Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Colby Parkinson is an American professional football tight end for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 8, 1999, in San Ramon, California, Parkinson played college football at Stanford University before beginning his professional career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2020.
Beyond football, Parkinson is a devoted husband and father. He is married to Melanie Parkinson, formerly Melanie Bailes, a former college golfer who represented the University of Alabama. The couple has two sons, Forrest and Brooks Parkinson.
Parkinson also comes from a supportive family that includes his parents, Mike and Kim Parkinson, and two siblings, Garrett and Jenna Parkinson. His family has played an important role in his development, supporting him throughout his childhood, college football career and transition into the NFL.
Colby Parkinson’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Colby Parkinson is married to Melanie Parkinson, formerly Melanie Bailes. The couple married on March 10, 2023, at The Greenbrier, a luxury resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Their relationship began through social media. According to an interview published by PEOPLE, Parkinson initially contacted Melanie through Instagram, and the two began exchanging messages.
After communicating for several months, they met in person on March 10, 2022. Their relationship developed quickly despite living in different locations.
Parkinson proposed to Melanie on October 24, 2022, approximately seven months after their first meeting.
They subsequently organized their wedding at The Greenbrier, choosing March 10, 2023, exactly one year after meeting in person.
The ceremony brought together family members and friends to celebrate their marriage.
Following the wedding, Parkinson publicly expressed his happiness about beginning married life with Melanie.
The couple has also spoken about the importance of their Christian faith in their relationship and family life.
As of now, Colby and Melanie Parkinson remain married and are raising their two sons together.
Who Is Melanie Parkinson?
Melanie Parkinson, whose maiden name is Melanie Bailes, is a former collegiate golfer who competed for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide women’s golf team.
She was born on September 22, 2000, and grew up in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Melanie attended Laurel Springs School before joining the University of Alabama, where she combined her academic studies with competitive golf.
According to her official Alabama Athletics biography, Melanie won five tournaments at the state and national levels during her junior golf career.
She also competed in American Junior Golf Association events and played varsity golf on an all-boys team during her freshman year of high school.
At Alabama, Melanie participated in several collegiate tournaments and earned recognition on the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll in 2022.
She studied marketing and demonstrated a commitment to both academics and athletics.
Melanie’s parents are Julian and Colleen Bailes, according to her official university biography.
Following her marriage to Parkinson, Melanie has supported his professional football career while focusing on their growing family.
She was particularly involved during his transition from the Seattle Seahawks to the Los Angeles Rams in 2024.
The move allowed the couple to spend more time near Parkinson’s parents and other relatives in Southern California.
Colby Parkinson’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Colby Parkinson has two publicly confirmed children, both sons, whom he shares with his wife, Melanie.
Their sons are named Forrest John Parkinson and Brooks Parkinson.
The couple welcomed their first child in March 2024. By August 2026, Parkinson had publicly confirmed that he and Melanie were raising two sons.
Fatherhood has become an important part of his personal life, particularly as he balances the responsibilities of playing professional football with spending time at home.
Forrest John Parkinson: Colby Parkinson’s First Son
Forrest John Parkinson is the eldest son of Colby and Melanie Parkinson. He was born in March 2024, shortly after the couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary.
His arrival coincided with an important period in his father’s football career.
In March 2024, Parkinson signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams after spending four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
At the time of his contract signing, Melanie was approaching the end of her pregnancy and joined the family’s celebrations remotely through FaceTime.
After Forrest’s birth, Parkinson and his wife spent time living with his parents in Southern California.
In June 2024, Parkinson spoke to the Rams’ official website about how meaningful it had been to watch his parents become grandparents.
He also described the excitement of bringing Forrest to the Rams’ training facilities.
During the team’s family day activities, Melanie and Forrest attended a practice alongside Parkinson’s parents.
It was one of the first opportunities for his son to watch him train as a professional football player.
Parkinson has continued sharing selected moments of family life, including experiences involving Forrest and his introduction to football.
Brooks Parkinson: Colby Parkinson’s Second Son
Brooks Parkinson is Colby and Melanie Parkinson’s younger son.
His name was publicly confirmed during an August 25, 2026, conversation between Parkinson and pastor Jonny Ardavanis on the Dial In podcast.
During the interview, Parkinson introduced himself as Melanie’s husband and the father of their two sons, Brooks and Forrest.
He discussed the importance of raising his children and being a responsible husband and father.
The conversation demonstrated how his priorities have developed since beginning his NFL career.
Although Forrest’s birth in March 2024 was widely reported, reliable public sources provide fewer details about Brooks’ birth.
