Last Updated on October 31, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Cooper McDonald is an American professional football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 7, 2001, he grew up in Haslet, Texas, and played college football at Washington, San Diego State and TCU before joining the Chiefs in 2025.
Beyond his football career, McDonald comes from an athletic family with a strong tradition in American football. His parents are Mike and Jill McDonald, while his two older brothers, Colton and Caden McDonald, also played college football. His grandfather, Frontz Myatt, was another important influence on his life.
Although McDonald keeps his romantic relationships private, he has spoken publicly about his family, particularly his father’s influence, his brothers’ football careers and the outdoor activities they enjoyed together.
Cooper McDonald’s Wife
Cooper McDonald’s wife is Kenna (Makenna) McDonald.
The couple tied the knot in July 2026 during a ceremony held in Ponder, Texas. Kenna frequently follows and closely supports her husband’s American football career, and the couple recently shared some news with their followers: they are expecting their first child together.
Cooper McDonald’s Children
American football player Cooper McDonald and his wife, Kenna, have welcomed a baby girl named Charlie.
The baby was born recently, in October 2026. The arrival was celebrated by fans and pages associated with the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing a great deal of joy to the new family just a few months after the couple’s wedding.
Cooper McDonald’s Parents
Cooper McDonald’s parents are Mike McDonald and Jill McDonald, according to his official San Diego State University football biography.
His parents raised three sons who developed into college football players. Mike played football at Arkansas State University, while Cooper and his brothers pursued their own athletic careers.
The family also shared an enthusiasm for hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors, activities that McDonald continues to enjoy as an NFL player.
Cooper McDonald’s Father: Mike McDonald
Mike McDonald is Cooper McDonald’s father and a former college football defensive tackle.
He played at Arkansas State University, establishing a family connection to competitive college football before his three sons followed similar athletic paths.
In a September 2021 interview with Sports Illustrated, Cooper discussed his father’s football background while preparing to face Arkansas State as a member of the Washington Huskies.
His father’s experience in the sport helped establish football as an important part of the McDonald family’s identity.
Mike also introduced his sons to hunting and fishing when they were young.
During a September 2026 interview with Chiefs Wire, Cooper explained that his father was born in California but spent much of his life in Missouri.
The family owns a ranch in Missouri, where Mike regularly took his sons during their childhood.
Those visits introduced Cooper and his brothers to outdoor activities, particularly fishing and hunting.
McDonald explained that the experiences remained important as he grew older and developed an appreciation for outdoor recreation.
His father’s influence also became evident during Cooper’s transition into professional football.
After going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft, McDonald discussed his future with his father.
In a September 2026 interview, he recalled explaining to Mike that receiving an invitation to the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp would be an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities.
Despite the disappointment of not being drafted, Cooper remained determined to make the most of his opportunity.
His performance at rookie minicamp impressed Kansas City’s coaching staff and eventually earned him a place on the team’s roster.
Mike’s influence extended beyond football, helping Cooper develop an interest in outdoor activities and an appreciation for perseverance.
Cooper McDonald’s Mother: Jill McDonald
Jill McDonald is Cooper McDonald’s mother and another important member of his family.
Her identity is confirmed in the official San Diego State University football biographies of both Cooper and his older brother Caden.
Jill raised three sons alongside her husband, Mike, in a household where football and outdoor activities were important parts of family life.
All three sons eventually pursued college football, demonstrating the family’s strong athletic background.
Cooper attended Northwest High School in Texas before continuing his football career at three universities.
Although Jill has generally remained outside the media spotlight, she is part of the family that supported his athletic development.
Reliable public reporting does not provide extensive information about her occupation, education or other personal activities.
As of now, additional details about Jill McDonald’s private life remain limited.
Cooper McDonald’s Siblings
Cooper McDonald has two older brothers, Colton McDonald and Caden McDonald.
Both brothers played college football, making Cooper the youngest of three siblings who followed a similar athletic path.
Their identities and football backgrounds are confirmed in Cooper’s official San Diego State University biography.
The brothers also share an interest in outdoor activities, particularly hunting and fishing, which their father introduced to them during childhood.
