Last Updated on October 31, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Josh Woods is an American professional football player who plays as a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 1, 1996, in Baltimore, Maryland, Woods played college football at the University of Maryland before beginning his professional career with the Chicago Bears in 2018.
Behind his football career is a family that includes his father, Frank Harris, his mother, Karen Sullivan, and his younger sister, Sarah. Their identities are confirmed by the University of Maryland’s official athletics records, which provide details about Woods’s upbringing and personal background.
Although Woods’s parents and sister have been publicly identified, information about his girlfriend, wife, and children remains limited. The Falcons linebacker has generally kept his romantic relationships and private family life away from public attention.
Josh Woods’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Josh Woods has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend or being in a romantic relationship. The Atlanta Falcons linebacker maintains a relatively private personal life, with most of his public appearances and interviews focusing on football and his professional career.
There are no reliably verified recent reports identifying a current girlfriend, fiancée, or wife.
During his time with the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, and Atlanta Falcons, Woods has primarily received media attention for his performances as a linebacker and special teams contributor.
Although some online biographies have discussed his relationship status, they have not provided sufficient evidence to establish whether he is currently dating someone.
In October 2023, Yebscore published an article examining Woods’s personal life while he was playing for the Arizona Cardinals. The report stated that he had not publicly announced a romantic relationship.
However, that information does not establish his relationship status in 2026.
Until Woods or a reliable source confirms a relationship, his current dating status remains unknown.
Josh Woods’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, there is no publicly verified information confirming that Josh Woods has children.
The Atlanta Falcons linebacker has not made a widely documented public announcement identifying a son or daughter, and his official NFL biography does not provide information about fatherhood.
His University of Maryland athletics biography identifies his parents and younger sister but does not include details about a spouse or children.
Most publicly accessible information about Woods concerns his football career, including his development at Maryland and his transition into professional football.
Consequently, his parental status remains unverified.
The absence of confirmed public information does not necessarily mean Woods is not a father. It simply means that reliable sources have not established whether he has children.
Josh Woods’s Parents: Meet Frank Harris and Karen Sullivan
Josh Woods was born to Frank Harris and Karen Sullivan in Baltimore, Maryland.
Both parents are identified in the official University of Maryland football biography published during his college career.
Woods grew up in Baltimore before attending McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland, where he developed into a talented football player.
Although his parents have been publicly identified, they have generally maintained private lives, and reliable reporting provides limited information about their careers and personal backgrounds.
Josh Woods’s Father: Frank Harris
Josh Woods’s father is Frank Harris, whose identity is confirmed by the University of Maryland’s official athletics records.
Frank was identified as one of Woods’s parents during his time with the Maryland Terrapins football program.
His son grew up in Baltimore and eventually attended McDonogh School, where he excelled as both an offensive and defensive football player.
During high school, Woods developed into one of Maryland’s promising defensive prospects, earning recognition from local sports organizations and recruiting services.
Those accomplishments eventually helped him earn an opportunity to play college football at the University of Maryland.
However, publicly available interviews do not provide extensive details about Frank Harris’s occupation, education, or personal interests.
There is also insufficient reliable reporting to describe his specific involvement in Josh’s athletic training or college recruitment.
While his identity as Woods’s father is established, additional information about his private life remains limited.
Josh Woods’s Mother: Karen Sullivan
Josh Woods’s mother is Karen Sullivan, who is also identified in his official University of Maryland athletics biography.
Karen is the mother of Josh and his younger sister, Sarah.
Her son was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, before attending McDonogh School in nearby Owings Mills.
During his high school career, Woods became a standout athlete, competing at wide receiver and defensive back.
He subsequently joined the University of Maryland football program, where he spent four seasons before pursuing a career in the NFL.
Although Karen is publicly identified as his mother, reliable sources provide limited information about her professional background, education, and personal circumstances.
Unlike some parents of NFL players who frequently participate in interviews, Karen has maintained a relatively low public profile.
Consequently, specific details about her occupation and personal interests remain unverified.
Josh Woods’s Siblings: Meet His Younger Sister Sarah
Josh Woods has a younger sister named Sarah, according to his official University of Maryland football biography.
The university’s athletics department specifically identifies Sarah as his younger sibling, confirming that Woods grew up in a family with at least two children.
She is the only sibling publicly identified in his official college records.
Sarah: Josh Woods’s Younger Sister
Sarah is the younger sister of Atlanta Falcons linebacker Josh Woods.
Her name appears in the personal information section of his University of Maryland athletics biography.
Although Sarah’s relationship with Josh is confirmed, reliable public sources do not provide extensive information about her age, education, occupation, or personal life.
There are also no widely documented interviews in which Woods discusses her athletic interests or professional activities.
As a result, most details about Sarah remain private.
