Last Updated on October 27, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Zack Baun’s family has played a significant role in his journey from Wisconsin to becoming a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFL linebacker, whose full name is Zachary Baun, was born on December 30, 1996, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States.
Baun grew up in a hardworking family led by his mother, Genell Baun, who raised five children as a single parent. Despite experiencing financial challenges during his childhood, he developed into an outstanding athlete who eventually reached the NFL.
Beyond his successful football career, Baun is married to Ali Baun, his college sweetheart from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Elian, in April 2024.
Baun also has four siblings, including his older brother Nick, sister Brittany and brother J.J., who supported his development during childhood.
Here is everything publicly known about Zack Baun’s wife, children, parents, siblings and family background.
Zack Baun’s Wife: Who Is Ali Baun?
Zack Baun’s wife is Ali Baun, his longtime partner and college sweetheart.
The couple met while attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where Zack played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers.
Their romantic relationship began around 2016, and they shared some of their earliest photographs together on Instagram in October of that year.
As their relationship developed, the couple spent time traveling, exploring different destinations and supporting each other’s ambitions.
In July 2017, Zack shared photographs of their summer adventures, which included hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, visiting North Carolina and spending time in Wisconsin.
The couple also adopted a dog named Chancelor, who became part of their growing household.
Ali continued supporting Zack as he developed into one of the University of Wisconsin’s leading defensive players.
When the New Orleans Saints selected Baun in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, she publicly celebrated his achievement.
The move to professional football marked an important new chapter for their relationship.
When Did Zack Baun and Ali Get Married?
Zack Baun married Ali on October 14, 2020.
The couple became engaged in July 2020, shortly after Zack was drafted by the New Orleans Saints.
He announced their engagement through Instagram, expressing his excitement about spending the rest of his life with her.
Ali also celebrated the engagement with photographs of the couple together on a boat.
Three months later, they married in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Zack had begun his professional football career.
Both shared photographs from their wedding on Instagram and expressed their happiness about beginning married life together.
Their marriage came during a particularly important period in Zack’s life as he adjusted to the demands of playing in the NFL.
Throughout his four seasons with the Saints, Ali remained a source of support.
In a February 2025 interview ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Baun praised his wife for supporting him through the difficult and successful periods of his career.
He explained that she helped manage their family life and provided stability while he concentrated on football.
As of now, Zack and Ali Baun remain married and continue building their family together.
Zack Baun’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Zack Baun has one publicly confirmed son named Elian Baun. He and his wife Ali welcomed their first child on April 8, 2024.
The couple announced their pregnancy in October 2023 and subsequently celebrated their son’s arrival through a joint Instagram announcement.
Becoming a father significantly changed Baun’s outlook on life and professional football.
Elian Baun – Zack Baun’s Son
Elian Baun was born on April 8, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
His birth came approximately one month after Zack signed his first contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
At the time, the family was preparing for a major transition from New Orleans to Philadelphia.
During an August 2024 interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Baun explained that becoming a father had given him a different perspective on his professional responsibilities.
Rather than thinking only about football achievements, he became increasingly focused on providing stability and opportunities for his son.
He also expressed appreciation for the sacrifices his own mother made while raising him and his siblings.
Elian became part of several memorable moments during his father’s first season with the Eagles.
In January 2025, he accompanied his parents onto the field following Philadelphia’s victory over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game.
Photographs showed Zack celebrating while holding his young son.
The family also celebrated Philadelphia’s victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX in February 2025.
On Elian’s first birthday in April 2025, Zack and Ali shared a joint social media message reflecting on their first year as parents.
They described parenthood as an experience that had brought additional happiness and meaning to their lives.
Are Zack Baun and Ali Expecting Another Child?
In September 2026, Philadelphia Magazine published a feature about Zack and Ali Baun’s family home in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
The article identified the couple as parents to their toddler son, Elian, and reported that they were expecting another baby.
However, the publication did not provide the baby’s expected birth date, name or sex.
As of now, there has been no reliably verified public announcement confirming the second child’s birth.
Therefore, Elian remains the couple’s only publicly confirmed child by name, while the family’s plans for another baby have been documented.
Zack Baun’s Parents: Meet His Mother Genell Baun
Zack Baun’s mother is Genell Baun, who raised him and his four siblings as a single parent in Wisconsin.
Her identity is documented in the University of Wisconsin’s official athletics biography and a 2015 edition of Our Brown Deer Magazine.
Baun has spoken openly about his mother’s sacrifices and the important role she played in his childhood.
Zack Baun’s Mother: Genell Baun
Genell Baun worked hard to provide for her five children while managing the responsibilities of single parenthood.
During a November 2024 interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Zack discussed how challenging the family’s financial circumstances had been.
