Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
D’Angelo Ponds is an American professional football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Beyond his football career, Ponds comes from a supportive family in South Florida that helped him overcome doubts about his size and develop into a successful college football player.
Born on January 13, 2005, in Miami, Florida, Ponds grew up in the West Park area. His father is Angelo Ponds, while his official James Madison University football biography identifies his mother as Latasha Jackson. Other reporting has identified Tabbitha Pitzer as his mother, although the precise relationship between these family members has not been independently clarified.
He also has two publicly identified siblings: a brother named Angelo and a sister named Latangela. Although his immediate family has received some media attention, information about his girlfriend, marital status and children remains limited.
D’Angelo Ponds’ Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, D’Angelo Ponds has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend in the reliable NFL interviews, official college biographies and sports reports reviewed.
The New York Jets cornerback has generally maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships. Most of his public interviews have focused on football, his upbringing in South Florida, his family and his journey to the NFL.
During his college career at James Madison University and Indiana University, Ponds frequently discussed his relationships with coaches, teammates and relatives but did not identify a romantic partner in the available interviews.
There is also no independently verified public information establishing whether he has previously been in a relationship.
Is D’Angelo Ponds Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that D’Angelo Ponds is married.
His official New York Jets, Indiana University and James Madison University player biographies do not identify a wife or provide information about a wedding.
Therefore, his marital status remains publicly unconfirmed. The absence of public information should not be interpreted as proof that he is single.
D’Angelo Ponds’ Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that D’Angelo Ponds has children.
The cornerback has not publicly identified a son or daughter through the official team interviews and biographical sources reviewed.
His family-related interviews have primarily focused on his parents, siblings and the encouragement he received during his football development.
Without reliable confirmation, it would be inaccurate to claim that Ponds has children or provide names, ages or birth dates.
D’Angelo Ponds’ Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
D’Angelo Ponds grew up in South Florida, where his family supported his interest in football from a young age.
His father, Angelo Ponds, has spoken publicly about his son’s development and has accompanied him during important college football visits.
However, published sources provide different names for his mother. James Madison University identifies Latasha Jackson, while reporting published in January 2026 identifies Tabbitha Pitzer.
Angelo Ponds – D’Angelo Ponds’ Father
Angelo Ponds is D’Angelo Ponds’ father and one of the most influential people in his football development.
In an April 2026 interview with the Miami Herald, Angelo discussed how he encouraged his son to develop strong football fundamentals despite being smaller than many opposing players.
D’Angelo began playing organized tackle football at approximately four years old.
His father emphasized the importance of effort, preparation and understanding the responsibilities associated with different positions.
He encouraged his son to sprint toward the football after every play, remain attentive during practice and develop an understanding of how offenses and defenses operated.
These habits helped Ponds compete successfully against players who were physically bigger than him.
According to the Miami Herald, his father believed in his athletic potential long before he attracted significant attention from college football programs.
Angelo remained involved throughout his son’s development, eventually accompanying him on an important recruiting visit to Indiana University.
How Angelo Ponds Influenced His Son’s College Decision
In the spring of 2024, D’Angelo Ponds visited Indiana University while considering transferring from James Madison.
His father accompanied him to Bloomington, where they met head coach Curt Cignetti.
During a February 2026 interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, Ponds recalled a conversation involving his father and Cignetti.
After reviewing Indiana’s upcoming schedule, Angelo suggested that the Hoosiers could realistically qualify for a bowl game.
Cignetti responded by expressing ambitions considerably greater than simply reaching a postseason bowl.
The conversation became memorable because Indiana eventually developed into a national championship contender under Cignetti.
Ponds committed to Indiana following the visit and continued his college football career with the Hoosiers.
His father’s participation in the meeting demonstrated his continued involvement in important decisions about his son’s athletic future.
Latasha Jackson – D’Angelo Ponds’ Mother in Official College Records
Latasha Jackson is identified as D’Angelo Ponds’ mother in his official 2023 James Madison University football biography.
The university’s media guide includes her name in its personal information section alongside the names of his brother and sister.
However, additional details about Latasha’s occupation, education and personal background have not been extensively documented in reliable sports reporting.
