Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Devontez Walker, popularly known as Tez Walker, is an American professional football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 19, 2001, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Walker played college football at Kent State University and the University of North Carolina before being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Away from football, his family has played an important role in his personal development and professional achievements.
Devontez Walker’s family includes his mother, Ivey Cody, his grandmother, Loretta Black, and three sisters. His grandmother helped raise him and became one of the most influential people in his life. Although Walker has publicly discussed his relationships with his mother, grandmother and sisters, reliable information about his biological father, romantic relationships and children remains limited.
Devontez Walker’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Devontez Walker has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner.
Despite gaining national attention during his college football career and becoming an NFL player with the Baltimore Ravens, Walker has generally kept his romantic relationships outside the public spotlight.
His interviews with the Baltimore Ravens, WRAL Sports and other established publications have concentrated primarily on his football career, personal challenges and close relationship with his family.
There are no reliable public reports establishing that Walker is currently dating a particular woman.
Similarly, he has not made a verified public announcement confirming an engagement or marriage.
Although Walker maintains a presence on social media, his publicly available posts and interviews do not provide sufficient information to establish his current relationship status.
Therefore, describing him as single or identifying a particular person as his girlfriend without reliable confirmation would be speculative.
Devontez Walker’s Children
As of now, Devontez Walker has no publicly confirmed children.
Neither his official Baltimore Ravens biography nor his University of North Carolina athletics profile identifies him as the father of a son or daughter.
Additionally, reliable sports reporting has not established that Walker has publicly announced becoming a father.
While he has frequently spoken about his commitment to supporting his mother, grandmother and sisters, he has not shared verified information about children of his own.
Consequently, there are no publicly confirmed names, birth dates or other biographical details concerning any children belonging to the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver.
The absence of public information does not necessarily establish that he has no children, but his parental status remains unconfirmed.
Devontez Walker’s Parents
Devontez Walker grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his mother and grandmother played central roles in his upbringing.
His mother is Ivey Cody, whose identity is confirmed in his official University of North Carolina football biography. However, his biological father’s name has not been reliably established in major public reporting.
Ivey Cody – Devontez Walker’s Mother
Ivey Cody is Devontez Walker’s mother and one of the most important figures in his personal life.
She raised her family in Charlotte, North Carolina, while working to provide financial stability and opportunities for her children.
According to reporting published by ESPN in October 2023, Cody worked two jobs to support the household during Walker’s childhood.
Her demanding work schedule meant that Walker spent considerable time with his grandmother, Loretta Black, who helped care for him and his sisters.
In a November 2023 interview with WRAL Sports, Cody explained that she was relatively young when she gave birth to Walker.
She also described her son as a responsible child who rarely caused significant difficulties while growing up.
Cody supported Walker’s interest in football from an early age and encouraged him to pursue opportunities that could help him develop as an athlete.
During his high school career at West Charlotte High School, she began recognizing his athletic potential when coaches praised his performances.
As Walker attracted attention from college football programs, his mother encouraged him to make decisions that would benefit his future.
Although she initially preferred that he attend a university close to home, she eventually supported his decision to pursue opportunities outside North Carolina.
One of the most challenging periods for the family occurred in 2023, when Walker transferred from Kent State University to the University of North Carolina.
The NCAA initially denied his request for immediate eligibility, preventing him from playing during the beginning of the season.
Cody and other family members supported his efforts to challenge the decision.
During an interview with WRAL Sports, she described the experience as emotionally difficult because her son had followed the necessary procedures while attempting to play closer to home.
On October 5, 2023, the NCAA reversed its decision and declared Walker eligible to compete for North Carolina.
The announcement held additional significance because October 5 was Cody’s birthday.
Walker contacted his family to share the news, and Cody celebrated the opportunity for her son to return to competitive football.
She subsequently attended his performances for the Tar Heels, including his outstanding game against Miami, when he recorded three receiving touchdowns.
When the Baltimore Ravens selected Walker in the 2024 NFL Draft, his mother was among the relatives celebrating the achievement.
Walker has repeatedly emphasized his desire to provide financial support for his family and acknowledge the sacrifices his mother made throughout his childhood.
Who Is Devontez Walker’s Father?
