Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Tanos Potter

DeAndre Carter is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Born on April 10, 1993, in San Jose, California, Carter has built a professional football career defined by perseverance, determination and a promise he made to his late younger brother, Kaylan Carter.
DeAndre Carter’s family includes his father, Andre Carter, his mother, Temille Cooley, his late brother, Kaylan Carter, an older brother and two sisters. Although his relationship with his family has been documented in interviews, Carter has kept his romantic life and information about possible children largely private.
DeAndre Carter’s Girlfriend and Relationship Status
Does DeAndre Carter Have a Girlfriend?
DeAndre Carter’s girlfriend is Bianca Cortez, a fitness influencer and a creator of travel and lifestyle content. The couple, who frequently share glimpses of their life together on social media, are known for their close bond and the active, healthy lifestyle they both promote. Bianca often accompanies the American football player throughout his NFL career, balancing her support for DeAndre with her own projects and the creation of digital content focused on well-being and the exploration of new destinations.
DeAndre Carter’s Children
Does DeAndre Carter Have a Son or Daughter?
As of now, DeAndre Carter has no publicly confirmed children.
Reliable sports publications and official NFL biographies have not provided sufficient information establishing that the Detroit Lions receiver has a son or daughter.
Carter has also not made a widely documented public announcement identifying himself as a father.
Because his personal life remains largely private, it would be inaccurate to definitively claim that he has no children. His parental status has not been independently established.
DeAndre Carter’s Parents
DeAndre Carter was born to Andre Carter and Temille Cooley. Their identities are confirmed in his official Sacramento State University football biography.
Carter grew up in California, where he developed an interest in football while attending Washington High School in Fremont.
His family played an important role in supporting his athletic ambitions, particularly during the difficult period following the death of his younger brother in 2013.
Andre Carter – DeAndre Carter’s Father
Andre Carter is DeAndre Carter’s father. His identity is confirmed in the Sacramento State Hornets’ official biography of the NFL wide receiver.
Andre has supported his son’s football career and has appeared in interviews discussing DeAndre’s determination to reach the NFL.
In September 2018, CBS Sacramento interviewed Andre following his son’s selection to the Philadelphia Eagles’ active roster.
The achievement represented an emotional moment for the family because DeAndre had spent several years attempting to establish himself in professional football.
After leaving Sacramento State, Carter joined different NFL organizations but experienced numerous roster cuts before finally securing a regular-season opportunity.
During the CBS interview, Andre acknowledged that his son’s chances of reaching the NFL appeared increasingly uncertain as the years passed.
However, he explained that the memory of Kaylan Carter, DeAndre’s younger brother, continued motivating his son.
Andre believed that the promise DeAndre made to Kaylan helped him remain determined despite repeated professional setbacks.
In another interview with CBS San Francisco in 2017, Andre discussed the emotional impact of Kaylan’s death on their family.
He acknowledged the difficulty of losing a child while explaining that the experience had strengthened the family’s determination to support one another.
Although Andre has appeared in several interviews about his sons, reliable public sources provide limited information about his occupation and educational background.
Temille Cooley – DeAndre Carter’s Mother
Temille Cooley is DeAndre Carter’s mother. Her name is documented in his official Sacramento State University football biography.
Unlike her son, who has received national attention through his NFL career, Temille has maintained a relatively private public profile.
Nevertheless, DeAndre has discussed aspects of his mother’s health and family background during interviews about his own experiences.
In an interview with Diabetes Self-Management published in 2022, Carter explained that his mother has type 2 diabetes.
He also revealed that two of his sisters and his paternal grandmother have experienced the same condition.
DeAndre was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was a teenager, a different form of the disease that requires ongoing insulin management.
Although diabetes was already familiar to his family, Carter explained that his diagnosis presented different challenges because he had to learn how to manage insulin injections while continuing his athletic activities.
His experience eventually motivated him to raise awareness about diabetes and encourage other young athletes living with the condition.
