Last Updated on October 31, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
James Winchester is an American football long snapper for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 6, 1989, in Washington, Oklahoma, he played college football at the University of Oklahoma before beginning his professional NFL career.
Beyond his football career, Winchester is a husband and father of three children. He is married to Emily Winchester, formerly Emily Bowles, whom he married in 2015. The couple have a son, Jase Michael Winchester, and two daughters, including Rylee Grace Winchester.
James is the son of the late Michael “Mike” Winchester and Pam Winchester, who has also been publicly identified as Pam Roberts. His father was a former University of Oklahoma punter who died in November 2016.
Winchester also has three sisters: Carolyn Baker, Rebecca George and Emilyne Rogan. His family has a strong sporting tradition, with several members having competed for the Oklahoma Sooners.
James Winchester’s Wife: Emily Winchester
Emily Winchester, formerly Emily Bowles, is James Winchester’s wife. The couple married in 2015, the same year James joined the Kansas City Chiefs.
Emily has supported her husband throughout his professional football career, including his appearances in four Super Bowls and three championship victories.
Although James has occasionally shared family photographs through social media, Emily generally maintains a relatively private personal life.
The couple have publicly discussed their Christian faith, marriage and experiences raising three children.
Who Is Emily Winchester?
Emily Winchester is best known publicly as the wife of Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester.
Before marriage, she was known as Emily Bowles.
Her maiden name is documented in a family profile published by Sooner Magazine, an official University of Oklahoma Foundation publication.
Emily was already in a relationship with James while he was attempting to establish himself as an NFL long snapper.
During that period, James worked outside professional football while continuing to attend specialist training camps and NFL tryouts.
Emily remained part of his life as he considered whether to continue pursuing football or concentrate on a more conventional career.
In 2015, the couple prepared for marriage while James received another opportunity to demonstrate his skills to NFL teams.
He subsequently signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, beginning the professional career that would make him a three-time Super Bowl champion.
Although Emily has participated in public family celebrations, reliable sources provide limited information about her education, occupation and early childhood.
When Did James Winchester and Emily Bowles Get Married?
James Winchester and Emily Bowles married in 2015.
According to Sooner Magazine, the couple were engaged before James attended a specialist training camp early that year.
With their wedding approaching, Winchester considered whether spending additional money on football training was a sensible decision.
He had participated in specialist camps in previous years without securing a permanent NFL position.
However, a trainer encouraged him to attend one more camp in 2015.
Winchester performed well and attracted interest from several NFL franchises, including Kansas City, Chicago and St. Louis.
The Chiefs ultimately signed him in March 2015.
His breakthrough came during the same period in which he and Emily were preparing to begin their married life.
Since then, the couple have celebrated numerous personal and professional milestones together.
Emily Winchester’s Support During James’s NFL Career
Emily has supported James through his long career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
She attended Super Bowl LIV in February 2020, when Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers.
After the victory, she joined James and their young son Jase on the field to celebrate the championship.
The moment was especially emotional for Winchester because his father had died several years earlier.
Emily has also supported him during subsequent Super Bowl appearances and team celebrations.
In 2024, the couple appeared together at the Chiefs’ championship ring ceremony following their victory in Super Bowl LVIII.
Beyond attending football events, Emily and James have discussed the importance of raising their children together.
During a February 2024 interview with Sports Spectrum, James explained that he and his wife considered teaching their children about their Christian faith an important responsibility.
James Winchester’s Children
James Winchester and Emily Winchester have three children: one son and two daughters.
Their eldest child is Jase Michael Winchester, born on October 16, 2017.
Their second child is Rylee Grace Winchester, born on January 20, 2020.
The couple also have a younger daughter whose name and birth date have not been publicly disclosed in reliable reporting.
These details were confirmed in a December 2025 family profile published by People.
Jase Michael Winchester – First Son
Jase Michael Winchester is James and Emily Winchester’s eldest child.
He was born on October 16, 2017, approximately two years after his father became the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting long snapper.