He recalled growing up in an apartment and occasionally living in subsidized housing.
Although the family could not always afford the same experiences as some of his friends, his mother worked additional hours to ensure that her children had what they needed.
Baun explained that the family always had food available and that his mother found ways to provide things her children wanted.
He even recalled how she managed to purchase an Xbox for the family despite their financial limitations.
Those experiences helped him appreciate the importance of hard work, financial responsibility and supporting loved ones.
Genell also encouraged her son to explore different interests rather than concentrate exclusively on football.
When Zack was approximately six or seven years old, she enrolled him in dance classes.
He participated in tap and jazz dancing and even performed during childhood recitals.
He later became involved in basketball, track and field, soccer, football and music.
His mother’s willingness to support those activities helped him develop into a versatile athlete.
Baun has continued expressing appreciation for her sacrifices throughout his NFL career.
As a father himself, he has explained that his childhood experiences influence the opportunities and stability he hopes to provide for his own children.
Zack Baun’s Father: What Is Known About Him?
Zack Baun’s father’s identity has not been reliably established in major public reporting.
During his November 2024 interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Baun confirmed that he was raised by a single mother.
He described Genell as the parent responsible for supporting him and his four siblings.
However, the interview did not identify his biological father or explain the circumstances of their relationship.
His official University of Wisconsin biography also identifies his mother without naming his father.
It would therefore be inaccurate to assign a name, occupation or personal history to Baun’s father without reliable confirmation.
As of now, further details about his father remain private.
Zack Baun’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Zack Baun has four siblings, according to his own statements during an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer in November 2024.
Three have been publicly identified by name: his older brother Nick Baun, sister Brittany Baun and brother J.J. Baun.
Their identities appear in a 2015 issue of Our Brown Deer Magazine, published by the Village of Brown Deer and the Brown Deer School District.
However, the fourth sibling’s identity has not been reliably established through the sources reviewed.
Nick Baun – Zack Baun’s Older Brother
Nick Baun is Zack Baun’s older brother.
His identity was documented in the summer 2015 edition of Our Brown Deer Magazine.
In a feature celebrating Zack’s commitment to the University of Wisconsin, the publication explained that Nick was among the people who helped support his younger brother’s educational and athletic development.
Zack also credited his high school football coach, Rob Green, and his mother, Genell, for encouraging him to pursue college football.
Nick’s involvement demonstrates the important role older siblings played in Zack’s childhood.
However, Nick generally maintains a private life, and there is limited verified public information about his current occupation, education or personal relationships.
Brittany Baun – Zack Baun’s Sister
Brittany Baun is Zack Baun’s sister.
She was identified in a photograph published by Our Brown Deer Magazine in 2015.
The photograph showed Brittany attending Zack’s college football signing ceremony alongside their mother, Genell, and brother J.J.
The event celebrated Zack’s decision to join the Wisconsin Badgers football program.
For the family, his commitment represented an important achievement after years of dedication to sports and education.
Brittany generally keeps her personal life outside the public spotlight.
Reliable sources provide limited information about her age, occupation, educational background or current relationships.
J.J. Baun – Zack Baun’s Brother
J.J. Baun is another of Zack Baun’s brothers.
Like Brittany, he was identified in a photograph published by Our Brown Deer Magazine in 2015.
J.J. attended Zack’s signing ceremony, where the family celebrated his opportunity to play college football at the University of Wisconsin.
His presence reflected the family’s involvement in Zack’s athletic development.
However, J.J. has generally maintained a relatively private public profile.
There is insufficient verified information about his education, occupation or other personal details.
Does Zack Baun Have Another Sibling?
Yes. Zack Baun explicitly stated that his mother raised him and four other children, meaning he has four siblings in total.
Although Nick, Brittany and J.J. have been identified in local reporting, the fourth sibling’s name and personal background have not been reliably confirmed.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to invent additional names or make unsupported claims about their identity.
Zack Baun’s Family Background and Childhood in Wisconsin
Zack Baun was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spent part of his childhood in West Bend before moving to Brown Deer.
He initially attended West Bend East High School, where he participated in football and other sports.
After his sophomore year, the family moved to Brown Deer, and Zack transferred to Brown Deer High School.
The change created new opportunities for his athletic development.
At Brown Deer, he became a standout football player, competing at quarterback and outside linebacker.
He also participated in basketball and track and field.
During his senior football season, he passed for 1,936 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 1,837 yards and 39 touchdowns.
His performances earned Wisconsin Football Coaches Association State Offensive Player of the Year honors.
He also received the Dave Krieg Award, recognizing Wisconsin’s outstanding senior quarterback.
His achievements helped him secure a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Beyond athletics, Baun participated in his school’s orchestra.