Colton McDonald: Cooper McDonald’s Oldest Brother
Colton McDonald is Cooper McDonald’s oldest brother and a former college football linebacker.
According to San Diego State University’s official athletic records, Colton played football at the University of North Texas.
His participation in college football helped establish an athletic example for his younger brothers, Caden and Cooper.
In a March 2025 interview with NFL Draft Diamonds, Cooper described how football had always been an important part of his family.
He specifically mentioned Colton’s college football career while discussing the reasons he developed an interest in the sport.
Watching his father and older brothers compete helped Cooper develop his own ambitions.
The three brothers also shared childhood experiences involving hunting and fishing.
In September 2026, Cooper recalled that their father had introduced all three sons to hunting while they were young.
Those experiences remained meaningful to him even after he became a professional football player.
Although Colton’s college football background is documented, reliable information about his current occupation, marriage and children is limited.
Caden McDonald: Cooper McDonald’s Brother
Caden McDonald is Cooper McDonald’s older brother and a former college football linebacker at San Diego State University.
Born on August 13, 1998, in Phoenix, Arizona, Caden developed into one of San Diego State’s leading defensive players.
He earned first-team All-Mountain West recognition three consecutive times from 2020 through 2022.
Caden also served as a team captain, demonstrating his leadership and importance to the Aztecs’ defense.
His college football career overlapped with Cooper’s time at San Diego State after Cooper transferred from Washington in 2022.
The opportunity allowed the brothers to become part of the same college football program.
Caden has publicly supported Cooper’s professional career, particularly after his younger brother earned a position with the Kansas City Chiefs.
In December 2025, Caden shared a video showing the family’s excitement before Cooper’s Christmas Day game against the Denver Broncos.
The Kansas City Star reported that the family organized an enthusiastic send-off because Cooper was expected to receive an increased defensive role.
Caden posted the family celebration on TikTok, expressing pride that his younger brother was starting an NFL game.
The moment highlighted the relationship between the brothers and their shared appreciation for Cooper’s achievements.
Although Caden is publicly recognized for his college football career, detailed information about his current professional and personal life remains limited.
Cooper McDonald’s Grandfather: Frontz Myatt
Cooper McDonald has identified his grandfather, Frontz Myatt, as one of the most inspirational members of his family.
During an interview with NFL Draft Diamonds in March 2025, McDonald discussed the impact his grandfather had on his life.
Myatt was a World War II veteran who later participated in college athletics.
After returning from military service, he played football and competed in track and field at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas.
His experiences combined military service, competitive athletics and dedication to family.
Cooper recalled that his grandfather remained interested in the sporting activities of his grandchildren.
He regularly asked about their performances and wanted to stay involved in their athletic development.
McDonald explained that his grandfather’s ability to overcome challenges following World War II inspired him to remain determined during difficult circumstances.
He viewed his grandfather’s experiences as an example of perseverance and personal strength.
The relationship demonstrates how multiple generations of the McDonald family shared an interest in athletics and valued determination.
Cooper McDonald’s Childhood and Family Background
Cooper McDonald grew up in Haslet, Texas, in a family with longstanding connections to American football.
His father played defensive tackle at Arkansas State, while his two older brothers continued the family’s athletic tradition at college level.
Cooper began playing organized football in first grade and quickly developed a passion for the sport.
During his childhood, he also participated in hunting and fishing trips with his father and brothers.
The family’s ranch in Missouri became an important place for outdoor activities and spending time together.
McDonald later attended Northwest High School in Justin, Texas, where he developed into a talented linebacker.
During his senior season in 2019, he recorded 89 tackles, eight tackles for loss and a defensive touchdown.
He was named the District 4-5A Division II Defensive Most Valuable Player and received honorable mention All-State recognition.
In addition to football, McDonald participated in track and field.
He won the Texas Class 5A state championship in the discus in 2019 with a throw of 178 feet, 11 inches.
His performances attracted scholarship offers from multiple college football programs, including Washington, Baylor, Utah, San Diego State and Colorado.
McDonald eventually committed to the University of Washington, beginning his college football journey in 2020.
Cooper McDonald’s College Football Career
Cooper McDonald played college football at three universities: Washington, San Diego State and TCU.
