Last Updated on October 26, 2026 by Mariah Miranda

Caleb Downs is an American professional football player who plays as a safety for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his outstanding defensive skills, football intelligence and athleticism, Downs comes from a family with an impressive sporting background.
Born on December 10, 2004, in Georgia, Caleb is the youngest child of Gary and Tanya Downs. His older brother, Josh Downs, is an NFL wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, while his older sister, Kameron Downs, previously played college soccer and is pursuing a medical career.
Although Caleb Downs’ parents and siblings have been important figures in his life, the young NFL star has kept his romantic relationships relatively private. Here is everything publicly known about Caleb Downs’ family, including his girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Caleb Downs’ Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Caleb Downs has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend or announced a romantic relationship through reliable, widely documented sources.
Despite increasing attention from football fans following his success at Alabama, Ohio State and the Dallas Cowboys, Downs has generally kept his dating life away from the public spotlight.
There is also no verified public information indicating that Caleb Downs is married or engaged.
While fans may be curious about his relationship status, it would be inaccurate to identify someone as his girlfriend without credible confirmation.
Does Caleb Downs Have Children?
As of now, there are no verified public reports confirming that Caleb Downs has any children.
The Dallas Cowboys defensive back has not publicly announced having a son or daughter, and his available biographical profiles do not identify him as a father.
Therefore, there is currently no reliable information establishing that Caleb Downs has children.
Caleb Downs’ Parents: Meet Gary Downs and Tanya Downs
Caleb Downs was born to Gary Downs and Tanya Downs, two parents whose athletic backgrounds and commitment to education helped shape their children’s development.
Growing up in Hoschton, Georgia, Caleb was surrounded by people who understood the demands of competitive sports. His father’s professional football experience and his mother’s academic guidance helped create an environment that encouraged discipline, hard work and personal growth.
Caleb Downs’ Father: Gary Downs
Caleb Downs’ father, Gary Downs, is a former professional American football running back who played in the NFL during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Gary played college football at North Carolina State University before entering the NFL. He went on to represent the New York Giants, Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons.
After his playing career, Gary became involved in coaching, passing his football knowledge and experience to younger athletes.
His professional background had a major influence on Caleb’s development. From an early age, Caleb was exposed to football strategies, training routines and the discipline required to compete at a high level.
Gary also helped guide the football development of Caleb’s older brother, Josh Downs, who eventually reached the NFL as a wide receiver.
The family’s involvement in professional football meant that Caleb grew up with direct examples of the dedication necessary to succeed in the sport.
Caleb Downs’ Mother: Tanya Downs
Caleb Downs’ mother is Tanya Downs, also identified in published reporting as Tanya Shorter Downs.
Tanya has a background in athletics and education. She played soccer during her childhood and high school years before pursuing a career in teaching.
She has worked as a mathematics teacher, including teaching calculus.
Her commitment to education helped establish strong academic expectations within the Downs household.
While Gary contributed professional football knowledge, Tanya encouraged her children to value academic achievement alongside athletic success.
Caleb’s reputation for preparation and understanding complex defensive assignments reflects the importance that his family has placed on learning and discipline.
Caleb Downs’ Siblings: Meet Josh Downs and Kameron Downs
Caleb Downs has two older siblings: a brother named Josh Downs and a sister named Kameron Downs.
All three Downs children pursued competitive sports, making athletics an important part of their upbringing.
Caleb Downs’ Brother: Josh Downs
Josh Downs is Caleb’s older brother and a professional American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.
Born on August 12, 2001, Josh played college football at the University of North Carolina, where he developed into one of the program’s leading receivers.
His performances earned him recognition among the country’s talented college wide receivers, and the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
As Caleb’s older brother, Josh provided an early example of what it takes to become a professional football player.
Caleb has publicly credited Josh with helping him develop competitiveness, toughness and a better understanding of football.
The brothers have maintained a close relationship despite playing different positions and representing different NFL teams.
They also co-host a podcast called “Downs 2 Business,” launched in 2025. Through the podcast, Caleb and Josh discuss football, their experiences as athletes and different aspects of their lives.
Both brothers reaching the NFL represents a remarkable achievement for the Downs family.
Caleb Downs’ Sister: Kameron Downs
Kameron Downs is Caleb’s older sister and the eldest of the three Downs siblings.
Born on November 28, 1998, Kameron developed an interest in soccer and eventually competed at the collegiate level.
She attended Kennesaw State University, where she played for the women’s soccer team as a forward while studying biochemistry.
Following her undergraduate education, Kameron pursued medicine and enrolled at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Her journey has been particularly inspirational because she overcame serious knee injuries during her athletic career.
Caleb has spoken publicly about admiring his sister’s determination, especially her ability to overcome two ACL injuries and continue competing in college soccer.
Kameron’s academic achievements and sporting background demonstrate that the Downs family’s ambitions extend beyond professional football.
Caleb Downs’ Extended Family: His Uncle Dré Bly
Another notable member of Caleb Downs’ extended family is former NFL cornerback Dré Bly.
Bly enjoyed a lengthy professional football career, representing teams including the St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers.
He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and won Super Bowl XXXIV with the Rams.
Like Caleb’s father and older brother, Bly provided another example of professional football success within the family.
Growing up with relatives who had competed at the highest level gave Caleb valuable exposure to the sport long before his own professional career began.
How Caleb Downs’ Family Influenced His Football Career
Caleb Downs’ football journey began in Georgia, where he attended Mill Creek High School and established himself as one of the country’s most highly regarded defensive prospects.
He joined the University of Alabama in 2023 and immediately impressed, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors.
In January 2024, Downs transferred to Ohio State University, where he continued developing into one of college football’s outstanding defensive players.
His performances included earning unanimous All-American recognition and winning the Jim Thorpe Award in 2025.
The Dallas Cowboys selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Throughout his rise, the influence of his family remained significant. His father offered professional football experience, his brother provided competitive motivation, his sister demonstrated perseverance, and his mother emphasized the importance of education.
Caleb, Josh and their father have also been involved in the Trust Downs Foundation, an organization supporting initiatives addressing homelessness and assisting communities in need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caleb Downs’ Family
Who is Caleb Downs’ girlfriend?
As of now, Caleb Downs has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend, and no romantic partner has been reliably identified.
Is Caleb Downs married?
There is no verified public information confirming that Caleb Downs is married.
Does Caleb Downs have children?
There are no confirmed public reports indicating that Caleb Downs has children.
Who are Caleb Downs’ parents?
His parents are Gary Downs, a former NFL running back, and Tanya Downs, a mathematics educator and former high school soccer player.
Who is Caleb Downs’ brother?
His older brother is Josh Downs, an NFL wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.
Does Caleb Downs have a sister?
Yes. His older sister, Kameron Downs, played college soccer at Kennesaw State University and is pursuing a career in medicine.
Is Caleb Downs related to Dré Bly?
Yes. Former NFL cornerback Dré Bly is Caleb Downs’ uncle.
What NFL team does Caleb Downs play for?
Caleb Downs plays safety for the Dallas Cowboys, who selected him in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
