Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Jay Higgins IV is an American professional football player who plays as an inside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 14, 2002, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Higgins played college football at the University of Iowa before joining Baltimore as an undrafted free agent in 2025.
Beyond his football career, Jay Higgins IV comes from a supportive family that has played an important role in his athletic development. His father, Roy Higgins III, is a pastor and former youth sports coach, while his mother, Shelley Higgins, has helped guide his education and personal development. His older sister, Royce Higgins, also competed in Division I college athletics.
Although Higgins has publicly acknowledged having a girlfriend, he has not disclosed her identity in reliable interviews. He has also maintained privacy concerning possible children.
Here is what is publicly known about Jay Higgins IV’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Jay Higgins IV’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Jay Higgins IV publicly confirmed that he had a girlfriend during his first offseason with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.
Speaking to reporters at the team’s rookie minicamp in May 2025, Higgins discussed the disappointment of not being selected in the NFL Draft.
He explained that several people close to him were present throughout the emotional experience, including his girlfriend, parents, and sister.
His comments were subsequently published by the Baltimore Ravens on May 9, 2025, confirming that he was in a romantic relationship at that time.
However, Higgins did not identify his girlfriend by name during the interview.
There are also no sufficiently reliable public reports establishing her age, occupation, educational background, or when the relationship began.
Although Higgins has become increasingly visible through his performances and his father’s popularity among Ravens supporters, he has generally kept his romantic life private.
As of now, the identity of Jay Higgins IV’s girlfriend remains undisclosed, and it has not been independently confirmed whether the relationship he mentioned in 2025 is still ongoing.
Is Jay Higgins IV Married?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Jay Higgins IV is married.
His official Baltimore Ravens biography and major interviews about his family do not identify a wife or confirm a wedding.
Although he acknowledged having a girlfriend in May 2025, that statement should not be interpreted as confirmation of marriage or engagement.
Until Higgins publicly confirms a change in his marital status, additional claims about a wife or wedding remain unverified.
Jay Higgins IV’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, Jay Higgins IV has no publicly confirmed children.
Neither his official Baltimore Ravens player profile nor his University of Iowa biography identifies him as the father of a son or daughter.
Although Higgins has spoken about his close relationship with his parents and sister, he has not publicly announced becoming a father in the reliable interviews reviewed.
There are also no verified reports establishing the names, ages, or birth dates of any children belonging to the NFL linebacker.
Consequently, his parental status remains unconfirmed rather than definitively established.
Jay Higgins IV’s Parents
Jay Higgins IV’s parents are Roy Higgins III and Shelley Higgins.
Their identities are confirmed in his official University of Iowa football biography and several interviews published by the Baltimore Ravens, The Baltimore Banner, and The Indianapolis Star.
Both parents have played important roles in his athletic career, with his father encouraging his interest in football and his mother emphasizing education, discipline, and personal development.
Roy Higgins III – Jay Higgins IV’s Father
Roy Higgins III is Jay Higgins IV’s father, a pastor, and a former youth sports coach.
He has become a recognizable personality among Baltimore Ravens supporters because of his enthusiastic public support for his son.
According to the Ravens’ official media guide, Roy worked as a pastor and previously coached Jay in youth basketball.
His involvement in his son’s athletic development began when Jay was very young.
Roy recognized his son’s physical abilities during early childhood and encouraged him to participate in organized sports.
He coached Jay during his early years before gradually stepping away from coaching responsibilities to watch his son compete.
In a December 2023 interview with KCRG, Roy explained that he had recognized something unusual about Jay’s athletic potential when his son was approximately three years old.
As Jay became older, Roy continued encouraging him to develop confidence, discipline, and leadership qualities.
How Roy Higgins III Influenced His Son’s Football Career
Roy Higgins III was particularly influential when Jay began developing as a linebacker.
During his early years, Jay’s size sometimes led youth football coaches to position him on the defensive line.
However, Roy believed his son could become a successful middle linebacker.
According to a September 2026 interview with The Indianapolis Star, Roy discussed the situation with his own father when Jay was in sixth grade.
Jay’s grandfather encouraged Roy to find a football program that would give his son an opportunity to play linebacker.
Roy followed that advice, allowing Jay to develop the position-specific skills that later became essential to his success.
The decision eventually helped Higgins establish himself as a highly productive defensive player at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School.
Roy remained involved throughout Jay’s college career at the University of Iowa.
He became especially popular among Hawkeyes supporters through his enthusiastic social media activity and frequent attendance at football games.
His recognizable expressions of support became a familiar part of the Iowa football community.
When Jay joined the Baltimore Ravens, Roy continued showing the same enthusiasm.
In October 2025, The Baltimore Banner published a feature describing how Roy had become a popular figure among Ravens fans, particularly during pregame tailgating events.
His outgoing personality helped him connect with supporters while celebrating his son’s professional career.
Roy Higgins III’s Reaction When Jay Made the Ravens Roster
One of the most emotional moments in the Higgins family’s football journey occurred in August 2025.
After signing with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent, Jay faced considerable uncertainty about whether he would earn a place on the team’s regular-season roster.
