Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Bucky Irving’s family has been one of the biggest influences on his football career. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back was raised by his mother, LaTisha Irving, after losing his father, Marcellus Irving, at a young age. His childhood in Chicago was also shaped by his grandmother, Darlene Irving, and his siblings.
Born Mar’Keise Irving on August 19, 2002, in Chicago, Illinois, Bucky developed a passion for football while growing up in a large household surrounded by relatives.
His journey to the NFL has included significant personal tragedies, including the deaths of his father, grandmother and younger half-brother. Despite these challenges, Irving became a standout college football player and established himself as a talented running back for the Buccaneers.
Here is everything publicly known about Bucky Irving’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings and family background.
Who Is Bucky Irving’s Girlfriend?
As of now, Bucky Irving has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back has generally kept his romantic relationships away from media attention.
Although Irving has attracted considerable attention since entering the NFL, reliable reporting about his dating life remains limited.
His public appearances and interviews have primarily focused on his football career, personal experiences and family relationships.
There have been no widely verified announcements identifying a current girlfriend or confirming a long-term romantic relationship.
Therefore, his relationship status remains private rather than definitively single.
Is Bucky Irving Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Bucky Irving is married.
As of now, the NFL running back has not publicly announced a wedding or identified a wife.
Does Bucky Irving Have Children?
As of now, there is no publicly verified information that Bucky Irving has children.
The Buccaneers running back has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NFL biography does not identify any children.
Although Irving frequently discusses the importance of family, his comments generally concern his parents, siblings and late grandmother.
Consequently, there is currently no reliable basis for identifying him as a father.
Who Are Bucky Irving’s Parents?
Bucky Irving’s parents are LaTisha Irving and the late Marcellus Irving. His father died when Bucky was only two years old, leaving his mother to take on the responsibility of raising him.
Irving has openly discussed his upbringing and the important role his family played in supporting his football ambitions.
Bucky Irving’s Father: Marcellus Irving
Marcellus Irving was Bucky Irving’s father. He died when his son was approximately two years old.
According to reporting from the Associated Press, Marcellus was a victim of gun violence.
Although Bucky was too young to develop lasting memories of his father, Marcellus left him something that became central to his identity: his nickname.
His parents noticed that he had unusually wide-open eyes as a baby, sometimes keeping them partly open while sleeping. His father began calling him “Bucky,” and the nickname remained with him throughout his life.
Irving continued using the name during his football career, eventually becoming professionally known as Bucky Irving rather than Mar’Keise Irving.
The running back has publicly acknowledged the emotional impact of growing up without his father.
In a detailed interview published by the Buccaneers in September 2025, he explained that his father died before he had the opportunity to know him personally.
Despite that loss, Irving continues to honor his father’s memory through his football career.
Bucky Irving’s Mother: LaTisha Irving
LaTisha Irving is Bucky Irving’s mother. She raised him after the death of his father and played an important role in developing his interest in football.
According to published family profiles, LaTisha helped introduce her son to organized football when he was approximately five years old.
She encouraged his athletic ambitions while managing the responsibilities of raising a family as a single mother.
Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Bucky experienced a challenging environment, but his mother and extended family provided encouragement.
LaTisha remained involved in her son’s life as he progressed through high school, earned a college scholarship and eventually reached the NFL.
Her importance became particularly evident during difficult moments, including the death of Bucky’s younger brother in 2022.
In the Buccaneers’ official feature about Irving’s upbringing, LaTisha is identified as the person who called to inform him of the tragedy.
Irving has repeatedly described his family as a major source of motivation, particularly his mother, who supported him throughout his journey.
Does Bucky Irving Have Any Siblings?
Yes, Bucky Irving has siblings. His official Tampa Bay Buccaneers biography identifies one brother and one sister. Separate reporting also documents his younger half-brother, Jordan “JoJo” Raybon, who died in March 2022.
Secondary biographical reports identify his other siblings as Keishawn Irving and Lakeisha Irving, although their names are not listed in the Buccaneers’ official biography.
1. Keishawn Irving – Bucky Irving’s Brother
Keishawn Irving has been identified by secondary biographical sources as one of Bucky Irving’s brothers.
Reports indicate that Keishawn was born on November 21, 2003, making him younger than Bucky.
Unlike his NFL-playing brother, Keishawn has maintained a relatively private life, and little verified public information is available about his education or professional career.
Although multiple online profiles mention him, his identity and biographical details have not been independently confirmed through an official NFL source.
2. Lakeisha Irving – Bucky Irving’s Sister
Lakeisha Irving has been named in secondary family profiles as Bucky Irving’s sister.
