Last Updated on October 27, 2026 by Tanos Potter
A.J. Epenesa’s family has played an important role in his journey from Illinois to the National Football League. The Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker, whose full name is Andrew Jared Epenesa, was born on September 15, 1998, in Oak Park, Kansas, United States.
Epenesa comes from a family with strong connections to American football, volleyball and Samoan culture. His father, Epenesa “Eppy” Epenesa, is a former University of Iowa football player, while his mother, Stephanie Epenesa, played college volleyball.
The NFL player has three siblings: an older sister named Samantha and two younger brothers, Eric and Iose. All four children have competed in collegiate athletics.
Beyond his immediate family, Epenesa has been romantically linked to Mary Marusza, a former Mercyhurst University volleyball player who has supported his professional football career.
Here is everything publicly known about A.J. Epenesa’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings and family background.
A.J. Epenesa’s Girlfriend: Who Is Mary Marusza?
A.J. Epenesa’s publicly identified girlfriend is Mary Marusza, a former college volleyball player and financial services professional.
Marusza grew up in Orchard Park, New York, and attended Nardin Academy before enrolling at Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania.
She played collegiate volleyball as a setter and later pursued a professional career in financial services.
According to a September 2024 article published by EssentiallySports, Epenesa and Marusza began publicly sharing their relationship through Instagram posts in 2021.
The couple subsequently appeared together at weddings, football games and other social events.
In April 2022, Epenesa shared photographs of himself and Marusza attending a friend’s wedding.
Later that year, he celebrated her birthday with an affectionate Instagram message.
Marusza also regularly supported Epenesa during his years with the Buffalo Bills.
In January 2024, she was photographed wearing a customized Bills jacket featuring Epenesa’s name and jersey number.
Their relationship was further documented by the Buffalo Bills in September 2025, when the organization listed Mary as Epenesa’s partner for its annual charity flag football event involving players’ wives and girlfriends.
That team announcement provided direct confirmation of their relationship during the 2025 NFL season.
As of now, Mary Marusza remains Epenesa’s most recently confirmed romantic partner. However, there has been no authoritative public announcement establishing whether their relationship status changed following his move to Philadelphia in 2026.
Mary Marusza’s Education and Volleyball Career
Mary Marusza attended Mercyhurst University, where she played women’s volleyball from 2016 to 2019.
Before college, she attended Nardin Academy in Buffalo, New York, where she became a successful high school volleyball player.
She earned varsity letters throughout her high school career and received First Team All-Catholic recognition.
At Mercyhurst, Marusza competed as a setter, a position responsible for organizing the team’s offensive attacks.
Her official university athletics records identify her as a 5-foot-8 player from Orchard Park.
After completing her education, she pursued a career in business and financial services.
Published professional information has identified her as a wealth management client associate at Merrill Lynch.
Her sporting background gives her an understanding of the demands associated with competitive athletics.
During Epenesa’s years in Buffalo, she frequently attended games and participated in activities alongside other players’ partners.
Is A.J. Epenesa Married? Does He Have a Wife?
As of now, A.J. Epenesa’s marital status has not been reliably confirmed.
Although he has maintained a publicly documented relationship with Mary Marusza, major reporting and official NFL biographies have not established a confirmed wedding date.
The Buffalo Bills identified Mary as his partner during a September 2025 announcement for a charity event involving players’ wives and girlfriends.
However, that description alone does not establish whether the couple subsequently married.
Epenesa has not made a widely documented public wedding announcement.
Consequently, Mary Marusza is best described as his publicly identified partner rather than definitively identifying her as his wife.
A.J. Epenesa’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, there is no reliably confirmed public information establishing that A.J. Epenesa has children.
The Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father.
His official football biographies and major interviews do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Epenesa has frequently discussed the importance of family and community, these comments do not establish that he has children of his own.
He has also participated in activities supporting young athletes, including youth football camps in his hometown of Edwardsville, Illinois.