The available university records also do not explain the family’s complete household arrangements.
Tabbitha Pitzer – Another Publicly Identified Maternal Figure
Tabbitha Pitzer was identified as Ponds’ mother in a January 2026 report published by EssentiallySports.
The article referenced local television coverage of a November 2025 Thanksgiving community event in Bloomington, Indiana, at which Ponds and members of his family helped distribute food.
According to the report, Tabbitha spoke positively about his willingness to support families experiencing financial difficulties.
However, because James Madison’s official biography names Latasha Jackson as his mother, the available sources do not establish whether Tabbitha is his biological mother, stepmother or another maternal figure.
It would therefore be inaccurate to present their precise relationship as confirmed without further evidence.
D’Angelo Ponds’ Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
D’Angelo Ponds has two publicly identified siblings: a brother named Angelo and a sister named Latangela.
Their names appear in his official James Madison University football biography and the university’s 2023 football media guide.
Although both siblings are identified in official records, information about their ages, occupations and personal lives remains limited.
Angelo – D’Angelo Ponds’ Brother
Angelo is D’Angelo Ponds’ brother, according to James Madison University’s official athletics records.
He shares his first name with D’Angelo’s father, Angelo Ponds.
However, the available university biography does not establish his age, education or professional background.
There is also insufficient reliable public information to determine whether Angelo pursued competitive football or another sport.
Although D’Angelo has frequently discussed the influence of his family, his brother has generally remained outside public sports media coverage.
Latangela – D’Angelo Ponds’ Sister
Latangela is D’Angelo Ponds’ sister.
Her name is confirmed in the personal information section of the official James Madison University football biography.
However, her educational background, occupation and personal relationships have not been widely documented in reliable public sources.
Unlike her brother, who has attracted national attention through college and professional football, Latangela has maintained a relatively private public profile.
Does D’Angelo Ponds Have Other Siblings?
James Madison University identifies Angelo and Latangela as Ponds’ siblings.
However, the official biography does not explicitly establish whether these are his only siblings.
Therefore, although at least two siblings are confirmed, it is not possible to independently verify whether Ponds has additional brothers or sisters.
D’Angelo Ponds’ Family Background and Childhood
D’Angelo Ponds was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up in West Park, a community in Broward County.
Football became an important part of his life at a young age.
He began participating in organized tackle football at approximately four years old and regularly competed against opponents who were bigger and stronger than him.
Despite his relatively small frame, Ponds demonstrated impressive instincts, speed and competitiveness.
His father and youth football coaches encouraged him to concentrate on improving his skills rather than becoming discouraged by his physical size.
According to the Miami Herald, Ponds regularly earned recognition as one of the most valuable players on his youth teams.
His development eventually attracted the attention of coaches at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Florida.
The school had established a reputation as one of Florida’s leading high school football programs.
During his time at Chaminade-Madonna, Ponds helped the team win consecutive Florida state championships in 2021 and 2022.
He also participated in track and field, developing the speed and athletic ability that later became important parts of his playing style.
How D’Angelo Ponds’ Family Supported His Football Career
Family encouragement was important throughout Ponds’ development as a football player.
His father taught him the importance of understanding the game and consistently putting maximum effort into training.
These lessons became especially valuable when Ponds began pursuing college football opportunities.
Despite his impressive high school achievements, major college football programs expressed concerns about his size.
He received relatively limited recruiting attention compared with taller defensive backs.
However, James Madison University recognized his potential and offered him an opportunity to compete at the Football Bowl Subdivision level.
Ponds accepted that opportunity and began his college career in 2023.
His strong performances eventually helped him transfer to Indiana, where his family continued supporting his football journey.
D’Angelo Ponds’ Family and Community Service
Beyond football, Ponds has demonstrated an interest in helping families facing financial difficulties.
In November 2025, he participated in a Thanksgiving community initiative at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington.
According to reporting referenced by EssentiallySports, Ponds purchased food for families and participated in a meal distribution event alongside relatives and teammates.
The report described his involvement in providing approximately 60 turkeys and other food items.
