Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Ted Karras is an American professional football player who plays as a center for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL). Born Theodore John Karras III on March 15, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois, he comes from a family with a remarkable history in professional American football.
Beyond his achievements in the NFL, Karras is a husband and father. He has been married to his college sweetheart, Rachel Karras, since 2018. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Penelope, in April 2024.
His parents, Ted Karras Jr. and Jennifer Karras, played important roles in his upbringing, while his sister, Taylor Karras, is another member of his immediate family. His grandfather and several other relatives also played professional or college football.
Here is everything publicly known about Ted Karras’s wife, children, parents, and siblings.
Ted Karras’s Wife: Who Is Rachel Karras?
Ted Karras is married to Rachel Karras, a Pilates instructor and longtime partner whom he met while attending the University of Illinois.
The couple developed their relationship during their college years, before Ted began his professional football career with the New England Patriots.
In a May 19, 2026 interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Rachel discussed how she met her husband, their marriage, and the experience of raising their daughter in Cincinnati.
She explained that she first met Ted at a college party while both were students at the University of Illinois.
Although they did not immediately begin dating, Ted contacted her approximately two weeks later, on her 21st birthday.
He sent Rachel a text message asking her out, beginning a relationship that eventually led to marriage.
The couple remained together as Ted completed his college football career and entered the NFL in 2016.
Who Is Rachel Karras?
Rachel Karras is the wife of Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras and a professional Pilates instructor.
She attended the University of Illinois, where she met her future husband.
After Ted was selected by the New England Patriots in the 2016 NFL Draft, Rachel moved with him to Massachusetts.
The couple subsequently relocated several times as his professional football career developed.
In 2020, they moved to South Florida when Ted signed with the Miami Dolphins.
He returned to New England in 2021 before joining the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022.
Rachel accompanied him throughout these moves while continuing to pursue her interests in fitness and community involvement.
She has also supported his charitable initiatives, particularly the Cincy Hat Foundation, which provides assistance to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
During her May 2026 interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Rachel explained that she had developed a strong connection with the Cincinnati community.
She also revealed that the couple hoped to remain in Cincinnati after Ted eventually retired from professional football.
When Did Ted Karras and Rachel Get Married?
Ted Karras and Rachel married during the 2018 NFL offseason.
Their marriage is confirmed in official New England Patriots publications from that year.
By the time they married, Ted had already completed two NFL seasons with the Patriots.
The couple subsequently experienced several important professional milestones together, including two Super Bowl championships with New England.
They eventually established a family home in Cincinnati after Ted joined the Bengals.
As of now, they remain publicly known as a married couple with one daughter.
Ted Karras’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
Yes. Ted Karras has one publicly confirmed child with his wife, Rachel Karras.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Penelope Karras, in April 2024.
Her arrival marked an important milestone in their marriage and gave Ted a new perspective on family responsibilities.
Both parents have discussed the experience of raising their daughter while managing the demands of professional football.
As of now, Penelope is their only publicly confirmed child.
Penelope Karras: Ted Karras’s Daughter
Penelope Karras is the daughter of Ted and Rachel Karras. She was born in April 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
According to reporting from the Cincinnati Enquirer, the couple welcomed a healthy baby girl weighing approximately ten pounds.
Her birth was also mentioned in an official Cincinnati Bengals article published on June 13, 2024.
At the time, Karras had signed a one-year contract extension with Cincinnati, and the team’s announcement described his growing family, including Rachel and their two-month-old daughter.
Becoming a father added another reason for Karras to consider Cincinnati his long-term home.
In May 2026, Rachel discussed raising Penelope during an appearance on the Cincinnati Enquirer’s “Beyond Sunday” podcast.
She explained that the community’s welcoming atmosphere made Cincinnati an attractive place for the family to settle permanently.
Penelope celebrated her second birthday in April 2026.
Although her parents occasionally discuss family life publicly, they generally maintain privacy regarding her everyday activities.
