Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Boye Mafe is an American professional football player who plays as a defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 30, 1998, in Minnesota, Mafe comes from a Nigerian-American family whose values have strongly influenced his personal life and professional career.
His parents, Adewale Mafe and the late Bola Mafe, immigrated to the United States from Nigeria before raising six children in Minnesota. Boye is the youngest child in the family and has five older siblings: Damilola, Ola, Tayo, Yetunde and Suzy.
His mother, who operated a fashion design business in Minneapolis, passed away from pancreatic cancer in May 2018. Since then, Mafe has frequently spoken about her influence and the importance of honoring her memory.
Although his family background is well documented, Mafe has kept his romantic life relatively private. As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation identifying a girlfriend, wife or children.
Here is everything publicly known about Boye Mafe’s girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Boye Mafe’s Girlfriend: Is He in a Relationship?
As of now, Boye Mafe has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner.
The Cincinnati Bengals defensive end generally discusses his football career, Nigerian heritage, parents and siblings during public interviews rather than his romantic relationships.
His official Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks biographies do not identify a current girlfriend.
Similarly, his October 2026 interview with Bengals senior writer Geoff Hobson focused extensively on his family upbringing and professional development without establishing his relationship status.
Consequently, there is insufficient verified information to identify a romantic partner.
Is Boye Mafe Married?
As of now, no reliable public announcement confirms that Boye Mafe is married.
His official NFL biographies do not identify a wife, and authoritative reporting has not established that he has held a wedding ceremony.
However, the absence of public information should not be interpreted as definitive proof that he is single.
Boye Mafe’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, Boye Mafe has no publicly confirmed children.
Neither the Cincinnati Bengals nor the Seattle Seahawks has published reliable information identifying him as the father of a son or daughter.
His available interviews primarily discuss his parents, siblings, extended family, Nigerian heritage and football career.
There have also been no verified public birth announcements identifying a child of the NFL player.
Therefore, his parental status remains private, and no children’s names should be presented without reliable confirmation.
Boye Mafe’s Parents
Boye Mafe was born to Adewale Mafe and Bola Mafe, Nigerian immigrants who established their family in Minnesota.
His parents’ full names appear in the University of Minnesota’s official 2018 football media guide, which identifies them as Adewale Mafe and Bola Odunlade.
Adewale is commonly called Wale, while Bola was widely known as Bola Mafe.
The couple raised six children while developing their respective careers in the United States.
Both parents emphasized education, discipline, family unity and respect for Nigerian cultural traditions.
Boye Mafe’s Father: Adewale Mafe
Adewale Mafe, commonly known as Wale Mafe, is Boye Mafe’s father and a Nigerian-born businessman.
According to a detailed October 2020 family interview published by Gophers Guru, Wale immigrated to the United States during the late 1970s.
He attended St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, studied accounting and eventually established his own business.
His professional achievements helped provide financial stability for the family while he and his wife raised their six children.
Wale also ensured that his children remained connected to Nigerian culture despite growing up in the United States.
He encouraged them to respect their elders, pursue education and understand their family’s history.
These principles became important parts of Boye’s upbringing.
How Adewale Mafe Influenced His Son’s Career
Wale taught Boye the importance of working consistently, even when other people were not watching.
In an October 22, 2026 interview with the Cincinnati Bengals, Boye recalled waking up for school and discovering that his father had already spent considerable time working in his office.
Seeing his father’s dedication helped him understand that success required preparation and discipline.
Those lessons eventually influenced his approach to football.
During his college career at the University of Minnesota, Mafe developed from a relatively overlooked recruit into one of the Big Ten Conference’s most productive pass rushers.
His dedication eventually helped him become a second-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Mafe has publicly credited his parents’ example with helping him develop the determination required to succeed professionally.
Where Does Boye Mafe’s Father Live?
During his October 2026 Bengals interview, Mafe revealed that his father was living in Lagos, Nigeria.
He explained that Wale frequently traveled between locations for business and personal reasons.
Boye also confirmed that he had visited Nigeria during the summer of 2026 to celebrate his father’s birthday.
The trip was especially meaningful because it allowed him to reconnect with relatives and experience the culture that shaped his childhood.
Although Wale no longer lives permanently in the same Minnesota community where Boye grew up, father and son maintain a close relationship.