His father, Angelo, spoke about the importance of helping people when circumstances provide an opportunity to do so.
The event reflected the family’s publicly expressed belief in supporting others and giving back to the community.
D’Angelo Ponds’ College Football Career
D’Angelo Ponds began his college football career at James Madison University in 2023.
Despite being a true freshman, he quickly established himself as a dependable defensive back.
He appeared in all 13 games, making 10 starts and recording 51 tackles, 13 pass breakups and two interceptions.
His performances earned Freshman All-America recognition and second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors.
After the season, Ponds transferred to Indiana University, following former James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti.
During the 2024 season, he became an important starter in the Hoosiers’ defensive secondary.
He recorded 55 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass breakups, earning first-team All-Big Ten recognition.
His performance helped Indiana achieve an 11-2 record and make its first College Football Playoff appearance.
In 2025, Ponds continued his development and played a major role in Indiana’s undefeated national championship season.
He recorded 61 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions, earning another first-team All-Big Ten selection.
He also received defensive Most Valuable Player recognition in both the Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl.
D’Angelo Ponds’ Family Celebrates His National Championship
One of the most meaningful achievements of Ponds’ college football career came during the 2025 season, when Indiana advanced to the national championship game.
The championship matchup took place against the Miami Hurricanes on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The location was particularly meaningful because Ponds had grown up only a short distance from the stadium.
In interviews before the championship game, he expressed excitement about returning to South Florida and having the opportunity to compete in front of his family and hometown supporters.
Indiana defeated Miami 27-21, completing an undefeated 16-0 season and winning the program’s first national championship.
The victory represented an important milestone for Ponds and the relatives who had supported him since childhood.
D’Angelo Ponds’ NFL Career and Family Motivation
Following Indiana’s national championship victory, D’Angelo Ponds declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite continued questions about his height, scouts recognized his competitiveness, football intelligence and defensive playmaking ability.
On April 24, 2026, the New York Jets selected him in the second round with the 50th overall pick.
The selection reunited Ponds with Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., whom the Jets had chosen in the first round.
The Jets officially signed Ponds to his rookie contract on May 8, 2026.
His selection represented a major achievement for his family after years of supporting his football development.
In an interview with the Miami Herald shortly before the draft, Angelo Ponds reflected on his excitement about seeing his son reach the NFL.
He explained that the achievement would remain an important part of the family’s history for future generations.
As of now, Ponds is continuing his professional career with the New York Jets, wearing jersey number 23.
Frequently Asked Questions About D’Angelo Ponds’ Family
Who is D’Angelo Ponds’ girlfriend?
As of now, D’Angelo Ponds has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend in the reliable NFL interviews and official biographies reviewed.
Is D’Angelo Ponds married?
There is no verified public confirmation that the New York Jets cornerback is married or has a wife.
Does D’Angelo Ponds have children?
There is no reliable public information confirming that D’Angelo Ponds has children.
Who is D’Angelo Ponds’ father?
His father is Angelo Ponds, who helped develop his football skills during childhood and accompanied him on his recruiting visit to Indiana University.
Who is D’Angelo Ponds’ mother?
James Madison University’s official 2023 football biography identifies his mother as Latasha Jackson. Later reporting identifies Tabbitha Pitzer as his mother, although the exact relationship between these individuals has not been independently clarified.
How many siblings does D’Angelo Ponds have?
D’Angelo Ponds has at least two siblings, a brother named Angelo and a sister named Latangela, according to James Madison University’s official athletics records.
Who is D’Angelo Ponds’ brother?
His brother is Angelo, although further verified details about his personal background remain limited.
Who is D’Angelo Ponds’ sister?
His sister is Latangela, whose name appears in his official James Madison University football biography.
Where is D’Angelo Ponds from?
He is from the Miami area of South Florida and grew up in West Park, Broward County. He attended Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School.
When was D’Angelo Ponds born?
D’Angelo Ponds was born on January 13, 2005.
What college did D’Angelo Ponds attend?
He attended James Madison University in 2023 before transferring to Indiana University, where he played during the 2024 and 2025 seasons and won a national championship.
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.