Ted Karras’s Parents
Ted Karras was born to Ted Karras Jr. and Jennifer Karras.
His parents raised him in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he developed an interest in football from an early age.
His father was a former professional football player and longtime college coach, while his mother supported the family’s sporting and educational activities.
Their identities are confirmed by the University of Illinois, Marian University, and the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.
Ted Karras’s Father: Ted Karras Jr.
Ted Karras Jr. is the father of Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras III and a former professional football player and college football coach.
He was born on December 10, 1964, in Gary, Indiana.
Ted Jr. attended Hobart High School, where he excelled in football and basketball.
He subsequently played college football at Northwestern University, becoming a four-year starter and team captain.
During his college career, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition.
After completing his university education, Ted Jr. briefly played professionally with the Washington Redskins.
He was a member of Washington’s Super Bowl XXII championship team during the 1987 NFL season.
Following his playing career, Ted Jr. transitioned into coaching and worked at several universities and high schools.
His coaching career included positions at Andrean High School, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Marian University, and Walsh University.
Ted Karras Jr.’s Coaching Career
One of Ted Karras Jr.’s most significant accomplishments was helping establish the football program at Marian University in Indianapolis.
He became the program’s first head coach in 2006 and guided the Knights through their early years of competition.
In 2012, Marian won the NAIA national championship under his leadership.
The achievement was especially remarkable because the football program had begun competing only a few years earlier.
After coaching at Walsh University from 2013 to 2016, Ted Jr. returned to Marian University in 2023.
In May 2025, he was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements as a player and coach.
The induction continued a family tradition, as several members of the Karras family had previously received the same honor.
His experience as both a football player and coach influenced his son’s development from a young age.
How Ted Karras’s Father Influenced His Football Career
Growing up as the son of a football coach gave Ted Karras early exposure to the demands of competitive athletics.
He spent considerable time around football practices, players, and coaches.
His father helped him understand the importance of discipline, preparation, and teamwork.
During his childhood in Indianapolis, Ted developed an interest in following the football achievements of earlier generations of the Karras family.
He eventually attended Cathedral High School, where he became a standout offensive lineman.
Although his family had strong connections to Northwestern University and Indiana University, Ted chose to play college football at Illinois.
He subsequently followed his father and grandfather into professional football.
His success with New England and Cincinnati established him as another prominent member of the family’s football tradition.
Ted Karras’s Mother: Jennifer Karras
Jennifer Karras is the mother of Ted Karras III and the wife of former football player and coach Ted Karras Jr.
Her identity is confirmed in official University of Illinois football publications and Marian University’s biography of her husband.
Jennifer helped raise Ted and his sister, Taylor, in Indianapolis.
Her family life was closely connected to football because her husband worked as a coach while their son developed into a competitive athlete.
Jennifer supported Ted throughout his childhood, high school football career, and eventual transition to college football at Illinois.
She also accompanied her family through the various professional commitments associated with her husband’s coaching career.
According to Marian University, Jennifer and Ted Jr. have maintained their family home in Indianapolis.
Although Jennifer has been identified in several official biographies, she maintains a relatively private personal life.
As of now, limited verified information is publicly available about her professional occupation or activities outside her family.
Ted Karras’s Siblings: Meet His Sister Taylor Karras
Ted Karras has one publicly confirmed sibling, a sister named Taylor Karras.
Her identity is established in official biographies published by Marian University and the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.
According to these sources, Ted Karras Jr. and Jennifer Karras have two children: Teddy and Taylor.
Unlike her brother, who pursued a professional NFL career, Taylor has generally maintained a private life.
Taylor Karras: Ted Karras’s Sister
Taylor Karras is the sister of Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras.
She grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, alongside her brother.
According to a Walsh University publication from 2013, Taylor attended Cathedral High School, where she was described as an honors student.
The school is also Ted’s alma mater, making it another connection between the siblings.