Jase’s middle name, Michael, is also the first name of his late paternal grandfather, Mike Winchester.
In a June 2020 interview with Sports Illustrated, James discussed the emotional experience of becoming a father after losing his own father in November 2016.
Jase was born approximately eleven months after Mike Winchester’s death.
James explained that watching his son grow was particularly meaningful because of his memories of the relationship he had shared with his father.
During Super Bowl LIV in February 2020, Jase joined James and Emily on the field following Kansas City’s victory.
Photographs from the celebration showed the family enjoying one of the biggest achievements of James’s football career.
Although Jase has appeared in occasional public family photographs, his parents have generally maintained privacy regarding his everyday life.
Rylee Grace Winchester – First Daughter
Rylee Grace Winchester is James and Emily Winchester’s second child and eldest daughter.
She was born on January 20, 2020, just one day after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game.
The victory secured Kansas City’s place in Super Bowl LIV.
According to James’s interview with Sports Illustrated, he and Emily went to the hospital early the following morning for the planned delivery.
While many Chiefs players and fans were still celebrating the team’s conference championship, James was preparing to welcome his daughter.
Rylee’s birth made the period especially memorable for the Winchester family.
Less than two weeks later, James helped Kansas City defeat the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.
His daughter’s arrival and the championship victory occurred during one of the most significant periods of his personal and professional life.
James Winchester’s Youngest Daughter
James and Emily Winchester also have a third child, another daughter.
Her existence was confirmed in a December 2025 article published by People, which identified the couple as parents of three children.
However, the publication reported that the family had not publicly shared the youngest daughter’s name or exact date of birth.
The family have generally avoided disclosing detailed personal information about their youngest child.
As of now, three children is the most recently verified number publicly reported for James and Emily Winchester.
James Winchester’s Parents
James Winchester was born to Michael “Mike” Winchester and Pam Winchester.
Both parents played important roles in his upbringing in Washington, Oklahoma, where he grew up alongside his three sisters.
His father was a former college football player, while his mother helped establish a family environment centered on education, athletics and supporting one another.
Michael “Mike” Winchester – Father
Michael Winchester, commonly known as Mike Winchester, was James Winchester’s father.
Mike played college football at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a punter during the 1984 and 1985 seasons.
He was a member of the Oklahoma Sooners team that won the national championship following the 1985 season.
His connection to Oklahoma football became an important part of the family’s identity.
Mike encouraged all four of his children to pursue athletics and supported their educational ambitions.
James eventually followed his father’s example by attending the University of Oklahoma.
His sisters Carolyn and Rebecca also participated in Oklahoma athletics, while their youngest sister attended the university.
According to an official Oklahoma Athletics family story, Mike regularly traveled to watch his children compete.
He attended basketball games, football games and rowing competitions, sometimes traveling long distances to support different family members.
His children have credited him with teaching them discipline, perseverance and the importance of maintaining strong family relationships.
How Did James Winchester’s Father Die?
Mike Winchester died on November 15, 2016, at the age of 52.
He was killed in a shooting at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, where he worked for Southwest Airlines.
The incident occurred during James’s second season with the Kansas City Chiefs.
His death was widely reported by Oklahoma and national sports publications.
Following the tragedy, James received support from the Chiefs organization, his teammates, the University of Oklahoma community and football supporters.
In December 2016, he issued a public statement expressing appreciation for the messages and assistance his family had received.
The loss had a profound impact on James and his sisters, who have continued honoring their father’s memory.
How James Winchester Honors His Father’s Legacy
James has frequently discussed the influence of his late father on his professional football career.
In a 2020 interview with Sooner Magazine, Winchester explained that his father’s encouragement helped him continue pursuing opportunities in the NFL.
He also reflected on the emotions he experienced after winning his first Super Bowl.
Although Mike was not present for the celebration, James expressed gratitude for everything his father had taught him.
His siblings have similarly emphasized that their father’s greatest influence extended beyond athletics.
The family also supports the Michael Winchester Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides assistance to walk-on student-athletes at the University of Oklahoma.
