Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Penei Sewell is an American football offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Born on October 9, 2000, Sewell grew up in American Samoa before moving to Utah with his family in 2012. His journey to professional football has been shaped by his parents, siblings and the strong family traditions that influenced his childhood.
Penei Sewell’s family includes his wife, Isabelle Ford Sewell, their three children, Malakai, Mila and Marley, his father, Gabriel Sewell, his mother, Arlene Sewell, and his four siblings: Gabriel, Nephi, Noah and Gabriella Sewell. His three brothers also pursued professional football careers, making the Sewells one of the notable athletic families in American football.
Penei Sewell’s Girlfriend and Wife
Isabelle Ford Sewell – Penei Sewell’s Wife
Penei Sewell is married to Isabelle Ford Sewell, a former University of Oregon cheerleader. The couple married on July 12, 2024, during a wedding ceremony in Malibu, California.
Isabelle met Penei at the University of Oregon in 2018, when he was playing college football for the Ducks and she was a member of the university’s cheerleading squad.
The two initially became friends through mutual acquaintances before developing a romantic relationship in early 2020.
During an October 2025 interview with People magazine, Isabelle explained that their relationship began shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the pandemic disrupted college activities, Penei moved in with Isabelle and her family. The experience brought them closer together and helped establish a lasting relationship.
Following Sewell’s selection by the Detroit Lions in the 2021 NFL Draft, Isabelle supported his transition to professional football.
The couple subsequently settled in Michigan, where they began building their family.
Penei Sewell and Isabelle Ford’s Engagement
Penei Sewell proposed to Isabelle Ford on April 18, 2023, at their new home in Michigan.
According to Brides magazine, Sewell organized a romantic surprise by decorating the entrance of their home with flowers and candles.
He arranged for one of the couple’s favorite songs to play during the proposal.
Isabelle accepted, and they began planning their wedding while continuing to adjust to life as a young family.
When Did Penei Sewell Get Married?
Penei Sewell and Isabelle Ford married on July 12, 2024, at Cielo Farms in Malibu, California.
The venue featured mountain views and vineyards, providing an outdoor setting for their wedding.
The couple selected Southern California because it offered a convenient meeting place for relatives living in Oregon, Utah and Hawaii.
Isabelle wore a strapless wedding gown designed by Netta Benshabu, while Penei wore a custom Dior suit.
Their two children at the time, Malakai and Mila, also participated in the ceremony.
Malakai served as the ring bearer, while Mila was the flower girl.
The couple exchanged personalized vows beneath a large floral arch decorated with white and light-blue flowers.
Following the ceremony, guests attended a reception featuring dinner, dancing and live entertainment.
In an exclusive interview with Brides, Isabelle discussed the importance of enjoying their wedding day together and making the occasion reflect their personalities.
As of now, Isabelle Ford Sewell remains Penei Sewell’s wife, and the couple is raising their three children in Michigan.
Penei Sewell’s Children
Penei Sewell and his wife, Isabelle, have three publicly confirmed children: one son, Malakai, and two daughters, Mila and Marley.
Their children’s names were confirmed during an October 2025 interview with People magazine, in which Isabelle discussed motherhood and the challenges of raising young children while her husband plays professional football.
Malakai Sewell – Penei Sewell’s Son
Malakai Sewell is Penei Sewell and Isabelle Ford Sewell’s eldest child and only publicly confirmed son.
He was born in late 2022, before his parents married.
Malakai’s name has appeared in wedding coverage published by Brides and in interviews with his mother.
At his parents’ wedding in July 2024, Malakai participated as the ring bearer.
According to Brides, he was approximately 20 months old during the ceremony.
In October 2025, People magazine identified him as the couple’s two-year-old son.
Although Malakai is still young, he has appeared in occasional family photographs shared by his parents.
Mila Sewell – Penei Sewell’s First Daughter
Mila Sewell is Penei Sewell’s first daughter and second child with Isabelle Ford Sewell.
She was born in 2024, a few months before her parents’ wedding.
During the July 2024 ceremony, Mila participated as the flower girl.
Brides magazine reported that she was approximately three months old when her parents exchanged their wedding vows.
Her presence made the ceremony particularly meaningful because the couple celebrated their marriage alongside both of their children.
In October 2025, People magazine identified Mila as one of the three young children being raised by Penei and Isabelle.
Marley Sewell – Penei Sewell’s Youngest Daughter
Marley Sewell is Penei Sewell’s youngest publicly confirmed child and second daughter.
She was born in April 2025, less than a year after her parents married.
Her birth expanded the Sewell household to five members: Penei, Isabelle, Malakai, Mila and Marley.
In an October 2025 interview with People, Isabelle confirmed Marley’s arrival while discussing the challenges of caring for three children under the age of three.
She explained that Penei’s demanding football schedule sometimes limited his opportunities to spend time with the children during the NFL season.
