Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Kenyon Sadiq is an American football tight end for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 4, 2005, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Sadiq became one of college football’s most promising tight ends during his career at the University of Oregon before entering the NFL as a first-round draft pick in 2026.
Beyond his football achievements, Sadiq comes from a close-knit family that played an essential role in his upbringing. His mother is Heather Pledger, who raised him and his two siblings as a single parent. He has an older sister named Daisha and a younger brother named Mikhi. His maternal grandparents, Terry and Alaina Pledger, also helped raise him.
As of now, Sadiq has been publicly linked to girlfriend Addison Osta, who celebrated his selection by the New York Jets in April 2026. He has no publicly confirmed children, and the identity of his biological father has not been established through reliable public reporting.
Kenyon Sadiq’s Girlfriend or Wife
Kenyon Sadiq’s publicly identified girlfriend is Addison Osta, who attracted attention after celebrating his selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
On April 23, 2026, Sadiq was surrounded by family members, friends and his girlfriend when he received a telephone call informing him that the New York Jets would select him with the 16th overall pick.
Osta celebrated the announcement by posting a photograph of Sadiq wearing his new Jets cap on her Instagram Story.
According to an April 24, 2026, report published by the New York Post, Osta expressed her excitement about her boyfriend becoming an NFL player.
The report also documented how Sadiq became emotional during the draft celebration, embracing his girlfriend and family members after learning that he would begin his professional career in New York.
Although their relationship was publicly documented during the draft, Sadiq and Osta have generally kept their romantic lives relatively private.
Reliable public information does not establish when the couple first met, how long they had been dating or whether they attended school together.
As of now, there is no verified announcement that Sadiq and Osta have become engaged or married. Their relationship was publicly confirmed in April 2026, but its current status has not been independently established through a more recent announcement.
Who Is Addison Osta?
Addison Osta is known publicly as the girlfriend who celebrated Kenyon Sadiq’s selection by the New York Jets in the 2026 NFL Draft.
She appeared alongside the tight end during his draft celebration and shared the emotional occasion on social media.
Her Instagram post attracted attention from sports publications covering the Jets’ first-round selections.
However, reliable details about Osta’s age, educational background, occupation and family have not been widely published.
Unlike Sadiq, whose professional football career has received national attention, Osta has generally maintained a lower public profile.
Kenyon Sadiq’s Children
As of now, Kenyon Sadiq has no publicly confirmed children.
Neither the New York Jets tight end nor reliable sports publications have announced that he is the father of a son or daughter.
Although Sadiq has spoken extensively about the importance of his mother, siblings and grandparents, he has not publicly identified himself as a parent.
His relationship with Addison Osta was documented during the 2026 NFL Draft, but there has been no verified announcement that they have welcomed a child together.
Consequently, there is insufficient reliable information to establish that Sadiq has children.
Kenyon Sadiq’s Parents
Kenyon Sadiq was raised primarily by his mother, Heather Pledger, in Idaho. His childhood involved financial challenges and frequent moves as his mother worked to provide stability for her three children.
His biological father was not involved in his upbringing, according to interviews with Sadiq and his mother.
His maternal grandfather, Terry Pledger, became an important father figure, teaching him football and helping shape his character.
Heather Pledger – Mother
Heather Pledger is Kenyon Sadiq’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She grew up in McCammon, a small community in southeastern Idaho, and attended Pocatello High School, where she participated in track and field.
Heather also pursued interests in modeling and acting before becoming a mother in her early twenties.
After her relationship with her children’s father ended, she assumed primary responsibility for raising Kenyon and his two siblings.
According to a detailed family profile published in January 2026, Heather sometimes worked as many as three jobs to support her children.
Her employment included positions at restaurants, dental offices, hospitals and a local horse racing facility.
Despite financial difficulties, Heather tried to ensure that her children experienced a positive and supportive childhood.
The family lived in several communities, including McCammon, Pocatello and Idaho Falls, depending on employment opportunities and family circumstances.
When money was particularly tight, Heather and her children occasionally stayed with her parents, Terry and Alaina Pledger.
Throughout these challenges, she encouraged her children to pursue their personal ambitions.
Heather recognized Kenyon’s exceptional athletic ability during childhood and supported his participation in different sports.
He tried soccer, baseball and karate before eventually concentrating on football.
She also supported his decision to pursue online education during high school so that he could dedicate additional time to training.
Her commitment helped Sadiq develop into one of Idaho’s leading high school football prospects.
In interviews, Sadiq has repeatedly credited his mother’s work ethic with inspiring his own determination to succeed.
He explained that watching her make sacrifices for the family motivated him to work harder and create better opportunities for himself and his relatives.