According to Oklahoma Athletics, the scholarship reflects Mike’s belief that dedication and persistence can create opportunities for athletes.
Pam Winchester – Mother
Pam Winchester, also publicly identified as Pam Roberts, is James Winchester’s mother.
She raised James and his three sisters in Washington, Oklahoma.
Her name appears in official University of Oklahoma athletics records, including Carolyn Winchester’s women’s basketball biography.
Pam has supported her children’s participation in competitive sports and their educational achievements.
She has also attended significant moments of James’s professional football career.
In February 2023, The Oklahoman published a feature about James and his three sisters that included photographs identifying their mother as Pam Roberts.
The family celebrated together after Kansas City secured another Super Bowl appearance.
Although Pam has occasionally appeared in public family photographs, detailed information about her occupation and personal life has not been widely documented.
Sooner Magazine has also reported that James’s mother and stepfather attended Super Bowl LIV in 2020, although the publication did not identify his stepfather by name.
James Winchester’s Siblings
James Winchester has three sisters: Carolyn Baker, Rebecca George and Emilyne Rogan.
All four Winchester siblings attended the University of Oklahoma, and three participated in university athletics.
His sisters have maintained a close relationship with him throughout his professional football career.
Carolyn Winchester Baker – Older Sister
Carolyn Winchester Baker is James Winchester’s older sister.
She was born on October 21, 1986, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, according to her official University of Oklahoma basketball biography.
Carolyn attended Washington High School, where she became an accomplished basketball and track and field athlete.
She earned academic recognition and graduated as her high school’s valedictorian.
After high school, Carolyn attended the University of Oklahoma and joined the women’s basketball program.
She played under head coach Sherri Coale and was part of Oklahoma’s 2009 NCAA Women’s Final Four team.
She also studied mathematics during her university career.
In an Oklahoma Athletics family feature, Carolyn discussed how her father encouraged her to work hard and earn opportunities.
She has continued supporting James’s NFL career and regularly attends important Chiefs games.
Rebecca Winchester George – Younger Sister
Rebecca Winchester George, also known as Becca George, is one of James Winchester’s younger sisters.
She attended the University of Oklahoma, where she competed in rowing.
According to Oklahoma Athletics, Rebecca initially pursued other sports but experienced several knee injuries during high school.
After those injuries, she decided to try rowing.
Her athletic ability helped her earn a place on Oklahoma’s varsity rowing team.
Rebecca subsequently worked as an assistant coach for the university’s rowing program.
In a February 2023 interview with The Oklahoman, she discussed the family’s pride in James’s NFL achievements.
She also explained that their father had emphasized the importance of supporting one another.
Rebecca remains part of the close family network that celebrates James’s professional success.
Emilyne Winchester Rogan – Youngest Sister
Emilyne Winchester Rogan is James Winchester’s youngest sister.
She has also been referred to as Emily Winchester in earlier university and family reporting.
According to The Oklahoman, Emilyne is approximately five years younger than James.
She grew up watching her older siblings participate in competitive sports and attended the University of Oklahoma.
Although Emilyne did not pursue the same publicly documented college athletic career as Carolyn and Rebecca, she remained involved in family sporting activities.
In February 2023, she described the nervous excitement she experienced while watching James participate in important playoff moments.
She recalled being particularly anxious during Harrison Butker’s decisive field goal against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game.
Emilyne has continued supporting James while maintaining a relatively private family life.
Does James Winchester Have a Brother?
There is no publicly documented brother of James Winchester.
Official University of Oklahoma records and family interviews identify his three sisters, Carolyn, Rebecca and Emilyne.
James Winchester’s Childhood and Family Background
James Winchester was born on August 6, 1989, in Washington, Oklahoma.
He grew up in a family where participation in sports was a regular part of everyday life.
His father played college football at Oklahoma, while his sisters competed in basketball, rowing and other sports.
James began playing youth football at approximately four or five years old.
He subsequently attended Washington High School, where he developed as a football player.
Because of his father’s connection to Oklahoma, James grew up following the Sooners and dreamed of playing at the university.
