Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Demario Davis is an American professional football linebacker for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Beyond his successful football career, Davis is a devoted husband, father of six children and community leader who frequently discusses the importance of family, faith and personal responsibility.
Born on January 11, 1989, in Collins, Mississippi, Davis is the son of Sue Magee and Steven Davis. He was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother and has described himself as an only child. He is married to Tamela Gill Davis, an educator, writer and philanthropist who works alongside him on charitable initiatives.
His family has played a central role throughout his journey from a challenging childhood in Mississippi to becoming one of the NFL’s respected veteran linebackers.
Demario Davis’ Wife: Who Is Tamela Gill Davis?
Demario Davis is married to Tamela Gill Davis, an American educator, writer, certified life coach and philanthropist.
Tamela grew up in Walnut Grove, Mississippi, and pursued higher education before meeting her future husband at Arkansas State University.
The couple met while Tamela was completing graduate studies and Demario was in his final year of college. According to an interview published by Mississippi Christian Living, they became acquainted through a medieval literature class.
Initially, the two developed a friendship through conversations about their academic interests and shared Christian faith.
After approximately six months of friendship, Demario expressed his interest in beginning a serious romantic relationship. Tamela later explained that he made his intentions clear from the beginning, telling her that he wanted to date with marriage in mind.
The couple married in 2012, the same year the New York Jets selected Demario in the NFL Draft.
Their marriage has continued through his professional football career, including his years with the Jets, Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints.
What Does Tamela Gill Davis Do?
Tamela Davis has a background in education and holds a graduate degree. Before her marriage, she had planned to pursue a career in teaching and educational leadership.
However, after Demario entered the NFL, the couple relocated several times to accommodate his professional commitments.
Tamela eventually began homeschooling their children, creating an organized educational environment within the family home.
In a December 2025 interview with Business Insider, she explained that her approach included individualized lessons, structured daily routines and school uniforms during part of the week.
She also works with another educator to help manage the different learning needs of their six children.
Alongside her responsibilities as a mother, Tamela is involved in charitable work, writing and mentoring.
She maintains a personal website called The F Word, where she discusses faith, family life and personal development.
Demario and Tamela Davis’ Marriage and Charitable Work
Demario and Tamela share a commitment to supporting young people through education, mentorship and community programs.
In 2013, they established the Devoted Dreamers Foundation, an organization focused on helping young people develop leadership skills and pursue opportunities for personal growth.
The foundation later developed initiatives in Mississippi, Louisiana and the New York metropolitan area.
In September 2026, the New York Jets highlighted the couple’s Devoted Change Maker Initiative, which supports community organizations working with young people.
The couple’s shared commitment to family and charitable service has been a significant part of their public life.
Demario Davis’ Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Demario Davis and his wife, Tamela, have six children. Their family grew over several years as Davis continued his NFL career.
In a December 2025 interview with Business Insider, Tamela confirmed that she was homeschooling their six children, who were then approximately 12, 10, 9, 6, 4 and 1 years old.
She also explained that all their children have two-part first names, reflecting her preference for traditional Southern-style names.
Five of their children’s names have been documented in previous family interviews: Bailey-Grace, Roman-Parker, Summer-Joy, Carly-Faith and Stormy-Love.
Bailey-Grace Davis – Their Eldest Daughter
Bailey-Grace is the eldest child of Demario and Tamela Davis.
She has appeared in family photographs and interviews published during her father’s time with the New Orleans Saints.
In a 2022 profile published by Go Long, Davis described Bailey-Grace as having a distinctive personality and enjoying expressing herself.
As the eldest child, she has grown up experiencing the travel, relocations and changing routines associated with her father’s professional football career.
Roman-Parker Davis – Their Son
Roman-Parker is the couple’s son and second child.
He has been featured in family portraits and profiles discussing the Davis household.
In the Go Long interview, Demario described Roman-Parker as a child with a strong curiosity about how things work and an interest in learning.
