Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Paris Johnson Jr. is an American football offensive tackle who plays for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. Before beginning his professional career, he played college football at Ohio State University, where he became one of the nation’s leading offensive linemen. Beyond football, fans are interested in learning about Paris Johnson Jr.’s family, wife, children, parents and siblings.
Born on July 3, 2001, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Johnson grew up in a family with strong connections to football and education. His parents are former football player Paris Johnson Sr. and Monica Johnson, who has also been publicly identified as Monica Daniels.
He has a younger sister named Sydney Johnson, who attends Ohio State University.
In his romantic life, Johnson is in a publicly documented relationship with Rylee Michele Martell, the sister of former college quarterback Tate Martell. The couple became engaged in November 2025, and updated Sports Illustrated reporting states that they married in 2026.
As of now, Johnson continues his NFL career with Arizona while remaining involved in charitable activities alongside his mother.
Paris Johnson Jr.’s Wife: Who Is Rylee Martell?
Paris Johnson Jr.’s wife is reportedly Rylee Michele Martell, a social media influencer who has built a following through fashion, lifestyle and travel content.
Sports Illustrated’s updated profile of Arizona Cardinals players’ partners reports that Johnson and Martell married in 2026.
Previously, the Ohio High School Athletic Association identified Rylee as Johnson’s fiancée in April 2026.
Rylee has shared photographs of the couple on social media, including appearances at football-related events and vacations.
She is also known as the sister of Tate Martell, who previously played college football at Ohio State, Miami and UNLV.
How Did Paris Johnson Jr. and Rylee Martell Meet?
The exact circumstances surrounding Paris Johnson Jr. and Rylee Martell’s first meeting have not been reliably documented through firsthand interviews.
However, their relationship became public in December 2024.
On Christmas Eve, Rylee shared an Instagram Story showing herself alongside Johnson.
The photograph attracted attention from college football fans because of Rylee’s connection to former Ohio State quarterback Tate Martell.
On December 27, 2024, The Spun published a report discussing their apparent romantic relationship.
Pro Football Network subsequently published an article in January 2025 identifying the pair as a couple.
Although both Johnson and Tate Martell attended Ohio State, they were not teammates during their college careers.
There is no verified evidence establishing that Tate introduced Johnson to his sister.
When Did Paris Johnson Jr. and Rylee Martell Get Engaged?
Paris Johnson Jr. and Rylee Martell became engaged in November 2025, according to an updated Sports Illustrated lifestyle profile.
The engagement was subsequently confirmed in the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s April 13, 2026, profile honoring Johnson as a member of its Circle of Champions.
The OHSAA article explicitly identified Rylee as his fiancée.
At the time, Johnson was preparing for his fourth NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals.
When Did Paris Johnson Jr. Marry Rylee Martell?
Sports Illustrated reports that Paris Johnson Jr. and Rylee Martell married in 2026.
The publication’s updated Arizona Cardinals partners profile links to a wedding-related social media announcement.
However, the exact date and location of their wedding have not been independently established through additional authoritative reporting.
Consequently, it is more accurate to report the marriage as documented by Sports Illustrated without assigning a specific wedding date.
As of now, Rylee is Johnson’s most recently reported spouse.
Who Is Rylee Martell’s Brother?
Rylee Martell’s brother is Tate Martell, a former American football quarterback.
Tate was a highly regarded high school football prospect who played at Bishop Gorman High School in Nevada.
He subsequently attended Ohio State University before transferring to the University of Miami and later UNLV.
His college football background created an additional connection between Rylee and Johnson, who became an All-American offensive lineman at Ohio State.
Paris Johnson Jr.’s Former Girlfriend: Who Is Ana Burk?
Before his relationship with Rylee Martell, Paris Johnson Jr. dated Ana Burk, a former Ohio State University student.
Their relationship was documented by Us Weekly in April 2023.
According to the publication, Johnson and Burk met while attending Ohio State University and began dating in January 2021.
The couple celebrated their first anniversary in January 2022.
They also traveled to Brazil together in March 2022.
Burk attended important moments during Johnson’s college career, including his graduation from Ohio State in December 2022.