Devontez Walker’s biological father’s identity has not been reliably established in official NFL biographies, university athletic records or major verified interviews.
While Walker has spoken extensively about his upbringing, most documented accounts focus on his mother, Ivey Cody, and his grandmother, Loretta Black.
His official University of North Carolina biography identifies Ivey Cody as his parent but does not provide information about his father.
Similarly, interviews discussing his childhood and family responsibilities do not establish his father’s name, occupation or involvement in his football development.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to identify a particular individual as Devontez Walker’s father without additional reliable evidence.
As of now, information about his biological father remains publicly unconfirmed.
Devontez Walker’s Siblings
Devontez Walker has three publicly confirmed sisters.
Their existence was established in an October 11, 2024, interview published by What’s Up? Media, in which Walker discussed his family and plans to support them financially after entering the NFL.
He specifically identified his three sisters, mother and grandmother as the relatives he wanted to help with his professional football earnings.
Although his sisters have been mentioned in interviews and media reports, their individual names, ages and professional backgrounds have not been reliably established.
Devontez Walker’s Three Sisters
Devontez Walker grew up with three sisters in Charlotte, North Carolina.
According to WRAL Sports, Walker and at least one of his sisters lived with their grandmother, Loretta Black, during his high school years.
His grandmother provided a stable family environment while his mother worked to support the household.
In a November 2023 interview, Walker and his family discussed the importance of remaining close despite the challenges associated with his college football career.
His sisters were among the relatives who supported his return to competitive football following the NCAA eligibility dispute.
According to ESPN’s reporting, family members, including his sisters, attended his October 2023 debut for North Carolina against Syracuse.
When Walker entered the NFL in 2024, he again emphasized his commitment to supporting his sisters.
During an interview with What’s Up? Media, the wide receiver revealed that he had not spent his signing bonus on personal luxuries because he wanted to prioritize his family’s needs.
He explained that his mother, grandmother and three sisters were the people he intended to help.
The statement demonstrated the importance of his relationship with his siblings and his desire to improve their circumstances after achieving financial success in professional football.
As of now, Walker has not publicly provided sufficient verified information to identify his sisters individually.
Does Devontez Walker Have Brothers?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Devontez Walker has biological brothers.
His published interviews have specifically identified three sisters, but they have not established whether he has any brothers or additional half-siblings.
Walker has occasionally referred to football teammates as brothers, reflecting close relationships developed through sports.
However, those expressions should not be confused with confirmed biological family relationships.
Consequently, the existence of any brothers remains publicly unconfirmed.
Loretta Black – Devontez Walker’s Grandmother
Loretta Black is Devontez Walker’s grandmother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She helped raise Walker in Charlotte, North Carolina, and supported his athletic ambitions throughout childhood.
According to ESPN and the Baltimore Ravens, Walker lived with his grandmother during part of his upbringing and developed a particularly close relationship with her.
When Black experienced serious mobility problems during Walker’s high school years, he assumed significant caregiving responsibilities.
She underwent multiple surgical procedures involving her hips and knees and experienced other physical challenges that restricted her ability to move independently.
Walker helped with household responsibilities, including preparing meals, cleaning, shopping and ensuring that his grandmother received her prescribed medication.
He frequently completed these responsibilities before attending school, football practice or other activities.
During an August 2023 interview, Black explained that her grandson had provided essential assistance when she was unable to perform ordinary household tasks.
Walker has repeatedly acknowledged his grandmother’s influence on his personal development.
In statements reported by ESPN, he described her as a central source of stability and encouragement throughout his life.
His relationship with Black became particularly important after he began playing college football away from North Carolina.
While attending Kent State University in Ohio, Walker found it difficult to remain so far from his family.
His grandmother continued experiencing mobility problems, and he worried about being unable to provide assistance during her recovery.
Those concerns influenced his decision to transfer to the University of North Carolina in 2023.
Playing in Chapel Hill meant he could visit his grandmother more frequently and allow her to attend college football games.
However, NCAA transfer eligibility restrictions initially prevented him from competing.
Black and other family members supported his appeal, providing documentation explaining the circumstances surrounding his decision to return home.
