Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Jaylen McCollough is an American professional football player who plays as a safety for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 12, 2000, in Austell, Georgia, McCollough played college football at the University of Tennessee before joining the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Jaylen McCollough’s family includes his father, Eriles McCollough, his mother, Azure McCollough, and his younger siblings, Jameson McCollough and a sister whose name has not been publicly confirmed. His family has a strong connection to American football, with his father having played at Jacksonville State University and his younger brother following a similar athletic path.
Although McCollough’s parents and siblings are identified in official university records, information about his girlfriend, marital status and whether he has children remains relatively private.
Jaylen McCollough’s Girlfriend or Wife
As of now, Jaylen McCollough has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or wife through reliable interviews, official NFL biographies or established news publications.
The Los Angeles Rams safety generally keeps his romantic relationships outside public attention. His interviews have focused primarily on his football career, experiences at Tennessee and development as a professional defensive player.
There is no independently verified public announcement confirming that McCollough is married or engaged.
Although some online biographies describe him as single, those claims are not supported by sufficiently reliable or recent information to establish his current relationship status.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to identify a girlfriend or wife without reliable confirmation.
Jaylen McCollough’s Children
As of now, there is no reliable public information confirming whether Jaylen McCollough has children.
His official Los Angeles Rams and University of Tennessee biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.
McCollough has also not made a widely documented public announcement about becoming a father.
His parental status therefore remains unconfirmed, and the absence of public information should not be interpreted as definitive evidence that he has no children.
Jaylen McCollough’s Parents
Jaylen McCollough was born to Eriles McCollough and Azure McCollough, who raised their family in Austell, Georgia.
Their identities are confirmed in Jaylen’s official University of Tennessee football biography and the 2026 Jacksonville State University biography of his younger brother, Jameson.
Football has been an important part of the family’s athletic history, particularly because Eriles played college football and both of his sons followed him into the sport.
Jaylen McCollough’s Father: Eriles McCollough
Eriles McCollough is Jaylen McCollough’s father and a former college football player at Jacksonville State University in Alabama.
According to Jacksonville State’s official athletic records, Eriles played for the Gamecocks from 1997 through 2001.
His college football background established an important family connection to the sport before Jaylen and his younger brother began their own athletic careers.
Eriles’s relationship with former college coaches has also continued influencing the family’s football opportunities.
In October 2026, Jacksonville State head coach Charles Kelly discussed his longstanding connection with the McCollough family during a press conference.
Kelly explained that he had coached Eriles during his playing career at Jacksonville State and had later recruited Jaylen while working at Tennessee.
He also revealed that he had known Jaylen’s younger brother, Jameson, since early childhood.
The connection became particularly meaningful when Jameson joined Jacksonville State’s football program in 2026.
During the same press conference, Jameson explained that his father’s history with the university helped make Jacksonville State feel familiar.
His decision to follow his father’s footsteps created another chapter in the family’s college football history.
Although Eriles’s athletic background is well documented, reliable public information about his professional occupation outside football remains limited.
Jaylen McCollough’s Mother: Azure McCollough
Azure McCollough is Jaylen McCollough’s mother and an important member of his family.
Her identity is confirmed in his official University of Tennessee football biography, which names Azure and Eriles McCollough as his parents.
Jacksonville State University’s 2026 biography of Jameson McCollough also independently identifies Azure as the mother of both brothers.
Although Azure has generally remained outside the public spotlight, Jaylen has publicly acknowledged his relationship with her during his NFL career.
One particularly memorable example came during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams in 2024.
After recording several interceptions during the early part of the season, McCollough discussed what he planned to do with the footballs he had collected from those plays.
According to an October 2024 report published by the Los Angeles Rams, he intended to send the interception footballs to his mother’s home so she could display them.
The gesture demonstrated that his professional achievements were meaningful beyond the football field and that he wanted to share important moments with his mother.
His first NFL interception came against the Green Bay Packers on October 6, 2024, when he intercepted quarterback Jordan Love and returned the ball four yards for a touchdown.