He eventually joined Oklahoma as a walk-on student-athlete.
Although he initially hoped to play wide receiver, he developed into a long snapper and began contributing on special teams.
James Winchester’s Native American Heritage
James Winchester is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
His tribal membership is documented in the Kansas City Chiefs’ official player biography.
The Choctaw Nation also featured Winchester in its July 2015 publication, recognizing him as a professional athlete with connections to the tribal community.
His Oklahoma upbringing and Native American heritage form part of his publicly documented personal background.
James Winchester’s NFL Career
James Winchester played college football at the University of Oklahoma before attempting to establish himself in the NFL.
He joined the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2013 but was released before the regular season.
After further training and several professional tryouts, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2015.
Winchester became the team’s starting long snapper and established himself as one of Kansas City’s longest-serving players.
He contributed to the Chiefs’ victories in Super Bowls LIV, LVII and LVIII.
His responsibilities include delivering accurate snaps during punts, field goals and extra-point attempts.
On March 11, 2026, the Chiefs announced that they had re-signed Winchester for another season.
As of now, he continues his professional football career with Kansas City, wearing jersey number 41.
James Winchester’s Family Life and Christian Faith
Christian faith has remained an important part of James Winchester’s publicly discussed family life.
He and his wife, Emily, have spoken about teaching their children religious values and the importance of faith.
During a February 2024 interview with Sports Spectrum, Winchester discussed balancing professional football with the responsibilities of being a husband and father.
He explained that raising children provided opportunities to teach them about faith, gratitude and personal responsibility.
His own childhood experiences have also influenced his approach to fatherhood.
James has repeatedly credited his late father with teaching him the importance of supporting family members and maintaining perspective during difficult periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About James Winchester’s Family
Who is James Winchester’s girlfriend?
James Winchester is married to Emily Winchester, formerly Emily Bowles. The couple married in 2015.
Who is James Winchester’s wife?
His wife is Emily Winchester, formerly Emily Bowles. They have three children together.
When did James Winchester get married?
James Winchester and Emily Bowles married in 2015, the same year he joined the Kansas City Chiefs.
How many children does James Winchester have?
James Winchester has three children: Jase Michael Winchester, Rylee Grace Winchester and a younger daughter whose name has not been publicly disclosed.
Who is James Winchester’s son?
His son is Jase Michael Winchester, born on October 16, 2017.
Who is James Winchester’s daughter Rylee?
Rylee Grace Winchester is his eldest daughter. She was born on January 20, 2020, one day after Kansas City won the AFC Championship Game.
Does James Winchester have a third child?
Yes. James and Emily have a younger daughter whose name and date of birth remain private.
Who is James Winchester’s father?
His father was Michael “Mike” Winchester, a former University of Oklahoma punter who played on the Sooners’ 1985 national championship team.
How did James Winchester’s father die?
Mike Winchester died in a shooting at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City on November 15, 2016. He was 52 years old.
Who is James Winchester’s mother?
His mother is Pam Winchester, also publicly identified as Pam Roberts. She raised James and his three sisters in Oklahoma.
How many siblings does James Winchester have?
James Winchester has three sisters: Carolyn Baker, Rebecca George and Emilyne Rogan.
Who is James Winchester’s older sister?
His older sister is Carolyn Winchester Baker, a former University of Oklahoma basketball player who was part of the Sooners’ 2009 Women’s Final Four team.
Who is James Winchester’s sister Rebecca?
Rebecca Winchester George is his younger sister and a former University of Oklahoma rower who also worked as an assistant rowing coach.
Who is James Winchester’s youngest sister?
His youngest sister is Emilyne Winchester Rogan, who also attended the University of Oklahoma.
Is James Winchester Native American?
Yes. James Winchester is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
Where was James Winchester born?
James Winchester was born on August 6, 1989, in Washington, Oklahoma, United States.
What NFL team does James Winchester play for?
As of now, James Winchester is the long snapper for the Kansas City Chiefs. He joined the organization in 2015.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
