Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Grady Jarrett is an American professional football player who plays as a defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 28, 1993, in Georgia, Jarrett played college football at Clemson University before being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent ten seasons with Atlanta before joining Chicago in 2025.
Beyond his successful NFL career, Grady Jarrett’s family has played an important role in his life. He is married to Aja Thorpe Jarrett, and they have a son named Grayson. His mother is Elisha Jarrett, his biological father is former NFL star Jessie Tuggle, and he was raised with the support of his stepfather, Grady Jarrett Sr. His siblings include professional football player Justin Tuggle and two sisters, Kamilya and Ashema.
Grady Jarrett’s Wife: Who Is Aja Thorpe Jarrett?
Grady Jarrett is married to Aja Thorpe Jarrett. The couple celebrated their wedding on June 14, 2025, at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach in Florida.
According to Modern Luxury, Grady and Aja organized an elegant beachfront wedding featuring an oceanfront ceremony, elaborate floral arrangements and an intimate gathering of family and friends.
The couple selected the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach because they wanted a memorable celebration overlooking the ocean.
Aja wore a glamorous strapless wedding gown with a long train and veil for the ceremony before changing into a second outfit for the reception.
The wedding featured white roses, peonies and orchids, reflecting the couple’s preference for an elegant and luxurious atmosphere.
In an interview with Modern Luxury, Jarrett expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate alongside loved ones, explaining that the presence of family and friends made the occasion particularly meaningful.
Although Aja has appeared in publicly shared wedding photographs and social media posts, many details about her professional background remain relatively private.
When Did Grady Jarrett and Aja Thorpe Get Married?
Grady Jarrett and Aja Thorpe married on June 14, 2025, at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach in Florida.
Their wedding was planned by Ebony Peoples Events & Design, while bridal designer INNA ELSIE also featured Aja’s wedding preparations.
The event took place several months after Jarrett signed with the Chicago Bears, marking two major changes in his personal and professional life.
Grady Jarrett’s Children: Meet His Son Grayson
Grady Jarrett has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Grayson Jarrett. His son, also identified as Grayson Seven Jarrett in social media reporting, was born in September 2021.
Jarrett has spoken openly about the happiness and responsibilities that fatherhood has brought into his life.
Grayson Jarrett: Grady Jarrett’s Son
Grayson Jarrett is the son of Grady Jarrett and has become an important part of the NFL player’s life away from the football field.
In a Father’s Day feature published by the Chicago Bears on June 15, 2025, Jarrett discussed his experiences raising Grayson and how becoming a father changed his priorities.
He explained that his son influences virtually every major decision he makes, including how he plans for his family’s future.
Jarrett described Grayson as an energetic and outgoing child who enjoys playing games, throwing footballs, wrestling and spending time with his father.
Despite Jarrett’s demanding professional schedule, the two regularly make time for activities together.
Grayson has also attended his father’s football games from a young age. After Jarrett joined the Chicago Bears, his son became enthusiastic about supporting his new team.
According to the Bears’ official website, Grayson enjoyed wearing Chicago merchandise and enthusiastically repeating the team’s famous “Bear Down” slogan.
His growing understanding of football has made the experience of watching his father play even more meaningful.
As of now, Grayson is Jarrett’s only publicly confirmed child.
Grady Jarrett’s Parents: Meet Elisha Jarrett and Jessie Tuggle
Grady Jarrett comes from a family with strong connections to professional football.
His mother is Elisha Jarrett, while his biological father is Jessie Tuggle, a former Atlanta Falcons linebacker.
However, Grady was raised in Conyers, Georgia, by his mother and her husband, Grady Jarrett Sr., whom he has also publicly recognized as his father.
Grady Jarrett’s Mother: Elisha Jarrett
Elisha Jarrett is the mother of Grady Jarrett and one of the most influential people in his life.
She is an entrepreneur, community advocate, motivational speaker and experienced business professional.
According to her professional biography, Elisha has worked in business consulting, real estate development, leadership training and community initiatives.
She has also been involved in projects supporting education, mentorship and opportunities for underserved communities.
Elisha holds a master’s degree in management and business, along with bachelor’s degrees in applied behavioral science and English literature.
Beyond her professional achievements, she has consistently supported Grady throughout his football career.
During his time at Clemson University, Elisha regularly attended games wearing her son’s jersey and encouraging him from the stands.
Her dedication continued after he entered the NFL.
In a feature published by the Atlanta Falcons, Jarrett explained that his mother attended his games and maintained a special pregame tradition with him.
Before games, he would locate her in the stands and exchange a fist bump, receiving encouragement before taking the field.
The relationship between mother and son has remained an important source of motivation throughout his professional career.
Grady Jarrett’s Biological Father: Jessie Tuggle
Jessie Tuggle is Grady Jarrett’s biological father. He is a former professional football linebacker who spent his entire NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons.
Tuggle played for Atlanta from 1987 to 2000 and became one of the franchise’s most respected defensive players.
During his career, he earned five Pro Bowl selections and established a reputation for his tackling ability, consistency and leadership.
His NFL experience provided Grady with a direct family connection to professional football.
Although Jarrett primarily grew up with his mother and stepfather, he maintained a relationship with Tuggle.
One particularly memorable moment occurred during the 2015 NFL Draft when the Falcons selected Jarrett.
