Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Garrett Bradbury’s family has played an important role in his journey from North Carolina to the NFL. The Chicago Bears center was born to Tim and Shelley Bradbury, who supported his athletic ambitions from childhood. His father played college football, while his mother encouraged his interest in sports throughout his school years.
Born on June 20, 1995, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Garrett Bradbury played college football at North Carolina State University before the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Beyond his football career, Bradbury is married to his high school sweetheart, Carson Kowar Bradbury, and the couple has two daughters. Here is everything publicly known about Garrett Bradbury’s wife, children, parents and siblings.
Garrett Bradbury’s Wife: Who Is Carson Kowar Bradbury?
Garrett Bradbury’s wife is Carson Kowar Bradbury, an American artist and designer whom he met while attending Charlotte Christian School in North Carolina.
The couple began their relationship during their school years and remained together as they pursued their respective careers.
After graduating from high school, both attended North Carolina State University, where Garrett played college football and Carson studied art and design.
Their relationship continued when Carson moved to Baltimore to work for Under Armour while Garrett completed his college football career.
When the Minnesota Vikings selected Garrett in the 2019 NFL Draft, Carson relocated to Minnesota to support his professional career.
The couple became engaged in September 2019 before marrying in 2021.
They subsequently welcomed two daughters, establishing a family while navigating the challenges of professional football.
Who Is Carson Kowar Bradbury?
Carson Kowar Bradbury is an artist and entrepreneur known for creating detailed charcoal drawings and personalized artwork.
She developed an interest in art during childhood, receiving drawing lessons from her grandfather, Elwood Mabry, at his farm in North Carolina.
According to an April 2020 feature published by the Minnesota Vikings, Carson began taking formal art lessons when she was approximately three years old.
She continued developing her artistic abilities throughout elementary and high school.
While attending Charlotte Christian School, she earned recognition for her drawings and participated in art competitions.
Her talent eventually attracted interest from North Carolina State University’s College of Design.
After completing her education, Carson worked at Under Armour, where she specialized in print and pattern design.
Her responsibilities included developing patterns used on sports apparel, including golf clothing.
However, when Garrett’s professional football career began, she decided to establish an independent art business that would allow her to work from different locations.
She became known for producing detailed charcoal portraits, including artwork commissioned by professional football players and their families.
Her projects have included portraits of Minnesota Vikings players, family photographs, pets and wedding venues.
How Did Garrett Bradbury and Carson Kowar Meet?
Garrett Bradbury and Carson Kowar met while attending Charlotte Christian School in North Carolina.
Although Garrett was focused on football and baseball, Carson was building a reputation as a talented young artist.
In an interview published by the Minnesota Vikings in April 2020, Garrett recalled seeing Carson’s artwork displayed throughout the school.
He explained that her artistic accomplishments impressed him long before either began a professional career.
The couple later attended North Carolina State University, where their relationship continued.
After Carson graduated and began working in Baltimore, they maintained their relationship despite living in different cities.
Their commitment eventually led to an engagement during Garrett’s rookie season with the Vikings.
When Did Garrett Bradbury and Carson Get Engaged?
Garrett Bradbury proposed to Carson Kowar in September 2019, shortly after beginning his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings.
The proposal took place at the Vikings’ training facility in Eagan, Minnesota.
Garrett organized a romantic evening and convinced Carson that he needed to visit the facility to prepare coffee for an upcoming offensive line meeting.
While standing together on a balcony overlooking the sunset, he surprised her with a marriage proposal.
The moment was secretly photographed by Vikings photographer Andy Kenutis.
After Carson accepted, Garrett arranged another surprise involving approximately 30 friends and relatives who had traveled to Minnesota to celebrate their engagement.
The gathering included members of both families and close friends who had supported their relationship.
The couple celebrated their engagement during the same weekend as Garrett’s first regular-season NFL victory.
Garrett Bradbury and Carson Kowar’s Wedding
Garrett Bradbury and Carson Kowar married in the spring of 2021.
Their wedding took place at El Chorro, a luxury event venue in Scottsdale, Arizona, overlooking Camelback Mountain.
According to wedding photographer Jaimee Morse, the celebration featured an outdoor ceremony, floral decorations and a reception attended by relatives and friends.
