Zaire Franklin’s Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 29, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova

Zaire Franklin is an American professional football player who plays as a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 2, 1996, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Franklin played college football at Syracuse University before being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He joined the Green Bay Packers in March 2026.

Beyond his professional achievements, fans are interested in Zaire Franklin’s family, including his wife, children, parents and siblings. Franklin is married to Khandice Dyson, whom he met at Syracuse University, and the couple has two children, Kairo and Zoë. His parents are Brian Franklin and the late Shelice Highsmith, while his official college biography identifies three brothers and three sisters. His upbringing was strongly influenced by his mother and grandmother, whose memories continue to inspire his charitable work.

Zaire Franklin’s Wife: Meet Khandice Dyson

Zaire Franklin’s wife is Khandice Dyson, a real estate professional and Syracuse University graduate. The couple met during their freshman year at Syracuse and developed a relationship that eventually led to marriage.

According to an interview published by Inside Weddings magazine, Franklin felt an immediate connection when he first met Khandice. Their friendship developed into a romantic relationship, and within a few months, Franklin had already expressed his intention to marry her someday.

After several years together, the couple became engaged during a private vacation in Houston, Texas. Franklin proposed after the pair enjoyed dinner at Nobu, choosing an intimate hotel-room setting for the occasion.

They married on April 6, 2024, in a ceremony held in Shrewsbury, New Jersey.

Who Is Khandice Dyson?

Khandice Dyson is the wife of NFL linebacker Zaire Franklin. Originally from Connecticut, she attended Syracuse University, where she studied Information Management and Technology.

According to a September 2025 report published by EssentiallySports, Khandice graduated from Syracuse in 2018 and initially pursued a career in technology consulting.

She later transitioned into real estate, developing a professional career in the Indianapolis housing market.

Her real estate work has included associations with The Agency Indy and the Hans-Daniels Group, helping clients find homes in areas such as Carmel and Zionsville, Indiana.

Beyond her professional activities, Khandice has supported her husband’s charitable initiatives, including his nonprofit organization, Shelice’s Angels.

The organization focuses on empowering young women through educational opportunities, mentorship and career-development resources.

As of now, Khandice is publicly recognized as Franklin’s wife and the mother of their two children.

When Did Zaire Franklin and Khandice Dyson Get Married?

Zaire Franklin and Khandice Dyson married on April 6, 2024, in Shrewsbury, New Jersey.

Their wedding took place at Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury, an elegant event venue selected partly because it was conveniently located between their families in Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

According to Inside Weddings, the ceremony featured a sophisticated black, white and gold design, combining luxurious decorations with personal traditions.

Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller, the senior pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, officiated the ceremony.

Following their vows, the couple participated in the tradition of jumping the broom before celebrating with family members and close friends.

The celebration reflected the couple’s longstanding relationship, which began during their college years at Syracuse University.

Zaire Franklin’s Children: Meet Kairo and Zoë Franklin

Zaire Franklin and his wife, Khandice Dyson, have two publicly identified children: a son named Kairo and a daughter named Zoë.

Franklin has spoken openly about fatherhood and how raising his children has changed his perspective on life.

In an interview published by EBONY in June 2026, Franklin discussed the responsibilities of raising both a son and a daughter, emphasizing the importance of being present and setting a positive example.

Zaire Franklin’s Son: Kairo

Kairo is Zaire Franklin’s first publicly identified child. He was born in 2022, before his parents officially married.

In a May 2023 feature published by the Indianapolis Colts, Franklin discussed how becoming Kairo’s father had transformed his life.

Having experienced significant family losses during adolescence, Franklin explained that he wanted his son to grow up in a supportive and happy environment.

He also hoped to provide Kairo with opportunities and experiences that had not always been available during his own childhood.

Fatherhood became another source of motivation for Franklin as he continued developing his NFL career.

During an August 2023 interview with Indy’s Child Magazine, Franklin explained that mentorship and community support influenced how he approached parenting.

His desire to help Kairo grow into a confident and responsible young person reflects the values he learned from his mother and grandmother.

Zaire Franklin’s Daughter: Zoë

Zoë is Zaire Franklin and Khandice Dyson’s daughter. According to EssentiallySports, she was born on April 6, 2025, one year after her parents’ wedding.

Her arrival expanded the Franklin family to four members and gave Kairo a younger sister.

During his June 2026 interview with EBONY, Franklin discussed the differences between raising a son and a daughter.