Two weeks later, he recorded two more interceptions during the Rams’ victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
As his collection grew, McCollough jokingly expressed his hope that his mother would need additional space to display future footballs.
Although Azure’s identity and relationship with Jaylen are confirmed, reliable information about her education, occupation and private life remains limited.
Jaylen McCollough’s Siblings
Jaylen McCollough has at least two siblings: a younger brother named Jameson McCollough and a sister whose name has not been publicly disclosed in official athletic records.
Their existence is confirmed in Jameson’s 2026 Jacksonville State University football biography.
The biography specifically identifies Jaylen as Jameson’s older brother and states that Jameson also has a sister.
Although the university records establish these family relationships, they do not provide a complete detailed biography of the sister.
Jameson McCollough: Jaylen McCollough’s Brother
Jameson McCollough is Jaylen McCollough’s younger brother and a college football linebacker at Jacksonville State University.
Like his older brother, Jameson grew up in Austell, Georgia, and attended Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs.
During his high school football career, Jameson established himself as a productive defensive player.
According to his official Jacksonville State biography, he earned All-State recognition during the 2024-25 academic year.
He also received three All-Region selections and two All-County honors.
During his senior season, Jameson helped Hillgrove finish with a 9-3 record and reach the Georgia Class 6A state playoffs.
Individually, he recorded 66 tackles, including 40 solo tackles, along with 21 tackles for loss and six sacks.
He also forced one fumble and recorded two interceptions.
His performances attracted recruiting interest from several Division I programs, including Appalachian State, James Madison, Liberty, Memphis, South Florida and Troy.
Jameson ultimately committed to Jacksonville State University, where his father had previously played college football.
He joined the Gamecocks as a freshman linebacker for the 2026 season, wearing jersey No. 34.
Jameson McCollough and the Family’s Football Legacy
Jameson’s arrival at Jacksonville State continued a family football tradition spanning multiple generations.
His father, Eriles, had represented the Gamecocks from 1997 through 2001, while his older brother Jaylen built a successful college career at Tennessee before entering the NFL.
During an October 23, 2026, Jacksonville State press conference, head coach Charles Kelly discussed his connection with all three football-playing members of the family.
Kelly explained that he had previously coached Eriles and later recruited Jaylen during his time at Tennessee.
He praised Jameson’s football intelligence, instincts and maturity while also emphasizing that the younger linebacker was developing his own identity.
For Jameson, Jacksonville State represented an opportunity to follow a familiar family path without simply repeating his father’s or older brother’s achievements.
His official university biography identifies Jaylen as his older brother and a current member of the Los Angeles Rams.
Jaylen McCollough’s Sister
Jaylen McCollough also has a sister, according to the 2026 Jacksonville State University football biography of Jameson McCollough.
The biography identifies Jameson as the son of Azure and Eriles McCollough, notes that his older brother Jaylen plays in the NFL, and confirms that he also has a sister.
However, the university does not identify the sister by name.
Reliable public sources also provide limited information about her age, education, professional background and personal relationships.
Consequently, her name and individual biography remain unconfirmed.
How Jaylen McCollough’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Jaylen McCollough grew up in Austell, Georgia, where he developed an interest in American football.
His father’s previous experience playing at Jacksonville State meant that college football was already part of the family’s sporting background.
Jaylen attended Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, where he established himself as one of the state’s promising defensive football players.
During his high school career, he became a three-time Georgia All-State selection and received an invitation to the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game.
In 2018, he helped Hillgrove finish with a 12-1 record and advance to the Georgia state quarterfinals.
His performances attracted scholarship offers from several major college football programs.
McCollough ultimately chose the University of Tennessee, joining the Volunteers in January 2019.
He made an immediate impression during spring practices and earned playing opportunities during his freshman season.
By the end of 2019, he had appeared in all 13 games and started the final six.
He gradually developed into one of Tennessee’s most experienced defensive players.
In 2021, McCollough recorded 50 tackles and three interceptions while starting every game.
He continued as a starting safety during the 2022 season and returned for a fifth year in 2023.
During his final college season, he recorded 58 tackles, three interceptions and five pass breakups.
He also returned one interception for a touchdown.