Temille’s relationship with her son is part of a family story involving athletic ambition, personal challenges and the loss of a younger child.
However, reliable public sources have not established extensive details about her professional occupation, education or other aspects of her personal life.
DeAndre Carter’s Siblings
DeAndre Carter has at least four siblings whose existence is supported by public interviews: his late younger brother, Kaylan Carter, an older brother and two sisters.
His relationship with Kaylan is the most extensively documented because of the important role his brother’s memory played in motivating him to pursue professional football.
Kaylan Carter – DeAndre Carter’s Younger Brother
Kaylan Carter was DeAndre Carter’s younger brother. He was a talented high school football player who shared his older brother’s ambition of reaching the NFL.
Kaylan attended Enochs High School in Modesto, California, where he played running back and defensive back.
Unfortunately, his life ended tragically in 2013 when he was just 17 years old.
In August 2013, Kaylan collapsed after suffering cardiac arrest during a weight-training session with his high school football team.
Doctors subsequently determined that he had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition involving abnormal thickening of the heart muscle.
Following the incident, Kaylan was hospitalized and remained in a coma for approximately seven weeks.
Despite medical efforts, he never regained consciousness and died later that year.
At the time, DeAndre was preparing for his junior football season at Sacramento State University.
When he learned about his brother’s condition, DeAndre temporarily left football activities to spend time with Kaylan in the hospital.
During one of his final visits, DeAndre made a promise that would influence the rest of his career.
He promised his younger brother that he would reach the NFL and fulfill the dream they had shared since childhood.
DeAndre later discussed the promise in interviews with NFL.com, the Philadelphia Eagles and The Washington Post.
In a 2022 NFL.com interview, Carter described losing Kaylan as the most difficult experience of his life.
He explained that the brothers were extremely close and that Kaylan had been one of his best friends.
Following his brother’s death, DeAndre concentrated heavily on football and his education, using those activities to cope with his grief.
His determination eventually helped him reach the NFL after several years of uncertainty.
How DeAndre Carter Honored His Brother’s Memory
DeAndre Carter entered the NFL in 2015 after signing with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent.
However, he initially struggled to secure a permanent place on an NFL roster.
Over the following years, he spent time with several organizations, including the Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers.
His breakthrough came in September 2018 when the Philadelphia Eagles selected him for their active roster.
The achievement occurred shortly after the fifth anniversary of Kaylan’s death, making the occasion particularly emotional for the Carter family.
According to the Philadelphia Eagles’ official website, DeAndre celebrated the milestone with his relatives after learning that he had earned a place on the team.
The moment represented the fulfillment of his promise to Kaylan.
Another important milestone occurred in October 2021 when Carter scored his first NFL touchdown while playing for Washington against the Atlanta Falcons.
Following the game, he publicly dedicated the achievement to his late brother.
Throughout his career, DeAndre has continued acknowledging Kaylan’s influence and remembering the dream they shared.
DeAndre Carter’s Older Brother
DeAndre Carter also has an older brother who played an important role in his professional journey outside football.
According to an article published by the Las Vegas Raiders in September 2023, Carter’s older brother worked as the head counselor at Martin Luther King Middle School in Hayward, California.
In 2016, DeAndre was temporarily without an NFL team after being released by the New England Patriots.
During that period, his older brother helped connect him with an opportunity to work at the middle school.
The school needed a substitute teacher because one of its regular teachers was on maternity leave.
DeAndre accepted the position and spent several months working with students while continuing to pursue his professional football ambitions.
After the original teacher returned, Carter continued helping students through individual tutoring activities.
He later explained that working in education taught him patience and helped him develop skills that were valuable in professional football.
Carter described his older brother as a mentor, highlighting the importance of their relationship during a difficult period in his career.
However, the Las Vegas Raiders’ report did not identify his older brother by name.