However, his preseason performances impressed the Ravens’ coaching staff.
General manager Eric DeCosta eventually informed Higgins that he had made the initial 53-man roster.
Following the announcement, Jay contacted his father to share the news.
According to The Indianapolis Star, Roy became emotional and briefly ended the conversation because he wanted to celebrate and thank God.
He subsequently contacted numerous relatives and friends to share his son’s achievement.
The moment demonstrated the importance of their relationship and the years of encouragement that had helped Jay reach the NFL.
Shelley Higgins – Jay Higgins IV’s Mother
Shelley Higgins, also identified as Shelly Higgins in some published reports, is Jay Higgins IV’s mother.
She has played an important role in his upbringing, particularly by emphasizing academic achievement, healthy development, and making thoughtful decisions.
According to The Indianapolis Star’s September 2026 family interview, Shelley encouraged Jay to attend Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School because of its educational opportunities.
While Roy initially favored a school with a prominent football program, Shelley believed that academics should remain a major priority.
Her recommendation eventually influenced Jay’s high school decision.
She also encouraged him to continue playing basketball alongside football.
Roy later acknowledged that Shelley recognized how basketball could help their son develop footwork, coordination, and other athletic abilities useful in football.
Her support allowed Jay to develop as a multi-sport athlete before concentrating on college football.
How Shelley Higgins Supported Jay’s Development
Shelley Higgins has been involved in her son’s athletic journey since childhood.
She supported his training, attended important sporting events, and helped create an environment that encouraged discipline and perseverance.
In a November 2024 interview with WHBF, Shelley discussed the difficult circumstances surrounding Jay’s birth.
She explained that she experienced severe complications during pregnancy, making his arrival particularly meaningful to the family.
Despite those challenges, she remained committed to raising and supporting her son.
Shelley also played a role in developing Jay’s physical strength through the family’s outdoor activities.
According to The Baltimore Banner, the Higgins family regularly cared for animals, including horses, chickens, pigs, and rabbits.
Jay helped with physically demanding responsibilities from childhood, including carrying bales of hay.
His mother recalled that he could lift a bale of hay above his head when he was approximately nine years old.
These activities helped him develop strength and responsibility long before he became a college football player.
Jay Higgins IV’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Jay Higgins IV has a publicly identified older sister named Royce Higgins.
Her relationship to the Baltimore Ravens linebacker was confirmed in a September 12, 2026, article by The Indianapolis Star.
Royce was also a college athlete, competing in women’s volleyball at Mississippi Valley State University.
Although Jay has mentioned his sister during interviews, reliable public reporting does not conclusively establish whether he has additional brothers or sisters.
Royce Higgins – Jay Higgins IV’s Older Sister
Royce Higgins is Jay Higgins IV’s older sister and a former collegiate volleyball player.
She attended Pike High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, before continuing her athletic career at Mississippi Valley State University.
According to the university’s official volleyball biography, Royce competed as an outside hitter.
She was listed on Mississippi Valley State’s women’s volleyball roster during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
During her freshman season in 2014, Royce appeared in 25 matches, including eight starts.
She recorded 42 kills, five service aces, 24 digs, and nine blocks that season.
Before college, Royce also participated in track and field and cross-country running at Pike High School.
Her athletic experience made her an important example for her younger brother.
According to The Indianapolis Star, Roy Higgins III acknowledged that Royce demonstrated to Jay the commitment required to compete at the NCAA Division I level.
Her example helped illustrate the importance of balancing athletic responsibilities with academic expectations.
Although Royce’s college volleyball achievements are documented, additional information about her current professional career and personal relationships remains limited.
Does Jay Higgins IV Have a Brother?
As of now, the identity of any brother belonging to Jay Higgins IV has not been reliably established.
His official Baltimore Ravens and University of Iowa biographies do not provide a complete list of his siblings.
Published family interviews primarily identify his older sister, Royce Higgins.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to claim that he has a particular brother without reliable supporting evidence.
Jay Higgins IV’s Grandfather and Family Legacy
Jay Higgins IV’s paternal grandfather also played an important role in his football development.
According to The Indianapolis Star, Jay’s grandfather encouraged Roy Higgins III to help his son pursue opportunities at middle linebacker rather than remain on the defensive line.
The advice contributed to Jay’s development at the position he eventually played in college and the NFL.
Unfortunately, his grandfather died in September 2021.
Roy received the news shortly before Jay participated in a University of Iowa football game.
The loss was difficult for the family, but his grandfather’s guidance remained part of Jay’s athletic story.
His influence demonstrates how multiple generations of the Higgins family contributed to the linebacker’s development.
Why Is Jay Higgins IV Called Jay?
Jay Higgins IV’s full name is Roy Jebaz Higgins IV.
He shares his first name with his father, Roy Higgins III, continuing a family naming tradition.
However, he is widely known as Jay, a shortened version of his middle name.
According to a November 2024 WHBF feature, his parents selected the name Jebaz because of its biblical connection to the prayer of Jabez.
The naming decision reflected the family’s religious beliefs and their hopes for their son’s future.
