Last Updated on October 30, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Patrick Paul is an American professional football player who plays as an offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his impressive size, strength and pass-blocking ability, Paul developed into one of college football’s leading offensive linemen before beginning his professional career. Away from football, he comes from a Nigerian-American family with strong connections to professional sports and Nigerian history.
Born on November 1, 2001, in Houston, Texas, Patrick Paul is the son of Paul Unawunwa and Victoria Unawunwa. He grew up alongside two older brothers, Chris Paul and Nick Paul, both of whom played college football. His brother Chris also reached the NFL, while his maternal grandfather, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, served as Nigeria’s head of state in 1966. Here is what is publicly known about Patrick Paul’s girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Patrick Paul’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Patrick Paul has not publicly confirmed whether he is currently in a romantic relationship. The Miami Dolphins offensive tackle generally maintains privacy regarding his dating life, with most of his interviews focusing on football, family and personal ambitions.
Although Paul has attracted national attention through his performances with Miami, reliable sports publications have not identified a current girlfriend through a verified interview or official announcement.
During his college career at the University of Houston, he frequently discussed his brothers, Nigerian heritage and professional football goals rather than his romantic relationships.
He has continued that approach during his NFL career, generally keeping his personal relationships away from public attention.
There is also no verified public announcement confirming that Paul is engaged or married.
Consequently, his current relationship status remains undisclosed. The absence of publicly confirmed information does not necessarily mean that he is single, only that he has not publicly identified a partner.
Patrick Paul’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
As of now, there is no publicly verified information confirming that Patrick Paul has children.
The Miami Dolphins offensive tackle has not publicly announced becoming a father, and established sports publications have not reliably identified any sons or daughters belonging to him.
Although Paul has spoken openly about his family background, his publicly documented interviews have primarily concerned his parents, brothers and extended relatives.
There are no verified names, birth dates or other publicly established details concerning children of his own.
Therefore, his parental status remains undisclosed rather than definitively established as having no children.
Patrick Paul’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Patrick Paul’s parents are Paul Unawunwa and Victoria Unawunwa. Their identities are confirmed through the University of Tulsa’s official football biography for Patrick’s older brother, Chris Paul.
Both parents are originally from Nigeria and later established their family in Houston, Texas, where their three sons grew up.
Patrick has publicly discussed his parents’ different backgrounds and the importance of his Nigerian heritage.
Paul Unawunwa – Patrick Paul’s Father
Patrick Paul’s father is Paul Unawunwa, a Nigerian-born man who later moved to the United States.
His identity is confirmed by the University of Tulsa’s official records, which name Paul and Victoria Unawunwa as the parents of Chris Paul, Patrick’s older brother.
During a July 2026 interview on The Set with T. Stead podcast, hosted by former NFL offensive tackle Terron Armstead, Patrick discussed his father’s upbringing in Nigeria.
He explained that his father grew up in a rural community where economic opportunities were limited.
According to Patrick, his father regularly walked to school barefoot during childhood because he did not have access to the same resources as more affluent families.
These experiences demonstrated the difficult circumstances he overcame before eventually moving to the United States.
Paul Unawunwa’s Education and Life in America
During the same 2026 interview, Patrick explained that his father worked different jobs while pursuing education and building a better future.
He eventually attended Texas Southern University in Houston, where he completed his studies.
Patrick described his father’s journey as an example of determination and perseverance.
His father also met Victoria in Houston, despite their different family backgrounds in Nigeria.
Patrick explained that his parents came from contrasting social circumstances, with his father’s family having a comparatively modest upbringing while his mother’s relatives were connected to prominent Nigerian political figures.
The couple eventually raised three sons who all participated in college football.
Although Paul’s educational background and childhood experiences have been discussed publicly, reliable sources do not establish his current occupation or complete professional history.
Victoria Unawunwa – Patrick Paul’s Mother
Victoria Unawunwa is Patrick Paul’s mother and an important figure in his personal life.
Her identity is confirmed through the University of Tulsa’s official athletics biography and a detailed family interview published by PaperCity Magazine.
