Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Chad Ryland is an American football placekicker who plays for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. Before joining Arizona, he played college football at Eastern Michigan University and the University of Maryland and began his professional career with the New England Patriots. Beyond his accomplishments on the field, fans are interested in learning about Chad Ryland’s family, girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Born on October 15, 1999, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Chad Michael Ryland grew up with the support of his parents, Todd and Debra Ryland. Both played important roles in his development, particularly when he transitioned from soccer and baseball to American football.
His father regularly accompanied him to kicking practice, while his mother supported his education and attended football games throughout his college career.
Although Ryland has spoken publicly about his parents, reliable information about his romantic relationships, children and possible siblings remains limited.
Chad Ryland’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Chad Ryland has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend.
Despite becoming a recognizable NFL kicker, the Arizona Cardinals player has generally kept his romantic life outside public attention.
Most of his interviews focus on football, his parents, his training routine and his experiences playing in college and the NFL.
His official Arizona Cardinals and Maryland biographies do not identify a romantic partner.
As of now, there is no reliable public information establishing whether he is dating anyone.
However, the absence of public reporting does not necessarily mean Ryland is single. It means his current relationship status has not been independently verified.
Has Chad Ryland Ever Discussed a Girlfriend?
Ryland has rarely discussed romantic relationships in his publicly available interviews.
During his college career at Eastern Michigan and Maryland, media coverage primarily concentrated on his performance as a placekicker and his dedication to improving his accuracy.
After entering the NFL in 2023, interviews focused on his transition to professional football and the challenges associated with kicking under pressure.
No current or former girlfriend has been reliably identified in established reporting reviewed for this article.
Is Chad Ryland Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Chad Ryland is married.
The Arizona Cardinals kicker has not made a verified public wedding announcement, and his official NFL biography does not identify a wife.
There is also no widely documented announcement confirming an engagement.
As of now, Ryland’s marital status remains publicly unconfirmed.
Does Chad Ryland Have Children?
Chad Ryland has no publicly confirmed children.
Neither his official college biographies nor established NFL interviews identify a son or daughter.
He has also not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father.
Although Ryland has participated in charitable events involving children, those activities do not establish that he has children of his own.
As of now, there is no reliable public information confirming that Ryland is a father.
This should not be interpreted as definitive proof that he has no children. It means fatherhood has not been established through trustworthy reporting.
Chad Ryland’s Parents: Meet Todd and Debra Ryland
Chad Ryland’s parents are Todd Ryland and Debra Ryland.
Their identities are confirmed by the University of Maryland’s official football biography and multiple interviews published by local Pennsylvania news outlets.
The couple supported Chad throughout his childhood in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where he participated in soccer, baseball and eventually American football.
Todd played an especially important role in his son’s kicking development, while Debra supported his education and athletic ambitions.
Chad Ryland’s Father: Todd Ryland
Todd Ryland is Chad Ryland’s father and one of the most influential people in his football career.
According to a November 2022 profile published by Testudo Times, Todd regularly accompanied his son to practice sessions at Cedar Crest High School.
Before becoming a football kicker, Chad was primarily interested in soccer and baseball.
His father encouraged him to consider football because the kicking position offered an opportunity to use his existing athletic abilities.
Chad eventually joined Cedar Crest’s football team and quickly developed an interest in the technical aspects of kicking.
The father-son relationship became an important part of his training routine.
How Todd Ryland Helped Chad Become a Kicker
Todd frequently traveled with Chad to local football fields so that he could practice kicking.
The sessions often involved retrieving footballs, evaluating accuracy and repeating kicks from different distances.
According to Testudo Times, the pair sometimes visited Cedar Crest High School’s field after it had officially closed.
When they were asked to leave, they occasionally returned later to continue practicing.
The unusual training routine demonstrated Chad’s determination to improve.
Even after he began playing college football, Todd continued helping him practice whenever he returned to Pennsylvania.
In interviews, Todd described his son as extremely demanding of himself.
He explained that Chad was rarely satisfied with a good performance because he consistently wanted to improve.
His father sometimes encouraged him to recognize progress rather than expecting perfection after every training session.
Todd Ryland Supported His Son’s College Football Journey
Todd remained actively involved when Chad began attracting attention from college football programs.
Although Ryland received limited major college scholarship interest after high school, he decided to join Eastern Michigan University as a walk-on in 2018.
His father supported the opportunity even though it did not initially include a full athletic scholarship.
In August 2020, Chad received news that Eastern Michigan would award him a full scholarship.