His involvement in those initiatives reflects his commitment to helping younger generations.
However, his parental status remains publicly undisclosed until reliable information becomes available.
A.J. Epenesa’s Parents: Meet Eppy and Stephanie Epenesa
A.J. Epenesa’s parents are Epenesa “Eppy” Epenesa and Stephanie Epenesa.
Both were college athletes and helped establish the family’s strong sporting traditions.
His father was born and raised in American Samoa before moving to the United States to pursue education and football opportunities.
His mother grew up in the Edwardsville, Illinois, area and competed in volleyball.
The couple met while attending Iowa Wesleyan College and eventually married.
They raised four children who followed their examples by becoming successful athletes.
A.J. Epenesa’s Father: Eppy Epenesa
Epenesa “Eppy” Epenesa is A.J. Epenesa’s father, a former college football defensive tackle and native of American Samoa.
Eppy grew up in a modest family in Pago Pago, American Samoa, where he developed an interest in football.
He eventually moved to the United States to pursue opportunities that were not readily available in his hometown.
According to a University of Iowa family feature published in August 2025, Eppy initially attended Iowa Wesleyan College, where he played football for two seasons.
He subsequently transferred to the University of Iowa and joined the Hawkeyes as a walk-on defensive lineman.
Under head coach Hayden Fry, Eppy developed into a scholarship player and contributed to the football program during the 1990s.
His experiences at Iowa established an enduring connection between the Epenesa family and the university.
After completing college, Eppy and Stephanie settled in the Edwardsville area, where they raised their children.
Eppy remained involved in athletics, particularly by organizing training programs and coaching young football players.
His influence was especially important during A.J.’s development as a defensive lineman.
How Eppy Epenesa Influenced His Son’s Football Career
Eppy introduced A.J. to football at an early age.
Because he had previously played defensive tackle at Iowa, he understood the importance of technique, positioning and strength.
When A.J. participated in youth football in Edwardsville, his father helped coach offensive and defensive line players.
During a February 2020 interview with The Telegraph, A.J. explained that his father began teaching him advanced defensive line techniques when he was approximately nine or ten years old.
Those lessons included different pass-rushing moves and methods for escaping offensive line blocks.
Rather than relying only on physical size, Eppy encouraged his son to understand the technical aspects of the position.
He also organized demanding conditioning sessions involving running, strength exercises and other athletic drills.
According to Iowa Magazine, the workouts eventually expanded beyond the Epenesa children to include friends and other young athletes in Edwardsville.
Participants came from several sports, including football, wrestling, basketball and volleyball.
The training sessions helped A.J. develop the athletic abilities that eventually made him one of the country’s leading high school football prospects.
Even after his son entered the NFL, Eppy remained an important source of advice and encouragement.
A.J. Epenesa’s Mother: Stephanie Epenesa
Stephanie Epenesa is A.J. Epenesa’s mother, a former college volleyball player from Edwardsville, Illinois.
She attended Iowa Wesleyan College, where she competed in volleyball on an athletic scholarship.
During college, Stephanie met her future husband, Eppy Epenesa.
The couple eventually married and established their family in Illinois.
Stephanie played an important role in supporting the education and athletic development of their four children.
Her own experience in collegiate athletics helped her understand the responsibilities associated with balancing training, schoolwork and competition.
In April 2025, the Belleville News-Democrat published a detailed profile describing how Stephanie and Eppy organized their weekends around their children’s sporting events.
During football season, the family sometimes traveled between Illinois, Iowa and Buffalo to watch different members compete.
Stephanie regularly attended games and supported her children’s professional and college athletic ambitions.
She also helped maintain the family’s connection to Edwardsville, where all four children attended school.
Her influence has been particularly important in encouraging the children to remain supportive of one another despite pursuing different athletic careers.
A.J. Epenesa’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
A.J. Epenesa has three siblings: one older sister, Samantha, and two younger brothers, Eric and Iose.
Their identities are confirmed through official University of Iowa, Purdue University and Buffalo Bills publications.
