMeco Ryans is married to Jamila Ryans, whose maiden name has been reported as Jamila White.
The couple married in 2013 and have built a family together while navigating the demands of professional football.
Jamila has supported her husband throughout his career as an NFL player, assistant coach, defensive coordinator, and head coach.
Their relationship began in Houston, where they met through their church.
In a December 2025 interview with Houston Texans executive Hannah McNair, Jamila shared the story of how their relationship started and discussed their family life.
Who Is Jamila Ryans?
Jamila Ryans is a registered nurse, nonprofit director, and the wife of Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans.
She grew up in Houston, Texas, and has maintained strong connections to the city throughout her adult life.
According to a January 2026 profile published by People, Jamila has professional experience in nursing and serves as a director of the DeMeco Ryans Foundation.
She also participates in charitable activities through the Ryans Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting families and underserved communities.
Although her husband holds one of the most visible coaching positions in professional football, Jamila has generally maintained a relatively private personal life.
However, she occasionally participates in interviews and community events, particularly those involving education, family support, and charitable initiatives.
How Did DeMeco Ryans Meet His Wife?
DeMeco Ryans and Jamila first met in the parking lot of their church in Houston.
Jamila shared the story during her December 2025 appearance on the Houston Texans’ On the 50 podcast with Hannah McNair.
According to her account, they had attended a Wednesday evening Bible study session before meeting outside the church.
The two began talking and immediately connected.
Their shared religious beliefs and commitment to family became important foundations of their relationship.
At the time, DeMeco was establishing his professional football career after being drafted by Houston in 2006.
Although football eventually took him to Philadelphia and San Francisco, Houston remained a meaningful place for the couple because it was where their relationship began.
When Did DeMeco Ryans Get Married?
DeMeco and Jamila Ryans married in 2013.
Their wedding took place at The Bell Tower on 34th in Houston, Texas.
During her interview with Hannah McNair, Jamila explained that choosing Houston for the wedding was especially important because of her connection to the city.
She wanted to celebrate their marriage in the place she considered home.
Following their wedding, the couple began raising their children while DeMeco continued playing for the Philadelphia Eagles.
They subsequently moved as his coaching career developed with the San Francisco 49ers.
When Houston hired Ryans as head coach in 2023, the family returned to the city where DeMeco and Jamila had originally met.
How Jamila Ryans Supports Her Husband
Jamila has been an important source of support throughout DeMeco’s professional career.
During his introductory press conference as Houston Texans head coach on February 2, 2023, Ryans publicly thanked his wife for the sacrifices she had made.
He described her as the most important person responsible for keeping their household organized while he pursued demanding football responsibilities.
Ryans also praised her caring personality and willingness to help other people.
In an August 2025 podcast appearance, he again discussed the many responsibilities Jamila manages at home.
He explained that professional coaching requires extensive hours away from family and that her support allows him to concentrate on his work.
Jamila has also spoken positively about her husband’s growth as a coach and father.
During a November 2025 interview with KPRC 2 Houston, she described how DeMeco’s leadership had developed over the years.
She particularly appreciated the example he set for their four children.
DeMeco Ryans’ Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
DeMeco Ryans and his wife, Jamila, have four children: two sons named MJ and Micah and two daughters named Xia and Zuri.
Their children’s names are confirmed in the Houston Texans’ official coaching biography and a January 2026 People profile.
Older biographies sometimes identify only three children because the couple’s youngest daughter, Zuri, was born after those accounts were published.
As of now, the family has four publicly confirmed children.
DeMeco Ryans’ Oldest Son: MJ Ryans
MJ Ryans is DeMeco and Jamila Ryans’ oldest publicly identified son.
He has also been identified as DeMeco Jr. in earlier NFL biographical records.
MJ has appeared alongside his father at Houston Texans events and football games.
When Ryans returned to Houston as head coach in 2023, he spoke enthusiastically about his son’s interest in football.
During his introductory press conference, DeMeco joked that his sons were eager to represent the Texans.
MJ has also accompanied his father onto the field during important NFL games.
These appearances demonstrate how Ryans occasionally shares meaningful professional milestones with his children.