Some reports associate her with Thornwood High School in Illinois, although details about her educational background have not been independently established through primary sources.
Lakeisha has generally remained outside the public spotlight, unlike her brother, whose NFL performances attract national attention.
As of now, limited verified information is available about her personal or professional life.
3. Jordan “JoJo” Raybon – Bucky Irving’s Late Half-Brother
Jordan “JoJo” Raybon was Bucky Irving’s younger half-brother. He tragically died on March 17, 2022, at the age of 15.
According to the Buccaneers’ official feature, Jordan was shot and killed in Hazel Crest, Illinois, while Irving was attending the University of Minnesota.
Irving learned about his brother’s death after receiving a distressed telephone call from his mother, LaTisha.
The news devastated the young running back, who shared a close relationship with Jordan.
The brothers regularly spent time together playing football, competing in video games and talking despite living in separate nearby homes.
Jordan’s death occurred only a few years after Irving lost his grandmother, creating another painful period in his life.
Irving has spoken about using the memory of his late brother as motivation, carrying his loved ones with him every time he plays football.
Who Was Bucky Irving’s Grandmother?
Darlene Irving was Bucky Irving’s grandmother and one of the most influential people in his upbringing.
She helped raise him in a large household that included approximately 13 family members, including aunts, uncles and cousins.
According to a feature published by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Darlene worked as a nurse and was known for caring for relatives and members of her community.
Irving developed a particularly close relationship with her, considering her another parental figure during his childhood.
Unfortunately, Darlene died on May 9, 2019, the same day Irving received a college football scholarship offer from the University of Minnesota.
The timing made the moment especially emotional because she had consistently encouraged him to believe that he could become an NFL player.
Irving later honored his grandmother by having her name and birth date tattooed on his leg.
Her influence remains an important part of his personal story.
Bucky Irving’s Childhood and Family Background
Bucky Irving grew up on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, surrounded by a large extended family.
His childhood home included several relatives, which created a competitive environment where sports were a regular part of family life.
Irving became interested in football after watching his older cousins play in the neighborhood.
His uncle, Jeff Irving, recalled that Bucky repeatedly asked to participate in their football games despite being much younger than the other players.
Eventually, Irving joined the games and began developing the toughness and determination that would later characterize his running style.
His family also helped him join the Hazel Crest Mustangs youth football program.
He subsequently attended Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills, Illinois, where he became a standout athlete.
Despite personal hardships, Irving earned recognition as one of Illinois’ promising football recruits.
How Bucky Irving’s Family Influenced His NFL Career
Bucky Irving’s football career reflects his determination to honor the people who supported him.
He began his college career at the University of Minnesota in 2021 before transferring to the University of Oregon.
At Oregon, Irving developed into one of the country’s productive running backs, recording consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
His performances attracted the attention of NFL scouts, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 125th overall pick.
During his rookie season, Irving rushed for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns, helping improve Tampa Bay’s running game.
His achievements were particularly meaningful considering the adversity he experienced while growing up.
In interviews with the Buccaneers, Irving has explained that he plays to honor his mother, brother, father and grandmother.
Family remains a central source of inspiration as he continues his professional football career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bucky Irving’s Family
Who is Bucky Irving’s girlfriend?
As of now, Bucky Irving has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current dating status remains private.
Is Bucky Irving married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Bucky Irving is married or has a wife.
Does Bucky Irving have children?
As of now, Bucky Irving has not publicly confirmed having any children.
Who is Bucky Irving’s mother?
His mother is LaTisha Irving, who raised him after his father’s death and supported his football ambitions.
Who is Bucky Irving’s father?
His father was Marcellus Irving, who died when Bucky was approximately two years old. Marcellus gave him the nickname “Bucky.”
How many siblings does Bucky Irving have?
The Buccaneers’ official biography lists one brother and one sister. Additional reporting identifies his late younger half-brother, Jordan “JoJo” Raybon. Secondary sources name Keishawn and Lakeisha Irving as his other siblings.
What happened to Bucky Irving’s brother?
His younger half-brother, Jordan “JoJo” Raybon, was shot and killed in Hazel Crest, Illinois, on March 17, 2022, when he was 15 years old.
Who was Bucky Irving’s grandmother?
His grandmother was Darlene Irving, who helped raise him and encouraged his football ambitions. She died on May 9, 2019.
What is Bucky Irving’s real name?
His full name is Mar’Keise Irving. His late father gave him the nickname “Bucky” during childhood.
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.