During an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, he explained that he played the upright bass for approximately eight years.
His varied interests demonstrate how his mother encouraged him to develop different skills throughout childhood.
How Zack Baun’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Zack Baun’s journey to professional football required determination and patience.
After enrolling at Wisconsin in 2015, he transitioned from a high school quarterback into a defensive linebacker.
The position change required him to develop different football techniques and understand defensive responsibilities.
His early college career was also affected by foot injuries.
However, he continued working toward a regular starting position.
By 2019, Baun had developed into one of the country’s leading college linebackers.
He recorded 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss during his final college season.
His performances earned consensus All-American recognition and helped establish him as an NFL prospect.
Throughout the process, his mother’s sacrifices and the encouragement of his siblings remained important sources of motivation.
Zack Baun’s NFL Career and Family Support
On April 24, 2020, the New Orleans Saints selected Zack Baun in the third round of the NFL Draft with the 74th overall pick.
He spent four seasons with New Orleans, primarily contributing as a situational pass rusher and special teams player.
Although he gained professional experience, he initially struggled to establish himself as a regular defensive starter.
In March 2024, Baun signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The move came shortly before the birth of his son, Elian.
Under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Baun transitioned into a more traditional off-ball linebacker role.
The positional change transformed his professional career.
During the 2024 regular season, he recorded 150 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception.
His performances earned first-team All-Pro recognition and his first Pro Bowl selection.
He also became a finalist for the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.
On February 9, 2025, Baun helped the Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX.
He intercepted quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the championship game, contributing to Philadelphia’s victory.
The achievement was particularly meaningful because his wife and young son had supported him throughout the season.
In March 2025, Baun signed a three-year contract extension with the Eagles reportedly worth $51 million.
The agreement provided greater professional and financial stability for his family.
As of now, Baun continues his career with Philadelphia, wearing jersey No. 53.
Zack and Ali Baun’s Family Life in Pennsylvania
Following Baun’s successful first season in Philadelphia, he and Ali began establishing a more permanent home near the city.
According to a September 2026 article published by Philadelphia Magazine, the couple purchased a house in West Chester, Pennsylvania, in May 2025.
They subsequently hired local interior design firm Far Studio to renovate and furnish the property.
The home features a comfortable family environment, including a library with green details inspired by the Philadelphia Eagles.
The magazine published photographs of Zack, Ali and their son, Elian, spending time together in the property.
The article also revealed that the couple were expecting another baby.
For Baun, settling in the Philadelphia area represented an important step toward establishing long-term stability after previously living in New Orleans.
He has also spoken about how his wife helps organize their household and supports him during demanding football seasons.
Their relationship and growing family remain important parts of his life beyond professional football.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zack Baun’s Family
Who is Zack Baun’s wife?
Zack Baun’s wife is Ali Baun, his college sweetheart from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. They married on October 14, 2020.
Does Zack Baun have a girlfriend?
Zack Baun is married to Ali Baun, so she is correctly described as his wife rather than his girlfriend.
How many children does Zack Baun have?
Zack Baun has one publicly confirmed son, Elian Baun, born on April 8, 2024. Philadelphia Magazine reported in September 2026 that he and Ali were expecting another baby, but a second birth has not been independently confirmed.
Who is Zack Baun’s son?
His son is Elian Baun, who was born in New Orleans on April 8, 2024.
Who is Zack Baun’s mother?
Zack Baun’s mother is Genell Baun, who raised him and his four siblings as a single parent in Wisconsin.
Who is Zack Baun’s father?
Zack Baun’s biological father has not been reliably identified in major public reporting. The NFL player has publicly discussed being raised by his mother.
How many siblings does Zack Baun have?
Zack Baun has four siblings. Three publicly identified siblings are Nick Baun, Brittany Baun and J.J. Baun. The fourth sibling’s identity has not been reliably established.
Who is Zack Baun’s older brother?
His older brother is Nick Baun, who was acknowledged in a 2015 Brown Deer community publication for supporting Zack’s athletic development.
Who is Zack Baun’s sister?
Brittany Baun is one of Zack Baun’s sisters. She attended his college football signing ceremony in 2015.
Where is Zack Baun from?
Zack Baun was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in West Bend and Brown Deer. He attended Brown Deer High School before joining the University of Wisconsin.
How old is Zack Baun?
Zack Baun was born on December 30, 1996. He is 29 years old in October 2026.
What is Zack Baun’s full name?
His full name is Zachary Baun, although he is professionally known as Zack Baun.
Which college did Zack Baun attend?
He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he played for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2015 to 2019.
Has Zack Baun won a Super Bowl?
Yes. Zack Baun won Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2025.
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.