DeMeco Ryans’ Daughter: Xia Ryans
Xia Ryans is DeMeco and Jamila’s older daughter.
Her name is confirmed in the official Houston Texans coaching biography.
During his February 2023 introductory press conference, Ryans mentioned that Xia enjoyed gymnastics.
He spoke proudly about her athletic interests while discussing his family’s excitement about returning to Houston.
Although she comes from a family closely associated with professional football, her parents have emphasized that their children should be free to develop their own interests.
As a result, Xia’s personal activities remain largely private outside the occasional family interview.
DeMeco Ryans’ Younger Son: Micah Ryans
Micah Ryans is DeMeco and Jamila’s younger son.
He is one of the three children Ryans introduced publicly when he became the Texans’ head coach in February 2023.
Like his older brother MJ, Micah has shown an interest in sports.
However, his parents have avoided placing expectations on their children to pursue professional football.
During her December 2025 interview, Jamila explained that she wanted the children to establish their own goals rather than feel obligated to follow their father’s career path.
The message reflects the couple’s emphasis on independence and individual development.
DeMeco Ryans’ Youngest Daughter: Zuri Ryans
Zuri Ryans is the youngest of DeMeco and Jamila’s four children.
She was born in 2024, according to family reporting published in 2025.
In June 2025, The Christian Chronicle identified Zuri as approximately 15 months old.
Her arrival expanded the Ryans household from three children to four.
Zuri was also present with her family when DeMeco delivered a guest sermon at the Fifth Ward Church of Christ in Houston in 2025.
During the occasion, he humorously recalled practicing the sermon at home while his youngest daughter made noise.
Her name subsequently appeared in the Texans’ updated official coaching biography.
What Kind of Father Is DeMeco Ryans?
DeMeco has frequently emphasized the importance of being present for his children despite the demands of an NFL coaching career.
During her December 2025 conversation with Hannah McNair, Jamila described her husband as a loving and dedicated father.
She explained that he sometimes approaches parenting with the same teaching mentality he uses while coaching football players.
Although his professional responsibilities can be exhausting, he makes an effort to spend time with his children when he returns home.
Jamila also explained that both parents encourage their children to pursue their own ambitions.
Rather than insisting that they become athletes, they want the children to discover their individual interests.
DeMeco Ryans’ Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
DeMeco Ryans’ parents are Martha Ryans and Morgan Turner.
Both names are confirmed in his official University of Alabama football biography.
However, DeMeco was primarily raised by his mother in Bessemer, Alabama.
Martha worked several jobs while caring for four children and became the most influential person in his upbringing.
DeMeco Ryans’ Mother: Martha Ryans
Martha Ryans, affectionately known as Miss Martha, is DeMeco Ryans’ mother.
She raised DeMeco and his three older siblings in Bessemer, a city located near Birmingham, Alabama.
Her determination became one of the defining influences on her son’s personality.
According to a February 2023 Houston Chronicle interview, Martha worked as many as three jobs to support her family.
Her employment included working at a manufacturing plant, a nursing home, and cleaning the family’s church.
She also worked in automobile-parts manufacturing, performing physically demanding tasks to earn enough money for her children’s needs.
Despite the long hours, she emphasized education, humility, personal responsibility, and religious faith.
How Martha Ryans Raised Four Children
Raising four children as a single mother required considerable sacrifices.
Martha frequently worked during the day and evening, sometimes returning home after the children had gone to bed.
Relatives and neighbors occasionally helped with childcare.
When Martha cleaned the family’s church, she sometimes brought DeMeco and another child along to help with the work.
The experience taught Ryans that responsibilities must be completed regardless of how difficult they seem.
In a 2013 Philadelphia Eagles feature, he explained that watching his mother work without complaining helped him remain humble.
Her example became central to his personal philosophy of working hard and treating others with respect.
Martha Ryans’ Influence on DeMeco’s Education
Martha also placed considerable importance on academic achievement.
She expected DeMeco to perform well in school and encouraged him to pursue opportunities beyond sports.