She is the only sibling identified in authoritative sports biographies of the linebacker, and there is no reliable evidence confirming additional brothers or sisters.
Josh Woods’s Family Background and Childhood
Josh Woods was born on July 1, 1996, in Baltimore, Maryland.
He grew up in the Baltimore area, where he developed an interest in American football.
Woods attended McDonogh School in Owings Mills, a private educational institution with a competitive high school football program.
During his high school career, he demonstrated versatility by playing both defensive back and wide receiver.
His performances attracted attention from college football recruiters and earned him several regional honors.
According to the University of Maryland’s official athletics biography, Woods helped McDonogh complete an undefeated 11-0 season in 2013.
The team also won the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference championship.
Woods contributed significantly on both sides of the football.
As a defensive player, he recorded 35 tackles and four interceptions.
On offense, he caught 35 passes for 800 yards and ten touchdowns.
His achievements earned him recognition as a Maryland Consensus All-State selection and a first-team Maryland Private School All-State honoree.
He was also named to The Baltimore Sun’s All-Metro first team on defense.
Additionally, Woods received an invitation to represent Maryland in the 2014 Big 33 Football Classic.
His success in high school helped him secure an opportunity to continue playing football at the University of Maryland.
Josh Woods’s College Football Career at Maryland
Josh Woods attended the University of Maryland, where he played college football for the Terrapins between 2014 and 2017.
He chose Maryland because the university felt like home, according to his official college biography.
During his freshman season in 2014, Woods appeared in eight games, primarily contributing on special teams.
He continued developing during his sophomore season, appearing in six games.
His role expanded significantly in 2016, when he appeared in ten games and made five starts at safety.
During that season, he recorded 41 tackles and two passes defended.
Woods enjoyed his most productive college campaign in 2017.
As a senior, he appeared in ten games and made nine starts at safety.
He finished the season with 62 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and six passes defended.
One of his strongest performances came against Ohio State on October 7, 2017, when he recorded 11 tackles, including two tackles for loss, and forced a fumble.
He also recorded interceptions against Minnesota and Wisconsin during his senior season.
Across his four seasons at Maryland, Woods accumulated 107 tackles and two interceptions in 34 games.
He studied American Studies while attending the university.
His college performances eventually helped him pursue an opportunity in professional football.
Josh Woods’s Journey to the NFL
Josh Woods entered the NFL in 2018 when he signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent.
Although he did not appear in a regular-season game during his first year, he continued developing as a defensive player and special teams contributor.
He made his NFL regular-season debut in 2019 and appeared in nine games for Chicago.
During the 2020 season, Woods played in 15 games and recorded 14 combined tackles.
After spending time with the Bears in 2021, he joined the Detroit Lions.
He appeared in 12 games for Detroit that season, making one start and recording 28 tackles.
Woods remained with the Lions in 2022, appearing in all 17 regular-season games.
In March 2023, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
His time in Arizona represented an important stage in his career because he received more opportunities on defense.
During the 2023 season, Woods appeared in 11 games and made seven starts, recording a career-high 61 combined tackles.
He also registered half a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass defense.
Woods joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and contributed primarily on special teams.
He appeared in five games during his first season with the organization.
Atlanta re-signed him in March 2025, and he subsequently appeared in 12 games during the 2025 season.
His reliability on special teams became an important part of his role with the Falcons.
On July 30, 2026, Atlanta signed Woods again after previously allowing him to reach free agency.
On August 31, 2026, the Falcons promoted him from their practice squad to the 53-man active roster.
As of now, Woods continues playing for Atlanta, where he wears jersey number 46.
Frequently Asked Questions About Josh Woods’s Family
Who is Josh Woods’s girlfriend?
As of now, Josh Woods has not publicly confirmed his current girlfriend through reliable reporting. His relationship status remains private.
Is Josh Woods married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Josh Woods is married or has a wife.
Does Josh Woods have children?
There are no publicly verified reports confirming whether Josh Woods has children.
Who is Josh Woods’s father?
His father is Frank Harris, who is identified in the University of Maryland’s official football biography.
Who is Josh Woods’s mother?
His mother is Karen Sullivan, whose name also appears in his official college athletics records.
Does Josh Woods have siblings?
Yes. Josh Woods has a younger sister named Sarah.
Who is Sarah?
Sarah is Josh Woods’s younger sister. She was publicly identified in his University of Maryland football biography, although additional details about her personal life remain private.
Where is Josh Woods from?
Josh Woods was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and attended McDonogh School in Owings Mills.
When was Josh Woods born?
He was born on July 1, 1996.
Where did Josh Woods play college football?
He played college football at the University of Maryland from 2014 to 2017.
What NFL team does Josh Woods play for?
As of now, Josh Woods plays for the Atlanta Falcons, who promoted him to their active roster on August 31, 2026.
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.