Boye Mafe’s Mother: Bola Mafe
Bola Mafe, also identified as Bola Odunlade in official University of Minnesota records, was Boye Mafe’s mother.
She was born in Nigeria and later immigrated to the United States, joining Wale as they established their family in Minnesota.
Bola was a talented seamstress, fashion designer and businesswoman.
She founded Bola Fashion Designs in Minneapolis, where she produced clothing for customers from different backgrounds.
Her designs included traditional Nigerian garments and outfits reflecting the family’s Yoruba heritage.
According to Gophers Guru, Bola created clothing for people across the United States and maintained strong relationships with members of the local community.
Her business became an important cultural meeting place for customers who appreciated Nigerian fashion and traditions.
Beyond her professional achievements, Bola was known for her generosity and willingness to assist others.
Her children have repeatedly described her as a compassionate person who placed other people’s needs before her own.
What Happened to Boye Mafe’s Mother?
Bola Mafe passed away on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2018, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Her death occurred during Boye’s freshman year at the University of Minnesota.
According to a 2023 interview published by the Seattle Seahawks, Bola had been diagnosed with cancer while Boye was attending high school.
Despite her illness, she continued encouraging her children and maintaining a positive attitude.
Her death had a profound impact on the entire family.
Boye was particularly affected because his mother had supported his ambitions throughout childhood but never had the opportunity to watch him compete in a college or professional football game.
Following her death, his siblings became even closer and relied on one another for emotional support.
Mafe has explained that his mother’s compassion remains an important influence on his personality.
How Boye Mafe Honors His Late Mother
Boye Mafe has developed a meaningful tradition to honor his mother before football games.
He uses American Sign Language to communicate a message of love to her before taking the field.
During an October 2023 interview with the Seattle Seahawks, he explained that the gesture was part of his regular pregame routine.
He occasionally repeats the gesture after making an important defensive play.
The tradition reflects the lasting connection he feels with his mother.
In October 2026, Mafe told the Bengals that he still thought about Bola frequently, including during his commute to work.
He also explained that he tried to remain compassionate and maintain a positive attitude because those were qualities his mother demonstrated throughout her life.
His mother’s legacy has therefore become part of both his personal identity and his professional football career.
Boye Mafe’s Siblings: Meet His Brother and Four Sisters
Boye Mafe has five older siblings: one brother and four sisters.
According to the University of Minnesota’s official 2018 football media guide, their names are:
- Damilola Mafe — older brother.
- Ola Mafe — older sister.
- Tayo Mafe — older sister.
- Yetunde Everett — older sister.
- Suzy Tynes — older sister.
The family raised six children in Minnesota while maintaining a strong connection to their Nigerian heritage.
Boye is the youngest of the siblings.
Although all five names are documented in official university records, Damilola and Tayo have spoken most extensively about their brother in public interviews.
Damilola Mafe: Boye Mafe’s Older Brother
Damilola Mafe, commonly known as Dami Mafe, is Boye Mafe’s older brother and a former college football player.
He became interested in American football before his younger brother developed a serious passion for the sport.
According to a 2020 interview with Gophers Guru, Dami initially participated in youth football in Minnesota after encouragement from a family member involved in coaching.
His father regularly drove him across the Twin Cities so he could attend practices and games.
Dami developed into a talented running back at Hopkins High School.
His performances eventually earned him an opportunity to play college football at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
His athletic achievements introduced Boye to the possibility of following a similar path.
Dami also helped his younger brother understand the importance of discipline and perseverance.
During their childhood, the brothers participated in competitive activities that strengthened Boye’s determination to succeed.
How Damilola Mafe Supported Boye
As the oldest male sibling, Damilola became one of Boye’s early role models.
He witnessed the younger Mafe develop from an energetic child into a disciplined football player.
During the family’s 2020 interview, Dami discussed how their time attending school in Nigeria helped them understand their parents’ sacrifices.
He explained that the experience encouraged the children to take education and personal development more seriously.
Following their mother’s death in 2018, Dami and Boye also supported each other through an emotionally difficult period.
Their relationship remains an important part of the family’s story.
Tayo Mafe: Boye Mafe’s Older Sister
Tayo Mafe is one of Boye Mafe’s older sisters and a former competitive rugby player.