All four children grew up participating in competitive athletics, with the brothers following their father into football and Samantha pursuing volleyball.
Samantha Epenesa – A.J. Epenesa’s Older Sister
Samantha Epenesa, commonly known as Sam, is A.J. Epenesa’s older sister and a former collegiate volleyball player.
She attended Edwardsville High School in Illinois, where she established herself as one of the school’s most successful volleyball athletes.
During high school, Samantha received several individual honors, including All-American recognition.
Her performances earned her a volleyball scholarship to Purdue University.
At Purdue, she competed as an outside hitter and became an important member of the women’s volleyball team.
According to Purdue’s official athletics records, Samantha appeared in all 35 matches during the 2013 season, starting 23 of them.
Her achievements helped establish a sporting tradition that her three younger brothers eventually continued.
In a 2025 family interview, Stephanie Epenesa described how Samantha’s college career helped introduce the younger children to the demands of university athletics.
By the time Iose was beginning kindergarten, Samantha was already preparing for college.
Official University of Iowa records have also referred to Samantha as Sam Ryan.
Although she has largely maintained a private life since completing her volleyball career, she continues to be recognized as an important part of the Epenesa family’s athletic history.
Eric Epenesa – A.J. Epenesa’s Younger Brother
Eric Epenesa is A.J.’s younger brother and a former University of Iowa football linebacker.
Eric was born on September 25, 2001, and grew up in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
Like his older siblings, he attended Edwardsville High School, where he competed in multiple sports.
He played football as a linebacker, wide receiver, long snapper and kicker.
Eric also participated in volleyball and wrestling during high school.
His athletic performances helped him earn a place at the University of Iowa, following the example of his father and older brother.
Eric joined the Hawkeyes football program in 2021 and spent four seasons with the team.
According to Iowa’s official athletics biography, he earned academic recognition and appeared in a regular-season game during the 2024 season.
Eric also pursued a degree in mechanical engineering.
His achievements demonstrate the family’s commitment to combining higher education with competitive athletics.
Although he did not follow A.J. directly into the NFL, his football career continued the Epenesa family’s longstanding association with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Iose Epenesa – A.J. Epenesa’s Youngest Brother
Iose Epenesa, pronounced Yo-say, is A.J. Epenesa’s youngest brother.
He was born on February 5, 2007, and grew up in Edwardsville, Illinois.
Like his older brothers, Iose developed into an outstanding football player.
He attended Edwardsville High School, where he became one of the most highly regarded defensive line prospects in the United States.
During his senior season, he recorded 51 tackles and seven sacks, according to his official Iowa biography.
He also competed in basketball and track and field, demonstrating the family’s tradition of participating in multiple sports.
Iose received scholarship offers from several universities, including Miami, Missouri, Penn State and Utah.
However, he eventually committed to the University of Iowa in August 2024.
His decision followed the same path taken by his father and brothers A.J. and Eric.
In December 2024, Iose officially signed with Iowa during a ceremony at Edwardsville High School.
The occasion represented another important milestone for the family.
In an August 2025 interview with Iowa Magazine, Iose explained that he had initially considered attending a different university to create his own identity.
However, he ultimately decided that Iowa provided the best environment for his education and football development.
As of now, Iose is continuing his college football career with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
How A.J. Epenesa Supported His Brother Iose
A.J. Epenesa has remained involved in supporting his younger brothers as they developed their football careers.
One particularly memorable moment occurred during Iose’s recruitment by the University of Iowa.
According to an August 2024 interview published by On3, A.J. unexpectedly attended one of Iose’s official recruiting visits.
While Iose and his parents were meeting with members of Iowa’s coaching staff, A.J. entered the room as a surprise.
His appearance was emotional for the family, particularly because he wanted to reassure his younger brother that he supported his decision.
A.J. emphasized that Iose should choose the university that felt right for him rather than simply follow the family tradition.
He also praised Iowa’s coaching staff and the relationships he had developed during his college career.