Victoria was born into a Nigerian family with significant historical and political connections.
During his July 2026 interview with Terron Armstead, Patrick explained that his mother’s father was Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, the Nigerian military leader who served as head of state in 1966.
According to Patrick, Victoria’s family background provided educational opportunities that differed significantly from those available to his father during childhood.
He explained that his mother eventually moved to the United States, where she pursued her education and met Paul Unawunwa.
The couple subsequently established their family in Houston, Texas.
Victoria Unawunwa Raised Three Football Players
Victoria is the mother of three sons: Nick, Chris and Patrick Paul.
All three developed into college football offensive linemen, an unusual achievement that attracted attention from sports journalists.
During an August 2022 interview published by PaperCity Magazine, Victoria discussed raising three exceptionally large sons.
She recalled that people frequently asked what she fed her children because of their unusual height and physical size.
Her oldest son, Nick, played college football at Northeastern State University, while Chris played at Tulsa and Patrick attended Houston.
When Chris reached the NFL in 2022, Victoria expressed pride in his achievement and explained that his dedication made her confident he would succeed.
Patrick later followed his brother into professional football after being selected by the Miami Dolphins in 2024.
The accomplishments of her sons have made Victoria an important figure in the family’s football story.
Patrick Paul’s Siblings: Meet His Brothers Chris and Nick
Patrick Paul has two publicly confirmed siblings: his older brothers Chris Paul and Nick Paul.
The University of Houston and University of Tulsa officially identify both brothers, confirming that the three siblings played college football.
Patrick is the youngest of the three.
Chris Paul – Patrick Paul’s Older Brother
Chris Paul is Patrick Paul’s older brother and a professional football offensive lineman.
Born on November 19, 1998, Chris grew up in Houston, Texas, alongside Patrick and their older brother Nick.
He attended Jersey Village High School before continuing his football career at the University of Tulsa.
At Tulsa, Chris developed into an accomplished offensive lineman who played multiple positions, including offensive guard and tackle.
He also became involved in student-athlete leadership, serving on committees representing college athletes at the conference and national levels.
Chris graduated with a degree in computer information systems in May 2021.
He later continued his education while preparing for professional football.
Chris Paul’s NFL Career
The Washington Commanders selected Chris Paul in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 230th overall pick.
His selection made him the first of the three brothers to reach the NFL.
During his early professional career, Chris developed as an offensive guard and earned opportunities to start games for Washington.
His experience became particularly useful to Patrick when the younger brother began preparing for the NFL.
In an April 2024 interview with KPRC 2 Houston, Patrick explained that Chris had provided valuable advice throughout the draft process.
He credited his brother’s firsthand professional experience with helping him understand the expectations of NFL teams.
Chris also helped Patrick prepare for interviews, workouts and the transition from college football to the professional league.
Patrick Paul and Chris Paul’s Close Relationship
Patrick and Chris have maintained a close relationship despite pursuing their football careers with different organizations.
In an August 2022 interview with PaperCity Magazine, the brothers discussed regularly watching each other’s games and exchanging advice.
Patrick explained that they sometimes reviewed game footage together and identified ways to improve their offensive line techniques.
Chris also described their shared commitment to becoming better football players.
During Patrick’s July 2026 interview with Terron Armstead, he explained that he and Chris continued speaking regularly despite their demanding professional schedules.
He associated their close relationship with the importance of family connections in Nigerian culture.
Patrick Paul and Chris Paul Played Against Each Other in Madrid
One of the most memorable moments in the brothers’ professional careers occurred on November 16, 2025, when the Miami Dolphins faced the Washington Commanders in Madrid, Spain.
The game was played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as part of the NFL’s international series.
Patrick represented Miami, while Chris played for Washington.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, the brothers’ parents and several extended family members traveled to Madrid to watch the occasion.
Their mother planned to wear a specially designed jersey combining elements of the Dolphins and Commanders uniforms.
For the family, the game represented an extraordinary achievement after years of watching both brothers develop through college football.
