Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Tyrel Dodson is an American professional football player who plays linebacker for the Carolina Panthers in the National Football League (NFL). Beyond his achievements on the field, many fans want to know more about Tyrel Dodson’s family, girlfriend, fiancée, wife, children, parents, and siblings.
Dodson was raised by his mother, Angela Sparkman, a single parent who worked hard to support her two sons. He has an older brother named Tyrin Sparkman.
In his romantic life, Dodson is engaged to Sam St. Louis, a model and social media personality. He publicly referred to her as his fiancée during a Miami Dolphins press conference in August 2026.
Although Dodson has spoken openly about his mother, brother, and engagement, information about his father and whether he has children remains limited.
Who Is Tyrel Dodson?
Tyrel Dodson was born on June 25, 1998, in Franklin, Tennessee, United States.
He attended Centennial High School in Franklin, where he developed into one of Tennessee’s top high school football prospects.
During his senior season, Dodson recorded 111 tackles, including 32 tackles for loss, and eight sacks.
His performances earned him Tennessee Class 5A Mr. Football honors in 2015.
He subsequently attended Texas A&M University, playing college football for the Aggies from 2016 through 2018.
After completing his junior season, Dodson declared for the 2019 NFL Draft. Although he went undrafted, he signed with the Buffalo Bills as a free agent.
Dodson later played for the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins before joining the Carolina Panthers in September 2026.
As of now, he plays linebacker for Carolina and wears jersey number 33.
Tyrel Dodson Family Background
Tyrel Dodson grew up in Franklin, Tennessee, in a single-parent household.
His mother, Angela Sparkman, raised him and his older brother while working multiple jobs to support the family.
Dodson has frequently acknowledged the sacrifices his mother made during his childhood.
In a 2020 Spectrum News interview, he described Angela as the guiding influence in his life.
Although his family faced financial difficulties, his mother encouraged him to remain disciplined, work hard, and pursue opportunities through football.
Her dedication helped inspire his determination to succeed professionally and eventually give back to other families experiencing similar challenges.
Tyrel Dodson Girlfriend: Who Is Sam St. Louis?
Tyrel Dodson’s longtime girlfriend and current fiancée is Sam St. Louis.
Sam St. Louis is publicly known for her modeling work and activity on social media.
Her relationship with Dodson received media attention in November 2025 when she attended a farewell dinner with the partners of other Miami Dolphins players.
According to a November 6, 2025, New York Post report, Sam joined Samantha Phillips, the fiancée of NFL linebacker Jaelan Phillips, and Nicolette Wilson, the wife of quarterback Zach Wilson, for dinner in Miami.
The report identified Sam St. Louis as Tyrel Dodson’s girlfriend.
By August 2026, however, their relationship had progressed to an engagement.
During an official Miami Dolphins press conference, Dodson referred to his romantic partner as his fiancée while discussing social media.
What Does Tyrel Dodson’s Fiancée Do?
Sam St. Louis works as a model and is active on social media.
During an August 7, 2026, press conference published by the Miami Dolphins, Dodson explained that his fiancée was more interested in social media than he was.
He described her as a model who enjoys engaging with influencers and using social media platforms.
Dodson explained that he primarily uses social media to stay informed and occasionally maintain his professional profile.
His comments provided a rare public glimpse into the couple’s different interests outside football.
Is Tyrel Dodson Married? Who Is His Wife?
As of now, Tyrel Dodson is publicly known to be engaged to Sam St. Louis, but there is no verified confirmation that they have married.
The Carolina Panthers linebacker referred to Sam as his fiancée in August 2026.
Texas A&M University also identified his fiancée as Sam in an article published on September 9, 2026.
However, reliable public sources have not documented a wedding date or marriage announcement.
Therefore, Sam St. Louis is best described as Tyrel Dodson’s fiancée rather than his wife until a marriage is publicly confirmed.
Tyrel Dodson Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, Tyrel Dodson has no publicly confirmed children.
There are no reliable public reports identifying any sons or daughters, and Dodson has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father.
