Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Russ Yeast is an American professional football player who plays safety for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. Born on May 8, 1999, in Danville, Kentucky, Yeast played college football at the University of Louisville and Kansas State University before being selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Beyond his professional football career, Yeast comes from a family with a remarkable athletic background. His father, Craig Yeast, is a former NFL wide receiver who previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals, while his mother, Tori Tillman Yeast, played college basketball at the University of Kentucky. His younger sister, Kiyah Yeast, also pursued competitive athletics as a sprinter at the University of Louisville.
Although Yeast has spoken openly about his parents and sister, he maintains considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Russ Yeast’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Russ Yeast has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend or provided sufficient verified information to establish his relationship status.
The Cincinnati Bengals safety has generally kept his romantic life away from extensive media coverage. His public interviews have primarily focused on football, his family’s athletic achievements, and the guidance he received from his parents.
During his college career at Louisville and Kansas State, Yeast attracted attention because of his performances as a defensive back. However, official university biographies did not identify a romantic partner.
Similarly, interviews published during his time with the Los Angeles Rams primarily discussed his family background and professional development rather than his dating life.
There is no sufficiently verified public announcement establishing that Yeast is currently engaged or married.
Consequently, his relationship status remains private. The absence of publicly available information does not necessarily mean that he is single.
Is Russ Yeast Married?
As of now, reliable public reporting does not conclusively establish whether Russ Yeast is married.
Neither his official Cincinnati Bengals biography nor interviews published by Kansas State University and the Los Angeles Rams identify a spouse or document a wedding ceremony.
Therefore, claims identifying a wife or providing details about a marriage should not be treated as confirmed without reliable evidence.
Does Russ Yeast Have Children?
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Russ Yeast has children.
The Cincinnati Bengals defensive back has not made a widely documented public announcement concerning the birth of a son or daughter.
His official college and professional football biographies also do not establish that he is a father.
Although Yeast frequently discusses the importance of family support, he has not publicly provided sufficient information to confirm whether he is raising children of his own.
Russ Yeast’s Parents
Russ Yeast’s Father: Craig Yeast
Russ Yeast’s father is Craig Yeast, a former professional American football player who competed in the NFL, Canadian Football League and arena football.
Craig grew up in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, where he developed into an accomplished high school football player.
He subsequently attended the University of Kentucky, becoming one of the most productive wide receivers in the school’s history.
During his college career, Craig recorded 208 receptions for 2,899 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns.
His achievements established Southeastern Conference receiving records at the time and attracted attention from NFL organizations.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Craig with the 98th overall pick in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft.
He played for Cincinnati during the 1999 and 2000 seasons before joining the New York Jets in 2001.
Although Craig was primarily a wide receiver in college, he became particularly valuable as a punt and kickoff return specialist during his NFL career.
Following his time in the NFL, he continued playing professional football in Canada and the arena football system.
His professional experiences provided Russ with an early understanding of the responsibilities and challenges associated with competitive football.
How Craig Yeast Influenced His Son’s Football Career
Craig Yeast played an important role in his son’s athletic development, serving as both a parent and a football coach.
During Russ’s early high school years, Craig coached football at Fremont Ross High School in Ohio.
Russ played under his father’s guidance during his sophomore and junior seasons, gaining valuable experience while developing his skills.
Their relationship allowed Craig to share lessons from his own college and professional football career.
However, Craig also recognized the importance of allowing his son to establish an independent athletic identity.
In a May 2022 interview with sports journalist Larry Vaught, Russ explained that his father had not attempted to control his decisions during the NFL Draft process.
Instead, Craig allowed his son and his representatives to manage communication with professional teams.
Russ appreciated that approach because it gave him the freedom to make important career decisions independently.
He also acknowledged that being the son of a former NFL player sometimes created additional expectations during his childhood.
Nevertheless, he gradually established his own reputation as a talented defensive back.
Craig Yeast’s Career as a Football Coach
Following his professional playing career, Craig Yeast became involved in coaching high school and college football.
His coaching experience included positions at Fremont Ross High School, Franklin College and Kentucky Wesleyan College.
At Kentucky Wesleyan, he served as the head football coach before returning to his hometown in Kentucky.
In February 2022, Craig accepted the head coaching position at Mercer County High School in Harrodsburg.
During an April 2026 interview published by the New York Jets, Craig explained that returning home had allowed him to support his mother during the final period of her life.
He also discussed his satisfaction with helping young athletes develop academically, athletically and personally.
Craig emphasized that his greatest enjoyment from coaching came from providing opportunities and guidance to students.
As of now, he remains publicly associated with Mercer County’s football program.