He graduated from Jess Lanier High School as an accomplished student-athlete and subsequently attended the University of Alabama.
At Alabama, he maintained strong grades while competing in the Southeastern Conference.
He eventually graduated cum laude with a business management degree.
In a March 2006 open letter published by Alabama Athletics, Ryans publicly thanked his mother for working multiple jobs and helping her children pursue their goals.
His appreciation for education has continued to influence his charitable activities and coaching philosophy.
DeMeco Ryans’ Relationship With His Mother Today
DeMeco and Martha have maintained a close relationship throughout his playing and coaching careers.
In February 2023, Martha attended his introductory press conference after he was hired as the Houston Texans’ head coach.
She expressed pride in the man he had become and emphasized his commitment to family and faith.
During the event, Ryans publicly acknowledged her influence and the sacrifices she had made.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the two remained in regular contact even during the demanding NFL season.
Martha also attended Texans games to support her son.
For Ryans, becoming a head coach in Houston represented another opportunity to recognize the woman who had helped him overcome difficult circumstances during childhood.
DeMeco Ryans’ Father: Morgan Turner
Morgan Turner is DeMeco Ryans’ father.
His name appears in Ryans’ official University of Alabama football biography.
Although Martha was the primary parent responsible for raising DeMeco, Morgan maintained some involvement in his childhood.
During a February 2023 interview with the Houston Chronicle, Martha explained that DeMeco’s father occasionally cared for him while she worked.
However, major public sources provide limited information about Morgan’s occupation, educational background, and current personal circumstances.
Consequently, his role in DeMeco’s upbringing should not be overstated or described as nonexistent.
The most firmly established information is that Martha served as his primary caregiver while Morgan provided occasional assistance.
DeMeco Ryans’ Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
DeMeco Ryans has three older siblings: two brothers and one sister.
He is the youngest of four children, according to the Philadelphia Eagles and other major publications.
His brothers have been identified in reporting by the Philadelphia Inquirer as Travis and Lodist.
Although some secondary biographies identify his sister as Serena, that name has not been independently confirmed through the official football biographies or major family interviews reviewed.
DeMeco Ryans’ Older Brother: Travis
Travis is one of DeMeco Ryans’ older brothers.
His name appeared in a July 2015 Philadelphia Inquirer family profile about Ryans’ upbringing in Bessemer.
The article identified Travis as considerably older than DeMeco.
The brothers grew up in the same extended family environment, where relatives, neighbors, and friends frequently visited their mother’s home.
Although Travis’ relationship to DeMeco is documented, details about his current profession and personal life have not been extensively covered in major sports reporting.
DeMeco Ryans’ Older Brother: Lodist
Lodist is DeMeco Ryans’ other older brother.
He was also identified in the Philadelphia Inquirer’s July 2015 family profile.
The article described the family’s household as a welcoming place where the brothers’ friends often gathered.
Growing up with older brothers exposed DeMeco to different personalities and experiences during childhood.
However, reliable public reporting provides limited information about Lodist’s occupation, educational background, or personal relationships.
DeMeco Ryans’ Older Sister
DeMeco Ryans also has one older sister.
Her existence is confirmed by the Philadelphia Eagles’ official reporting, which describes Ryans as the youngest of four children.
According to a February 2023 Houston Chronicle interview, Martha’s daughter completed a business degree.
Some secondary biographies name her Serena, but that identification has not been independently verified through the strongest available sources.
Her current career and personal life have not been widely documented.
How DeMeco Ryans’ Siblings Influenced His Childhood
DeMeco grew up in a household where his older siblings helped shape his experiences.
Although the family faced financial difficulties, Martha worked to ensure that her children had opportunities to pursue education and careers.
According to the Houston Chronicle, her oldest son entered the Navy, while her daughter completed a business degree.
These achievements demonstrated the different paths available to the children despite their family’s limited resources.
As the youngest, DeMeco observed the experiences of his older siblings while developing his own ambitions in academics and football.
DeMeco Ryans’ Family and His Faith
Religious faith has been an important part of Ryans’ personal and family life.
His mother raised him in the Church of Christ tradition in Alabama.