For Iose, having the support of his NFL-playing older brother helped make the recruiting experience especially meaningful.
A.J. Epenesa’s Samoan Heritage and Family Traditions
One of the most important aspects of A.J. Epenesa’s family background is his Samoan heritage.
Although he grew up primarily in Illinois, his father was born and raised in American Samoa.
Eppy made a deliberate effort to introduce his children to Samoan customs, traditions and cultural values.
According to official Buffalo Bills publications, A.J. has spoken about the importance of aiga, the Samoan concept of family that extends beyond immediate relatives.
Within Samoan culture, family responsibilities can include supporting relatives, respecting elders and helping members of the wider community.
These values became important parts of A.J.’s upbringing.
He has also expressed his heritage through traditional-inspired tattoos featuring birds, tortoise shells, fish and leaves.
The designs symbolize different aspects of Samoan culture, family relationships and personal identity.
During interviews, Epenesa has explained that his father encouraged him to appreciate his cultural background even though he grew up thousands of miles from Samoa.
His connection to Polynesian culture has also influenced the way he approaches teamwork and personal responsibility.
A.J. Epenesa’s Extended Family and Football Connections
Beyond his parents and siblings, A.J. Epenesa has several extended relatives connected to professional football.
Among them is Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, a former NFL defensive lineman who has been identified as Epenesa’s cousin.
Another family connection is former NFL linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, whose relationship to the wider Epenesa family was discussed in reporting about the family’s Samoan background.
The family also has ties to other prominent college football players.
These connections reflect the strong sporting tradition within Epenesa’s extended family.
However, his most direct football influences remain his father and brothers, who have all represented the University of Iowa.
A.J. Epenesa’s Childhood and Athletic Development
A.J. Epenesa was raised in the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon area of Illinois.
He attended Edwardsville High School, where he became an exceptional multi-sport athlete.
Although football eventually became his professional career, Epenesa also excelled in basketball and track and field.
During high school, he scored more than 1,000 career points in basketball and competed in major youth basketball tournaments.
He played alongside future NBA athletes, including Jayson Tatum and Tyler Cook, as part of the St. Louis Eagles basketball program.
In track and field, Epenesa became a standout discus thrower.
He won Illinois state championships and established a state record with a throw of 205 feet, 11 inches.
However, his performances as a defensive lineman made him one of the nation’s most highly recruited football players.
In January 2016, Epenesa committed to the University of Iowa.
At the time, he was the highest-rated football recruit to commit to Iowa under head coach Kirk Ferentz.
His decision followed his father’s connection to the university and the relationships the family had maintained with Iowa coaches and former players.
A.J. Epenesa’s College Football Career at Iowa
A.J. Epenesa joined the University of Iowa football program in 2017.
He quickly established himself as a talented defensive end, earning recognition during his freshman season.
His first college sack came against quarterback Josh Allen during Iowa’s September 2017 game against Wyoming.
Interestingly, Allen later became Epenesa’s teammate with the Buffalo Bills.
During the 2018 season, Epenesa recorded 10.5 sacks and earned first-team All-Big Ten recognition.
He continued performing at a high level in 2019, recording 11.5 sacks and helping Iowa finish its season with a victory over USC in the Holiday Bowl.
He was also named a finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award.
After three seasons, Epenesa finished his Iowa career with 26.5 sacks.
His achievements established him among the university’s most successful defensive linemen.
He subsequently declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, beginning the next chapter of his family’s football legacy.
A.J. Epenesa’s NFL Career: From Buffalo to Philadelphia
On April 24, 2020, the Buffalo Bills selected A.J. Epenesa in the second round of the NFL Draft with the 54th overall pick.
He spent six seasons with Buffalo, developing into a valuable defensive lineman and pass rusher.
During his Bills career, Epenesa accumulated 24 sacks, four interceptions and five forced fumbles.
He also helped Buffalo reach the AFC Championship Game twice.