Carson wore a custom wedding gown, while Garrett celebrated alongside his groomsmen.
The couple also arranged a reception featuring live music and dancing beneath decorative lighting.
Photographs from the occasion were published on the photographer’s official website in March 2021.
As of now, Garrett and Carson remain married and are raising their two daughters together.
Garrett Bradbury’s Children: Meet His Two Daughters
Garrett Bradbury has two daughters with his wife, Carson.
Their first child, Blake Elisabeth Bradbury, was born on October 24, 2023.
The couple subsequently welcomed a second daughter in 2025, according to reporting published by FOX Sports and the Chicago Tribune.
Bradbury has discussed how becoming a father changed his perspective on life and the importance of spending time with his family outside football.
Blake Elisabeth Bradbury: Garrett Bradbury’s First Daughter
Blake Elisabeth Bradbury is Garrett and Carson’s eldest daughter.
She was born on October 24, 2023, while her father was playing for the Minnesota Vikings.
Her arrival came immediately after Minnesota’s Monday Night Football victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
According to Garrett, Carson attended the football game before going into labor the following morning.
Blake was born at 10:24 p.m. on October 24, a coincidence that her parents found particularly memorable.
During a November 2023 interview with the Vikings, Bradbury discussed how he and Carson selected their daughter’s name.
He explained that both parents liked gender-neutral names and had considered Blake early in the pregnancy.
Although they discussed other options, they ultimately returned to their original preference.
Her middle name, Elisabeth, comes from Carson’s former middle name.
The couple officially decided on the baby’s name the morning after her birth.
How Garrett Bradbury Celebrated Becoming a Father
Following Blake’s birth, Garrett received congratulations from his Minnesota Vikings teammates.
Members of the offensive line organized a humorous gift to celebrate his new role as a father.
They presented him with Nike Air Monarch shoes, a style frequently associated with fathers, and a coffee mug celebrating fatherhood.
Garrett appreciated the gesture and explained that returning home to his daughter quickly became one of his favorite parts of the day.
During the 2024 offseason, he and Carson spent time in Scottsdale, Arizona, enjoying outdoor activities with Blake.
The couple also took their daughter to a spring training baseball game featuring Carson’s brother, professional pitcher Jackson Kowar.
Jackson gave Blake a baseball from the game, creating a memorable family keepsake.
Garrett Bradbury’s Second Daughter
Garrett and Carson Bradbury welcomed their second daughter in 2025.
During the 2025 NFL offseason, Carson was expecting the couple’s second child while Garrett was preparing for his first season with the New England Patriots.
According to FOX Sports, the baby was due in June 2025.
At the time, Carson was staying in Charlotte, North Carolina, close to family members, while Garrett attended offseason activities in New England.
The temporary separation created an unusual living arrangement when Patriots quarterback Drake Maye invited Bradbury to stay at his apartment.
The two players developed a friendship while preparing for the upcoming NFL season.
In March 2026, the Chicago Tribune reported that Garrett and Carson had two young daughters as the family prepared to relocate to Chicago.
As of now, the younger daughter’s name and exact birth date have not been widely documented in reliable public reporting.
Garrett Bradbury’s Parents: Meet Tim and Shelley Bradbury
Garrett Bradbury was born to Tim Bradbury and Shelley Bradbury, who raised him in the Charlotte metropolitan area.
Both parents have played important roles in supporting his education and athletic development.
His father competed in college football, while his mother encouraged him to stay involved in different sports throughout childhood.
In February 2026, both parents appeared in an interview with WSOC-TV ahead of Garrett’s Super Bowl appearance with the New England Patriots.
Garrett Bradbury’s Father: Tim Bradbury
Tim Bradbury is Garrett Bradbury’s father and a former college football player.
According to North Carolina State University’s official athletics biography, Tim played college football at Eastern Washington University.
The Minnesota Vikings’ player biography also identifies Montana State University as another school where he played.
During his time at Eastern Washington, Tim played tight end alongside quarterback Jim McElwain, who later became a college football coach.
Tim’s experience in competitive football gave him an understanding of the commitment required to develop as an athlete.
He supported Garrett throughout his youth football career and later during his years at North Carolina State.