As of now, his exact date of birth has not been independently established through reliable reporting.
Nevertheless, Parkinson’s public statements confirm that he and Melanie have two sons.
Colby Parkinson’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Colby Parkinson was born to Michael “Mike” Parkinson and Kim Parkinson.
His parents raised him in Southern California, where he developed an early interest in football and other sports.
Both parents supported his education and athletic ambitions, encouraging him to pursue opportunities that would prepare him for success beyond football.
Their names are confirmed in his official Stanford University Athletics biography.
Colby Parkinson’s Father: Michael Parkinson
Colby Parkinson’s father is Michael Parkinson, commonly known as Mike Parkinson.
Mike has a professional background in business administration and education management.
He previously worked at Bank of America before taking on a leadership position at Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California.
At Oaks Christian, he served as chief operating officer and was involved in the school’s administrative and operational activities.
The school publicly identified him as its chief operating and risk officer in reporting about campus development projects.
Mike also played an important role in his son’s education and football development.
When Colby was younger, he expressed a strong desire to attend Stanford University.
According to a 2016 Los Angeles Times profile, his father explained that attending such a prestigious university would require excellent academic performance.
The conversation encouraged Colby to take his schoolwork seriously while developing his football abilities.
Parkinson eventually earned a scholarship to Stanford, fulfilling an ambition he had maintained since elementary school.
Mike remained supportive as his son progressed through college and entered the NFL.
In March 2024, he accompanied Colby when the tight end officially signed his contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
For the family, the signing was particularly meaningful because it brought Parkinson back to Southern California, close to where he grew up.
Mike subsequently spent time with his grandson Forrest, creating new family memories following Colby’s return to Los Angeles.
Colby Parkinson’s Mother: Kim Parkinson
Colby Parkinson’s mother is Kim Parkinson, who has supported him throughout his education and football career.
Kim raised Colby alongside his two siblings, Garrett and Jenna, in Southern California.
She has attended important family occasions and football-related events, including his professional contract signing with the Los Angeles Rams.
In March 2024, Kim and her husband accompanied Colby as he completed his move to the Rams.
The occasion represented a significant moment because their son was returning to play professional football near his hometown.
Following the birth of Colby’s first son, Forrest, Kim also became involved in helping the young family settle into life in California.
During an interview with the Rams in June 2024, Parkinson spoke warmly about the opportunity to spend time with his parents while they developed a relationship with their grandson.
Kim also attended the Rams’ family day activities with other members of the Parkinson family.
Although she has appeared at sporting and family events, reliable public information about her professional background remains limited.
Her role in supporting Colby’s athletic ambitions and family life is more extensively documented than her private activities.
Colby Parkinson’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
Colby Parkinson has two siblings: a brother named Garrett Parkinson and a sister named Jenna Parkinson.
Both are identified in his official Stanford University Athletics biography.
Growing up with his siblings helped shape Parkinson’s early interest in sports, particularly football.
Garrett Parkinson: Colby Parkinson’s Brother
Garrett Parkinson is Colby Parkinson’s older brother.
According to an interview published by the Seattle Seahawks in September 2022, Garrett was approximately five years older than Colby.
During the interview, Parkinson explained that his brother was one of the main reasons he began playing football.
As a child, Colby wanted to follow Garrett’s example and participate in the same activities.
When his older brother began playing football, Colby became interested in the sport as well.
That experience eventually developed into a passion that guided him through high school, college and professional football.
Garrett’s influence illustrates how important sibling relationships were in shaping Colby’s athletic development.
However, Garrett has maintained a relatively private public profile.
Reliable information about his current occupation, education and personal relationships is limited.
Consequently, most publicly documented details about him concern his relationship with Colby and his influence on his younger brother’s introduction to football.
Jenna Parkinson: Colby Parkinson’s Sister
Jenna Parkinson is Colby Parkinson’s sister and the daughter of Mike and Kim Parkinson.
She is publicly identified in Stanford University’s official football biography.
Jenna has also appeared alongside family members at events celebrating Colby’s football achievements.
In June 2023, Westlake Malibu Lifestyle magazine featured a family photograph from an Oaks Christian School fundraising gala.
The photograph identified Jenna alongside Colby, his wife Melanie, and their parents, Mike and Kim Parkinson.
The event demonstrated the family’s continuing connection to Oaks Christian School, where Colby previously studied and developed his football career.
Although Jenna has occasionally appeared in public family photographs, she has maintained a relatively private life.
Reliable information about her education, occupation and personal relationships remains limited.
Colby Parkinson’s Family Background and Early Life
Colby John Parkinson was born on January 8, 1999, in San Ramon, California, and grew up in the Simi Valley area.
