Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by Tanos Potter
John Bates is an American professional football player who plays as a tight end for the Washington Commanders in the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 6, 1997, in Oregon, he played college football at Boise State University before being selected by Washington in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Beyond his NFL career, John Bates is a husband and father who comes from a supportive family with strong sporting and educational connections. He is married to Kegan Bates, and the couple have a daughter named Georgia. His parents are Geno and Laura Bates, while his two older siblings are Jessica and Andrew Bates. Here is everything publicly known about John Bates’ wife, children, parents, and siblings.
John Bates’ Wife: Who Is Kegan Bates?
John Bates is married to Kegan Bates, who has supported him throughout his professional football career. Some Washington Commanders publications spell her first name as Keagan, although contemporary reporting and her public social media presence use Kegan.
The couple reportedly married in 2021, around the time Bates began his NFL career. Their marriage was already confirmed by the Idaho Statesman in April 2021, before Washington selected him in the NFL Draft.
Kegan also attended Boise State University, where she studied communication and media studies. According to published biographical information, she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2021.
Before becoming more widely known through her husband’s football career, Kegan reportedly worked at Black Rock Coffee Bar in the Boise metropolitan area.
Although she maintains a social media presence, Kegan generally keeps her personal and family life relatively private. She has occasionally shared family moments and supported her husband at Washington Commanders games.
How Did John Bates Meet His Wife?
John Bates and Kegan Bates have been connected since their younger years, and both attended Boise State University. However, the exact circumstances of their first meeting have not been extensively documented in reliable public sources.
By the time Bates entered the 2021 NFL Draft, the couple were already married. Kegan joined his family in celebrating one of the most important milestones of his football career.
John Bates’ Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
Yes, John Bates has a daughter named Georgia Bates, whom he shares with his wife, Kegan.
Georgia was born on November 6, 2023, according to reporting based on Kegan’s public birth announcement. Interestingly, she arrived on the same day as her father’s birthday, making the occasion especially meaningful for the family.
Kegan celebrated their daughter’s arrival on Instagram, expressing gratitude and happiness about becoming parents.
Georgia Bates: John Bates’ Daughter
Georgia Bates is the first publicly confirmed child of John and Kegan Bates. Her birth was also acknowledged in the Washington Commanders’ official media guide, which identified Kegan as Bates’ wife and Georgia as their daughter.
The couple have shared limited information about their daughter’s upbringing, maintaining a degree of privacy around their family life.
As of now, Georgia is the only child publicly confirmed in reliable reports about John Bates’ family. There has been no verified announcement identifying any additional children.
John Bates’ Parents: Meet Geno and Laura Bates
John Bates was born to Geno Bates and Laura Bates in Oregon, United States. He is the youngest of their three children.
His parents played important roles in his upbringing and development as an athlete. Their encouragement helped him pursue American football, basketball, and track and field before eventually concentrating on football.
The family also has a longstanding connection to Boise State University, which influenced Bates’ interest in the Broncos football program.
John Bates’ Father: Geno Bates
Geno Bates is John Bates’ father and an educator from Oregon. In 2021, he was serving as the principal of South Baker Intermediate School in Baker City, Oregon.
Geno has been a significant source of encouragement throughout his son’s sporting journey. He supported John’s ambitions from childhood and witnessed his development into a professional football player.
When Washington selected John with the 124th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Geno was among the family members celebrating the achievement.
Speaking to the Idaho Statesman after the selection, Geno expressed his excitement at watching his youngest child achieve a lifelong dream.
Geno’s work in education also shaped his perspective on determination and overcoming challenges. He has used his son’s journey as an example of perseverance when working with students.
The father and son share a close connection built on years of family support, education, and athletics.
John Bates’ Mother: Laura Bates
Laura Bates is John Bates’ mother and a former collegiate volleyball player.
She played volleyball at Boise State University during the 1980s, establishing an important family connection with the university that John would eventually attend.
Laura’s athletic background influenced her son’s development. Standing close to six feet tall, she contributed to a family in which physical fitness and participation in sports were familiar parts of everyday life.
John grew up supporting Boise State football, partly because of the family’s longstanding connection to the university.
When he had the opportunity to join the Broncos, his family’s history with the institution made the decision especially meaningful.
Laura has remained an important supporter of John’s football career, celebrating his achievements alongside Geno and their other children.
John Bates’ Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
John Bates has two older siblings: a sister named Jessica and a brother named Andrew.
According to reporting by the Idaho Statesman, John is the youngest of three children raised by Geno and Laura Bates.
Although his siblings generally maintain private lives, both were involved in the family’s celebrations when John entered the NFL.
Jessica Bates: John Bates’ Older Sister
Jessica Bates is John Bates’ older sister. She has been a supportive member of his family throughout his football journey.
Before the 2021 NFL Draft, Jessica traveled from Alabama to Oregon to spend time with her family and celebrate her younger brother’s opportunity to enter professional football.
Jessica has largely stayed outside the public spotlight, and detailed information about her professional career and personal relationships has not been extensively documented in mainstream sports reporting.
Andrew Bates: John Bates’ Older Brother
Andrew Bates is John Bates’ older brother and another important member of the family’s support system.
During the 2021 NFL Draft, Andrew traveled from Colorado to join his parents and siblings for the celebrations surrounding John’s selection.
His presence reflected the family’s commitment to supporting John’s professional ambitions despite living in different states.
Like Jessica, Andrew has generally maintained a private personal life. Publicly verified information about his profession and other personal details remains limited.
John Bates’ Childhood and Family Influence on His Football Career
John Bates spent his childhood in Oregon and attended Lebanon High School, where he developed into a talented multi-sport athlete.
In addition to football, he competed in basketball and track and field. He earned all-conference recognition in basketball and qualified multiple times for the Oregon state track championships.
He also won state titles in the 110-meter hurdles and javelin, demonstrating the athletic versatility that eventually helped him become an NFL tight end.
His family’s relationship with Boise State University influenced his college decision. In 2021, the Washington Commanders reported that Bates and his relatives had long supported the Broncos.
After developing his skills at Boise State, Bates entered the 2021 NFL Draft and was selected by Washington in the fourth round.
His parents, siblings, and wife were among the people who celebrated this achievement, highlighting the importance of family support in his journey from high school football to the NFL.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Bates’ Family
Who is John Bates’ wife?
John Bates is married to Kegan Bates, who attended Boise State University and studied communication and media studies. Their marriage was publicly documented before the 2021 NFL Draft.
Is John Bates married?
Yes. John Bates is married to Kegan Bates. Washington Commanders publications also confirm that he is married.
Does John Bates have children?
Yes. John Bates and his wife have a daughter named Georgia Bates, who was born in November 2023.
Who are John Bates’ parents?
John Bates’ parents are Geno Bates and Laura Bates. His father worked as a school principal in Oregon, while his mother previously played collegiate volleyball at Boise State University.
How many siblings does John Bates have?
John Bates has two older siblings, Jessica Bates and Andrew Bates. He is the youngest of three children.
Who is John Bates’ brother?
John Bates’ older brother is Andrew Bates, who traveled from Colorado to attend the family celebrations during the 2021 NFL Draft.
Who is John Bates’ sister?
John Bates’ older sister is Jessica Bates, who traveled from Alabama to celebrate his NFL Draft selection with the family.
Where is John Bates from?
John Bates is from Oregon, United States. He was born in Nyssa and attended Lebanon High School before playing college football at Boise State University.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