According to LebTown, Ryland immediately called his parents through FaceTime to share the announcement.
Both were delighted by the news.
Chad specifically credited his father with accompanying him to kicking practices throughout childhood.
When he later transferred to the University of Maryland, Todd continued supporting him.
He also accompanied his son during the recruiting process, including meetings with Maryland football staff.
Chad Ryland’s Mother: Debra Ryland
Debra Ryland, also known as Deb Ryland, is Chad Ryland’s mother.
Her identity is confirmed by the University of Maryland and several local Pennsylvania publications.
Debra has worked in education and was identified as an art teacher at Cedar Crest Middle School in a 2019 LebTown profile.
While Todd helped Chad develop his kicking technique, Debra encouraged his academic and athletic development.
She regularly attended football games and supported his decision to pursue college football outside Pennsylvania.
How Debra Ryland Supported Her Son’s Career
In August 2020, Ryland discussed his mother’s commitment to attending football games during an interview with LebTown.
He explained that she was willing to travel long distances to watch him compete.
His parents frequently made trips from Pennsylvania to Michigan while he was playing for Eastern Michigan University.
Debra also supported his education, which became particularly important when he pursued a degree in supply chain management.
Her professional background as an educator provided an additional connection between the family’s interests in academics and sports.
Chad Ryland’s Mother Helped Inspire His Six-Field-Goal Game
One of the most memorable recent moments involving Ryland and his mother occurred on October 18, 2026.
That day, the Arizona Cardinals traveled to California to face the Los Angeles Rams.
Before the game, Debra sent Chad an encouraging text message.
According to the Cardinals’ official website, she reminded him to trust his preparation and maintain confidence in his kicking process.
The message came one week after Ryland missed a 53-yard field-goal attempt against the Detroit Lions.
Against the Rams, Ryland delivered one of the best performances of his NFL career.
He converted all six field-goal attempts, accounting for every Arizona point in an 18-16 victory.
His final kick was a 43-yard game-winner as time expired.
On October 21, 2026, the NFL named him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Ryland’s performance highlighted the significance of maintaining confidence during challenging moments.
His mother’s encouragement became an important part of the story surrounding the victory.
Chad Ryland’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Chad Ryland’s siblings have not been reliably identified in official football biographies.
The University of Maryland’s player profile confirms his parents, Todd and Debra, but does not provide a list of siblings.
Similarly, established interviews about his childhood and college football journey generally focus on his parents rather than brothers or sisters.
Does Chad Ryland Have a Brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation identifying a brother of Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland.
Although several people share the Ryland surname, that alone does not establish a family relationship.
Without authoritative reporting, it would be inaccurate to identify any particular person as his brother.
Does Chad Ryland Have a Sister?
No sister has been independently identified through the official university biographies and established interviews reviewed for this article.
However, the absence of a sibling list does not prove that Ryland is an only child.
As of now, his sibling relationships remain publicly unconfirmed.
How Many Siblings Does Chad Ryland Have?
The exact number of Chad Ryland’s siblings has not been reliably established.
His publicly documented immediate family includes his parents, Todd and Debra Ryland.
Any claim assigning him a specific number of brothers or sisters would require additional verified information.
Chad Ryland’s Childhood and Early Life in Pennsylvania
Chad Michael Ryland was born on October 15, 1999, and grew up in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
He attended Cedar Crest High School, where he developed into a talented multi-sport athlete.
Before concentrating on football, Ryland primarily played soccer and baseball.
He was a four-year varsity starter in both sports, according to his official University of Maryland biography.
His soccer experience helped him develop the kicking mechanics and leg strength needed to transition into American football.
With encouragement from his father, he began taking football more seriously during high school.
He eventually earned all-county and all-league honors as a kicker.
Despite his accomplishments, he did not initially attract extensive scholarship interest from major college football programs.
His path to professional football therefore required patience and additional opportunities to prove himself.
Chad Ryland’s College Football Career
Eastern Michigan University
Chad Ryland joined Eastern Michigan University in 2018 as a walk-on placekicker.
Although he initially lacked a full scholarship, he quickly earned playing time.
During his freshman season, Ryland kicked the game-winning field goal in a 20-19 victory over Purdue.
The result was one of Eastern Michigan’s most memorable wins against a Power Five opponent.
He continued improving throughout his college career.
In 2020, he converted 11 of his 13 field-goal attempts.
His performance during the shortened season followed the award of his full athletic scholarship.
In 2021, Ryland made 19 of 22 field-goal attempts and finished with a school-record 104 points.