Although he has participated in charitable activities benefiting children and families, those efforts do not establish whether he has children of his own.
Information about any potential children remains private and unconfirmed.
Tyrel Dodson Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Tyrel Dodson’s mother is Angela Sparkman, whose identity is confirmed by Texas A&M University and the Buffalo Bills’ official media guide.
His father’s identity, however, has not been reliably established in the publicly available biographical sources reviewed.
Tyrel Dodson Mother: Angela Sparkman
Angela Sparkman is Tyrel Dodson’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She raised Tyrel and his older brother in Franklin, Tennessee, as a single mother.
According to a December 2023 Buffalo Bills feature, Angela worked multiple jobs to provide for her children.
Dodson recalled that his mother made significant sacrifices to buy gifts and provide necessities despite the family’s financial challenges.
He explained that these childhood experiences shaped his appreciation for hard work and his desire to help struggling families.
During a September 2020 interview with Spectrum News, Dodson credited Angela with helping him overcome difficult moments early in his NFL career.
She encouraged him to remain positive, seek guidance, and continue pursuing his professional ambitions.
Dodson also credited his mother for his determination and competitive spirit.
How Did Angela Sparkman Influence Tyrel Dodson’s Career?
Angela Sparkman played an important role in her son’s journey from high school football in Tennessee to the NFL.
As a single mother, she worked hard to create opportunities for her children.
Her commitment to supporting the household encouraged Dodson to pursue football seriously and take advantage of the opportunities available to him.
When Dodson experienced a difficult period during the early stages of his NFL career, Angela helped him develop a plan to improve his physical and emotional well-being.
According to Spectrum News, her support helped him regain confidence and prepare for another opportunity with the Buffalo Bills.
After Dodson earned a place on Buffalo’s active roster in 2020, he described sharing an emotional phone conversation with his mother.
Her reaction reflected the sacrifices they had made together throughout his journey.
Tyrel Dodson Father: Who Is His Dad?
Tyrel Dodson’s father’s name has not been reliably confirmed in publicly available sources.
His official Texas A&M football biography identifies Angela Sparkman as his mother without providing his father’s name.
Similarly, interviews about his childhood primarily focus on Angela’s experience raising two sons as a single mother.
In the Buffalo Bills’ 2021 media guide, Dodson described his mother as having fulfilled both parental roles during his upbringing.
However, this information does not establish his father’s identity or personal circumstances.
As of now, details about his father’s occupation, background, and relationship with Dodson remain publicly unconfirmed.
Tyrel Dodson Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Tyrel Dodson has one publicly documented sibling, an older brother named Tyrin Sparkman.
The Buffalo Bills’ official 2021 media guide identifies Tyrin Sparkman as Dodson’s older brother.
Earlier Texas A&M media materials list the name as Tynn Sparkman, creating a minor inconsistency in the spelling.
The later Buffalo Bills guide uses the name Tyrin Sparkman.
Tyrel Dodson Brother: Tyrin Sparkman
Tyrin Sparkman is Tyrel Dodson’s older brother.
The brothers grew up together in Franklin, Tennessee, where they were raised by their mother, Angela Sparkman.
According to a 2020 Spectrum News report, Angela raised two sons while managing the responsibilities of being a single parent.
Although Tyrel has received considerable attention through his NFL career, limited verified information is available about Tyrin’s occupation, education, and personal life.
There is also no reliable public information establishing whether Tyrin pursued a professional sports career.
Does Tyrel Dodson Have Sisters?
As of now, there are no publicly confirmed sisters identified in Tyrel Dodson’s official college or NFL biographies.
The available records document one brother, Tyrin Sparkman.
No additional siblings have been reliably identified.
Tyrel Dodson’s Family and His Charity Work
Tyrel Dodson’s experience growing up in a single-parent household inspired him to support other families facing financial difficulties.
In December 2023, while playing for the Buffalo Bills, Dodson partnered with Gabe’s Collision to organize a holiday shopping event for four single mothers.
Each mother received a $500 shopping opportunity at Target to purchase gifts and other items for her family.