DeAndre Carter’s Two Sisters
DeAndre Carter has also publicly confirmed having two sisters.
He mentioned them during a 2022 interview with Diabetes Self-Management while discussing his family history of diabetes.
According to Carter, both sisters have type 2 diabetes, as does their mother.
The interview established that he has two sisters but did not identify them by name.
Reliable public sources have not provided detailed information about their ages, education, occupations or personal relationships.
Consequently, their identities and private lives should not be presented as established facts without additional verification.
DeAndre Carter’s Family Background and Childhood
DeAndre Carter was born in San Jose, California, and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area.
He attended Washington High School in Fremont, California, where he developed into a talented football player.
During his high school career, Carter competed as a wide receiver, defensive back and return specialist.
As a senior, he recorded 69 receptions for 1,093 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
He also contributed as a runner, accumulating 380 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
Despite his performances, Carter received relatively limited attention from major college football programs.
He eventually accepted a scholarship to Sacramento State University, where he continued developing his receiving skills.
During his college career, Carter became one of the most productive wide receivers in the school’s history.
His performances earned him first-team All-Big Sky recognition and helped establish his reputation as a promising professional prospect.
However, his college football journey was profoundly affected by the death of his younger brother in 2013.
DeAndre later explained that the tragedy changed his priorities and strengthened his determination to reach the NFL.
After graduating from Sacramento State, he entered professional football in 2015 and began a journey that included multiple practice squads and roster changes.
He eventually established himself as an NFL wide receiver and return specialist, playing for several teams before joining the Detroit Lions in October 2026.
DeAndre Carter’s Family Influence on His NFL Career
Family relationships have remained central to DeAndre Carter’s professional journey.
His father, Andre Carter, supported him during the years when he struggled to secure a position in the NFL.
His older brother helped him find work in education when professional football opportunities were limited.
His younger brother, Kaylan, became one of his greatest sources of motivation.
In interviews, Carter has consistently emphasized the importance of honoring the promise he made before Kaylan’s death.
His story illustrates how family support and personal determination helped him navigate repeated setbacks before establishing a professional football career.
As of now, Carter continues his NFL journey with the Detroit Lions, carrying the memory of his younger brother as an important part of his personal story.
Frequently Asked Questions About DeAndre Carter’s Family
Who is DeAndre Carter’s girlfriend?
DeAndre Carter’s girlfriend is Bianca Cortez, a fitness influencer and a creator of travel and lifestyle content.
Does DeAndre Carter have children?
DeAndre Carter has no publicly confirmed children. Reliable reporting has not established whether he has a son or daughter.
Who are DeAndre Carter’s parents?
DeAndre Carter’s parents are Andre Carter and Temille Cooley. Their names are confirmed in his official Sacramento State University football biography.
Who is DeAndre Carter’s father?
His father is Andre Carter, who has publicly discussed his son’s football career and the family’s determination following the death of Kaylan Carter.
Who is DeAndre Carter’s mother?
His mother is Temille Cooley. She has maintained a relatively private public profile but is identified in her son’s official college football biography.
How many siblings does DeAndre Carter have?
DeAndre Carter has at least four publicly documented siblings: his late younger brother, Kaylan Carter, an older brother and two sisters.
What happened to DeAndre Carter’s brother?
His younger brother, Kaylan Carter, died in 2013 at the age of 17 after suffering cardiac arrest associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy during high school football training.
Does DeAndre Carter have an older brother?
Yes. His older brother worked as the head counselor at Martin Luther King Middle School in Hayward, California, and helped Carter obtain a substitute teaching position in 2016.
Does DeAndre Carter have sisters?
Yes. DeAndre Carter confirmed having two sisters during a 2022 interview about his family’s medical history. Their names have not been reliably established in public reporting.
Where is DeAndre Carter from?
DeAndre Carter was born in San Jose, California, and attended Washington High School in Fremont before playing college football at Sacramento State University.

Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