He developed an early interest in football after watching his older brother Garrett participate in the sport.
With encouragement from his parents, Colby began playing football while also developing skills in basketball.
He attended Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, where he became a standout athlete.
As a high school football player, Parkinson developed into one of the country’s most highly regarded tight end prospects.
His combination of height, receiving ability and athleticism attracted interest from major college football programs.
He finished his high school career with 80 receptions for 1,280 yards and eight receiving touchdowns, according to Stanford Athletics.
Parkinson also earned recognition as a U.S. Army All-American and received multiple national recruiting honors.
Despite his athletic achievements, education remained an important priority.
His parents encouraged him to maintain strong academic performance, particularly because he had dreamed of attending Stanford University since childhood.
He ultimately committed to Stanford and joined the Cardinal football program in 2017.
Colby Parkinson’s College and NFL Career
Colby Parkinson played college football at Stanford University from 2017 through 2019.
During his freshman season, he recorded 10 receptions for 97 yards and four touchdowns.
He became a more important offensive contributor in 2018, finishing the season with 29 receptions for 485 yards and seven touchdowns.
One of his most memorable performances came against Oregon State, when he recorded four receiving touchdowns in a single game.
During the 2019 season, Parkinson registered 48 receptions for 589 yards and earned Second-Team All-Pac-12 recognition.
After completing his junior season, he announced his decision to enter the 2020 NFL Draft.
In his announcement, Parkinson thanked his family for their consistent support throughout his football journey.
The Seattle Seahawks selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 133rd overall pick.
He spent four seasons with Seattle, developing as a tight end and contributing to the team’s passing offense.
In March 2024, Parkinson signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
The move was particularly meaningful because it brought him back to the region where he grew up.
His wife, parents and newborn son were central to the experience, allowing him to combine his professional football career with increased family time.
During the 2025 NFL season, Parkinson recorded career highs of 43 receptions, 408 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.
He also scored a game-winning touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the Rams’ January 2026 playoff victory.
Despite his football success, Parkinson has continued emphasizing that his responsibilities as a husband and father are among his greatest priorities.
How Fatherhood Changed Colby Parkinson’s Life
Becoming a father has had a significant impact on Colby Parkinson’s personal priorities.
After welcoming Forrest in March 2024, he began experiencing a new phase of family life while adjusting to his role with the Los Angeles Rams.
His return to Southern California allowed his parents to spend more time with their grandson.
Parkinson described the experience as particularly meaningful because he could share both family moments and professional achievements with the people closest to him.
By August 2026, Parkinson and Melanie were parents of two sons, Forrest and Brooks.
During an appearance on the Dial In podcast, Parkinson explained that raising his children and supporting his wife mattered more to him than individual football accomplishments.
He also discussed how his Christian faith shaped his approach to marriage, fatherhood and professional responsibilities.
His comments illustrated how family relationships have become central to his identity beyond football.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colby Parkinson’s Family
Who is Colby Parkinson’s girlfriend?
Colby Parkinson is married to Melanie Parkinson, formerly Melanie Bailes. The couple married on March 10, 2023.
Who is Colby Parkinson’s wife?
His wife is Melanie Parkinson, a former University of Alabama collegiate golfer who studied marketing.
When did Colby Parkinson get married?
Colby Parkinson married Melanie Bailes on March 10, 2023, at The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia.
How many children does Colby Parkinson have?
Colby Parkinson has two publicly confirmed children, both sons, named Forrest and Brooks Parkinson.
Who is Colby Parkinson’s first son?
His first son is Forrest John Parkinson, who was born in March 2024.
Who is Colby Parkinson’s second son?
His younger son is Brooks Parkinson, whose name was publicly confirmed during an August 2026 podcast interview.
Who are Colby Parkinson’s parents?
His parents are Michael “Mike” Parkinson and Kim Parkinson, who raised him in Southern California.
What does Colby Parkinson’s father do?
Mike Parkinson has a background in business administration and previously served as chief operating officer at Oaks Christian School in California.
How many siblings does Colby Parkinson have?
Colby Parkinson has two siblings: an older brother named Garrett Parkinson and a sister named Jenna Parkinson.
Who is Colby Parkinson’s brother?
His brother is Garrett Parkinson, who helped inspire Colby’s interest in football when they were growing up.
Who is Colby Parkinson’s sister?
His sister is Jenna Parkinson, who has appeared alongside other relatives at family and school-related events.
Where is Colby Parkinson’s family from?
Colby Parkinson was born in San Ramon, California, and grew up in the Simi Valley area of Southern California.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