McCollough completed his Tennessee career with 60 games played and a school-record 51 starts.
According to Tennessee’s official athletic records, he recorded 241 tackles, six interceptions and 22 passes defended across his five college seasons.
Beyond football, he earned an undergraduate degree in communication studies in December 2022 and continued graduate studies in agricultural leadership, education and communication.
Jaylen McCollough’s NFL Career and Family Support
After completing his college football career, Jaylen McCollough entered the 2024 NFL Draft.
Although he was not selected, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent.
His performances during training camp and preseason games helped him earn a place on the team’s initial 53-man roster.
McCollough quickly established himself as a productive defensive player.
On October 6, 2024, he recorded his first career interception and returned it for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers.
He continued his strong rookie performances with two interceptions against the Las Vegas Raiders on October 20.
McCollough finished the 2024 regular season with four interceptions, becoming the first Rams rookie to reach that total since 2012.
He also became the first undrafted NFL player since 1981 to record four interceptions in his first eight career games.
His performances helped establish him as a valuable member of the Rams’ defensive secondary.
During the 2025 season, he appeared in all 17 regular-season games and made six starts.
He also recorded two sacks and continued contributing to the team’s defensive rotation.
His continued career with Los Angeles created another milestone for a family that already had a history of competitive football.
Meanwhile, his younger brother Jameson began his own college football career at Jacksonville State in 2026.
Jaylen McCollough’s Relationship With His Family
Although Jaylen McCollough generally maintains privacy regarding his personal life, his family connections are reflected in official athletic records and interviews.
His father’s college football career established an athletic tradition that both Jaylen and Jameson later followed.
His relationship with his mother is also reflected in his decision to send footballs from his first NFL interceptions to her home.
That gesture allowed Azure McCollough to share in the celebration of her son’s professional achievements.
The connection between Jaylen and Jameson is additionally documented through Jacksonville State’s 2026 football program and comments from coach Charles Kelly.
Although the brothers have followed different college football paths, both developed into Division I defensive players after attending the same Georgia high school.
The family’s story highlights a connection to football that extends from Eriles’s college career to Jaylen’s NFL achievements and Jameson’s developing college career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaylen McCollough’s Family
Who is Jaylen McCollough’s girlfriend?
As of now, Jaylen McCollough has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend through reliable sources.
Is Jaylen McCollough married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Jaylen McCollough is married or has a wife.
Does Jaylen McCollough have children?
No reliable public information currently confirms whether Jaylen McCollough has children.
Who are Jaylen McCollough’s parents?
Jaylen McCollough’s parents are Eriles McCollough and Azure McCollough, according to official University of Tennessee and Jacksonville State University athletic records.
Who is Jaylen McCollough’s father?
His father is Eriles McCollough, a former college football player who represented Jacksonville State University from 1997 through 2001.
Who is Jaylen McCollough’s mother?
His mother is Azure McCollough. During Jaylen’s rookie NFL season, he revealed that he planned to send footballs from his interceptions to her home for display.
Does Jaylen McCollough have siblings?
Yes. Jaylen McCollough has at least two siblings: a younger brother named Jameson McCollough and a sister whose name has not been publicly confirmed.
Who is Jaylen McCollough’s brother?
His younger brother is Jameson McCollough, a linebacker who joined Jacksonville State University’s football program in 2026.
Who is Jaylen McCollough’s sister?
Jacksonville State University’s official records confirm that Jaylen McCollough has a sister, but her name and personal background have not been publicly established.
Did Jaylen McCollough’s father play football?
Yes. His father, Eriles McCollough, played college football at Jacksonville State University between 1997 and 2001.
Are Jaylen and Jameson McCollough related?
Yes. Jaylen and Jameson McCollough are brothers. Both attended Hillgrove High School in Georgia before pursuing college football careers.
Where is Jaylen McCollough’s family from?
Jaylen McCollough grew up in Austell, Georgia, and attended Hillgrove High School in nearby Powder Springs.
What NFL team does Jaylen McCollough play for?
Jaylen McCollough plays for the Los Angeles Rams, who signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft.
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.
