Last Updated on October 24, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Kalen King’s family has played an important role in his journey from Detroit, Michigan, to the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals cornerback grew up in a football-oriented household where his parents, TaDarrell King and Felicia King, encouraged him and his twin brother, Kobe King, to pursue their athletic ambitions.
Born on January 28, 2003, Kalen Daron King developed his football skills alongside Kobe, who also became an NFL player. The brothers attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit before joining Penn State University, where they played together for three seasons.
While Kalen has spoken openly about his parents and brother, information about his romantic relationships and possible children remains limited.
Here is everything publicly known about Kalen King’s wife or girlfriend, children, parents, siblings and family background.
Kalen King’s Wife or Girlfriend: Is He Married?
Kalen King has not publicly confirmed a wife or girlfriend through reliable interviews, official NFL biographies or established sports publications.
As of now, his marital status and current romantic relationship status have not been independently verified.
Despite attracting national attention during his college football career at Penn State and subsequently entering the NFL, King has kept his dating life relatively private.
His public interviews have primarily concentrated on football, family relationships, his professional ambitions and his competitive upbringing in Michigan.
In a May 2024 interview with The Yemeni American, King discussed the support he received from his parents and twin brother during his journey to professional football. However, he did not identify a romantic partner.
There is also no reliable public announcement confirming a marriage, engagement or wedding.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to identify any particular person as Kalen King’s wife or girlfriend without trustworthy confirmation.
Kalen King’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Kalen King has children.
His official Arizona Cardinals and Penn State University player biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.
Likewise, reliable sports interviews reviewed for this article have not established that he is a father.
However, the absence of publicly available information does not necessarily mean King has no children. It simply means that his parental status has not been reliably confirmed.
For now, information about possible children remains private.
Kalen King’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Kalen King’s parents are TaDarrell King and Felicia King, whose identities are confirmed by Penn State University’s official athletics records.
Both parents played important roles in raising Kalen and his twin brother, Kobe, in the Detroit and Hamtramck areas of Michigan.
The family’s influence was extensively documented in a November 2023 Sports Illustrated feature and a May 2024 interview with The Yemeni American.
Kalen King’s Father: TaDarrell King
TaDarrell King is Kalen King’s father and one of the most influential people in his football development.
He introduced Kalen and Kobe to organized sports during their childhood and took an active role in their physical training.
According to an October 2023 interview published by On3, TaDarrell frequently took his sons to football fields for competitive drills.
During these sessions, he threw footballs high into the air and challenged the brothers to compete for possession.
The exercises helped Kalen develop the physical toughness and determination required to play cornerback.
Although Kobe was physically bigger and stronger, Kalen regularly competed against him without backing down.
These childhood competitions became an important part of both brothers’ development.
How TaDarrell King Trained His Twin Sons
TaDarrell King’s involvement in his sons’ athletic development extended beyond casual backyard football.
In a 2023 interview with Pro Football Focus, Kalen recalled waking up with his father and brother at approximately 6 a.m. to participate in running exercises.
The training sessions involved running long distances, practicing football skills and competing in drills.
TaDarrell believed that developing strong physical habits at an early age would help his sons achieve their ambitions.
During a November 2023 Sports Illustrated interview, he recalled asking Kalen and Kobe whether they wanted to become good football players or great ones.
When both expressed their desire to reach the highest level, he explained that achieving those goals would require sacrifices and consistent preparation.
His sons accepted the challenge and continued working toward their football ambitions.
Their father remained involved during their high school and college recruiting experiences, helping them evaluate scholarship opportunities.
He also participated in conversations with Penn State’s coaching staff as the brothers prepared for their college careers.
Kalen King’s Mother: Felicia King
Felicia King is Kalen King’s mother and an important source of encouragement throughout his life.
She raised Kalen and Kobe in Michigan and supported both sons as they progressed through youth football, high school and college athletics.
Felicia became publicly known through interviews discussing the twins’ relationship and their decision to attend Penn State University together.
In November 2023, Sports Illustrated published a feature in which she discussed raising two competitive athletes.
She explained that the brothers had generally been responsible children, although their competitive personalities occasionally resulted in arguments and disagreements.
Despite those moments, she valued the close relationship between her sons.
Felicia also recalled their responsibilities around the family home, including household chores they completed over several years.
Her comments provided an insight into the discipline and family values that shaped their childhood.
Felicia King’s Support During Her Sons’ College Recruitment
One of Felicia King’s most significant contributions involved helping her sons navigate the college football recruiting process.
Both Kalen and Kobe received scholarship offers from major Division I football programs while attending Cass Technical High School.
Although they initially considered several universities, their parents wanted them to make decisions that would support their long-term development.
Felicia strongly hoped that the twins would attend the same university because they had spent their entire childhood together.