In January 2023, the couple celebrated their second anniversary.
Burk also accompanied Johnson during activities surrounding the 2023 NFL Draft.
However, the relationship is no longer his most recently documented partnership.
By late 2024, Johnson was publicly associated with Rylee Martell.
The exact date and circumstances of Johnson and Burk’s separation have not been reliably established.
Does Paris Johnson Jr. Have Children?
Paris Johnson Jr. has no publicly confirmed children.
Although his romantic relationships have received media coverage, established reporting has not identified a son or daughter belonging to the Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle.
His official NFL biography, Ohio State University biography and recent relationship profiles do not establish that he is a father.
Similarly, there is no verified public announcement identifying children with Rylee Martell.
As of now, the names, ages and number of any children he may have remain unconfirmed.
This does not necessarily prove that Johnson has no children. It means that parenthood has not been established through reliable public sources.
Paris Johnson Jr.’s Parents: Meet Paris Johnson Sr. and Monica Johnson
Paris Johnson Jr.’s parents are Paris Johnson Sr. and Monica Johnson.
His mother has also been identified as Monica Daniels in interviews, charitable foundation announcements and Arizona Cardinals reporting.
Both parents have public connections to college football, although their roles in Johnson’s life have differed.
His father played college football and was selected in the NFL Draft, while his mother became the central figure in his upbringing and charitable activities.
Paris Johnson Jr.’s Father: Paris Johnson Sr.
Paris Johnson Sr. is Paris Johnson Jr.’s father and a former college football defensive back.
He grew up in Illinois and played college football at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
The Arizona Cardinals selected Johnson Sr. in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft with the 155th overall pick.
He was drafted as a safety but did not appear in a regular-season NFL game.
His football career nevertheless became an important part of his son’s early sporting ambitions.
As a child, Johnson Jr. wanted to follow his father’s path into professional football.
How Paris Johnson Sr. Influenced His Son’s NFL Dreams
Johnson Jr. has discussed how his father’s football experience shaped his earliest professional ambitions.
In a December 2022 essay published by The Players’ Tribune, Johnson explained that he initially wanted to attend Miami University because his father had played there.
He also recalled developing a dream of reaching the NFL when he was approximately five years old.
However, his football journey eventually took him to Ohio State University instead.
Following the 2023 NFL Draft, Johnson explained that he wanted to achieve more with the Cardinals than his father had been able to accomplish.
The connection between their careers became especially meaningful when Arizona selected Johnson Jr. almost 24 years after drafting his father.
What Is Paris Johnson Jr.’s Relationship With His Father?
Paris Johnson Jr. has spoken openly about changes in his relationship with his father.
During his introductory press conference with the Arizona Cardinals on April 28, 2023, he explained that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Paris Johnson Sr. at that time.
He nevertheless acknowledged that his father’s football career had influenced his childhood ambitions.
His comments were reported by the Cardinals’ official website and several Ohio State publications.
However, Johnson has not widely provided subsequent public updates about their relationship.
Therefore, his April 2023 comments should not be treated as definitive evidence of their current relationship status.
Paris Johnson Jr.’s Mother: Monica Johnson
Monica Johnson is Paris Johnson Jr.’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She has previously appeared in media coverage and charitable foundation documents under the name Monica Daniels.
Monica grew up in Detroit, Michigan, before attending Princeton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.
According to her official Ohio State University staff biography, she graduated from Miami University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications.
She later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership in 2004.
Throughout her professional career, Monica has worked in education, student recruitment and academic guidance.
Her responsibilities have included serving as an admissions counselor at Miami University and a college counselor at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy.
Where Does Monica Johnson Work?
As of now, Monica Johnson works at Ohio State University.
She joined the Buckeyes’ football staff in April 2026 as Player and Family Relations/Community Engagement Coordinator.
According to the university’s official announcement, her role involves helping players and families navigate important transitions and supporting community engagement.
Monica also serves as executive director of the Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation.
Her charitable responsibilities include providing organizational leadership and helping coordinate programs for veterans and disadvantaged young athletes.
How Monica Johnson Raised Paris and Sydney
Monica raised Paris and his younger sister, Sydney, in the Cincinnati area.
