Dexter Lawrence II’s Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Tanos Potter

Dexter Lawrence II is an American professional football player who plays defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. Born on November 12, 1997, in Maryland, Lawrence grew up in Arkansas and North Carolina before becoming a standout college football player at Clemson University.

Beyond his successful football career, Lawrence is a husband, father and older brother who comes from an athletic family. His wife is Donna McCain, whom he married in June 2024, and the couple welcomed a daughter named Nella in September 2025. His parents are Dexter Lawrence Sr. and Julia Parker, while his younger brother, Devon Lawrence, also pursued a football career.

Dexter Lawrence II’s Wife: Donna McCain

Dexter Lawrence II is married to Donna McCain, a professional chef and certified Pilates instructor who has built a career in sports nutrition and performance-focused cooking.

The couple reportedly became acquainted during Lawrence’s time at Clemson University, where Donna worked in performance nutrition while he played college football.

Their relationship gradually developed, and they became engaged in 2023. Donna publicly announced their engagement on Instagram in July of that year.

On June 27, 2024, Lawrence and McCain married in a ceremony attended by friends, family members and people connected to his professional football career.

Among the wedding guests was Leonard Williams, Lawrence’s former New York Giants teammate, who later played for the Seattle Seahawks.

Donna has established her professional identity independently of her husband’s football career. She is the owner and executive chef of Elite Performance Cuisine, a business specializing in meals and nutrition services for athletes and other clients.

She is also a certified Pilates instructor and has studied culinary nutrition and human nutrition.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Donna has publicly expressed her admiration for Lawrence and celebrated his accomplishments on social media.

When Lawrence was traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals in April 2026, he explained that he discussed the unexpected move with his wife and that they prayed together before embracing the new opportunity.

Donna subsequently accompanied her husband and their daughter to Cincinnati as he began the next chapter of his NFL career.

Dexter Lawrence II’s Children

Dexter Lawrence II and his wife, Donna McCain, have one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Nella Lawrence.

Nella Lawrence: Dexter Lawrence II’s Daughter

Nella was born in September 2025, making Lawrence a father for the first time.

News of her birth became public when Lawrence missed a New York Giants practice on September 10, 2025, for family reasons.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll subsequently confirmed that the defensive tackle had been away from the team because of the birth of his child.

Lawrence returned to practice the following day, balancing his professional responsibilities with the beginning of fatherhood.

The couple has generally kept their daughter away from extensive public attention, limiting the amount of personal information shared about her.

However, her name was confirmed in an official Cincinnati Bengals article published on April 19, 2026.

According to the Bengals, Lawrence traveled to Cincinnati alongside his wife Donna, their seven-month-old daughter Nella, and fellow defensive tackle B.J. Hill following his trade from New York.

As of now, Nella is Lawrence’s only publicly confirmed child.

Dexter Lawrence II’s Parents

Dexter Lawrence II’s Father: Dexter Lawrence Sr.

Dexter Lawrence II’s father is Dexter Lawrence Sr., a former college football player who competed as a linebacker at Arkansas State University.

His father’s athletic background helped establish a family connection to competitive sports long before Lawrence entered the NFL.

Although Dexter Sr. did not achieve the same national recognition as his son, his experience playing college football contributed to the family’s sporting background.

Lawrence inherited a combination of physical size, strength and athletic ability that eventually helped him develop into one of the NFL’s leading defensive tackles.

Public reporting about Dexter Sr.’s professional career and private life is limited, but his involvement in college football has been documented in reports about his son’s upbringing.

Dexter Lawrence II’s Mother: Julia Parker

Dexter Lawrence II’s mother is Julia Parker, a former college track athlete who competed at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

During her athletic career, Parker participated in the 400-meter event, demonstrating the speed and endurance that helped establish the family’s sporting tradition.

Following her college years, she worked in law enforcement and corrections, including employment as a detention officer with the Durham County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina.

Julia played a central role in raising Dexter and his younger brother Devon.

In a 2014 interview with The Charlotte Observer, she described the challenges of raising her children as a single parent while working to provide them with opportunities.

The family lived in Arkansas before moving to North Carolina, where Julia pursued employment and eventually settled closer to Wake Forest.