Taylor has remained relatively private compared with her brother and father, both of whom developed public careers in football.
However, her name continues to appear in official family biographies.
In a 2025 Indiana Football Hall of Fame profile of Ted Karras Jr., Taylor was identified as being engaged to Nick Magieri.
The profile did not provide details about a wedding date or subsequent marriage.
As of now, limited reliable public information is available about Taylor’s current professional activities.
Does Ted Karras Have a Brother?
No brother is identified in Ted Karras Jr.’s official family biography.
Marian University confirms that Ted Jr. and Jennifer have two children: Ted and Taylor.
Consequently, Taylor is the only sibling publicly documented in the official family records reviewed.
Ted Karras’s Grandfather: Ted Karras Sr.
One of the most important figures in Ted Karras’s family history is his paternal grandfather, Ted Karras Sr.
Born Theodore George Karras on January 31, 1934, in Gary, Indiana, he became a successful professional football player.
He attended Indiana University, where he played college football before entering the NFL in 1958.
During his professional career, he represented the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Rams.
His greatest achievement came during the 1963 season, when he helped the Chicago Bears win the NFL championship.
After retiring from professional football, Ted Sr. pursued a career in teaching and coaching.
He also worked alongside his son Ted Jr. at Andrean High School during the 1990s.
He was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
Ted Karras Sr. passed away on January 26, 2016, at the age of 81.
His football legacy continues through his son and grandson.
Is Ted Karras Related to Alex Karras?
Yes. Ted Karras is related to former Detroit Lions defensive tackle and actor Alex Karras.
Alex Karras was the younger brother of Ted Karras Sr., making him the great-uncle of the current Cincinnati Bengals center.
Alex played college football at the University of Iowa, where he won the Outland Trophy in 1957.
He subsequently became one of the NFL’s leading defensive tackles while playing for the Detroit Lions.
During his professional career, Alex earned four Pro Bowl selections and developed a reputation as a dominant defensive player.
After retiring from football, he pursued acting and appeared in films and television productions.
One of his most recognizable roles was George Papadapolis in the television sitcom “Webster.”
In 2020, Alex Karras was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Other members of the extended Karras family also played football, including Lou Karras, who played professionally for Washington, and Tony Karras, who played college football at Northwestern.
Ted Karras’s Childhood and Family Background
Ted Karras was born in Chicago, Illinois, but grew up primarily in Indianapolis, Indiana.
His childhood was strongly influenced by the football careers of his father, grandfather, and other relatives.
He attended Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, where he became a talented offensive lineman.
During his high school career, he helped Cathedral win Indiana Class 4A state championships in 2008 and 2010.
His performances attracted interest from several college football programs.
Although Northwestern University and other schools had connections to his family’s history, Ted chose the University of Illinois.
At Illinois, he developed into a four-year starter at right guard.
He appeared in 43 games during his college career and earned All-Big Ten recognition.
He also received Academic All-Big Ten honors on multiple occasions.
In December 2014, Karras graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication.
He later pursued additional education and earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University.
Ted Karras’s NFL Career and Family Support
Ted Karras entered the NFL when the New England Patriots selected him in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 221st overall pick.
He became a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing center and guard.
During his time in New England, he contributed to teams that won Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LIII.
Those victories made him a two-time Super Bowl champion, continuing the success achieved by earlier generations of the Karras family.
In 2020, he signed with the Miami Dolphins before returning to New England for the 2021 season.
He joined the Cincinnati Bengals in March 2022 and became an important part of the team’s offensive line.
His leadership qualities helped him establish himself as a team captain.
In 2024, he signed a contract extension with the Bengals shortly after becoming a father.
The agreement reflected both his professional commitment to Cincinnati and his family’s growing connection to the city.
As of now, he continues representing the Bengals in the NFL.
Ted Karras’s Wife and Their Charitable Work
One of the most important activities shared by Ted and Rachel Karras is their support for charitable initiatives involving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Ted created the Cincy Hat initiative after joining the Bengals in 2022.
