Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Jack Sanborn is an American professional football player who plays as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 29, 2000, in Illinois, Sanborn played college football at the University of Wisconsin before beginning his NFL career with the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
Beyond his professional football career, Jack Sanborn’s family has played an important role in his life. His parents are Malinda Sanborn and the late Paul Sanborn, while his two brothers are Steven and Bryan Sanborn. Following his father’s death in 2005, Jack grew up in a single-parent household, where his mother worked to provide stability and opportunities for her three sons.
Jack Sanborn’s Girlfriend: Is the Chicago Bears Player Dating Anyone?
As of now, Jack Sanborn has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner in the reliable sources reviewed for this article.
Although the Chicago Bears linebacker has spoken openly about his parents, brothers and upbringing, he has generally maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships.
His official Chicago Bears and Wisconsin Badgers biographies primarily focus on his athletic achievements, education and football career rather than his dating history.
Similarly, interviews published by Wisconsin Athletics and regional newspapers discuss his family’s influence without identifying a current romantic partner.
There is no independently verified recent announcement establishing whether Sanborn is dating someone.
Is Jack Sanborn Married?
As of now, there is no reliable public announcement confirming that Jack Sanborn is married.
His official NFL biography and available interviews do not identify a wife or fiancée.
However, the absence of public information does not necessarily mean he is single.
Until Sanborn personally confirms his marital status or credible reporting provides further information, his romantic life should be considered private.
Jack Sanborn’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Jack Sanborn has children.
The Chicago Bears linebacker has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father.
His official NFL and college football biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Sanborn has discussed the importance of his childhood family experiences, he has not publicly provided reliable information about raising children of his own.
Therefore, his parental status remains unconfirmed rather than definitively childless.
Jack Sanborn’s Parents: Meet Paul and Malinda Sanborn
Jack Sanborn grew up in the Chicago metropolitan area with his parents, Paul Sanborn and Malinda Sanborn.
His father was a former college football offensive lineman at the University of Oregon, while his mother became the primary caregiver for the family’s three sons following Paul’s death.
According to an October 2019 feature published by Wisconsin Athletics, Paul died in 2005, leaving Malinda to raise Steven, Jack and Bryan.
The experience profoundly influenced Jack’s upbringing and helped shape his appreciation for family, responsibility and perseverance.
Jack Sanborn’s Father: Paul Sanborn
Paul Sanborn was Jack Sanborn’s father and a former college football offensive lineman.
He played for the University of Oregon Ducks from 1980 through 1982, according to Jack’s official Wisconsin Badgers player biography.
His experience in college football established an athletic connection that would later become important to Jack and his younger brother Bryan.
However, Paul died unexpectedly on March 22, 2005, at the age of 43.
According to reporting published by the Daily Herald in February 2022, he suffered a fatal heart attack.
At the time of his death, Jack was only four years old.
His older brother Steven was approximately seven, while his younger brother Bryan was about two.
The loss left the three boys without their father during important stages of their childhood.
How Jack Sanborn Remembers His Late Father
Although Jack was very young when his father died, he has maintained a connection to Paul’s memory through family stories and football.
During an interview with Wisconsin Athletics in October 2019, Sanborn explained that he enjoyed hearing stories about his father from relatives, family friends and people who had played football with him.
He also acknowledged that he sometimes wondered what life would have been like if Paul had survived.
His father’s college football background became especially meaningful when Jack developed into a highly recruited linebacker.
One notable coincidence occurred during his college recruitment.
Jack contacted Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst to confirm his commitment on March 22, 2017.
That date marked exactly 12 years since his father’s death.
Sanborn later described the timing as a meaningful coincidence.
Another family connection occurred when Wisconsin faced Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2020.
The matchup gave Jack an opportunity to compete against the university his father had represented decades earlier.
Jack Sanborn’s Mother: Malinda Sanborn
Malinda Sanborn is Jack Sanborn’s mother and one of the most influential figures in his personal life.
Following her husband’s death in 2005, Malinda raised their three sons, Steven, Jack and Bryan, as a single parent.
According to Wisconsin Athletics, she balanced the responsibilities of raising the children with a demanding work schedule that frequently required commuting to Chicago.
Despite those challenges, she continued supporting her sons’ education, athletic participation and personal development.
In an October 2019 interview, Jack expressed admiration for how his mother managed to raise three young boys following the loss of their father.
He explained that Malinda consistently prioritized her children and worked to ensure that they had opportunities to succeed.
Her dedication became an important source of motivation throughout his football career.