Miami eventually won the contest 16-13 in overtime.
The occasion gave Patrick and Chris another opportunity to celebrate their shared journey into professional football.
Nick Paul – Patrick Paul’s Oldest Brother
Nick Paul, also identified as Nicholas Paul, is Patrick Paul’s oldest brother.
His identity is confirmed in the University of Houston and University of Tulsa’s official football biographies.
Like his younger brothers, Nick pursued college football as an offensive lineman.
He attended Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, where he played in the NCAA Division II football program.
According to PaperCity Magazine, Nick stood approximately 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighed around 260 pounds during his college playing career.
His size and position continued the family’s unusual tradition of producing large offensive linemen.
Although Nick did not establish a widely documented NFL career, his college football experience formed part of the athletic background shared by all three brothers.
As of now, reliable public information about Nick’s current occupation and personal relationships remains limited.
Does Patrick Paul Have a Sister?
There is no publicly verified information confirming that Patrick Paul has a sister.
The University of Tulsa’s official records identify Chris as having two brothers, Nick and Patrick, while PaperCity Magazine describes Victoria as the mother of three sons.
Therefore, Patrick’s publicly documented siblings are his two older brothers.
Patrick Paul’s Grandfather: Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
Patrick Paul’s family background also includes a historical connection to Nigerian politics.
His maternal grandfather was Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, a Nigerian military officer who served as the country’s head of state in 1966.
Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed power in January 1966 following Nigeria’s first military coup and was killed during a countercoup in July of the same year.
Patrick discussed this family connection during interviews with the Houston Chronicle and former Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead.
He explained that the stories of his grandfather’s leadership had influenced his interest in history and public service.
During a 2024 Houston Chronicle interview, Patrick expressed ambitions to return to Nigeria in the future and contribute to improving public infrastructure, employment opportunities and living conditions.
However, he acknowledged that parts of his family’s historical background remained incomplete and that he wanted to conduct additional research.
His interest in Nigerian history therefore extends beyond his grandfather’s political position to a broader desire to understand his family’s past.
Patrick Paul’s Nigerian Family Heritage
Patrick Paul was born in Houston, Texas, but both of his parents are originally from Nigeria.
He identifies strongly with his Nigerian background and has frequently discussed how his upbringing shaped his personal values.
In September 2023, Paul published a first-person article on the University of Houston’s official athletics website describing his family’s experiences between the United States and Nigeria.
He explained that his parents moved the family to Nigeria when he was approximately seven years old.
Patrick spent around two and a half years living there before returning to Houston.
The experience introduced him to different cultural traditions and helped him understand his parents’ backgrounds.
Although he initially had to adjust to life in Nigeria, he later appreciated the opportunity to experience the country firsthand.
His family eventually returned to the United States to pursue educational opportunities and continue building their future.
Paul has described the experience as influential in shaping his identity as a first-generation American.
Patrick Paul’s Childhood and High School Football Career
Patrick Paul developed his football abilities while growing up in Houston, Texas.
He attended Jersey Village High School, where he became a promising offensive line prospect.
He also spent part of his high school career at Cypress Creek High School.
During his senior season at Jersey Village, Patrick earned first-team All-District 17-6A recognition.
He also participated in track and field, competing in throwing events such as the shot put and discus.
Despite his impressive size and athletic potential, Paul initially received limited attention from major college football programs.
He eventually received scholarship opportunities from Tulsa and the University of Houston.
Patrick chose Houston partly because he wanted to remain close to home and continue developing within a familiar environment.
His older brother Chris’s football experience at Tulsa also provided useful guidance during the recruitment process.
How Patrick Paul’s Family Influenced His College Career
Patrick Paul joined the University of Houston in 2019, where he began developing into one of the American Athletic Conference’s leading offensive tackles.
He redshirted during his freshman season but earned starting opportunities late in the campaign.
His progress was temporarily interrupted by a foot injury in 2020.
However, he recovered and became a regular starter in 2021.
During that season, Paul started all 14 games at left tackle and earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference recognition.