What initially began as a small fundraising project involving specially designed Cincinnati-themed hats eventually developed into a larger nonprofit organization.
In October 2024, the Cincy Hat Foundation was formally established.
The foundation supports programs that improve access to housing, education, and independent living opportunities.
During Rachel’s May 2026 interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, she discussed her involvement in the organization’s activities and explained how rewarding it was to see the foundation grow.
One major project involved the development of a residential building in Madisonville, Cincinnati.
In February 2026, the organization broke ground on a five-unit housing development designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The project received support from local organizations and a personal donation of $500,000 from Ted Karras.
Rachel explained that the family hoped the development would provide residents with opportunities to live more independently.
The couple’s charitable activities have become an important part of their connection with Cincinnati.
Why Ted Karras and Rachel Want to Stay in Cincinnati
Although Ted Karras grew up in Indianapolis and began his professional career in New England, Cincinnati has become an important place for his family.
The city is where Ted and Rachel welcomed their first child and expanded their charitable activities.
During her May 2026 interview, Rachel explained that Cincinnati offered a supportive community and an attractive environment for raising their daughter.
She also discussed the friendships and connections the family had developed since moving to Ohio.
As a result, the couple has expressed interest in making Cincinnati their permanent home after Ted retires from professional football.
The decision reflects the growing importance of family stability and community involvement in their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ted Karras’s Family
Who is Ted Karras’s wife?
Ted Karras’s wife is Rachel Karras, a Pilates instructor whom he met while attending the University of Illinois.
When did Ted Karras get married?
Ted Karras married Rachel during the 2018 NFL offseason, according to official New England Patriots publications.
Does Ted Karras have a girlfriend?
Ted Karras is married to his longtime partner, Rachel Karras, rather than publicly identifying her as his girlfriend.
How did Ted Karras meet his wife?
Ted met Rachel at a party while both were attending the University of Illinois. He subsequently contacted her on her 21st birthday and asked her out.
How many children does Ted Karras have?
As of now, Ted Karras has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Penelope.
Who is Ted Karras’s daughter?
His daughter is Penelope Karras, who was born in April 2024 and celebrated her second birthday in 2026.
Does Ted Karras have a son?
There is no publicly confirmed information identifying Ted Karras as the father of a son. His publicly documented child is his daughter, Penelope.
Who are Ted Karras’s parents?
His parents are Ted Karras Jr., a former professional football player and college coach, and Jennifer Karras.
Who is Ted Karras’s father?
His father is Ted Karras Jr., a former Northwestern University football player who was part of Washington’s Super Bowl XXII championship team and later became a college football coach.
Who is Ted Karras’s mother?
His mother is Jennifer Karras, who helped raise Ted and his sister, Taylor, in Indianapolis.
How many siblings does Ted Karras have?
Ted Karras has one publicly confirmed sibling, a sister named Taylor Karras.
Who is Ted Karras’s sister?
His sister is Taylor Karras, who attended Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. A 2025 Indiana Football Hall of Fame biography identified her as being engaged to Nick Magieri.
Does Ted Karras have a brother?
No brother is identified in his father’s official family biography, which lists two children: Ted and Taylor.
Is Ted Karras related to Alex Karras?
Yes. Alex Karras, the former Detroit Lions defensive tackle and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, was Ted Karras’s great-uncle.
Who is Ted Karras’s grandfather?
His paternal grandfather was Ted Karras Sr., a former NFL offensive lineman who helped the Chicago Bears win the 1963 NFL championship.
Where is Ted Karras’s family from?
Ted Karras grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, while his extended paternal family has longstanding connections to Gary, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois.
When was Ted Karras born?
Ted Karras was born on March 15, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois.
Which NFL team does Ted Karras play for?
As of now, Ted Karras plays center for the Cincinnati Bengals. He previously played for the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.
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.