Russ Yeast’s Mother: Tori Tillman Yeast
Russ Yeast’s mother is Tori Tillman Yeast, a former collegiate basketball player who represented the University of Kentucky.
Tori grew up in Kentucky and developed a strong interest in competitive athletics during her school years.
She excelled in track and field and became a high school state champion before pursuing college basketball.
At Kentucky, Tori competed for the Wildcats women’s basketball program.
Her experience as a student-athlete contributed to the family’s understanding of the importance of discipline, academic achievement and athletic development.
After marrying Craig Yeast, she helped raise their two children, Russ and Kiyah.
Both children eventually pursued college athletics, continuing the sporting tradition established by their parents.
How Tori Yeast Supported Her Son’s Education
Although Russ Yeast became widely recognized because of football, his mother consistently emphasized the importance of education.
In a July 2022 interview with Center Grove Magazine, Tori expressed pride in her son’s commitment to completing his university studies.
She explained that the family had always encouraged its children to prioritize education because professional athletic careers do not last forever.
Russ earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville before completing a master’s degree in sports administration.
He finished his postgraduate studies while preparing for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Tori considered this achievement particularly meaningful because it demonstrated her son’s commitment to long-term personal development.
In April 2026, Craig Yeast confirmed during an interview with the New York Jets that both Russ and his younger sister had earned master’s degrees.
The family’s educational achievements reflect the importance their parents placed on academic success alongside competitive athletics.
The Special Meaning of Russ Yeast’s Jersey Number 43
One of the most meaningful connections between Russ Yeast and his mother involves the number 43.
After being selected by the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, Russ chose to wear jersey number 43.
According to Center Grove Magazine, the number held special significance within his maternal family.
Tori previously wore number 43 while playing high school basketball because her own aunt had worn the same number.
Russ decided to continue the family tradition by selecting the number for his first NFL season.
His mother was surprised and touched by the decision, recognizing it as a meaningful tribute to the family’s athletic history.
The gesture demonstrated how much Yeast valued the people who had supported him throughout his development.
Russ Yeast’s Siblings
Kiyah Yeast: Russ Yeast’s Younger Sister
Russ Yeast has one publicly confirmed sibling, his younger sister Kiyah Yeast, a former collegiate track and field athlete.
Kiyah was born on April 9, 2002, and grew up in a household where competitive sports played an important role.
Like her older brother, she attended Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana.
During high school, Kiyah developed into a talented sprinter, competing in events such as the 60-meter, 100-meter and 200-meter races.
She became the Indiana indoor state champion in the 60-meter event in 2019.
She also recorded strong performances at national high school track competitions.
Her achievements attracted attention from college athletics programs, and she eventually joined the University of Louisville on a track scholarship.
Kiyah Yeast’s College Track and Field Career
Kiyah Yeast competed for the Louisville Cardinals women’s track and field program.
Her events included the 60-meter sprint, 100 meters, 200 meters and relay competitions.
According to her official University of Louisville athletics biography, Kiyah competed in multiple indoor and outdoor meets during her college career.
She recorded a 200-meter victory at the Louisville Invitational and contributed to relay performances for the Cardinals.
Her college experience continued the family’s strong connection to Kentucky athletics.
While her father and mother had previously competed for the University of Kentucky, Kiyah and Russ both attended the University of Louisville.
The sibling connection to Louisville became an interesting part of the family’s athletic history.
In April 2026, Craig Yeast confirmed that Kiyah had completed her college athletic career and was training with her former college coach to compete in professional track meets.
He also confirmed that she had earned a master’s degree.
The Relationship Between Russ and Kiyah Yeast
Russ and Kiyah Yeast share a close relationship built around their mutual interest in athletics and academic achievement.
Both grew up watching their parents demonstrate the discipline required to succeed in competitive sports.
During a November 2022 interview with the Los Angeles Rams, Russ was asked to identify the most talented athlete in his family.
Rather than choosing himself or either of his parents, he selected his younger sister.
Russ praised Kiyah’s athletic abilities and explained that she possessed many of the same physical talents he had developed through football.
His comments demonstrated the respect he had for her accomplishments as a sprinter.
The two siblings also share the experience of graduating from college while competing at a high athletic level.
According to their father, both have completed postgraduate degrees, making their academic achievements particularly meaningful to the family.
Does Russ Yeast Have Other Siblings?
According to his official Kansas State University football biography, Russ Yeast has one sibling, Kiyah Yeast.
This information is also supported by the Los Angeles Rams’ 2022 player profile and a 2026 interview with his father published by the New York Jets.
No additional biological brothers or sisters have been identified in these official sources.