He repeated the achievement in 2022 and became one of the team’s offensive leaders.
Throughout his college career, he remained in contact with Chris, who was beginning his professional football journey.
The brothers exchanged advice about training, game preparation and offensive line techniques.
Patrick also continued studying and completed a bachelor’s degree in retailing and consumer science.
Patrick Paul’s Final College Season
Patrick returned to Houston for the 2023 season rather than entering the NFL Draft immediately.
The decision allowed him to gain additional experience and improve his professional prospects.
He started all 12 games at left tackle and earned first-team All-Big 12 recognition.
He also served as a team captain, reflecting his leadership within the Houston football program.
By the end of his college career, Paul had accumulated 44 starts at left tackle.
His performances attracted attention from NFL scouts, particularly because of his height, athleticism and pass-blocking ability.
Patrick Paul’s NFL Career With the Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins selected Patrick Paul in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 55th overall pick.
The selection represented an important personal milestone and allowed him to follow his older brother Chris into professional football.
Patrick signed his rookie contract with Miami in June 2024 and began developing under veteran offensive tackle Terron Armstead.
During his rookie season, he appeared in all 17 regular-season games and made three starts.
Following Armstead’s retirement, Paul became Miami’s starting left tackle for the 2025 season.
He started all 17 games that year, gaining valuable experience against some of the NFL’s leading defensive players.
His performances established him as an important member of Miami’s offensive line.
During the 2026 offseason, the Dolphins continued identifying Paul as one of their key offensive players.
As of now, Patrick Paul remains Miami’s starting left tackle, wearing jersey number 52.
Is Patrick Paul Related to NBA Player Chris Paul?
Patrick Paul’s older brother is Chris Paul, the professional American football offensive lineman who played for the Washington Commanders.
He should not be confused with basketball star Chris Paul, who became famous for his NBA career with teams including the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.
There is no verified family relationship between Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Patrick Paul and the NBA player.
The shared surname and the fact that Patrick has a brother named Chris Paul have occasionally caused confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patrick Paul’s Family
Who is Patrick Paul’s girlfriend?
As of now, Patrick Paul has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend. His romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Patrick Paul married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Patrick Paul is married.
Does Patrick Paul have children?
There is no publicly verified information confirming that Patrick Paul has a son or daughter.
Who is Patrick Paul’s father?
Patrick Paul’s father is Paul Unawunwa, who was born in Nigeria and later attended Texas Southern University in Houston.
Who is Patrick Paul’s mother?
His mother is Victoria Unawunwa, who is originally from Nigeria and is the daughter of former Nigerian head of state Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.
How many siblings does Patrick Paul have?
Patrick Paul has two older brothers, Chris Paul and Nick Paul.
Who is Patrick Paul’s brother in the NFL?
His brother Chris Paul was selected by the Washington Commanders in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft after playing college football at Tulsa.
Who is Patrick Paul’s oldest brother?
Nick Paul, also known as Nicholas Paul, is his oldest brother. He played college football at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.
Does Patrick Paul have a sister?
No sister has been identified in his family’s official college football records. His publicly confirmed siblings are Chris and Nick Paul.
Who is Patrick Paul’s grandfather?
Patrick Paul’s maternal grandfather was Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who served as Nigeria’s military head of state in 1966.
Is Patrick Paul Nigerian?
Patrick Paul is American by birth and has Nigerian heritage through both parents. He also lived in Nigeria for approximately two and a half years during childhood.
Where was Patrick Paul born?
Patrick Paul was born on November 1, 2001, in Houston, Texas, United States.
How old is Patrick Paul?
Patrick Paul is 24 years old.
Where did Patrick Paul play college football?
Patrick Paul played college football at the University of Houston from 2019 to 2023, earning multiple first-team all-conference honors.
Is Patrick Paul related to NBA player Chris Paul?
There is no verified family relationship between Patrick Paul and the NBA basketball player. Patrick’s brother Chris Paul is a professional American football offensive lineman.
Which NFL team does Patrick Paul play for?
As of now, Patrick Paul plays offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins, who selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