Despite the demands of her career, she remained involved in her sons’ education and sporting activities.

Julia also recalled being surprised by the amount of attention Dexter received from major college football programs while he was still a high school student.

When Lawrence emerged as one of the country’s most highly recruited defensive linemen, she helped him navigate the recruiting process and evaluate his educational opportunities.

She supported his eventual decision to attend Clemson University, recognizing the importance of both his education and his football development.

Lawrence’s relationship with his mother remains an important part of his personal background, and his success reflects many of the sacrifices she made during his childhood.

Dexter Lawrence II’s Siblings

Devon Lawrence: Dexter Lawrence II’s Younger Brother

Dexter Lawrence II has a younger brother named Devon Lawrence, who also became an accomplished American football player.

Unlike Dexter, who developed into a defensive lineman, Devon played running back and became known for his speed and rushing ability.

Both brothers attended Wake Forest High School in North Carolina, where they achieved success in the school’s football program.

Devon helped Wake Forest win consecutive North Carolina High School Athletic Association Class 4AA state championships.

During his senior season, he rushed for 1,485 yards and scored 30 rushing touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the state’s most promising running back prospects.

He also earned recognition as the most valuable player of a state championship game after producing 144 all-purpose yards and scoring a decisive touchdown.

Following his high school career, Devon committed to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he joined the Tar Heels football program.

His participation in college football continued the family’s athletic tradition, following the experiences of his older brother and their parents.

Despite their considerable differences in physical size and playing positions, Dexter and Devon share a close family connection.

Devon has also publicly supported his older brother’s professional career, including commenting on his move from the Giants to the Bengals in 2026.

As of now, Devon Lawrence is the only sibling consistently identified in reliable public reporting about Dexter Lawrence II’s family.

Dexter Lawrence II’s Family Background and Upbringing

Dexter Lawrence II was born in Maryland before spending part of his childhood in Arkansas and eventually moving to North Carolina.

His mother worked hard to provide stability and opportunities for her children, while the family’s athletic background influenced his interest in sports.

Although he eventually became famous for football, basketball was initially one of Lawrence’s favorite sports.

His exceptional physical development eventually attracted the attention of football coaches at Wake Forest High School, where he became a dominant defensive lineman.

By his senior year, Lawrence had developed into one of the nation’s most highly regarded high school football prospects.

He committed to Clemson University, where he played from 2016 through 2018 and helped the Tigers win two national championships.

The New York Giants selected him with the 17th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

He subsequently established himself as one of the league’s most recognizable defensive tackles, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.

In April 2026, Lawrence was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, beginning a new chapter in his professional career alongside his wife and daughter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dexter Lawrence II’s Family

Who is Dexter Lawrence II’s girlfriend?

Dexter Lawrence II is married to Donna McCain, a professional chef and certified Pilates instructor. The couple married on June 27, 2024.

Is Dexter Lawrence II married?

Yes. Dexter Lawrence II married Donna McCain in June 2024.

Does Dexter Lawrence II have children?

Yes. He has one publicly confirmed daughter, Nella Lawrence, who was born in September 2025.

What is Dexter Lawrence II’s daughter’s name?

His daughter’s name is Nella Lawrence. The Cincinnati Bengals publicly identified her in an April 2026 article.

Who is Dexter Lawrence II’s father?

His father is Dexter Lawrence Sr., a former Arkansas State University football linebacker.

Who is Dexter Lawrence II’s mother?

His mother is Julia Parker, a former University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff track athlete who also worked in law enforcement and corrections.

Does Dexter Lawrence II have siblings?

Yes. His younger brother, Devon Lawrence, played college football at the University of North Carolina.

Is Devon Lawrence related to Dexter Lawrence II?

Yes. Devon Lawrence is Dexter Lawrence II’s younger brother. Both played football at Wake Forest High School in North Carolina.

Where is Dexter Lawrence II’s family from?

Lawrence was born in Maryland, spent part of his childhood in Arkansas, and grew up in North Carolina. He considers Wake Forest, North Carolina, his hometown.

Which NFL team does Dexter Lawrence II play for?

As of now, Dexter Lawrence II plays defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals, who acquired him from the New York Giants in April 2026.