Last Updated on October 29, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Harold Fannin Jr. is an American professional football tight end for the Cleveland Browns whose family has played an important role in his journey to the NFL. Born on July 20, 2004, in Canton, Ohio, Fannin grew up surrounded by relatives who encouraged his sporting ambitions. His football career has also been shaped by the heartbreaking loss of his older sister, Haria Wise, who died from leukemia in 2023.
Harold Fannin Jr.’s family includes his father, Harold Fannin Sr., his mother, Lakeesha Wise, his brother, Tahoe Wise, and his three sisters, Christiana, Sky and the late Haria Wise. His maternal grandfather, Benjamin Smith, was another important influence on his childhood. Although Fannin has spoken publicly about his parents and siblings, he has maintained privacy regarding romantic relationships and children. Here is everything known about his girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Harold Fannin Jr.’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Harold Fannin Jr. has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. The Cleveland Browns tight end generally keeps his romantic relationships private, and there is limited reliable information about his current dating status.
Throughout his college football career at Bowling Green State University, Fannin attracted national attention because of his outstanding performances and record-breaking receiving statistics.
However, his public interviews have focused primarily on football, his family, the loss of his sister and his professional ambitions.
Unlike some NFL athletes who frequently share photographs with romantic partners, Fannin has not made a widely documented announcement identifying a current girlfriend.
His social media activity has also largely centered on football, training sessions, teammates and family-related moments.
Consequently, there is insufficient verified information to identify a current romantic partner or establish whether he is in a relationship.
Is Harold Fannin Jr. Married?
As of now, Harold Fannin Jr. is not publicly known to be married. The Cleveland Browns tight end has not announced a wedding or identified a wife through a reliable public statement.
There is also no verified announcement confirming that he is engaged.
Although Fannin frequently emphasizes the importance of family, his comments generally concern his parents, siblings and late grandfather rather than a spouse.
Without reliable confirmation, claims that he has a wife or fiancée would be speculative.
Harold Fannin Jr.’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
As of now, Harold Fannin Jr. has no publicly confirmed children. The Cleveland Browns tight end has not announced the birth or adoption of a son or daughter.
His official Cleveland Browns biography and Bowling Green athletics profile do not identify him as a father.
There is also no reliable public information establishing that he has children from a previous relationship.
Although Fannin has participated in community activities and spoken about supporting younger generations, those activities do not establish that he has children of his own.
For now, his possible plans concerning fatherhood remain private.
Harold Fannin Jr.’s Parents: Meet Harold Fannin Sr. and Lakeesha Wise
Harold Fannin Jr. was born to Harold Fannin Sr. and Lakeesha Wise, who are identified in his official Bowling Green State University athletics biography.
His parents helped shape his childhood in Canton, Ohio, where he developed an interest in American football and baseball.
Although both parents are publicly identified, his mother has appeared more frequently in interviews discussing his family background and the challenges they experienced.
Harold Fannin Jr.’s Mother: Lakeesha Wise
Lakeesha Wise is Harold Fannin Jr.’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She raised a family that includes Harold and his four siblings, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another during difficult circumstances.
Lakeesha has publicly discussed her son’s football journey, particularly the emotional challenges surrounding the death of his older sister, Haria.
In November 2023, she spoke with The Toledo Blade about the family’s experience following Haria’s death from leukemia.
Lakeesha recalled that Harold had maintained an exceptionally close relationship with his sister throughout childhood.
Because the siblings were only about a year apart in age, she sometimes described them as being almost like twins.
According to Lakeesha, Harold and Haria frequently spent time talking privately and sharing personal experiences.
Their relationship was built on mutual understanding, affection and encouragement.
When Haria became seriously ill, Harold was attending Bowling Green State University and attempting to establish himself as a college football player.
Balancing academic responsibilities, football and concern for his sister became emotionally challenging.
Lakeesha provided encouragement during this difficult period and helped Harold continue pursuing his ambitions.
How Lakeesha Wise Helped Harold After His Sister’s Death
Haria Wise died on October 23, 2023, at the age of 20, following a battle with leukemia.
Her death deeply affected Harold and the entire family.
Following the funeral, Harold asked his mother whether she would be emotionally comfortable with him returning to Bowling Green to play football.
Lakeesha encouraged him to continue competing, explaining that Haria had always supported his ambitions and would have wanted him to keep moving forward.
On November 1, 2023, Fannin returned to action when Bowling Green played Ball State.
He recorded five receptions for 92 yards and scored a touchdown during the Falcons’ 24-21 victory.
The performance was especially meaningful because it occurred shortly after his sister’s death.
His mother later explained that she could sense a different emotional intensity in the way Harold celebrated the touchdown.
The moment became one of the most memorable examples of how family relationships influenced his football career.
Lakeesha continued supporting her son as he developed into one of the country’s most productive college tight ends.
Harold Fannin Jr.’s Father: Harold Fannin Sr.
Harold Fannin Sr. is Harold Fannin Jr.’s father, according to the official Bowling Green State University football biography.
