Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Jalen McMillan’s family includes his mother, Belinda McMillan-Haener, his stepfather, Stefan Haener, and two reported younger half-siblings, Lauren and Carter. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver also shared a particularly close relationship with his grandparents, Herle Gene McMillan and Angelika McMillan, who supported him throughout his football journey.
Born on December 7, 2001, in Fresno, California, McMillan developed into a talented athlete before becoming a standout wide receiver at the University of Washington. The Buccaneers selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
While McMillan has publicly expressed appreciation for his family, particularly his mother and grandparents, he has generally kept his romantic relationships private.
Here is everything publicly known about Jalen McMillan’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Who Is Jalen McMillan’s Girlfriend?
As of now, Jalen McMillan has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver has maintained considerable privacy regarding his dating life.
Although McMillan has attracted national attention since entering the NFL, reliable reporting about his romantic relationships remains limited.
Most interviews with the former Washington Huskies star focus on his football career, recovery from injuries, personal development, and close relationships with family members.
No established sports publication or official team announcement has reliably identified a current girlfriend.
Consequently, his romantic relationship status remains unconfirmed rather than definitively single.
Is Jalen McMillan Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Jalen McMillan is married.
As of now, the Buccaneers wide receiver has not publicly announced a wedding or identified a wife.
It is important to distinguish the NFL player from other public figures with the same name when researching his relationships and personal life.
Does Jalen McMillan Have Children?
As of now, there is no publicly verified information confirming that Jalen McMillan has children.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter.
His official NFL biography and established interviews do not identify any children.
Although McMillan supports children through community initiatives, including a holiday toy drive in Fresno, those activities should not be confused with having children of his own.
Therefore, there is currently no reliable basis for identifying him as a father.
Who Are Jalen McMillan’s Parents?
Jalen McMillan’s mother is Belinda McMillan-Haener, and his stepfather is Stefan Haener. His biological father’s identity has not been reliably established in widely available public reporting.
His mother has been an important supporter throughout his football career, regularly celebrating his achievements and encouraging him through difficult moments.
Jalen McMillan’s Mother: Belinda McMillan-Haener
Belinda McMillan-Haener is Jalen McMillan’s mother. She raised him in Fresno, California, and has publicly demonstrated her support for his professional football ambitions.
Belinda has a professional background in business administration, operations, and management.
According to an October 2024 profile published by EssentiallySports, she attended California State University, Fresno, and held management positions with organizations including Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Fresno.
The publication also identified her as Chief Operating Officer of the Ortiz Group at the time of its reporting.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Belinda has consistently encouraged Jalen’s athletic development.
She has celebrated his performances on social media, frequently sharing messages expressing pride in his achievements.
How Belinda Supported Jalen McMillan’s NFL Career
One of the most memorable public examples of Belinda’s support occurred after her son was selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
On April 29, 2024, she posted a congratulatory message on X, celebrating his determination and the sacrifices required to become a professional football player.
Belinda explained that watching Jalen work toward his NFL dream had been an inspiring experience.
She also expressed excitement about his opportunity to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Her continued involvement demonstrates the close relationship she maintains with her son, even as his professional football career takes him away from his hometown.
In May 2026, McMillan publicly discussed his renewed appreciation for family following a serious neck injury that interrupted his previous NFL season.
During an interview published by the Buccaneers, he explained that he had developed a habit of calling his mother and father every day.
The comments highlighted how important family relationships had become to him after experiencing uncertainty about his football future.
Jalen McMillan’s Stepfather: Stefan Haener
Stefan Haener is Jalen McMillan’s stepfather and the husband of Belinda McMillan-Haener.
According to EssentiallySports, Stefan has worked in business operations and management, including a position with the Ortiz Group.
The publication also reported that he previously worked in restaurant management.
Although Stefan maintains a lower public profile than his wife, he has reportedly shared social media posts celebrating Jalen’s achievements and recognizing other members of their family.
Stefan is also identified in secondary biographical reporting as a parental figure within the household that includes Jalen’s younger half-siblings.