How Malinda Sanborn Supported Jack’s Football Career
Malinda Sanborn encouraged her sons to participate in sports from an early age.
Although she acknowledged that she initially knew relatively little about the technical details of football, she recognized Jack’s enthusiasm and determination.
According to a feature written by Mike Lucas for Wisconsin Athletics, Malinda remembered a youth football coach praising Jack’s potential following a game.
The coach was impressed by his natural instincts, determination and willingness to learn.
As Jack progressed through youth football, similar comments came from coaches involved in other sports, including baseball and lacrosse.
Those experiences gradually convinced Malinda that her son possessed unusual athletic potential.
When Jack entered Lake Zurich High School, he quickly established himself as a talented football player.
During his freshman year, he began playing extensively on offense and defense before advancing to higher-level teams.
His high school coach, Luke Mertens, became an important mentor and helped him develop his understanding of football.
Malinda continued attending games and supporting Jack as he developed into one of Illinois’ leading linebacker prospects.
Malinda Sanborn’s Role in Jack’s College Decision
When Jack began receiving scholarship offers from major college football programs, Malinda accompanied him on recruiting visits.
She wanted to ensure that her son selected a university offering both strong academic opportunities and a supportive football environment.
According to Wisconsin Athletics, Malinda appreciated the sincerity and personal attention shown by the University of Wisconsin coaching staff.
She believed the program provided an environment where Jack could grow as both a student and an athlete.
Her impressions helped reinforce his decision to commit to Wisconsin in March 2017.
Years later, Jack continued crediting his mother’s sacrifices for the opportunities he received.
In a February 2022 interview with the Daily Herald, he described Malinda as the strongest person he knew and emphasized how much she meant to him and his brothers.
Jack Sanborn’s Siblings: Meet His Brothers Steven and Bryan
Jack Sanborn has two brothers named Steven Sanborn and Bryan Sanborn.
Their identities are confirmed by Wisconsin Athletics and reporting published by the Associated Press.
Steven is the oldest of the three brothers, Jack is the middle child, and Bryan is the youngest.
After their father’s death, the siblings developed a close relationship and supported one another while growing up in Illinois.
Steven Sanborn: Jack Sanborn’s Older Brother
Steven Sanborn is Jack Sanborn’s older brother.
According to Wisconsin Athletics, Steven was approximately seven years old when their father died in 2005.
As the oldest child, Steven grew up alongside Jack and Bryan while their mother worked to maintain the family’s stability.
The three brothers remained close throughout childhood, often supporting each other during difficult experiences.
Steven attended the University of Illinois, according to a Wisconsin Athletics feature published in October 2019.
The same article described him attending one of Jack’s college football games against Illinois.
That appearance illustrated how the brothers continued supporting one another even while pursuing different educational paths.
In an August 2021 Associated Press interview, Bryan explained that his older brothers had provided guidance and encouragement after their father’s death.
Steven was among the family members who helped him develop confidence and determination.
As of now, detailed information about Steven’s professional occupation and other aspects of his private life remains limited.
Bryan Sanborn: Jack Sanborn’s Younger Brother
Bryan Sanborn is Jack Sanborn’s younger brother and a former college football linebacker at the University of Wisconsin.
Like Jack, Bryan grew up in Deer Park, Illinois, and attended Lake Zurich High School.
He developed into a talented linebacker and attracted attention from several college football programs.
According to his official Wisconsin Badgers biography, Bryan was a three-star recruit and appeared on the 2020 Butkus Award high school watch list.
He earned All-North Suburban Conference recognition on three occasions.
Bryan eventually followed his older brother to the University of Wisconsin, joining the Badgers football program in 2021.
He played primarily as an inside linebacker and special teams contributor.
During the 2022 season, Bryan appeared in 11 games and recorded eight tackles.
He subsequently appeared in six games during the 2023 season.
His college career also included academic recognition, as he earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2022.
How Jack Sanborn Influenced His Brother Bryan
Jack played an important role in Bryan’s development as a football player.
In an Associated Press interview published in August 2021, Bryan discussed growing up without his father and the support he received from his older brothers.
He explained that Steven and Jack frequently encouraged him to work harder and remain committed to his goals.
Bryan also considered his brothers important father figures during his childhood.
When he joined Wisconsin in 2021, Jack was already an established linebacker and one of the team’s leaders.
The experience gave Bryan an opportunity to learn directly from someone who understood the demands of the university’s football program.
Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst praised Jack’s leadership, noting that younger players could learn from his approach to practices, meetings and preparation.