In interviews, Johnson has explained that his mother worked hard to support the family while encouraging both children to pursue their interests.
Education and community service were especially important in their household.
Johnson was encouraged to take his studies seriously while preparing for football opportunities.
He also participated in charitable activities from a young age.
According to the Cardinals, community service was an expected part of childhood for both Paris and Sydney.
Those experiences later influenced the creation of the Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation.
Why Paris Johnson Jr. Credits His Mother for His Success
Johnson has frequently expressed appreciation for his mother’s sacrifices.
During the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, he discussed how Monica supported his ambitions from childhood.
He credited her with helping him develop the discipline and confidence needed to pursue professional football.
After Arizona selected him in the 2023 NFL Draft, he spoke emotionally about the opportunity to provide financial security for his mother.
For Johnson, professional football represented more than an individual achievement.
It also created an opportunity to recognize the years of support Monica provided while raising him and his sister.
Monica Johnson’s Emotional Moment at the NFL Draft
One of the family’s most memorable moments occurred during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals traded up to select Paris Johnson Jr. with the sixth overall pick.
Monica was present when the team contacted her son.
The moment had additional significance because she had also been present when the Cardinals drafted his father in 1999.
In a Cardinals Flight Plan documentary, Monica became emotional while reflecting on returning to the team’s facilities approximately 24 years later.
She described her pride in witnessing her son’s accomplishments and the opportunity to support him through a new stage of his football career.
Paris Johnson Jr.’s Siblings: Meet Sydney Johnson
Paris Johnson Jr. has a younger sister named Sydney Johnson.
Her identity is confirmed by Ohio State University’s official staff biography for their mother, Monica Johnson.
The university identifies Paris and Sydney as Monica’s two children.
Sydney has also appeared in interviews and family-related media coverage connected to her brother’s football career.
Sydney Johnson: Paris Johnson Jr.’s Younger Sister
Sydney Johnson is Paris Johnson Jr.’s younger sister and a student at Ohio State University.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association’s April 2026 profile reported that Sydney was interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.
Like her brother, she grew up in Cincinnati, where their mother emphasized education and community involvement.
Sydney has supported Paris throughout his football journey, including his college career with the Buckeyes.
However, reliable public sources do not provide extensive details about her personal relationships or private activities.
How Sydney Johnson Supports Her Brother
Sydney has participated in public discussions about growing up with a brother who became a prominent college football player and NFL athlete.
In January 2025, she appeared on The Mom’s POV Show, a podcast associated with Monica Johnson and the mother of NFL quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The episode also featured Stroud’s older sister, Ciara.
The guests discussed their experiences supporting siblings who pursued professional football careers.
Topics included maintaining family relationships, handling public attention and pursuing their own personal ambitions.
The conversation offered insight into the role Sydney has played within her brother’s support system.
Does Paris Johnson Jr. Have a Brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation identifying a biological brother of Paris Johnson Jr.
Ohio State University’s official biography of Monica Johnson names Paris and Sydney as her two children.
That record confirms Sydney as his sister but does not establish whether Johnson has additional paternal or step-siblings.
As of now, Sydney is his only sibling whose relationship has been independently confirmed through official reporting.
Is Paris Johnson Jr. Related to Barry Larkin?
Paris Johnson Jr. has identified former Major League Baseball player Barry Larkin as his cousin.
The relationship was reported by The Arizona Republic in April 2023 following Johnson’s selection in the NFL Draft.
Larkin is a former Cincinnati Reds shortstop and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
He played his entire 19-year MLB career with Cincinnati and earned 12 All-Star selections.
The family connection adds another notable professional athlete to Johnson’s extended family.
Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation: A Family Charitable Organization
One of the strongest examples of the relationship between Paris Johnson Jr. and his mother is their charitable work.
The Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation was established in 2018, while Johnson was still in high school.
The organization supports disabled military veterans, disadvantaged young athletes and communities experiencing financial hardship.
Monica Johnson serves as its executive director and helps coordinate its activities.
In November 2022, the foundation received the Armed Forces Merit Award, presented by the Football Writers Association of America.