His father explained that the family considered Jay’s birth especially meaningful because of the difficulties Shelley experienced during pregnancy.
As he grew older, Roy Jebaz Higgins IV became widely known by the simpler name Jay Higgins.
The nickname continued throughout his high school, college, and professional football careers.
Jay Higgins IV’s Childhood and Family Background
Jay Higgins IV grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, where his family encouraged participation in athletics and outdoor activities.
His father introduced him to organized sports, while his mother encouraged him to pursue academic opportunities alongside football.
Higgins participated in basketball and football during childhood.
He also helped care for the family’s animals, developing physical strength through daily responsibilities.
Jay later attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis.
During his high school football career, he established himself as an outstanding linebacker.
According to his official University of Iowa biography, he recorded 471 career tackles, establishing a school record.
He also earned All-State recognition and served as a team captain during his junior and senior seasons.
In addition to football, Higgins played basketball and was named his conference’s Player of the Year during his senior season.
His athletic performances attracted attention from college football programs, although his recruiting process was not straightforward.
How Jay Higgins IV’s Family Influenced His College Career
Jay Higgins IV eventually received a scholarship opportunity from the University of Iowa.
His father was particularly pleased because he believed Iowa offered the structure and coaching environment his son needed.
According to a December 2023 KCRG interview, Roy viewed the university as a natural continuation of the values Jay had learned at Brebeuf Jesuit.
Higgins joined the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2020 and initially played a limited role on defense and special teams.
Despite having to wait for a regular starting opportunity, he continued training and learning from experienced players.
His family encouraged him to remain patient and trust the development process.
In 2023, Higgins became a full-time starter and recorded 171 tackles, tying Iowa’s single-season school record.
He returned for the 2024 season and earned first-team All-America honors from several major organizations.
His performances established him as one of the country’s leading college linebackers.
Throughout those years, Roy and Shelley remained active supporters of their son’s football career.
Jay Higgins IV’s Journey to the Baltimore Ravens
After completing his college career, Jay Higgins IV entered the 2025 NFL Draft.
Despite his production at Iowa and multiple All-America honors, he was not selected.
The experience was disappointing for Higgins and his relatives, who had hoped to hear his name announced during the draft.
However, the Baltimore Ravens contacted him and offered an opportunity to compete for a roster position.
Higgins subsequently signed with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent in May 2025.
His family remained supportive as he participated in rookie minicamp, organized team activities, and training camp.
In August 2025, he earned a place on the Ravens’ initial 53-man roster.
The accomplishment was particularly emotional for his father, who had encouraged him throughout his athletic journey.
Higgins went on to appear in 11 regular-season games during his rookie year, recording 10 combined tackles.
During the 2026 season, he continued developing as a linebacker behind established Baltimore defensive leader Roquan Smith.
Jay Higgins IV’s Family Support During the 2026 NFL Season
Jay Higgins IV’s family continued following his professional football career closely during the 2026 season.
One particularly meaningful occasion came in September 2026, when Baltimore traveled to Indianapolis to face the Colts.
The matchup represented a homecoming for Higgins, who had grown up in the city.
According to The Indianapolis Star, approximately 100 family members and friends planned to attend the game wearing Baltimore Ravens merchandise.
His father described the event as one of the most exciting moments of his son’s football career.
For the Higgins family, watching Jay compete in Indianapolis as an NFL player represented the culmination of years of dedication and encouragement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jay Higgins IV’s Family
Who is Jay Higgins IV’s girlfriend?
Jay Higgins IV confirmed that he had a girlfriend during a May 2025 Baltimore Ravens interview. However, her name has not been reliably established, and his current relationship status remains unconfirmed.
Is Jay Higgins IV married?
There is no sufficiently reliable public confirmation that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jay Higgins IV is married.
Does Jay Higgins IV have children?
Jay Higgins IV has no publicly confirmed children. Reliable NFL interviews and official player biographies do not establish his parental status.
Who is Jay Higgins IV’s father?
His father is Roy Higgins III, a pastor and former youth sports coach who has become a popular supporter of the Baltimore Ravens.
Who is Jay Higgins IV’s mother?
His mother is Shelley Higgins, who supported his education and athletic development and encouraged him to attend Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School.
Does Jay Higgins IV have siblings?
Yes. Jay Higgins IV has a publicly identified older sister named Royce Higgins. The total number of his siblings has not been independently confirmed.
Who is Jay Higgins IV’s sister?
His older sister is Royce Higgins, a former Mississippi Valley State University volleyball player who competed at the NCAA Division I level.
What is Jay Higgins IV’s real name?
His full name is Roy Jebaz Higgins IV. He is commonly known as Jay Higgins.
Where is Jay Higgins IV from?
Jay Higgins IV is from Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School before playing college football at the University of Iowa.
How old is Jay Higgins IV?
Jay Higgins IV was born on February 14, 2002, making him 24 years old as of now.
Was Jay Higgins IV drafted into the NFL?
No. Jay Higgins IV went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft before signing with the Baltimore Ravens and earning a place on their regular-season roster.
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.