The brothers’ time together at Wisconsin represented an important family achievement, particularly given the challenges they experienced after their father’s death.
How Jack Sanborn’s Family Influenced His NFL Career
Jack Sanborn’s football journey began in the Chicago suburbs, where he developed a passion for athletics while growing up alongside his brothers.
His mother encouraged participation in different sports, and Jack eventually became particularly interested in American football.
He attended Lake Zurich High School, where he developed into one of the state’s most highly regarded defensive players.
Jack Sanborn’s High School Football Career
At Lake Zurich High School, Sanborn established himself as a standout linebacker.
He earned Illinois first-team All-State recognition during his junior and senior seasons.
During his final high school season, he recorded 120 tackles and three sacks while helping Lake Zurich reach the Illinois Class 7A state championship game.
Across three varsity seasons, he accumulated 296 tackles and 13 sacks.
His performances attracted scholarship offers from major college football programs.
Sanborn eventually chose the University of Wisconsin, officially committing in March 2017.
The decision allowed him to continue developing as a linebacker within one of the Big Ten Conference’s established defensive programs.
Jack Sanborn’s College Football Career at Wisconsin
Jack Sanborn joined the Wisconsin Badgers in 2018 and began contributing during his freshman season.
He gradually developed into a starting linebacker and one of the team’s defensive leaders.
During the 2019 season, he established himself as a dependable defender and recorded interceptions against Central Michigan and Nebraska.
His success continued in 2020, when he earned All-Big Ten recognition.
During his final college season in 2021, he received first-team All-Big Ten honors after producing another impressive defensive campaign.
According to the Chicago Bears’ official biography, Sanborn appeared in 45 games during his four seasons at Wisconsin and recorded 230 tackles, 29 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.
His performances established him as a professional football prospect entering the 2022 NFL Draft.
Jack Sanborn’s Journey to the Chicago Bears
Although Jack Sanborn was not selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent.
The opportunity was particularly meaningful because he had grown up in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Sanborn impressed the team’s coaching staff during training camp and earned a position on the regular-season roster.
He made his NFL debut in 2022 and gradually received additional defensive responsibilities.
Following the departure of linebacker Roquan Smith, Sanborn became a starter and delivered several impressive performances.
One of his most memorable rookie appearances came against the Detroit Lions, when he recorded 12 tackles and two sacks.
Despite suffering an ankle injury late in the season, Sanborn finished his rookie year with 64 combined tackles and two sacks.
His performances earned him a place on Pro Football Focus’ 2022 All-Rookie Team.
He continued playing for Chicago during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, developing into a reliable linebacker and special teams contributor.
In March 2025, Sanborn signed with the Dallas Cowboys, beginning his first professional season outside his hometown organization.
However, his time in Dallas was interrupted by injury, and he appeared in six games during the 2025 campaign.
On March 18, 2026, the Chicago Bears announced that Sanborn had returned to the franchise on a one-year contract.
His return gave him another opportunity to represent his hometown team and continue a professional career shaped by his family’s support and personal perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jack Sanborn’s Family
Who is Jack Sanborn’s girlfriend?
As of now, Jack Sanborn has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner in reliable sources.
Is Jack Sanborn married?
There is no independently verified public announcement confirming that Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn is married.
Does Jack Sanborn have children?
As of now, there is no reliable public information confirming that Jack Sanborn has a son or daughter.
Who is Jack Sanborn’s father?
Jack Sanborn’s father was Paul Sanborn, a former University of Oregon offensive lineman who died of a heart attack in March 2005.
Who is Jack Sanborn’s mother?
His mother is Malinda Sanborn, who raised Jack and his brothers as a single parent following their father’s death.
Does Jack Sanborn have siblings?
Yes. Jack Sanborn has two brothers named Steven Sanborn and Bryan Sanborn.
Who is Jack Sanborn’s brother Bryan?
Bryan Sanborn is Jack’s younger brother and a former University of Wisconsin linebacker who played for the Badgers from 2021 through 2023.
Who is Jack Sanborn’s older brother?
His older brother is Steven Sanborn, who attended the University of Illinois.
How old was Jack Sanborn when his father died?
Jack Sanborn was four years old when his father, Paul Sanborn, died on March 22, 2005.
Where is Jack Sanborn from?
Jack Sanborn grew up in Deer Park, Illinois, and attended Lake Zurich High School in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Which NFL team does Jack Sanborn play for?
As of now, Jack Sanborn plays linebacker for the Chicago Bears. He returned to the franchise in March 2026 after spending the 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys.
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.