Roman-Parker has also attended football-related family events alongside his parents and siblings.
Summer-Joy Davis – Their Daughter
Summer-Joy is Demario and Tamela Davis’ third child.
She has appeared in family photographs published by the New Orleans Saints and Mississippi Christian Living.
Her father described her as naturally talented in several areas, including music, drawing and sports.
Summer-Joy is part of the family’s homeschooling program, which Tamela has organized to accommodate the individual educational needs of each child.
Carly-Faith Davis – Their Daughter
Carly-Faith is the couple’s fourth child. Her experience with a serious illness during infancy became an important part of the family’s public advocacy work.
In 2020, when Carly-Faith was less than one year old, she was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer affecting young children.
According to an interview published by Mississippi Christian Living, doctors discovered a tumor in her left eye, which required surgery to remove the affected eye.
Her parents subsequently discussed her treatment and recovery in public interviews, explaining how the experience influenced their charitable priorities.
The family became involved in efforts to raise awareness of childhood cancer and support other parents facing similar medical challenges.
Carly-Faith also participated in a community visit to Ochsner Children’s Hospital, where the family encouraged children receiving medical treatment.
Her parents have described her as resilient and energetic despite the challenges she encountered early in life.
Stormy-Love Davis – Their Fifth Child
Stormy-Love is the fifth child of Demario and Tamela Davis.
Her name was publicly documented in a family profile published by Go Long, which discussed the couple’s five children at that time.
Since then, the family has welcomed another child, bringing the total to six.
Demario Davis’ Sixth Child
Demario and Tamela welcomed their sixth child before December 2025.
In her Business Insider interview, Tamela confirmed that their youngest child was approximately one year old at the time.
However, the child’s full name has not been established through the reliable sources reviewed.
Tamela explained that the family had grown to the size the couple had hoped for and that she did not plan to have additional children.
She continues to prioritize education, family time and creating a supportive environment for all six children.
Demario Davis’ Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Demario Davis’ parents are Sue Magee and Steven Davis, according to his official Arkansas State University football biography.
His upbringing was shaped primarily by his mother and grandmother, who cared for him during different stages of his childhood.
Sue Magee – Demario Davis’ Mother
Sue Magee, also identified publicly as Sue Davis, is Demario Davis’ mother.
She became a mother at just 16 years old and raised Demario while facing significant financial and personal responsibilities.
During his early childhood, Demario lived with his grandmother in Collins, Mississippi, while his mother continued her education.
When he reached the second grade, he moved to Brandon, Mississippi, to live with his mother.
In a personal account published by Sports Spectrum in May 2018, Davis explained that Sue sometimes worked two or three jobs to provide for him.
He has repeatedly credited her sacrifices and encouragement with helping him remain focused on creating a better future.
Although he experienced disciplinary problems during adolescence, his mother continued encouraging him to make positive decisions.
Her influence became especially important as he pursued college football and eventually entered the NFL.
Steven Davis – Demario Davis’ Father
Steven Davis is Demario Davis’ father, as identified in the Arkansas State University athletics biography.
In his 2018 personal account, Demario explained that his father served in the United States Army during his childhood.
Because of his father’s military service and other family circumstances, Davis was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother.
He has spoken more extensively about his mother’s involvement in his upbringing than about his father’s personal life.
Additional information about Steven Davis’ military career, professional background and current personal circumstances is not extensively documented in the reliable sources reviewed.
Demario Davis’ Grandmother
Demario Davis’ grandmother was another important parental figure in his childhood.
He spent his earliest years living with her in Collins, Mississippi, before moving to Brandon to live with his mother.
In interviews, Davis has explained that his grandmother helped introduce him to Christian teachings and values at a young age.
Her encouragement contributed to the religious beliefs that later became a defining part of his adult life.
Although her personal history has not been extensively documented, Davis has consistently acknowledged her importance in his upbringing.
Demario Davis’ Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
Demario Davis has described himself as an only child.