Unlike his son, Harold Sr. has generally maintained a private lifestyle, and detailed information about his professional career and education is not widely documented.
However, published family profiles have identified him as part of the support system surrounding the young athlete.
Fannin grew up in Canton, Ohio, where he developed his football abilities before attracting attention from college programs.
Although his mother and grandfather have received greater attention in interviews about his upbringing, his father remains an identified member of his family.
There is insufficient verified information to provide additional details about Harold Sr.’s occupation or personal history.
Harold Fannin Jr.’s Siblings: Meet His Brother and Three Sisters
Harold Fannin Jr. has four siblings: one brother named Tahoe Wise and three sisters named Christiana Wise, Sky Wise and Haria Wise.
Their names are documented in his official Bowling Green State University athletics biography.
Although Harold became nationally recognized through college football and the NFL, most of his siblings have maintained relatively private lives.
His older sister Haria, however, became an important part of his public story because of their close relationship and her death in 2023.
Tahoe Wise: Harold Fannin Jr.’s Brother
Tahoe Wise is Harold Fannin Jr.’s brother and one of his four siblings.
He is publicly identified in the former Bowling Green tight end’s official college football biography.
Tahoe grew up as part of the family in Canton, Ohio, alongside Harold and their sisters.
However, there is limited reliable information about Tahoe’s education, occupation or involvement in competitive athletics.
Unlike Harold, who became an NFL player, Tahoe has generally remained outside the national sports media spotlight.
His private lifestyle means that additional biographical details cannot be established with certainty.
Christiana Wise: Harold Fannin Jr.’s Sister
Christiana Wise is one of Harold Fannin Jr.’s sisters.
Her name is confirmed in the Bowling Green State University athletics biography, which identifies her alongside Tahoe, Sky and Haria.
Although Christiana belongs to the family that supported Harold’s development, she has not been extensively featured in public interviews.
Reliable information about her age, professional career and personal relationships remains limited.
Her presence is nevertheless part of the family background that shaped Harold’s childhood in Ohio.
Sky Wise: Harold Fannin Jr.’s Sister
Sky Wise is another of Harold Fannin Jr.’s sisters.
Like Christiana, she is publicly identified in his official college football biography.
Sky has generally maintained a private life, and there is little verified information about her education, occupation or personal interests.
Although Fannin frequently speaks about the importance of family, he has not widely discussed Sky’s individual activities in major sports interviews.
Consequently, additional claims about her professional or personal life would be speculative.
Haria Wise: Harold Fannin Jr.’s Late Older Sister
Haria Wise was Harold Fannin Jr.’s older sister and one of the people closest to him throughout childhood.
Born in 2003, Haria grew up alongside Harold in Canton, Ohio.
The siblings shared an exceptionally close relationship because they were only about a year apart in age.
During an interview with The Toledo Blade in November 2023, Harold described Haria as someone who consistently supported him regardless of the circumstances.
His mother also explained that the siblings shared many interests and frequently spent time together.
Haria was diagnosed with leukemia in early 2021, shortly after completing high school.
She subsequently underwent medical treatment while Harold began his college football career at Bowling Green.
The distance between home and university made it difficult for him to spend as much time with his sister as he wanted.
Nevertheless, Haria continued encouraging Harold and celebrating his sporting achievements.
She died on October 23, 2023, at the age of 20.
Her death occurred during Harold’s sophomore season at Bowling Green and became one of the most significant personal challenges of his life.
How Harold Fannin Jr. Honors His Sister Haria
Following Haria’s death, Harold Fannin Jr. began honoring her memory through personal tributes during football games.
One of his most recognizable traditions involves writing messages on the athletic tape wrapped around his wrists.
During college games, he sometimes wrote Haria’s name or a tribute to her on his left wrist.
He also displayed a message honoring his sister after scoring a touchdown against Ball State in November 2023.
The tribute became especially meaningful because the game was played shortly after Haria’s funeral.
In an interview published by CBS Sports in December 2024, Fannin explained that remembering his sister helped him maintain perspective when facing physical exhaustion or difficulties during games.
He recognized that Haria had experienced challenges far greater than the pressures associated with football.
Her memory became a source of determination throughout his college career and his preparation for the NFL Draft.
Harold Fannin Jr.’s Grandfather: Who Was Benjamin Smith?
Benjamin Smith was Harold Fannin Jr.’s maternal grandfather and another important figure in his childhood.
According to reporting published by Athlon Sports, Smith played a central role in introducing Harold to American football.
He frequently transported his grandson to football practices and watched NFL games with him on Sundays.
These experiences helped Harold develop an early appreciation for the sport.
His grandfather also provided guidance and companionship during his formative years.
Smith died when Harold was in eighth grade.
The loss deeply affected the young athlete, who continued honoring his grandfather throughout his football career.
Like his tribute to Haria, Fannin developed a tradition of writing a reminder of his grandfather on his wrist tape before games.
The gesture allowed him to maintain a symbolic connection with the relatives who had influenced his childhood.