He explained that he wanted to teach his son about responsibility and character while also demonstrating to his daughter how she should expect to be treated with kindness and respect.

Franklin emphasized that children learn from the behavior of their parents, particularly how adults treat their partners and other family members.

His comments showed that fatherhood has become one of the most meaningful parts of his life outside professional football.

Zaire Franklin’s Parents: Meet Brian Franklin and Shelice Highsmith

Zaire Franklin’s parents are Brian Franklin and the late Shelice Highsmith. Although both are identified in public reporting, Franklin was primarily raised by his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother in North Philadelphia.

His upbringing was marked by financial challenges and family responsibilities, but his mother emphasized the importance of education, discipline and perseverance.

Franklin has frequently discussed how the women who raised him influenced his personality, leadership qualities and determination to succeed.

Zaire Franklin’s Father: Brian Franklin

Brian Franklin is Zaire Franklin’s father. His identity was documented in a February 2014 article published by The Philadelphia Inquirer about Zaire’s decision to attend Syracuse University.

At the time, the newspaper reported that Brian lived in South Philadelphia, while Zaire was living with relatives in the West Oak Lane neighborhood.

Although Brian is his biological father, most publicly available accounts of Franklin’s childhood concentrate on the influence of his mother and grandmother.

Franklin has not extensively discussed his father’s occupation, personal background or their present relationship in major sports interviews.

Consequently, detailed information about Brian Franklin remains limited.

Zaire Franklin’s Mother: Shelice Highsmith

Shelice Highsmith was Zaire Franklin’s mother and one of the most influential figures in his life.

She became pregnant with Zaire while attending college and made the difficult decision to interrupt her education to raise him.

During Franklin’s childhood, Shelice worked demanding schedules while continuing to pursue educational opportunities.

In a 2017 article written for The Players’ Tribune, Franklin described how his mother taught him that academic success was just as important as athletic achievement.

She wanted him to become the first member of their family to graduate from college.

Although Shelice initially preferred that her son participate in karate rather than football, she eventually supported his interest in the sport.

She became actively involved in his youth football activities and encouraged him to maintain strong grades.

Unfortunately, Shelice experienced serious health complications associated with a recurring brain tumor.

She died in February 2013, when Franklin was just 16 years old.

Her death was a devastating experience for the young athlete, particularly because he was beginning to attract attention from major college football programs.

Despite the loss, Franklin remained committed to fulfilling his mother’s ambitions for his education.

He eventually attended Syracuse University and graduated with a degree in finance in 2017.

His accomplishments became an important way of honoring her sacrifices and the values she had taught him.

Zaire Franklin’s Grandmother: Juanita Highsmith-Bailey

Juanita Highsmith-Bailey was Zaire Franklin’s maternal grandmother and another central figure in his upbringing.

During his childhood in Philadelphia, Franklin lived with his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Although his mother emphasized academic achievement, his grandmother strongly encouraged his development as a football player.

In his article for The Players’ Tribune, Franklin explained that both women worked together to help him pursue opportunities that could lead to a better future.

Tragically, Juanita died approximately two months after Shelice in 2013, following complications involving kidney failure.

Losing his mother and grandmother within such a short period profoundly affected Franklin’s teenage years.

However, their memories remained an important motivation throughout his college and NFL careers.

Zaire Franklin’s Aunt: Marla Burke

Following the deaths of his mother and grandmother, Zaire Franklin went to live with his aunt, Marla Burke, and her husband, Oliver Burke.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Marla became his guardian during his high school years.

Franklin lived in the West Oak Lane neighborhood with the Burke family while attending La Salle College High School.

Marla helped provide stability during an emotionally difficult period as Franklin continued his education and football development.

She also supported his college recruitment and his decision to attend Syracuse University.

The Philadelphia Inquirer identified Monae and Darien Singletary as cousins who lived in the same household at the time.

Marla’s support helped Franklin continue pursuing the academic and athletic goals that his mother and grandmother had established for him.

Zaire Franklin’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?

Zaire Franklin has six siblings, according to his official Syracuse University football biography.

The university’s 2017 player profile states that Franklin has three brothers and three sisters.

Although their existence is documented, their individual names, ages and personal backgrounds have not been consistently established through reliable public sources.

Franklin has spoken about the importance of family relationships, but most detailed interviews about his upbringing concentrate on his mother, grandmother and aunt.