According to Sports Illustrated, the Falcons arranged for Jessie Tuggle to help introduce the team’s fifth-round selection, creating a meaningful connection between father and son.
Jarrett’s selection by the Falcons was especially significant because it allowed him to begin his professional career with the same franchise his biological father had represented.
Grady Jarrett Sr.: The Father Who Helped Raise Him
Grady Jarrett Sr. is the husband of Elisha Jarrett and the stepfather who helped raise the NFL defensive tackle.
According to reporting by the Associated Press, Jarrett grew up in Conyers under the care of his mother and Grady Jarrett Sr.
In a January 2015 interview with TigerNet, Jarrett praised both of his parents for supporting his personal development.
He explained that Grady Jarrett Sr. had been present throughout his childhood and had provided consistent encouragement.
The family regularly attended Clemson football games together, demonstrating their support for Jarrett as he developed into an NFL prospect.
Jarrett has spoken appreciatively about the guidance, sacrifices and opportunities his parents provided during his upbringing.
Grady Jarrett’s Siblings: Meet His Brother and Sisters
Grady Jarrett has three publicly identified siblings: Justin Tuggle, Kamilya Jarrett and Ashema Jarrett.
Justin is his paternal half-brother, while Kamilya and Ashema are his sisters through their mother, Elisha Jarrett.
Justin Tuggle: Grady Jarrett’s Brother
Justin Tuggle is Grady Jarrett’s paternal half-brother and a former professional football player.
Like Grady, Justin is the son of former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jessie Tuggle.
Born on January 14, 1990, Justin played college football at Boston College and Kansas State before entering professional football.
He initially played quarterback before transitioning to linebacker.
After going undrafted in 2013, Justin signed with the Houston Texans and began his NFL career.
He subsequently played for the Cleveland Browns and later continued his professional career in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
His Canadian football experience included spells with the Toronto Argonauts and Edmonton franchise.
With Justin, Grady and Jessie Tuggle all having competed professionally, the family possesses a significant football legacy.
Kamilya Jarrett: Grady Jarrett’s Sister
Kamilya Jarrett is one of Grady Jarrett’s sisters.
Her identity is confirmed on their mother Elisha Jarrett’s official website, which identifies Kamilya as her eldest daughter.
Unlike Grady, whose career has attracted national attention, Kamilya maintains a comparatively private public profile.
Although the family’s close relationship has been documented in interviews, reliable information about Kamilya’s career and other personal details is limited.
Ashema Jarrett: Grady Jarrett’s Sister
Ashema Jarrett is Grady Jarrett’s other publicly identified sister.
Elisha Jarrett’s professional biography names Ashema as her youngest daughter, confirming their family relationship.
Ashema belongs to the extended family support system that has remained important throughout Grady’s football journey.
However, information about her education, professional life and personal relationships is not extensively documented in reliable public sources.
How Grady Jarrett’s Family Influenced His NFL Career
Grady Jarrett’s football journey began in Conyers, Georgia, where he attended Rockdale County High School.
He became a standout defensive lineman and also competed in wrestling and track and field.
Despite his athletic achievements, Jarrett was not among the most highly recruited defensive players in his class.
He eventually committed to Clemson University, where he developed into an outstanding college football defensive tackle.
Throughout his college career, his mother, stepfather and other relatives regularly attended games to support him.
His family’s influence became particularly important during the 2015 NFL Draft.
While Jarrett was waiting to discover which NFL team would select him, a fire severely damaged his family’s home in Conyers.
Fortunately, family members and friends escaped without injuries.
Despite the devastating incident, Jarrett received life-changing news the following day when the Atlanta Falcons selected him with the 137th overall pick.
It marked the beginning of a decade-long career with his hometown franchise.
Jarrett subsequently developed into one of Atlanta’s most dependable defensive players, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2019 and 2020.
In March 2025, he signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears, beginning a new chapter in his NFL career.
Throughout these experiences, his close relationships with his parents, siblings, wife and son have remained important parts of his personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grady Jarrett’s Family
Who is Grady Jarrett’s wife?
Grady Jarrett’s wife is Aja Thorpe Jarrett. The couple married on June 14, 2025, at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach in Florida.
Does Grady Jarrett have a girlfriend?
No current girlfriend is publicly identified because Grady Jarrett is married to Aja Thorpe Jarrett.
How many children does Grady Jarrett have?
Grady Jarrett has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Grayson Jarrett, born in September 2021.
Who is Grady Jarrett’s mother?
His mother is Elisha Jarrett, an entrepreneur, real estate professional, motivational speaker and community advocate.
Who is Grady Jarrett’s biological father?
Grady Jarrett’s biological father is Jessie Tuggle, a former NFL linebacker who played for the Atlanta Falcons from 1987 to 2000.
Who raised Grady Jarrett?
He was raised in Conyers, Georgia, by his mother, Elisha Jarrett, and her husband, Grady Jarrett Sr.
Does Grady Jarrett have siblings?
Yes. His publicly identified siblings include his paternal half-brother Justin Tuggle and his sisters Kamilya and Ashema Jarrett.
Is Justin Tuggle related to Grady Jarrett?
Yes. Justin Tuggle is Grady Jarrett’s paternal half-brother. Both share the same biological father, former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jessie Tuggle.
Where is Grady Jarrett from?
Grady Jarrett is from Conyers, Georgia, United States. He attended Rockdale County High School before playing college football at Clemson University.
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.