In a February 2020 interview with Authority Magazine, he explained that he grew up as the only child of a young single mother in Mississippi.
He did not publicly identify any brothers or sisters in that account.
Does Demario Davis Have a Brother?
No brother has been identified in the reliable family interviews reviewed.
Davis has instead spoken about growing up alongside his cousins, many of whom shared his enthusiasm for football.
He recalled playing football with relatives during his childhood and being encouraged by an uncle who supported his ambition to reach the NFL.
Does Demario Davis Have a Sister?
There is no verified public information identifying a sister of Demario Davis.
His description of himself as an only child indicates that he did not grow up with siblings in his immediate household.
Steve McNair – Demario Davis’ Famous Cousin
Although Davis is known as an only child, he comes from an extended family with a notable connection to professional football.
His first cousin was Steve McNair, the former NFL quarterback who played for the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens.
McNair was named NFL co-MVP in 2003 and led Tennessee to Super Bowl XXXIV.
In a September 2013 interview with the New York Jets, Davis explained that his mother and McNair’s father were siblings.
He also discussed the emotional impact of McNair’s death in July 2009 while Davis was attending Arkansas State University.
The family connection contributed to Davis’ early exposure to professional football and provided an example of what could be achieved through athletic success.
Demario Davis’ Family Background and Childhood
Demario Davis grew up in Collins and Brandon, Mississippi, where he experienced the challenges of being raised primarily by a young single mother.
He developed an interest in football through relatives who regularly played the sport together.
During his time at Brandon High School, Davis became a standout football player and earned a scholarship to Arkansas State University.
He subsequently developed into an accomplished college linebacker before entering the NFL in 2012.
His experiences growing up helped influence his commitment to supporting families and providing mentorship opportunities for young people.
Demario Davis’ NFL Career and Family Life
Demario Davis began his professional football career when the New York Jets selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft with the 77th overall pick.
He played for the Jets from 2012 to 2015, joined the Cleveland Browns in 2016 and returned to New York in 2017.
In 2018, he signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he became an important defensive leader and received multiple All-Pro selections.
After eight seasons with New Orleans, Davis returned to the New York Jets in March 2026.
Throughout his career, his wife and children have remained central to his priorities. Tamela explained in a 2025 interview that the family values eating dinner together and maintaining strong relationships despite the demands of the NFL schedule.
The couple also continues to operate charitable initiatives focused on youth development, education and community support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Demario Davis’ Family
Who is Demario Davis’ wife?
Demario Davis is married to Tamela Gill Davis, an educator, certified life coach, writer and philanthropist.
When did Demario Davis get married?
Demario Davis and Tamela Gill Davis married in 2012, the same year he was selected by the New York Jets in the NFL Draft.
How many children does Demario Davis have?
As of now, Demario Davis and his wife have six children, as confirmed by Tamela in a December 2025 interview.
What are the names of Demario Davis’ children?
Five of their children are publicly identified as Bailey-Grace, Roman-Parker, Summer-Joy, Carly-Faith and Stormy-Love. The full name of their sixth child has not been reliably established in the sources reviewed.
Who are Demario Davis’ parents?
His parents are Sue Magee and Steven Davis, according to Arkansas State University’s official football biography.
Who is Demario Davis’ mother?
His mother is Sue Magee, also publicly identified as Sue Davis. She became a mother at 16 and worked multiple jobs to support him during his childhood.
Who is Demario Davis’ father?
His father is Steven Davis, who served in the United States Army during Demario’s childhood.
Does Demario Davis have siblings?
Demario Davis has described himself as an only child. No biological brothers or sisters have been reliably identified in his public family interviews.
Is Demario Davis related to Steve McNair?
Yes. Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was Demario Davis’ first cousin through his mother’s family.
Where is Demario Davis’ family from?
Demario Davis was born in Collins, Mississippi, and grew up partly in Brandon. His wife, Tamela, is originally from Walnut Grove, Mississippi.
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.