Zaire Franklin’s Brothers

According to Syracuse University’s official athletics records, Zaire Franklin has three brothers.

However, their names and current occupations have not been reliably identified in the official sources reviewed.

Without additional confirmation, it would be inaccurate to assign specific identities or describe their individual careers.

Zaire Franklin’s Sisters

Zaire Franklin also has three sisters, as documented by Syracuse University.

Although he has expressed a strong commitment to supporting and empowering women through his charitable foundation, he has not publicly provided extensive details about his sisters’ individual lives.

Their names, ages and professional activities remain largely private.

Zaire Franklin’s Early Life and Family Background

Zaire Najee Franklin was born on July 2, 1996, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

He grew up in North Philadelphia and developed a passion for football while watching the Philadelphia Eagles.

His childhood football interests were influenced by defensive players such as Brian Dawkins and Jeremiah Trotter.

Franklin attended La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, where he became one of the region’s promising defensive prospects.

He earned first-team All-City and All-State recognition during his high school career.

Despite experiencing the deaths of his mother and grandmother in 2013, Franklin continued pursuing college football opportunities.

He committed to Syracuse University, where he became a standout linebacker and one of the team’s most respected leaders.

Franklin served as a three-time team captain and recorded 311 tackles during his college career.

The Indianapolis Colts selected him with the 235th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

He subsequently developed into one of the team’s most productive defensive players, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro recognition in 2024.

On March 11, 2026, the Green Bay Packers acquired Franklin in a trade with Indianapolis, sending defensive lineman Colby Wooden to the Colts.

How Zaire Franklin Honors His Mother Through Shelice’s Angels

One of Zaire Franklin’s most meaningful achievements outside football is the creation of Shelice’s Angels, a charitable organization named in honor of his late mother.

Franklin established the nonprofit in 2019 to create opportunities for young women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The organization focuses on education, mentorship, technology, financial literacy and professional development.

His goal is to help young women develop confidence and access opportunities that can improve their futures.

Through Shelice’s Angels, Franklin has organized educational programs and community activities in Philadelphia.

In June 2026, he hosted a Women’s Sports Weekend that included discussions about careers in women’s sports and a flag football event for young female athletes.

His charitable efforts contributed to his selection as the Indianapolis Colts’ nominee for the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Franklin has repeatedly explained that the organization allows him to continue the legacy of his mother and grandmother by supporting people who face challenges similar to those he experienced during childhood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zaire Franklin’s Family

Who is Zaire Franklin’s wife?

Zaire Franklin’s wife is Khandice Dyson, a real estate professional whom he met at Syracuse University. They married on April 6, 2024, in Shrewsbury, New Jersey.

Does Zaire Franklin have a girlfriend?

Zaire Franklin is married to his longtime partner, Khandice Dyson. She was previously his girlfriend and fiancée before their wedding in 2024.

How many children does Zaire Franklin have?

Zaire Franklin has two publicly identified children: a son named Kairo, born in 2022, and a daughter named Zoë, reportedly born in April 2025.

Who is Zaire Franklin’s son?

His son is Kairo Franklin, who was born in 2022. Franklin has described becoming Kairo’s father as an important turning point in his life.

Who is Zaire Franklin’s daughter?

His daughter is Zoë. A September 2025 report identified her birth date as April 6, 2025.

Who are Zaire Franklin’s parents?

Zaire Franklin’s parents are Brian Franklin and the late Shelice Highsmith. He was primarily raised by his mother and grandmother in Philadelphia.

What happened to Zaire Franklin’s mother?

Zaire Franklin’s mother, Shelice Highsmith, died in February 2013 following complications associated with a recurring brain tumor. Franklin was 16 years old at the time.

Who raised Zaire Franklin after his mother died?

After losing his mother and grandmother in 2013, Franklin lived with his aunt, Marla Burke, who became his guardian.

How many siblings does Zaire Franklin have?

According to Syracuse University’s official football biography, Zaire Franklin has six siblings: three brothers and three sisters.

How old is Zaire Franklin?

Zaire Franklin was born on July 2, 1996, making him 30 years old as of now.

Where is Zaire Franklin from?

Zaire Franklin is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended La Salle College High School before playing college football at Syracuse University.

What NFL team does Zaire Franklin play for?

Zaire Franklin plays linebacker for the Green Bay Packers. He joined the franchise in March 2026 following a trade from the Indianapolis Colts.