After the NCAA reversed its decision in October 2023, Walker finally made his North Carolina debut against Syracuse.
The game represented an important family milestone because Black was able to watch her grandson play college football in person.
She attended the game despite the physical difficulties associated with traveling to the stadium.
In an interview with WRAL Sports, Black expressed happiness and pride at witnessing Walker achieve his goal.
Her relationship with Walker remained an important part of his story when he entered the NFL.
During his introductory Baltimore Ravens press conference on April 27, 2024, Walker explained that he had told his mother and grandmother about his dream of playing professional football since childhood.
He became emotional when Baltimore selected him, recognizing that years of hard work had finally produced the opportunity he wanted.
Devontez Walker’s Family Background and Early Life
Devontez Walker grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his mother, grandmother and sisters formed an important part of his childhood.
He developed an interest in football at approximately four years old and later attended West Charlotte High School.
At West Charlotte, he played wide receiver and cornerback while also participating in basketball and track and field.
His athletic performances attracted college recruiting interest, although his path to professional football was complicated by injuries and circumstances outside his control.
Before beginning his college football career, Walker suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, commonly known as an ACL injury.
The injury affected his recruiting opportunities and required an extended rehabilitation period.
During his recovery, Walker worked at a local Bojangles restaurant to help pay his rehabilitation expenses.
He also continued assisting his grandmother at home.
Walker initially enrolled at North Carolina Central University, but the football program’s 2020 season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He subsequently transferred to Kent State University, where he played during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
During the 2022 season, Walker recorded 58 receptions for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns.
His performances earned him First-Team All-Mid-American Conference recognition.
In December 2022, he announced his decision to transfer to North Carolina, partly because he wanted to live closer to his grandmother.
Although NCAA eligibility restrictions initially delayed his debut, he eventually played eight games during the 2023 season.
He finished that season with 41 receptions for 699 yards and seven touchdowns, earning Third-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors.
Following his college career, the Baltimore Ravens selected Walker with the 113th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
He made his professional debut during the 2024 season and recorded his first NFL touchdown against the New York Giants on December 15, 2024.
Walker continued contributing to Baltimore’s receiving group in subsequent seasons, including scoring three touchdowns during the 2025 regular season.
Throughout his career, he has continued recognizing the importance of his family and the support they provided during difficult periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Devontez Walker’s Family
Who is Devontez Walker’s girlfriend?
As of now, Devontez Walker has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains unknown.
Is Devontez Walker married?
There is no independently verified public announcement confirming that Devontez Walker is married or has a wife.
Does Devontez Walker have children?
Devontez Walker has no publicly confirmed children. Reliable sources have not established that he is the father of a son or daughter.
Who is Devontez Walker’s mother?
Devontez Walker’s mother is Ivey Cody. She supported his upbringing and football ambitions while working to provide for the family in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Who is Devontez Walker’s father?
Devontez Walker’s biological father’s name and personal details have not been reliably established in publicly available reporting.
How many siblings does Devontez Walker have?
Devontez Walker has three publicly confirmed sisters. He identified them during an October 2024 interview with What’s Up? Media.
What are the names of Devontez Walker’s sisters?
The names of Devontez Walker’s three sisters have not been reliably confirmed in official NFL biographies or major established news reports.
Does Devontez Walker have brothers?
There is no verified public information establishing whether Devontez Walker has biological brothers.
Who is Devontez Walker’s grandmother?
Devontez Walker’s grandmother is Loretta Black, who helped raise him in Charlotte, North Carolina, and played an important role in his football journey.
Why did Devontez Walker take care of his grandmother?
Walker helped care for his grandmother during high school because she experienced mobility difficulties following multiple hip and knee operations.
Why did Devontez Walker transfer to North Carolina?
Walker transferred from Kent State to North Carolina partly because he wanted to live closer to his grandmother and family in Charlotte.
Did Devontez Walker buy his family a house?
Walker publicly discussed his intention to use his NFL earnings to support his mother, grandmother and sisters. However, a specific completed house purchase has not been independently verified.
Where is Devontez Walker’s family from?
Devontez Walker’s family is from Charlotte, North Carolina, where he grew up and attended West Charlotte High School.
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.