He began his career with the Washington Huskies, where he played during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
McDonald appeared in 16 games over those two seasons, making 10 starts.
He subsequently transferred to San Diego State University in 2022, joining the program where his older brother Caden had established himself as a successful linebacker.
At San Diego State, Cooper continued developing his defensive abilities and received academic recognition, including Mountain West academic honors.
He recorded 78 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks during his time with the Aztecs.
For his final college season in 2024, McDonald transferred to Texas Christian University.
He played in nine games for the Horned Frogs, recording 25 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks.
Although injuries interrupted part of his final season, McDonald returned to contribute during the final games.
His college journey provided experience across multiple football programs and prepared him for the transition into the NFL.
Cooper McDonald’s NFL Career and Family Support
Cooper McDonald entered the 2025 NFL Draft after completing his college football career at TCU.
Despite his experience and athletic achievements, he was not selected by an NFL team.
He subsequently received an invitation to participate in the Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie minicamp.
During an interview with Chiefs Wire in September 2026, McDonald explained that he had discussed the opportunity with his father shortly after the draft.
He remained determined to demonstrate his abilities and earn a professional contract.
His performances impressed Kansas City’s coaching staff, and the organization signed him following rookie minicamp.
McDonald continued progressing during training camp and eventually earned a place on the team’s 53-man roster.
He made his regular-season NFL debut in September 2025 and contributed primarily on special teams.
His defensive responsibilities increased during the season, including an important opportunity against Denver on Christmas Day.
His family’s enthusiastic celebration before that game attracted media attention and demonstrated their pride in his accomplishments.
McDonald returned to the Chiefs for the 2026 season, continuing his development as a professional linebacker.
How Cooper McDonald’s Family Influenced His Life
Family has influenced Cooper McDonald’s football ambitions, hobbies and personal values.
His father’s college football background introduced him to the sport, while his brothers provided examples of competitive college athletics.
His grandfather, Frontz Myatt, inspired him through his experiences as a World War II veteran and former college athlete.
McDonald has also discussed the importance of Christian faith in his life.
During his 2025 NFL Draft Diamonds interview, he emphasized his desire to honor his beliefs while pursuing a successful football career.
Outside football, his family’s interest in hunting and fishing remains an important part of his lifestyle.
In September 2026, he discussed his partnership with outdoor clothing company SITKA Gear, explaining how his childhood experiences shaped his appreciation for hunting.
McDonald has also participated in charitable work.
During the 2026 NFL season, he joined several Kansas City Chiefs linebackers in supporting International Justice Mission’s Freedom to Play campaign.
He pledged $100 for every tackle he recorded during the season to help combat exploitation and support vulnerable people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooper McDonald’s Family
Who is Cooper McDonald’s wife?
Cooper McDonald’s wife is Kenna (Makenna) McDonald.
Does Cooper McDonald have children?
American football player Cooper McDonald and his wife, Kenna, have welcomed a baby girl named Charlie.
Who is Cooper McDonald’s father?
Cooper McDonald’s father is Mike McDonald, a former Arkansas State University defensive tackle who introduced his three sons to football and outdoor activities.
Who is Cooper McDonald’s mother?
Cooper McDonald’s mother is Jill McDonald, according to his official San Diego State University football biography.
Does Cooper McDonald have siblings?
Yes. Cooper McDonald has two older brothers named Colton McDonald and Caden McDonald. Both played college football.
Who is Colton McDonald?
Colton McDonald is Cooper McDonald’s oldest brother and a former college football linebacker at North Texas.
Who is Caden McDonald?
Caden McDonald is Cooper McDonald’s older brother and a former San Diego State linebacker who earned three consecutive first-team All-Mountain West selections.
Who is Cooper McDonald’s grandfather?
Cooper McDonald’s grandfather was Frontz Myatt, a World War II veteran who played football and participated in track and field at McMurry University.
Where is Cooper McDonald from?
Cooper McDonald grew up in Haslet, Texas, and attended Northwest High School before playing college football at Washington, San Diego State and TCU.
What NFL team does Cooper McDonald play for?
Cooper McDonald plays linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, whom he joined in 2025 after receiving an invitation to rookie minicamp.
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.