How Tim Bradbury Influenced His Son’s Football Career
Tim recognized his son’s physical abilities and competitive mentality at an early age.
During an interview published by EssentiallySports in February 2026, Tim explained that he had always believed Garrett possessed the personality required to become a successful offensive lineman.
Although Garrett initially played tight end and defensive line, his father believed that his determination and aggressive playing style would suit the offensive line.
The prediction eventually proved correct when Garrett changed positions during his college career.
Tim was also present when Garrett officially joined the Minnesota Vikings in April 2019.
Following his son’s first-round selection, the two traveled to Minnesota together for his introductory press conference.
Garrett publicly thanked his parents for helping him pursue his ambitions and acknowledged their sacrifices.
Tim continued following his son’s career as he played for the Vikings, Patriots and Chicago Bears.
Garrett Bradbury’s Mother: Shelley Bradbury
Shelley Bradbury, sometimes spelled Shelly in published reports, is Garrett Bradbury’s mother.
She helped raise him in the Charlotte area and encouraged his participation in organized sports from childhood.
In a February 2026 interview with WSOC-TV, Shelley shared an amusing story about Garrett’s childhood.
She recalled that one of his elementary school teachers had complained about his behavior during a period when he was not participating in organized sports.
Shelley explained that Garrett tended to become restless when he was between athletic seasons.
However, she knew that baseball season was about to begin and expected his behavior to improve once he returned to regular sporting activities.
The story demonstrated how strongly Garrett’s childhood routine revolved around athletics.
Shelley has continued supporting her son through his college and professional football career.
She also attended important family celebrations as Garrett developed into an established NFL player.
How Garrett Bradbury’s Parents Celebrated His NFL Draft Selection
One of the family’s most memorable moments occurred on April 25, 2019, when the Minnesota Vikings selected Garrett in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Rather than attending the draft ceremony in Nashville, Garrett chose to remain with relatives and friends at his parents’ home in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, near Charlotte.
When the Vikings called to confirm his selection with the 18th overall pick, the family celebrated together.
Garrett later explained that sharing the experience with his loved ones was particularly important because they had helped him reach that point.
The following day, he traveled to Minnesota with Tim to meet representatives of his new team.
During his introductory press conference, Garrett acknowledged that the achievement belonged to his family as much as it belonged to him.
Garrett Bradbury’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Garrett Bradbury’s siblings have not been reliably identified in the official NFL and college football biographies reviewed.
Although Garrett has spoken publicly about his parents, wife and children, he has not provided a detailed account of any brothers or sisters in the major interviews examined.
His official North Carolina State and Minnesota Vikings biographies identify his father, Tim, but do not list siblings.
Therefore, the available information does not establish whether Garrett is an only child or has brothers and sisters who maintain private lives.
As of now, there is insufficient verified public information to provide names or biographies of Garrett Bradbury’s siblings.
Is Jackson Kowar Garrett Bradbury’s Brother?
Jackson Kowar is Garrett Bradbury’s brother-in-law, not his biological brother.
Jackson is the younger brother of Garrett’s wife, Carson Kowar Bradbury.
He is a professional baseball pitcher who attended the University of Florida and was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
Jackson and Garrett have known each other since their school years in North Carolina.
Both attended Charlotte Christian School, where they developed their respective athletic careers.
According to the Minnesota Vikings, Jackson’s baseball career has provided opportunities for the Bradbury family to spend time together during the NFL offseason.
In March 2024, Garrett, Carson and their daughter Blake attended one of Jackson’s spring training games while he was with the Seattle Mariners.
Jackson’s friendship with fellow baseball player Cole Maye also contributed to Garrett’s connection with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
Although Jackson is not Garrett’s biological sibling, he is one of the most publicly documented members of the player’s extended family.
How Garrett Bradbury’s Family Influenced His NFL Career
Garrett Bradbury’s football journey reflects the athletic environment and family support he experienced growing up in North Carolina.
His father introduced him to the demands of competitive football, while his mother encouraged him to participate in different sports.
At Charlotte Christian School, Garrett established himself as a talented football and baseball player.
He helped the school’s football program win North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association state championships in 2012 and 2013.