According to Sports Illustrated, the possibility of the brothers separating during college recruitment was particularly difficult for her.
Eventually, both players committed to Penn State University, allowing them to continue their football journey together.
The decision represented an important milestone for the family.
How Kalen King Thanked His Parents After the NFL Draft
On April 27, 2024, Kalen King achieved his dream of becoming an NFL player when the Green Bay Packers selected him in the seventh round of the draft.
The moment came after several days of uncertainty, as King had originally been projected by some analysts as a significantly earlier selection.
In an interview with The Yemeni American published on May 19, 2024, King discussed his emotions after finally receiving the call from Green Bay.
When asked which people deserved the most recognition for supporting his journey, he identified his mother, father and twin brother.
He emphasized that the four family members had worked together throughout his development.
Felicia also participated in the interview and expressed pride in her son’s determination.
She explained that watching Kalen’s hard work lead to professional success was among the most meaningful parts of his journey.
She also hoped that he would continue demonstrating good character, working hard and developing positive relationships.
TaDarrell expressed similar ambitions, explaining that he wanted his son to continue improving and become an outstanding NFL player.
Kalen King’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Kalen King has a twin brother named Kobe King, who also pursued a professional football career.
The relationship is confirmed by Penn State University, the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings and the Arizona Cardinals.
In a November 2023 Sports Illustrated interview, Felicia King described Kalen and Kobe as her only sons.
No additional siblings have been identified through the official family biographies and reliable interviews reviewed.
Kobe King: Kalen King’s Twin Brother
Kobe King, whose full name is Kobe Laron King, is Kalen King’s twin brother and a professional American football linebacker.
Both brothers were born on January 28, 2003, in Michigan.
They grew up in the Detroit and Hamtramck area and attended the same schools throughout much of their childhood.
According to Penn State University’s official biography, Kobe was a four-year varsity football player at Cass Technical High School.
He became one of the school’s leading defensive players and was named the Detroit Public School League Linebacker of the Year in 2019.
During his junior high school season, Kobe recorded 47 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss.
He also participated in wrestling and track and field.
His athletic achievements attracted interest from major college football programs across the United States.
Ultimately, Kobe chose Penn State alongside his twin brother.
Kalen and Kobe King’s Childhood Relationship
The relationship between Kalen and Kobe King has been one of the most important influences on their football careers.
The twins spent much of their childhood competing against each other in sports and other activities.
According to Sports Illustrated, their father encouraged competition between the brothers during training sessions.
Because Kobe was naturally bigger and stronger, Kalen often needed to find creative ways to compete successfully.
Those experiences helped Kalen develop confidence and physical toughness.
In October 2023, King explained during an On3 interview that he credited much of his competitive personality to years of facing his brother.
He acknowledged that losing those childhood competitions was sometimes frustrating, but they ultimately helped him become a better player.
Despite their close relationship, the twins developed different interests and personalities outside football.
During a November 2023 interview, their father described them as having contrasting preferences despite sharing similar athletic ambitions.
Why Kalen and Kobe King Chose Penn State Together
During high school, Kalen and Kobe King received scholarship offers from numerous major college football programs.
Schools interested in recruiting them included Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin and several other universities.
Although the brothers initially considered different schools, they preferred the possibility of continuing to play football together.
They participated in recruiting visits as a family and evaluated their opportunities alongside their parents.
According to a November 2023 Penn State Athletics feature, the twins nearly chose separate universities before another visit to Penn State changed their plans.
They were impressed by the coaching staff, team environment and opportunities for personal development.
The brothers subsequently committed to Penn State together in April 2020.
The decision allowed them to remain teammates after graduating from Cass Technical High School.
During their college careers, the twins also shared living arrangements and spent considerable time training and studying football together.
Kobe King’s College Football Career
Kobe King joined Penn State University’s football program in 2021.
After redshirting during his freshman season, he gradually developed into an important contributor to the Nittany Lions’ defense.
He became a starting linebacker in 2023 and continued improving during the 2024 season.
In his final college season, Kobe recorded 97 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
His performances earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition.
Across his Penn State career, he appeared in 46 games and recorded 200 tackles and 18.5 tackles for loss.
His achievements attracted the attention of NFL scouts.
The Minnesota Vikings selected Kobe King in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 201st overall pick.
He subsequently appeared in NFL games for Minnesota and the New York Jets during the 2025 season.
In August 2026, the Jets waived Kobe from injured reserve. His subsequent long-term team status has not been established through the sources reviewed.
His selection in the NFL Draft fulfilled the brothers’ shared ambition of reaching professional football.
Kalen King’s Childhood and Family Background
Kalen Daron King was born on January 28, 2003, in the Detroit metropolitan area of Michigan.