He also developed a streak of 17 consecutive made field goals.
By the time he left Eastern Michigan, he had established school records for career points and extra points.
University of Maryland
After four seasons at Eastern Michigan, Ryland transferred to the University of Maryland for the 2022 season.
The move allowed him to compete in the Big Ten Conference and demonstrate his kicking abilities against stronger opposition.
At Maryland, Ryland made 19 of 23 field-goal attempts, including a 52-yard kick against Michigan.
He earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition and received an invitation to the 2023 Senior Bowl.
His performances attracted attention from NFL scouts.
He entered the 2023 NFL Draft after completing his final college season.
Chad Ryland’s NFL Career
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 112th overall pick.
His selection made him one of the highest-drafted kickers in recent years.
Ryland appeared in all 17 regular-season games during his rookie year.
He converted 16 of 25 field-goal attempts and 24 of 25 extra-point attempts.
Although he demonstrated strong leg power, consistency proved challenging during his first professional season.
New England eventually released him in August 2024 after a competition for the team’s kicking position.
Chad Ryland Joins the Arizona Cardinals
Ryland joined the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad on October 2, 2024.
He received an opportunity to play shortly afterward because veteran kicker Matt Prater was dealing with an injury.
Ryland quickly made an impression.
During his first four games with Arizona, he converted three game-winning field goals.
His performances earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Month recognition for October 2024.
He finished the season having converted 28 of 32 field-goal attempts, a significant improvement over his rookie year.
His success helped him secure a longer-term role with the Cardinals.
Chad Ryland’s 2025 and 2026 Seasons
Ryland remained Arizona’s primary kicker during the 2025 season.
He played in all 17 regular-season games and scored 111 points.
He converted 25 of 33 field-goal attempts and made all 36 of his extra-point attempts.
In March 2026, the Cardinals brought him back on a one-year contract.
His most notable performance of the season came on October 18 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Ryland made six field goals, including the game-winning 43-yard attempt, as Arizona won 18-16.
He subsequently received NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
As of now, Ryland continues playing for the Arizona Cardinals, wearing jersey number 38.
Chad Ryland’s Family and Community Involvement
Ryland has remained connected to his hometown of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, throughout his football career.
During a 2019 visit to Pennsylvania, he returned to Cedar Crest Middle School, where his mother worked as an art teacher.
According to LebTown, he spent time speaking with students about his experiences as a college football player.
The visit offered younger students an opportunity to meet someone who had attended local schools before competing at the Division I level.
During his time with the New England Patriots, Ryland also participated in charitable events and school visits organized by the team.
These activities included supporting educational initiatives and interacting with young students.
His involvement reflects the connection between his family’s educational background and his own interest in supporting community programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chad Ryland’s Family
Who is Chad Ryland’s girlfriend?
As of now, Chad Ryland has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains unverified.
Is Chad Ryland married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Chad Ryland is married or has a wife.
Does Chad Ryland have children?
Chad Ryland has no publicly confirmed children. No reliable source reviewed for this article establishes that he has a son or daughter.
Who is Chad Ryland’s father?
His father is Todd Ryland, who regularly helped Chad practice kicking and supported his football development from high school through college.
Who is Chad Ryland’s mother?
His mother is Debra Ryland, also known as Deb Ryland. She worked as an art teacher at Cedar Crest Middle School in Pennsylvania.
What did Chad Ryland’s mother tell him before the Rams game?
Before Arizona’s October 18, 2026, game against Los Angeles, Debra encouraged her son to trust his preparation. Ryland subsequently made six field goals in the Cardinals’ victory.
How many siblings does Chad Ryland have?
The number of Chad Ryland’s siblings has not been publicly confirmed through reliable official biographies or established interviews.
Does Chad Ryland have a brother?
No brother has been independently identified in authoritative reporting about the Arizona Cardinals kicker.
Does Chad Ryland have a sister?
No sister has been independently identified through established public sources.
Where is Chad Ryland from?
Chad Ryland is from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where he attended Cedar Crest High School.
When was Chad Ryland born?
Chad Ryland was born on October 15, 1999.
What is Chad Ryland’s full name?
His full name is Chad Michael Ryland, according to the University of Maryland’s official football biography.
What colleges did Chad Ryland attend?
He attended Eastern Michigan University from 2018 through 2021 and the University of Maryland in 2022.
What NFL team does Chad Ryland play for?
As of now, Chad Ryland plays placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals, wearing jersey number 38.
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.