As a child, DeMeco accompanied her to church and sometimes helped with cleaning responsibilities.
He also began speaking during religious gatherings at a young age.
After joining the Houston Texans in 2006, he established connections with the Fifth Ward Church of Christ.
He later became a deacon and continued participating in church activities throughout his NFL career.
In June 2025, The Christian Chronicle reported that Ryans delivered a sermon at the church with Jamila and their four children in attendance.
His involvement demonstrates how the values emphasized by Martha during childhood remain important to his adult family life.
DeMeco Ryans and Jamila’s Family Foundation
DeMeco and Jamila have also worked together to support charitable initiatives.
The Ryans Family Foundation focuses on expanding educational opportunities and connecting underserved families with useful resources.
According to the foundation’s official website, its work involves developing partnerships with community organizations, leaders, and supporters.
The organization aims to help families progress toward greater stability and long-term opportunity.
Jamila has been actively involved in the foundation’s leadership and outreach efforts.
The family’s charitable interests reflect DeMeco’s childhood experiences and the sacrifices his mother made while raising four children.
By supporting education and community development, the couple hopes to help other families access opportunities that can improve their lives.
DeMeco Ryans’ Football Career and Family Support
DeMeco Ryans attended Jess Lanier High School in Bessemer, Alabama, before enrolling at the University of Alabama in 2002.
During his college career, he developed into one of the Southeastern Conference’s leading linebackers.
In 2005, he earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and unanimous All-American recognition.
The Houston Texans selected him with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
He immediately became one of the team’s most productive defenders and earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
After playing for Houston from 2006 through 2011, Ryans joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012.
He completed his playing career in 2015 before transitioning into coaching.
In 2017, he joined the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive quality control coach.
He subsequently became the team’s inside linebackers coach and defensive coordinator.
His work helped San Francisco establish one of the NFL’s strongest defensive units.
In January 2023, Houston hired him as its head coach.
He led the Texans to consecutive AFC South titles in 2023 and 2024 and another playoff appearance in 2025.
Throughout these achievements, Ryans has emphasized the support he receives from Jamila, their children, and his mother.
Frequently Asked Questions About DeMeco Ryans’ Family
Who is DeMeco Ryans’ wife?
DeMeco Ryans’ wife is Jamila Ryans, a registered nurse and nonprofit director. The couple met through their church in Houston and married in 2013.
How did DeMeco Ryans meet Jamila?
They met in the parking lot of their Houston church after attending a Wednesday evening Bible study session.
How many children does DeMeco Ryans have?
DeMeco Ryans has four children with his wife, Jamila: two sons and two daughters.
What are DeMeco Ryans’ children’s names?
His children are MJ, Xia, Micah, and Zuri Ryans.
Who is DeMeco Ryans’ oldest son?
His oldest publicly identified son is MJ Ryans, also identified as DeMeco Jr. in earlier NFL records.
Who is DeMeco Ryans’ youngest child?
His youngest child is his daughter Zuri Ryans, who was born in 2024.
Who is DeMeco Ryans’ mother?
DeMeco Ryans’ mother is Martha Ryans, affectionately known as Miss Martha. She raised four children in Bessemer, Alabama, while working multiple jobs.
Who is DeMeco Ryans’ father?
His father is Morgan Turner, whose name is confirmed in Ryans’ official University of Alabama football biography.
How many siblings does DeMeco Ryans have?
DeMeco Ryans has three older siblings: two brothers and one sister. He is the youngest of four children.
Who are DeMeco Ryans’ brothers?
His older brothers have been identified as Travis and Lodist in reporting by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Does DeMeco Ryans have a sister?
Yes. He has an older sister who earned a business degree. Some secondary accounts identify her as Serena, although that name has not been independently confirmed through major family reporting.
What does Jamila Ryans do for a living?
Jamila Ryans is a registered nurse and nonprofit director who participates in charitable work through the Ryans Family Foundation.
Where is DeMeco Ryans’ family from?
DeMeco Ryans grew up in Bessemer, Alabama. His wife, Jamila, is from Houston, Texas, where they married and now raise their family.
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.