He grew up in Hamtramck, a community surrounded by Detroit, where his family encouraged education, discipline and athletics.
According to The Yemeni American, Kalen attended Hanley International Academy during his elementary and middle school years.
He subsequently enrolled at Cass Technical High School in Detroit.
His childhood involved frequent athletic training alongside his father and twin brother.
Kalen participated in several sports, including basketball, track and football.
However, American football eventually became his primary focus.
He developed into a talented cornerback known for his competitive personality and ability to challenge opposing receivers.
Kalen King’s High School Football Career
Kalen King attended Cass Technical High School, where he played for coach Thomas Wilcher.
He became an accomplished two-way football player, contributing as a defensive back and wide receiver.
During his junior season, King recorded 25 tackles, one interception and four pass breakups.
He also scored 13 offensive touchdowns.
As a senior in 2020, he recorded 13 tackles, three interceptions and five pass breakups during a shortened football season.
He also scored eight touchdowns while contributing offensively.
His performances earned All-State, All-Region and All-City recognition.
King was also a two-time team captain, demonstrating leadership qualities before entering college football.
According to The Yemeni American, Kalen and Kobe completed high school in approximately three and a half years.
Kalen graduated with a 3.4 grade-point average before continuing his education at Penn State University.
Kalen King’s College Football Career at Penn State
Kalen King joined Penn State University’s football program in 2021.
He quickly established himself as a promising defensive player, appearing in all 13 games during his freshman season.
He recorded 23 tackles, five pass breakups and one forced fumble.
His breakout season came in 2022, when he became a regular starting cornerback.
King recorded 30 tackles, three interceptions, 18 pass breakups and one forced fumble.
His 21 passes defended led the Big Ten Conference and ranked third nationally.
He subsequently earned second-team All-American recognition and became one of the country’s most highly regarded defensive backs.
During the 2023 season, King started 12 games and recorded 29 tackles with two passes defended.
Although his statistical production declined from the previous season, he continued receiving recognition for his defensive abilities.
He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Across three college seasons, King appeared in 38 games, making 23 starts.
He finished with 82 tackles, three interceptions and 28 passes defended.
Kalen King’s NFL Career: From Green Bay to Arizona
The Green Bay Packers selected Kalen King in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 255th overall pick.
Although he had previously attracted attention as a potential early-round prospect, he remained available until the final round.
In his May 2024 interview with The Yemeni American, King acknowledged that waiting through the draft had been emotionally difficult.
However, he viewed the experience as motivation to prove himself at the professional level.
King spent the 2024 season on Green Bay’s practice squad and remained with the organization during the following offseason.
After leaving the Packers in August 2025, he joined the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.
He made his NFL regular-season debut on November 30, 2025, against the Los Angeles Rams, contributing on special teams.
On December 23, 2025, the Arizona Cardinals signed King to their active roster from Carolina’s practice squad.
He remained with Arizona into the 2026 season.
After beginning the season on the practice squad, King was promoted to the Cardinals’ active roster on September 16, 2026.
As of now, Kalen King plays cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, wearing jersey number 35.
His professional journey continues a family football tradition shared with his twin brother Kobe and encouraged by their parents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalen King’s Family
Who is Kalen King’s wife?
As of now, there is no verified public confirmation that Kalen King is married. His marital status remains private.
Does Kalen King have a girlfriend?
Kalen King has not publicly identified a current girlfriend through reliable interviews or official sources.
Does Kalen King have children?
There is no verified public information confirming that Kalen King has a son or daughter.
Who is Kalen King’s father?
His father is TaDarrell King, who helped train Kalen and his twin brother Kobe throughout their childhood in Michigan.
Who is Kalen King’s mother?
His mother is Felicia King, who supported both sons throughout their childhood, college football recruitment and professional development.
Who is Kalen King’s brother?
Kalen King’s twin brother is Kobe King, a linebacker who played college football at Penn State and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Are Kalen King and Kobe King twins?
Yes. Kalen and Kobe King are twin brothers born on January 28, 2003. Both attended Cass Technical High School and Penn State University.
Does Kalen King have any sisters?
No sisters have been identified in the reliable family records and interviews reviewed. His mother described Kalen and Kobe as her only sons.
What is Kalen King’s full name?
His full name is Kalen Daron King, according to Penn State University’s official football biography.
Where is Kalen King from?
Kalen King is from the Detroit metropolitan area of Michigan and grew up in Hamtramck before attending Cass Technical High School.
What college did Kalen King attend?
He attended Penn State University, where he played football from 2021 through 2023 alongside his twin brother Kobe.
What NFL team does Kalen King play for?
As of now, Kalen King plays for the Arizona Cardinals, having joined the organization in December 2025.
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.