Russ Yeast’s Family Background and Upbringing
Russ Yeast was born in Danville, Kentucky, and spent parts of his childhood in different communities because of his father’s football and coaching career.
Growing up, he was regularly exposed to competitive sports through both parents.
His father had played professional football, while his mother had competed in basketball and track and field.
Those experiences helped establish the family’s emphasis on athletic discipline and education.
Russ began his high school football career at Columbian High School in Tiffin, Ohio.
He subsequently transferred to Fremont Ross High School, where his father was involved in coaching.
Before his senior season, the family moved to Indiana when Craig accepted a coaching position at Franklin College.
Russ enrolled at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, where he became one of the state’s most productive football players.
Russ Yeast’s High School Football Career
At Center Grove High School, Russ Yeast contributed as a running back, wide receiver, defensive back and return specialist.
During his senior season in 2016, he rushed for 1,525 yards and scored 19 rushing touchdowns.
He also recorded 602 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.
His performances helped Center Grove finish the season with a 12-2 record and reach the Indiana Class 6A state championship game.
Yeast earned several individual honors, including Indiana Gatorade Football Player of the Year and first-team All-State recognition.
He also participated in the 2017 Under Armour All-America Game.
His achievements attracted scholarship offers from major college football programs.
Russ Yeast’s College Football Career
Russ Yeast enrolled at the University of Louisville in 2017, where he began his college football career as a defensive back.
He spent four seasons with the Cardinals before transferring to Kansas State University for the 2021 season.
His decision to transfer allowed him to pursue a new opportunity and establish himself independently of his father’s football reputation.
At Kansas State, Yeast became an important member of the Wildcats’ defensive secondary.
During the 2021 season, he started all 13 games, recording 48 tackles, four interceptions and 14 passes defended.
His performances earned him first-team All-Big 12 recognition from the conference’s coaches.
He completed his college career with 58 appearances and 42 starts.
Alongside his football achievements, Yeast earned two academic degrees.
Russ Yeast’s Journey to the NFL
The Los Angeles Rams selected Russ Yeast with the 253rd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
His selection was especially meaningful because it allowed him to follow his father’s footsteps into professional football.
However, unlike Craig, who entered the NFL as a wide receiver and return specialist, Russ established himself as a defensive back.
He spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Rams, appearing in 32 regular-season games and making ten starts across his first two NFL seasons, including one in 2022 and nine in 2023.
After leaving Los Angeles in 2024, Yeast spent time with the Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans.
In August 2025, he joined the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad.
The move created an interesting connection to his family’s history because his father had also played for Cincinnati after being drafted in 1999.
Yeast remained with the organization and signed a reserve/future contract in January 2026.
On October 20, 2026, the Bengals promoted him from their practice squad to the active roster.
His return to an NFL active roster represented another achievement in a career shaped by determination and strong family support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Russ Yeast’s Family
Who is Russ Yeast’s girlfriend?
As of now, Russ Yeast has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. His current relationship status remains private.
Is Russ Yeast married?
There is no sufficiently verified public information confirming that Russ Yeast is married.
Does Russ Yeast have children?
There is no verified public information establishing that the Cincinnati Bengals safety has children.
Who is Russ Yeast’s father?
His father is Craig Yeast, a former NFL wide receiver who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets before becoming a football coach.
Who is Russ Yeast’s mother?
His mother is Tori Tillman Yeast, a former University of Kentucky basketball player who also competed in high school track and field.
Does Russ Yeast have siblings?
Yes. Russ Yeast has one publicly confirmed sibling, his younger sister Kiyah Yeast.
Who is Russ Yeast’s sister?
His sister is Kiyah Yeast, a former University of Louisville track and field athlete who specializes in sprinting events.
Did Russ Yeast’s father play in the NFL?
Yes. Craig Yeast was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft and also played for the New York Jets.
Did Russ Yeast’s mother play college basketball?
Yes. Tori Tillman Yeast played basketball at the University of Kentucky.
Why did Russ Yeast wear number 43?
Yeast selected jersey number 43 during his time with the Los Angeles Rams to honor a family tradition connected to his mother and maternal aunt, who previously wore the same number in basketball.
Where is Russ Yeast’s family from?
Russ Yeast was born in Danville, Kentucky, and spent parts of his childhood in Ohio and Indiana. His parents have longstanding connections to Kentucky.
What is Russ Yeast’s full name?
His full name is Craig Russell Yeast II. He was born on May 8, 1999.
Did Russ Yeast graduate from college?
Yes. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville and later completed a master’s degree in sports administration.
Which NFL team does Russ Yeast play for?
As of now, Russ Yeast plays safety for the Cincinnati Bengals, who promoted him to their active roster on October 20, 2026.
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.