According to Gophers Guru, Tayo played rugby at a high level during her younger years and represented the United States at the under-19 women’s international level.
She became an important influence on Boye’s childhood and personal development.
In an October 2020 interview, Tayo explained that her younger brother developed a competitive personality through playing games and wrestling with his older siblings.
Although Boye was younger and smaller than the other children, he frequently challenged them and refused to give up.
Tayo recalled his enthusiasm for professional wrestling and the backyard competitions organized by the siblings.
She also discussed how attending school in Nigeria changed Boye’s perspective on life.
After returning to Minnesota, he demonstrated greater maturity and a deeper understanding of the family’s cultural traditions.
Tayo Mafe and the Family’s Nigerian Heritage
Tayo has also spoken publicly about the importance of preserving Yoruba culture within the family.
In the 2020 Gophers Guru interview, she explained that their parents had taught the children to respect elders, appreciate family relationships and maintain pride in their Nigerian background.
These lessons remained important even as the siblings established their lives in the United States.
Following Bola Mafe’s death, Tayo described Boye as someone who helped keep the family emotionally connected.
She praised his sense of humor and his willingness to support relatives during difficult moments.
Ola Mafe: Boye Mafe’s Older Sister
Ola Mafe is another of Boye Mafe’s older sisters.
Her identity is confirmed in the University of Minnesota’s official 2018 football media guide.
She grew up as part of the Mafe family, whose parents emphasized education, cultural identity and family unity.
Unlike Tayo and Damilola, Ola has maintained a relatively private public profile.
As of now, limited verified information is available about her education, professional occupation or personal relationships.
Yetunde Everett: Boye Mafe’s Older Sister
Yetunde Everett is one of Boye Mafe’s older sisters.
She is listed by that name in the University of Minnesota’s 2018 football media guide.
The university’s records establish her relationship with Boye but provide no additional details about her profession or personal life.
Like her siblings, Yetunde belongs to a family with strong cultural connections to Nigeria.
However, her current activities and personal circumstances have not been reliably documented in major sports reporting.
Suzy Tynes: Boye Mafe’s Older Sister
Suzy Tynes is another of Boye Mafe’s older sisters.
Her name appears in the University of Minnesota’s official 2018 football records alongside the names of his other siblings.
Although her family connection is verified, she has generally remained outside the public spotlight.
Reliable sources provide limited additional information about her age, occupation, education or current personal relationships.
Consequently, those aspects of her private life should not be inferred without further verification.
Boye Mafe’s Family and Nigerian Heritage
Boye Mafe was born and raised in Minnesota, but his family’s roots are in Nigeria.
His parents immigrated to the United States before starting their family and remained committed to preserving their Yoruba cultural traditions.
While growing up, Boye and his siblings learned about Nigerian food, music, clothing and family values.
They were also encouraged to understand the sacrifices their parents made when they moved to the United States.
One of the most significant parts of that education involved attending school in Nigeria.
Why Did Boye Mafe Attend School in Nigeria?
During middle school, Boye spent approximately one year attending boarding school in Nigeria.
His parents wanted him to experience life in their homeland and gain a deeper understanding of his heritage.
According to Mafe’s 2020 interview with Gophers Guru, he initially found the experience intimidating because he was living away from his immediate family.
However, the year proved transformative.
He learned more about Nigerian culture, strengthened his independence and developed a greater appreciation for the opportunities available in the United States.
Several of his siblings had previously attended boarding school in Nigeria.
After returning to Minnesota, Boye continued developing his athletic abilities and eventually became a standout football player.
How Boye Mafe Maintains His Nigerian Connections
Mafe continues visiting Nigeria and maintaining relationships with relatives who live there.
During his October 2026 Bengals interview, he discussed his appreciation for Nigerian food, music, clothing and community traditions.
He also explained that he continued listening to music his parents played during his childhood.
His father, Adewale, remains an important connection to Nigeria and regularly travels there for business and personal activities.
Mafe considers these visits an opportunity to remember his family’s history and the values that shaped his upbringing.
Boye Mafe’s Cousin: Ayo Idowu
Another important figure in Boye Mafe’s football development is his cousin, Ayo Idowu.
Idowu played college football at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota before receiving a professional opportunity with the Seattle Seahawks.