Harold Fannin Jr.’s Childhood and Family Life in Canton, Ohio
Harold Fannin Jr. was born on July 20, 2004, in Canton, Ohio, a city closely associated with professional football because it is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Growing up, he developed interests in football and baseball.
His grandfather helped introduce him to organized football, while his family encouraged him to continue developing his athletic abilities.
One of Fannin’s childhood role models was NBA superstar LeBron James, who grew up in nearby Akron, Ohio.
According to the Cleveland Browns, Fannin received a bicycle through a community outreach initiative associated with James when he was younger.
The experience helped inspire his appreciation for athletes who support their hometown communities.
Fannin attended McKinley High School in Canton, where he became a standout football player.
Unlike his eventual role in the NFL, he primarily competed as a safety and wide receiver during high school.
During his senior season in 2021, he recorded 106 tackles, two interceptions, six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
He also contributed offensively, catching 36 passes for 601 yards and six touchdowns.
His performances earned him Stark County Player of the Year recognition and First-Team All-Ohio honors as a defensive back.
Despite his achievements, Fannin did not receive the same recruiting attention as many highly rated high school prospects.
Bowling Green State University eventually offered him an opportunity to continue his football career.
How Harold Fannin Jr.’s Family Influenced His College Football Career
Harold Fannin Jr.’s college football journey began when he joined Bowling Green State University in 2022.
Although he had primarily played safety and wide receiver in high school, the Falcons coaching staff believed he could become a successful tight end.
The transition required him to learn a new position, develop blocking techniques and improve his understanding of offensive formations.
During his freshman season, Fannin recorded 19 receptions for 218 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns.
His role expanded in 2023, when he caught 44 passes for 623 yards and six touchdowns.
That season was emotionally challenging because of Haria’s illness and death.
Nevertheless, his family encouraged him to continue competing.
His greatest breakthrough came in 2024, when he recorded 117 receptions for 1,555 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns.
His receiving totals established new single-season Football Bowl Subdivision records for a tight end.
He also became Bowling Green’s first consensus All-American and received the Mid-American Conference’s Vern Smith Leadership Award as the conference’s most valuable player.
His performances attracted national attention and established him as one of the leading tight end prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Throughout this journey, Fannin continued acknowledging the importance of his mother, siblings and grandfather.
Harold Fannin Jr.’s NFL Career With the Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns selected Harold Fannin Jr. with the 67th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The selection was particularly meaningful because Cleveland is located relatively close to his hometown of Canton.
After playing high school football at McKinley and college football at Bowling Green, Fannin was able to begin his professional career in his home state of Ohio.
He signed his rookie contract with the Browns in May 2025.
During his first NFL season, Fannin emerged as an important receiving option for Cleveland.
He appeared in 16 games during the 2025 season, recording 72 receptions for 731 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.
His performances established him as a promising young tight end and provided a foundation for his second NFL season.
In 2026, he continued contributing to Cleveland’s passing offense.
For Fannin, reaching the NFL represented the fulfillment of a childhood ambition influenced by his grandfather’s encouragement and his family’s continued support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harold Fannin Jr.’s Family
Who is Harold Fannin Jr.’s girlfriend?
As of now, Harold Fannin Jr. has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Harold Fannin Jr. married?
Harold Fannin Jr. is not publicly known to be married. There is no reliable announcement identifying a wife or confirming an engagement.
Does Harold Fannin Jr. have any children?
As of now, Harold Fannin Jr. has no publicly confirmed children. He has not announced having a son or daughter.
Who is Harold Fannin Jr.’s father?
His father is Harold Fannin Sr., who is identified in the official Bowling Green State University athletics biography.
Who is Harold Fannin Jr.’s mother?
His mother is Lakeesha Wise, who raised Harold and his siblings in Ohio and supported him through his football career and the loss of his older sister.
How many siblings does Harold Fannin Jr. have?
Harold Fannin Jr. has four siblings: one brother, Tahoe Wise, and three sisters, Christiana Wise, Sky Wise and the late Haria Wise.
Who is Harold Fannin Jr.’s brother?
His brother is Tahoe Wise, who is identified in his official college athletics biography.
Who are Harold Fannin Jr.’s sisters?
His sisters are Christiana Wise, Sky Wise and Haria Wise. Haria died from leukemia in October 2023.
What happened to Harold Fannin Jr.’s sister Haria?
Haria Wise died on October 23, 2023, at the age of 20, after battling leukemia. Harold continues honoring her memory during football games.
Who was Harold Fannin Jr.’s grandfather?
His maternal grandfather was Benjamin Smith, who helped introduce Harold to football and frequently took him to practices during childhood.
Where was Harold Fannin Jr. born?
Harold Fannin Jr. was born on July 20, 2004, in Canton, Ohio.
Which college did Harold Fannin Jr. attend?
Harold Fannin Jr. attended Bowling Green State University, where he played football from 2022 through 2024 and became the school’s first consensus All-American.
Which NFL team does Harold Fannin Jr. play for?
As of now, Harold Fannin Jr. plays for the Cleveland Browns, who selected him with the 67th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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.