Ohio State University highlighted the recognition, noting that Johnson and his mother were actively involved in providing resources to veterans and student-athletes.
After joining the NFL, Johnson continued expanding the foundation’s community initiatives.
The organization has supported programs focused on youth athletics, housing and assistance for veterans.
His charitable efforts demonstrate how the values encouraged by his mother continued influencing his life after college.
Paris Johnson Jr.’s Childhood and Football Career
Paris Johnson Jr. was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He attended St. Xavier High School for three seasons before transferring to Princeton High School for his senior year.
During high school, he developed into one of the country’s highest-rated offensive tackle prospects.
He received the Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year Award and participated in the 2020 All-American Bowl.
Johnson also excelled academically and participated in several community service initiatives.
He eventually enrolled at Ohio State University in January 2020.
Paris Johnson Jr.’s College Career at Ohio State
Johnson played college football at Ohio State from 2020 through 2022.
He appeared in five games as a freshman before becoming a full-time starter at right guard in 2021.
In 2022, he moved to left tackle and developed into one of the country’s leading offensive linemen.
He earned consensus All-American recognition and first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Johnson also completed his bachelor’s degree in journalism in less than three years.
While attending Ohio State, he contributed articles to the university’s student newspaper, The Lantern.
His academic and charitable achievements attracted attention alongside his football performances.
Paris Johnson Jr.’s NFL Career With the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals selected Paris Johnson Jr. in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the sixth overall pick.
He became one of the highest-drafted offensive linemen in Ohio State history.
Interestingly, his father had also been selected by Arizona, in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft.
Johnson started all 17 regular-season games during his rookie season in 2023, playing primarily at right tackle.
He moved to left tackle in 2024 and continued establishing himself as an important member of Arizona’s offensive line.
In 2025, he started 12 games before a knee injury ended his season.
In April 2026, Arizona exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season.
As of now, Johnson remains an offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals, wearing jersey number 70.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paris Johnson Jr.’s Family
Who is Paris Johnson Jr.’s wife?
Paris Johnson Jr.’s reported wife is Rylee Michele Martell, the sister of former college quarterback Tate Martell. Sports Illustrated reports that they married in 2026.
Is Paris Johnson Jr. married?
According to an updated Sports Illustrated report, Paris Johnson Jr. married Rylee Martell in 2026. The exact wedding date has not been independently verified.
When did Paris Johnson Jr. get engaged?
Paris Johnson Jr. and Rylee Martell became engaged in November 2025, according to Sports Illustrated.
Who was Paris Johnson Jr.’s former girlfriend?
His previously documented girlfriend was Ana Burk, whom he dated during his college football career at Ohio State. Their relationship began in January 2021.
Does Paris Johnson Jr. have children?
Paris Johnson Jr. has no publicly confirmed children. No reliable source reviewed establishes that he has a son or daughter.
Who is Paris Johnson Jr.’s father?
His father is Paris Johnson Sr., a former Miami University defensive back who was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft.
Who is Paris Johnson Jr.’s mother?
His mother is Monica Johnson, also known in earlier reporting as Monica Daniels. She works for Ohio State’s football program and serves as executive director of the Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation.
How many siblings does Paris Johnson Jr. have?
Paris Johnson Jr. has one publicly confirmed sibling, his younger sister Sydney Johnson.
Who is Sydney Johnson?
Sydney Johnson is Paris Johnson Jr.’s younger sister and an Ohio State University student who has expressed interest in a career in medicine.
Is Paris Johnson Jr. related to Tate Martell?
Yes, through his reported marriage to Rylee Martell, whose brother is former college quarterback Tate Martell.
Is Paris Johnson Jr. related to Barry Larkin?
Yes. Johnson has identified former Cincinnati Reds star and Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin as his cousin.
Where is Paris Johnson Jr. from?
Paris Johnson Jr. is from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended St. Xavier High School and Princeton High School.
When was Paris Johnson Jr. born?
He was born on July 3, 2001, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
What NFL team does Paris Johnson Jr. play for?
As of now, Paris Johnson Jr. plays offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him sixth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
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.