Heather continued supporting him throughout his college football career at Oregon and celebrated his selection by the Jets in April 2026.
Kenyon Sadiq’s Biological Father
The identity of Kenyon Sadiq’s biological father has not been publicly established through sufficiently reliable sources.
In a family interview published in January 2026, Sadiq explained that he had little contact with his father while growing up.
His mother also confirmed that the relationship with her children’s father had ended, leaving her responsible for raising three children.
Because of his father’s absence, Sadiq developed an especially close relationship with his maternal grandfather, Terry Pledger.
Terry became a father figure who introduced Kenyon to football, encouraged his athletic ambitions and taught him important life lessons.
Although some online biographies speculate about Sadiq’s father’s background, his name and personal history have not been independently verified.
Therefore, his biological father’s identity remains private.
Kenyon Sadiq’s Siblings
Kenyon Sadiq has two siblings: an older sister named Daisha and a younger brother named Mikhi.
The three children were raised by their mother, Heather Pledger, in Idaho and experienced many of the same financial and family challenges during childhood.
Both siblings have been identified in detailed interviews with their mother and in reporting about Sadiq’s football career.
Daisha – Older Sister
Daisha is Kenyon Sadiq’s older sister and the eldest of Heather Pledger’s three children.
According to family reporting published in January 2026, Daisha was 22 years old at the time, approximately two years older than Kenyon.
She grew up alongside her brothers in McCammon and other communities in southeastern Idaho.
Daisha has recalled that Kenyon was an energetic and adventurous child who frequently encouraged her to participate in outdoor activities.
She described her younger brother as someone who loved exploring nature and playing outside.
Like Kenyon, Daisha was influenced by their mother’s dedication to providing for the family.
In an interview about their childhood, she explained that watching Heather work long hours motivated her to take her own education and ambitions seriously.
Daisha subsequently attended New York University on an academic scholarship.
According to the January 2026 family profile, she was preparing to graduate and hoped to pursue a doctoral degree in criminology.
Her move to New York also created a family connection to the city before Kenyon joined the Jets.
Following his selection in April 2026, Sadiq confirmed that his sister was already living in New York and expressed excitement about being closer to her.
Mikhi – Younger Brother
Mikhi is Kenyon Sadiq’s younger brother and the youngest of Heather Pledger’s three children.
His name has also appeared as Mekhi in a published family photograph caption, although the accompanying interview identifies him as Mikhi.
According to the January 2026 profile, he was 19 years old at the time.
Mikhi grew up alongside Kenyon and Daisha in Idaho, experiencing many of the family’s relocations and financial challenges.
Like his siblings, he developed a strong sense of independence while their mother worked to provide for them.
Heather has described Mikhi as the family’s technology enthusiast.
She explained that he enjoyed working with computers and had developed skills involving computer assembly and repair.
According to the same family interview, Mikhi had recently graduated from ISucceed, an Idaho-based online school program.
Although his brother Kenyon pursued professional football, Mikhi’s publicly documented interests have centered more on technology.
Additional information about his career and personal relationships remains limited.
Kenyon Sadiq’s Grandparents
Kenyon Sadiq’s maternal grandparents, Terry Pledger and Alaina Pledger, played essential roles in his upbringing.
Because his biological father was not involved in his childhood, Kenyon spent considerable time with his grandparents, who provided emotional support, guidance and stability.
Terry Pledger – Grandfather
Terry Pledger, whose full name was Terrell Howard Pledger, was Kenyon Sadiq’s maternal grandfather and one of the most influential figures in his life.
Born on December 15, 1950, in Boise, Idaho, Terry grew up in Pocatello and became a talented high school athlete.
He played football, basketball and baseball at Pocatello High School, helping the basketball team win a state championship in 1969.
Although he had opportunities to pursue college athletics, he eventually concentrated on his professional career and family.
Terry worked in law enforcement, including service with the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, and later held positions involving juvenile courts and federal court services.
He was also involved in coaching young athletes and refereeing basketball games.
His greatest influence on Kenyon came through football.
Terry introduced his grandson to the sport when he was approximately six years old and regularly coached him during childhood.
He also taught Kenyon how to fish and encouraged him to appreciate outdoor activities.
Sadiq has explained that his grandfather helped him understand discipline, responsibility and the importance of contributing positively to the community.
Their relationship became particularly meaningful because Terry fulfilled many responsibilities traditionally associated with a father figure.
In January 2024, Terry died at the age of 73, shortly after watching his grandson score his first touchdown for Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl.
His obituary confirms that he died on January 21, 2024.
Following his death, Kenyon continued honoring his grandfather’s memory through football and personal traditions.
He has described Terry as one of the main reasons he pursued the sport and eventually became a professional player.