The initiative was organized with support from the YWCA and included participation from several of Dodson’s Bills teammates.
Dodson explained that he wanted to create a positive holiday experience for mothers who faced challenges similar to those his own mother had experienced.
His charitable efforts earned him recognition as an NFL Players Association Community MVP.
The initiative demonstrated how his childhood experiences shaped his commitment to supporting other families.
Tyrel Dodson’s Fiancée Supported His College Graduation
Another important aspect of Tyrel Dodson’s family life involves his decision to complete his college education.
In September 2026, Texas A&M University announced that Dodson had earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural leadership and development.
He had originally left the university after the 2018 football season to pursue his NFL career.
However, he continued taking classes over several years while balancing his professional responsibilities.
In an interview with the university, Dodson explained that his fiancée, Sam, had already graduated from college and encouraged him to finish his degree.
She playfully challenged him because her diploma was already displayed at home while he had yet to complete his education.
Her encouragement helped motivate Dodson to finish the remaining requirements.
He also revealed that he was the first member of his family to attend college, making his educational achievement especially meaningful.
How Did Tyrel Dodson’s Family Influence His Football Career?
Tyrel Dodson’s family background has been a significant source of motivation throughout his football journey.
His mother’s sacrifices helped him understand the importance of perseverance and determination.
His experiences growing up in Franklin, Tennessee, motivated him to make the most of his opportunities and eventually provide support to people facing similar challenges.
His fiancée, Sam St. Louis, has also provided encouragement in his personal life, particularly through his journey to completing a college degree.
These experiences have contributed to Dodson’s determination to succeed both on and off the football field.
Tyrel Dodson Family Facts
- Full name: Tyrel Dodson
- Date of birth: June 25, 1998
- Age: 28
- Birthplace: Franklin, Tennessee, United States
- Nationality: American
- Mother: Angela Sparkman
- Father: Name not publicly confirmed
- Brother: Tyrin Sparkman (also listed as Tynn Sparkman)
- Sisters: None publicly confirmed
- Girlfriend/Fiancée: Sam St. Louis
- Wife: No publicly confirmed marriage
- Children: None publicly confirmed
- High school: Centennial High School
- College: Texas A&M University
- Degree: Agricultural leadership and development
- NFL Draft: Undrafted in 2019
- Former NFL teams: Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, and Miami Dolphins
- Current NFL team: Carolina Panthers
- Position: Linebacker
- Jersey number: 33
Frequently Asked Questions About Tyrel Dodson’s Family
Who is Tyrel Dodson’s girlfriend?
Tyrel Dodson’s longtime girlfriend is Sam St. Louis, a model and social media personality. As of now, the couple is publicly known to be engaged.
Is Tyrel Dodson engaged?
Yes. Tyrel Dodson confirmed having a fiancée during an August 2026 Miami Dolphins press conference. Texas A&M University subsequently identified his fiancée as Sam in September 2026.
Who is Tyrel Dodson’s wife?
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Tyrel Dodson is married. His publicly identified fiancée is Sam St. Louis.
Does Tyrel Dodson have children?
Tyrel Dodson has no publicly confirmed children. There are no reliable public reports identifying any sons or daughters.
Who is Tyrel Dodson’s mother?
His mother is Angela Sparkman, a single parent who raised Dodson and his older brother in Franklin, Tennessee.
Who is Tyrel Dodson’s father?
Tyrel Dodson’s father’s name has not been reliably documented in publicly available sources.
Does Tyrel Dodson have siblings?
Yes. Tyrel Dodson has one publicly documented older brother named Tyrin Sparkman.
What is Tyrel Dodson’s brother’s name?
His older brother is Tyrin Sparkman, according to the Buffalo Bills’ official 2021 media guide. An older Texas A&M guide spells the name Tynn Sparkman.
Where is Tyrel Dodson from?
Tyrel Dodson is from Franklin, Tennessee, where he attended Centennial High School.
Which NFL team does Tyrel Dodson play for?
As of now, Tyrel Dodson plays linebacker for the Carolina Panthers. He joined the organization in September 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.