However, detailed firsthand accounts of Stefan’s involvement in Jalen’s childhood football development remain limited.
Who Is Jalen McMillan’s Biological Father?
Jalen McMillan’s biological father’s name has not been reliably confirmed in established public reporting.
While his mother and stepfather have been identified in published family profiles, reliable sources provide little information about his biological father’s identity or professional background.
In interviews, McMillan has referred affectionately to his mother and father, including while discussing his recovery from injury in 2026.
However, those references do not independently establish the identity of his biological father.
For that reason, it would be inappropriate to assign a name or detailed biography without direct confirmation.
Does Jalen McMillan Have Any Siblings?
Yes, Jalen McMillan has two reported younger half-siblings named Lauren and Carter.
Both were identified in an October 2024 family profile published by EssentiallySports. Pro Football Network also identified Lauren and Carter as his siblings in April 2025.
However, their individual names and exact family relationships are not independently documented in the Buccaneers’ official player biography.
1. Lauren – Jalen McMillan’s Sister
Lauren is identified in secondary biographical reporting as Jalen McMillan’s younger half-sister.
She is part of the family associated with Belinda McMillan-Haener and Stefan Haener.
Unlike Jalen, who has established a public career in professional football, Lauren maintains a relatively private life.
There is limited reliable information about her age, education, athletic activities, or future professional interests.
As of now, official football sources have not published a detailed biography of Lauren.
2. Carter – Jalen McMillan’s Brother
Carter is identified in secondary family profiles as Jalen McMillan’s younger half-brother.
He is another member of the extended McMillan-Haener family.
Although Carter has occasionally been mentioned in reporting about Jalen’s family, he has remained outside public attention.
There is little independently verified information about his personal life, education, or participation in sports.
As of now, Lauren and Carter are the two siblings named in the available published family profiles.
Who Are Jalen McMillan’s Grandparents?
Jalen McMillan’s grandparents are Herle Gene McMillan and Angelika McMillan. Both played particularly important roles in his personal life.
McMillan affectionately referred to his grandfather as “Opa” and his grandmother as “Oma,” German terms commonly used for grandfather and grandmother.
His relationship with them became the subject of an ESPN feature published in August 2024.
Jalen McMillan’s Grandfather: Herle Gene McMillan
Herle Gene McMillan was Jalen McMillan’s grandfather and one of his closest family members.
According to ESPN, Jalen considered his grandfather a best friend and maintained a particularly strong emotional connection with him.
Unfortunately, Herle died in August 2022 after battling lung and esophageal cancer.
His death occurred shortly before McMillan began an important college football season with the Washington Huskies.
The loss affected Jalen deeply, but he continued honoring his grandfather through his athletic accomplishments.
Before the College Football Playoff National Championship game against Michigan in January 2024, McMillan arrived wearing a T-shirt featuring his grandfather’s photograph.
The tribute attracted attention from television commentators and sports journalists.
McMillan also remembered his grandfather before his first NFL preseason game, speaking to him through prayer after the national anthem.
According to ESPN, he asked his grandfather for strength and imagined him watching his professional football debut.
Jalen McMillan’s Grandmother: Angelika McMillan
Angelika McMillan is Jalen McMillan’s grandmother and another influential person in his life.
Following the death of her husband, Herle, Angelika spent time living with Jalen in Washington.
The arrangement allowed the two to support one another while coping with their shared loss.
Their close relationship became an important part of McMillan’s personal journey during his college football career.
Angelika also supported her grandson after he entered the NFL.
She attended his first regular-season game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Washington Commanders in September 2024.
During that game, Jalen caught a 32-yard touchdown pass, recording the first receiving touchdown of his NFL career.
The occasion represented a meaningful milestone for the family, particularly after the loss of his grandfather two years earlier.
How Jalen McMillan’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Jalen McMillan grew up in Fresno, California, where he developed an interest in several sports.
He attended San Joaquin Memorial High School, participating in football, baseball, and track and field.
According to a March 2020 interview published by Sports Illustrated, McMillan credited his family with providing encouragement throughout his athletic development.