One of his most memorable performances came in September 2023, when he intercepted Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell and returned the ball for a touchdown.
His experience with Buffalo gave him opportunities to compete in playoff games and establish himself as a reliable professional football player.
On June 10, 2026, the Philadelphia Eagles announced that they had signed Epenesa as a free agent.
The move represented a new professional opportunity after six seasons in the AFC East.
He joined an Eagles defense featuring talented pass rushers, including Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Jonathan Greenard and Arnold Ebiketie.
As of now, Epenesa is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, wearing jersey No. 57.
A.J. Epenesa’s Community Work and Family Values
A.J. Epenesa has maintained a strong connection to his hometown of Edwardsville throughout his professional career.
His involvement in community activities reflects the importance his parents placed on generosity, mentorship and helping others.
In 2023, Epenesa returned to Woodland Elementary School to visit students and reconnect with one of his former teachers.
During the visit, he answered questions, signed autographs and encouraged children to pursue their ambitions.
In 2026, he also organized a free youth football camp in Edwardsville.
According to The Telegraph, approximately 300 young athletes participated in the event.
Children had opportunities to learn football techniques, interact with Epenesa and receive encouragement from someone who grew up in the same community.
His commitment to helping younger athletes mirrors his father’s longstanding involvement in youth sports training.
These activities demonstrate how the family’s values continue influencing Epenesa’s life beyond professional football.
Frequently Asked Questions About A.J. Epenesa’s Family
Who is A.J. Epenesa’s girlfriend?
A.J. Epenesa’s most recently publicly confirmed girlfriend is Mary Marusza, a former Mercyhurst University volleyball player. The Buffalo Bills identified Mary as his partner in September 2025.
Is A.J. Epenesa married?
As of now, there is no independently verified public announcement establishing that A.J. Epenesa is married.
Does A.J. Epenesa have children?
There is no reliable public confirmation that A.J. Epenesa has children.
Who are A.J. Epenesa’s parents?
A.J. Epenesa’s parents are Epenesa “Eppy” Epenesa, a former University of Iowa defensive tackle, and Stephanie Epenesa, a former college volleyball player.
Who is A.J. Epenesa’s father?
His father is Eppy Epenesa, a native of American Samoa who played college football at Iowa Wesleyan before transferring to the University of Iowa.
Who is A.J. Epenesa’s mother?
His mother is Stephanie Epenesa, a former Iowa Wesleyan volleyball player from the Edwardsville, Illinois, area.
How many siblings does A.J. Epenesa have?
A.J. Epenesa has three siblings: an older sister named Samantha and two younger brothers, Eric and Iose.
Who is A.J. Epenesa’s sister?
His older sister is Samantha Epenesa, also known as Sam Ryan, who played college volleyball at Purdue University.
Who is A.J. Epenesa’s brother Eric?
Eric Epenesa is A.J.’s younger brother and a former University of Iowa football linebacker who studied mechanical engineering.
Who is A.J. Epenesa’s youngest brother?
Iose Epenesa is A.J.’s youngest brother. He joined the University of Iowa football program in 2025 after becoming a highly regarded high school defensive lineman in Illinois.
Is A.J. Epenesa Samoan?
Yes. A.J. Epenesa is of Samoan descent through his father, Eppy Epenesa, who was born and raised in American Samoa.
Where did A.J. Epenesa grow up?
A.J. Epenesa grew up in the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon area of Illinois and attended Edwardsville High School.
How old is A.J. Epenesa?
A.J. Epenesa was born on September 15, 1998. He is 28 years old in 2026.
What is A.J. Epenesa’s full name?
His full name is Andrew Jared Epenesa. His middle name honors Jared DeVries, a longtime friend and former college teammate of his father.
Which college did A.J. Epenesa attend?
He attended the University of Iowa, where he played football from 2017 to 2019.
Which NFL teams has A.J. Epenesa played for?
A.J. Epenesa played for the Buffalo Bills from 2020 to 2025 before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in June 2026.
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.