He also played baseball as a catcher, developing coordination and leadership abilities that later benefited him as an offensive lineman.
After high school, Bradbury joined North Carolina State University in 2014.
He initially played tight end before transitioning to the offensive line during his college career.
By 2017, he had become the Wolfpack’s starting center.
In 2018, Bradbury earned consensus All-American recognition and won the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation’s outstanding college football center.
His performances established him as one of the leading offensive line prospects entering the 2019 NFL Draft.
Garrett Bradbury’s NFL Career With the Minnesota Vikings
On April 25, 2019, the Minnesota Vikings selected Garrett Bradbury with the 18th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
He immediately became the team’s starting center and appeared in all 16 regular-season games during his rookie campaign.
Bradbury remained with Minnesota for six seasons, helping the Vikings reach the playoffs in 2019, 2022 and 2024.
During those years, his personal life also developed considerably.
He married Carson in 2021 and welcomed their first daughter, Blake, in 2023.
In March 2025, the Vikings released Bradbury after six seasons.
Playing for the New England Patriots
Shortly after leaving Minnesota, Bradbury signed with the New England Patriots in March 2025.
The transition created new challenges because Carson was pregnant with their second daughter.
While his wife stayed in Charlotte, Garrett temporarily moved in with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
The living arrangement helped the teammates develop a friendship and strengthen their professional relationship.
Bradbury started all 17 regular-season games for New England in 2025.
He also helped the Patriots reach Super Bowl LX in February 2026, although they were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks.
Joining the Chicago Bears in 2026
On March 11, 2026, the Chicago Bears acquired Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.
The move followed the retirement of Bears center Drew Dalman, creating an opening on Chicago’s offensive line.
Bradbury welcomed the opportunity to continue his career in the NFC North.
His wife, Carson, was also excited about the move because she was born in Naperville, Illinois, near Chicago.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the couple and their two daughters prepared to relocate to the Chicago area following the trade.
Garrett subsequently joined the Bears’ offseason training program, focusing on learning the team’s offense and building relationships with his new teammates.
The move represented another important chapter in a professional career closely connected to his family’s support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garrett Bradbury’s Family
Who is Garrett Bradbury’s wife?
Garrett Bradbury’s wife is Carson Kowar Bradbury, an artist and designer whom he met while attending Charlotte Christian School in North Carolina.
Does Garrett Bradbury have a girlfriend?
Garrett Bradbury is married to his longtime girlfriend, Carson Kowar. They became engaged in September 2019 and married in 2021.
When did Garrett Bradbury get married?
Garrett Bradbury married Carson Kowar in the spring of 2021. Their wedding took place at El Chorro in Scottsdale, Arizona.
How many children does Garrett Bradbury have?
Garrett Bradbury has two daughters with his wife Carson. Their first daughter is Blake Elisabeth Bradbury, born in October 2023, while their second daughter arrived in 2025.
Who is Garrett Bradbury’s oldest daughter?
His eldest daughter is Blake Elisabeth Bradbury, born on October 24, 2023.
Who are Garrett Bradbury’s parents?
Garrett Bradbury’s parents are Tim Bradbury and Shelley Bradbury. His father played college football at Eastern Washington and Montana State, while his mother encouraged Garrett’s participation in sports during childhood.
Who is Garrett Bradbury’s father?
His father is Tim Bradbury, a former college football tight end who has supported Garrett throughout his athletic career.
Who is Garrett Bradbury’s mother?
His mother is Shelley Bradbury, who has publicly discussed her son’s childhood and supported him throughout his football career.
Does Garrett Bradbury have siblings?
As of now, the identities and number of Garrett Bradbury’s siblings have not been reliably established in public reporting.
Is Jackson Kowar related to Garrett Bradbury?
Yes. Professional baseball pitcher Jackson Kowar is Garrett Bradbury’s brother-in-law and the younger brother of his wife, Carson.
Where is Garrett Bradbury’s family from?
Garrett Bradbury grew up in the Charlotte, North Carolina, metropolitan area. His parents have also lived in nearby Lake Wylie, South Carolina.
What NFL team does Garrett Bradbury play for?
Garrett Bradbury plays center for the Chicago Bears, who acquired him from the New England Patriots in March 2026.
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.