During high school, he balanced demanding academic and athletic responsibilities while helping his family.
One of his regular responsibilities involved driving his sister to school before attending classes and participating in workouts.
He also developed exceptional speed and qualified for the Junior Olympics in track and field while attending middle school.
His performances eventually attracted recruiting attention from major college football programs.
Despite receiving offers from several prominent universities, McMillan chose the University of Washington.
His family continued supporting him as he adjusted to college life and pursued his goal of reaching the NFL.
Jalen McMillan’s College Football Career at Washington
Jalen McMillan joined the University of Washington football program in 2020.
After a limited freshman season, he gradually developed into one of the Huskies’ leading receivers.
His breakthrough came in 2022, when he recorded 79 receptions for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns.
He earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention recognition and established himself as a significant contributor to Washington’s offense.
During the 2023 season, injuries limited his appearances, but he remained an important player as the Huskies advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
He finished his college career with 164 receptions, 2,143 receiving yards, and 17 receiving touchdowns.
Throughout that journey, McMillan maintained connections with his family in California and honored the memory of his grandfather.
Jalen McMillan’s NFL Career and Family Support
On April 26, 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Jalen McMillan in the third round of the NFL Draft with the 92nd overall pick.
The selection represented a major achievement for the receiver and his family.
McMillan made an immediate contribution during his NFL debut against the Washington Commanders, catching a touchdown pass.
During his rookie season, he recorded 37 receptions for 461 yards and eight touchdowns.
His performances established him as a promising young receiver in Tampa Bay’s offense.
However, his 2025 season was interrupted by a serious neck injury suffered during a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He spent several months recovering before returning late in the season.
In May 2026, McMillan discussed how the injury changed his perspective on life and strengthened his appreciation for family relationships.
He explained that he was no longer taking personal relationships or opportunities to play football for granted.
Another setback occurred in September 2026, when a knee injury forced the Buccaneers to place him on injured reserve.
Despite these challenges, his previous achievements and continued commitment to recovery remain important parts of his professional journey.
Are Jalen McMillan and Tetairoa McMillan Related?
No, Jalen McMillan and Tetairoa McMillan are not known to be related.
Although the two NFL wide receivers share the same surname and play in the NFC South, they come from different family backgrounds.
Jalen grew up in Fresno, California, and played college football at the University of Washington.
Tetairoa McMillan was born in Hawaii, grew up in Southern California, and played college football at the University of Arizona before joining the Carolina Panthers.
According to The Sporting News, the players are not relatives and simply share a surname.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jalen McMillan’s Family
Who is Jalen McMillan’s girlfriend?
As of now, Jalen McMillan has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Jalen McMillan married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Jalen McMillan is married or has a wife.
Does Jalen McMillan have children?
As of now, Jalen McMillan has not publicly confirmed having any children.
Who is Jalen McMillan’s mother?
His mother is Belinda McMillan-Haener, a business professional who has publicly supported his football career.
Who is Jalen McMillan’s father?
Jalen McMillan’s stepfather is Stefan Haener. His biological father’s name has not been reliably established in public reporting.
Does Jalen McMillan have siblings?
Yes. Secondary biographical reports identify two younger half-siblings named Lauren and Carter.
Who is Jalen McMillan’s brother?
Carter is identified in secondary family profiles as Jalen McMillan’s younger half-brother.
Who is Jalen McMillan’s sister?
Lauren is identified in published family profiles as his younger half-sister.
Who was Jalen McMillan’s grandfather?
His grandfather was Herle Gene McMillan, who died in August 2022. Jalen honored him during the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Who is Jalen McMillan’s grandmother?
His grandmother is Angelika McMillan, whom he affectionately calls Oma. She has supported his college and professional football career.
Is Jalen McMillan related to Tetairoa McMillan?
No. Jalen McMillan and Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan are not known to be related.
Where is Jalen McMillan from?
Jalen McMillan is from Fresno, California. He attended San Joaquin Memorial High School before playing college football at Washington.
What NFL team does Jalen McMillan play for?
As of now, Jalen McMillan belongs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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.