Alaina Pledger – Grandmother
Alaina Pledger is Kenyon Sadiq’s maternal grandmother and another central figure in his upbringing.
She married Terry Pledger, and the couple raised five children in McCammon, Idaho, including Kenyon’s mother, Heather.
Alaina regularly helped care for Kenyon and his siblings when their mother faced financial difficulties or demanding work schedules.
During childhood, Sadiq spent considerable time in his grandparents’ home, where he developed close relationships with both Alaina and Terry.
Alaina also experienced significant health challenges, including breast cancer.
According to a January 2026 report about Sadiq’s upbringing, his family returned to McCammon during his childhood while his grandmother underwent cancer treatment.
Her condition later improved, allowing the family to move back to Idaho Falls.
However, her health became a major concern again during Kenyon’s final college football season.
Following Oregon’s College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Indiana on January 9, 2026, Sadiq revealed that his grandmother had been placed in hospice care.
He became emotional while discussing the possibility that she had watched his final college football game.
Her influence remained especially meaningful as he prepared to enter the NFL Draft.
In his January 2026 announcement declaring for the draft, Sadiq specifically thanked his mother, grandmother and grandfather for helping shape his life and character.
How Kenyon Sadiq’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Kenyon Sadiq’s family background significantly influenced his development as a football player.
Growing up in a single-parent household taught him the importance of determination and responsibility, while his grandfather’s encouragement introduced him to the sport that would eventually become his profession.
His early childhood involved frequent moves between communities in southeastern Idaho.
Despite those challenges, Sadiq developed into a talented multisport athlete.
He eventually attended Skyline High School in Idaho Falls, where he emerged as one of the state’s leading football prospects.
Sadiq helped Skyline win multiple state championships and became one of Idaho’s most highly regarded college football recruits.
He subsequently committed to the University of Oregon, joining the Ducks in 2023.
During his first college season, he appeared primarily as a reserve tight end and special teams contributor.
His role expanded in 2024, when he recorded 24 receptions for 308 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
In 2025, Sadiq became Oregon’s leading tight end, finishing the season with 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns.
His performances earned major conference recognition and helped establish him as one of the country’s top NFL Draft prospects.
Throughout his college career, Sadiq continued acknowledging the sacrifices made by his mother and the support provided by his grandparents.
Kenyon Sadiq’s NFL Career and Family Support
Kenyon Sadiq declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after completing his junior season at Oregon.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, he impressed scouts by running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, establishing a record for tight ends at the event.
On April 23, 2026, the New York Jets selected Sadiq with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The announcement became an emotional family celebration.
When Jets general manager Darren Mougey called Sadiq to confirm the selection, the tight end initially wondered whether someone was playing a prank on him.
After realizing the call was genuine, he celebrated with his mother, siblings, girlfriend Addison Osta and other people who had supported his journey.
His sister Daisha was already living in New York, making the selection particularly meaningful from a family perspective.
For Sadiq, entering the NFL represented more than a personal athletic achievement. It marked the culmination of years of sacrifices made by his mother and grandparents to support his ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenyon Sadiq’s Family
Who is Kenyon Sadiq’s girlfriend?
Kenyon Sadiq was publicly identified as dating Addison Osta in April 2026. She celebrated his selection by the New York Jets on social media.
Is Kenyon Sadiq married?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Kenyon Sadiq is married or engaged.
Does Kenyon Sadiq have children?
As of now, Kenyon Sadiq has no publicly confirmed children.
Who is Kenyon Sadiq’s mother?
His mother is Heather Pledger, a former high school track and field athlete who raised Kenyon and his two siblings as a single parent in Idaho.
Who is Kenyon Sadiq’s father?
Kenyon Sadiq’s biological father has not been publicly identified through reliable reporting. Sadiq has explained that his father was not involved in his childhood.
How many siblings does Kenyon Sadiq have?
Kenyon Sadiq has two siblings: an older sister named Daisha and a younger brother named Mikhi.
Who is Kenyon Sadiq’s sister?
His older sister is Daisha, who attended New York University on an academic scholarship and planned to pursue graduate studies in criminology.
Who is Kenyon Sadiq’s brother?
His younger brother is Mikhi, who has an interest in technology and computer assembly and repair.
Who are Kenyon Sadiq’s grandparents?
His maternal grandparents are Terry Pledger and Alaina Pledger. Both played important roles in raising him.
What happened to Kenyon Sadiq’s grandfather?
His grandfather, Terry Pledger, died on January 21, 2024, at the age of 73. He had introduced Kenyon to football during childhood.
Where is Kenyon Sadiq’s family from?
Kenyon Sadiq’s family is from southeastern Idaho, particularly the communities of McCammon, Pocatello and Idaho Falls.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