He later became involved in coaching and training defensive linemen.
According to a 2020 Gophers Guru feature, Idowu worked with Boye during his college career, helping him improve his technique, physical preparation and understanding of defensive responsibilities.
Idowu also recalled how competitive Boye had been during childhood.
He explained that Mafe frequently tried to compete with older relatives despite being considerably younger than them.
Their relationship illustrates the importance of extended family members in Boye’s sporting development.
Boye Mafe’s Childhood and College Football Career
Boye Mafe grew up in the Minneapolis metropolitan area and attended Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
He participated in football, basketball and track and field.
During his senior football season in 2016, he recorded 78 tackles, ten tackles for loss and four sacks.
His performances earned All-State and All-Metro recognition.
Despite his achievements, he was not considered one of the most highly recruited prospects in the country.
He eventually joined the University of Minnesota football program in 2017.
After redshirting during his first season, Mafe gradually developed into a regular contributor along the defensive line.
During the 2020 season, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition.
In 2021, he recorded 34 tackles, ten tackles for loss and seven sacks.
His performances earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition and helped establish him as an NFL prospect.
Mafe finished his college career with 87 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks.
Throughout his time at Minnesota, he continued honoring his mother’s memory and maintaining close connections with his siblings.
Boye Mafe’s NFL Career and Family Support
The Seattle Seahawks selected Boye Mafe in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 40th overall pick.
His selection represented the fulfillment of a childhood ambition and a major achievement for his family.
Mafe developed into an important member of Seattle’s defense during his first four professional seasons.
In 2023, he recorded a career-high nine sacks and established a franchise record by registering a sack in seven consecutive games.
He continued contributing to the Seahawks’ defense during the following seasons.
Mafe was also a member of the Seattle team that won Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots in February 2026.
Following the championship season, he became an unrestricted free agent.
On March 11, 2026, Mafe signed a three-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The agreement allowed him to begin a new stage of his professional career while continuing to represent his family’s Nigerian heritage.
During an October 2026 interview, Mafe explained that his parents’ work ethic remained an important influence on his approach to football.
He also discussed his desire to establish charitable initiatives supporting young people and families in Cincinnati.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boye Mafe’s Family
Who is Boye Mafe’s girlfriend?
As of now, Boye Mafe has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner.
Is Boye Mafe married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Boye Mafe is married or has a wife.
Does Boye Mafe have children?
As of now, Boye Mafe has no publicly confirmed children.
Who are Boye Mafe’s parents?
His parents are Adewale Mafe, commonly called Wale, and the late Bola Mafe, also identified as Bola Odunlade in University of Minnesota records.
Who is Boye Mafe’s father?
His father is Adewale Mafe, a Nigerian-born businessman who studied accounting at St. Cloud State University.
Who is Boye Mafe’s mother?
His mother was Bola Mafe, a Nigerian-born fashion designer who operated Bola Fashion Designs in Minneapolis.
What happened to Boye Mafe’s mother?
Bola Mafe passed away on May 13, 2018, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
How many siblings does Boye Mafe have?
Boye Mafe has five older siblings: one brother and four sisters.
Who is Boye Mafe’s brother?
His older brother is Damilola Mafe, also known as Dami, who played college football at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Who are Boye Mafe’s sisters?
His four sisters are Ola Mafe, Tayo Mafe, Yetunde Everett and Suzy Tynes, according to the University of Minnesota’s official 2018 football media guide.
Is Boye Mafe the youngest child in his family?
Yes. Mafe is the youngest of the six children raised by Adewale and Bola Mafe.
Are Boye Mafe’s parents Nigerian?
Yes. Both parents were born in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States before establishing their family in Minnesota.
Was Boye Mafe born in Nigeria?
No. Boye Mafe was born in Minnesota on November 30, 1998. He later spent approximately one year attending boarding school in Nigeria.
Why does Boye Mafe use sign language before NFL games?
He uses American Sign Language to honor his late mother, expressing his love for her before games and occasionally after important plays.
Who is Boye Mafe’s cousin?
One publicly documented cousin is Ayo Idowu, a former college defensive lineman who helped Mafe develop his football skills.
Which NFL team does Boye Mafe play for?
As of now, Boye Mafe plays as a defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals. He previously spent four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
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.