Nevertheless, Isabelle acknowledged that her husband’s professional success provided stability for their growing family.
As of now, Marley is the youngest of Penei Sewell’s three publicly confirmed children. No additional births have been independently confirmed.
Penei Sewell’s Parents
Penei Sewell was born to Gabriel Sewell and Arlene Sewell, who raised five children in a family with deep connections to American Samoa.
His parents emphasized education, discipline, religious faith and family unity while encouraging their children’s sporting ambitions.
Gabriel Sewell – Penei Sewell’s Father
Gabriel Sewell, commonly known as Gabe Sewell, is Penei Sewell’s father and a former football coach in American Samoa.
Gabe played an important role in introducing his four sons to football.
While the family lived in the village of Malaeimi, he coached football at a local high school and frequently brought his children to practices.
According to a 2021 Deseret News profile, Penei and his brothers sometimes played football using improvised equipment, including plastic bottles filled with sand.
Gabe recognized his sons’ athletic potential and believed they could eventually earn college football scholarships.
However, the family faced financial challenges while living in American Samoa.
Gabe also experienced health concerns, including recurring chest pain, which contributed to the family’s decision to relocate to the United States mainland.
In January 2012, he and Arlene moved their children to St. George, Utah, seeking improved opportunities and medical care.
The decision proved important for the family’s athletic future.
All four sons eventually played college football, and multiple members of the family progressed into professional football.
Gabe has remained closely involved in his sons’ careers, regularly attending games and supporting their achievements.
In a December 2021 interview with The Salt Lake Tribune, he explained that seeing his sons compete against one another was emotionally complicated because he wanted every child to succeed.
He emphasized that their family relationships remained more important than football results.
Gabe also gave his children watches containing images of their former home in American Samoa, reminding them of their upbringing and the importance of spending time with family.
Arlene Sewell – Penei Sewell’s Mother
Arlene Pele Sewell is Penei Sewell’s mother and an information technology professional with an extensive career in higher education and technology leadership.
She grew up in Utulei, American Samoa, and later attended Brigham Young University–Hawaii.
Arlene earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and subsequently completed a master’s degree in information systems security at Colorado Technical University.
During her professional career, she held positions at several organizations, including American Samoa Community College, Dixie State University and Brigham Young University.
In September 2022, she became Chief Information Officer at BYU–Hawaii.
According to her official 2026 BYU biography, Arlene later returned to Provo, Utah, where she became Portfolio Director of Artificial Intelligence at Brigham Young University.
Alongside her professional responsibilities, Arlene raised five children with her husband.
She encouraged her children to pursue education while developing their athletic abilities.
During their childhood in American Samoa, Arlene helped support the household through her work in telecommunications and higher education.
The family’s decision to move to Utah in 2012 required significant sacrifices, including leaving relatives and familiar surroundings behind.
Arlene continued supporting her sons during their college football careers, regularly traveling to games involving different universities.
Her influence has been particularly important in promoting education, family unity and resilience.
Penei Sewell’s Siblings
Penei Sewell has four siblings: three brothers named Gabriel, Nephi and Noah Sewell, and one sister named Gabriella Sewell.
The family relationships are confirmed in official biographies published by Brigham Young University, the Detroit Lions and several college athletic programs.
Gabriel Sewell – Penei Sewell’s Oldest Brother
Gabriel James Sewell III, commonly known as Gabe Sewell Jr., is Penei Sewell’s oldest brother among the four sons.
He played college football at the University of Nevada, where he competed as a linebacker for the Wolf Pack.
Gabriel attended Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah, where he became a standout defensive player.
His high school achievements included multiple All-State honors and a state championship.
At Nevada, Gabriel played from 2016 through 2019, becoming an important member of the team’s defensive unit.
After college, he pursued opportunities in professional football, including playing in spring football leagues.
His involvement in competitive football helped establish an example for his younger brothers.
Gabriel has also spoken publicly about the close bond between the Sewell brothers and the competitive games they played during childhood.
Nephi Sewell – Penei Sewell’s Older Brother
Nephi Sewell is another of Penei Sewell’s older brothers and a professional American football linebacker.
He was born on December 19, 1998, in American Samoa.
Like his brothers, Nephi grew up playing football before relocating with the family to Utah.
He attended Desert Hills High School and developed into a highly regarded football prospect.
Nephi began his college football career at the University of Nevada before transferring to the University of Utah.
At Utah, he became an important defensive player and earned All-Pac-12 recognition.
After completing his college career, Nephi entered professional football in 2022 as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints.
One memorable family moment occurred during the 2019 Pac-12 Championship Game when Penei’s Oregon Ducks defeated Nephi’s Utah Utes.
After the game, Penei approached Nephi to comfort him, demonstrating the brothers’ close relationship despite their competitive rivalry.
Nephi is married to Maddie Sewell. The couple married in a courthouse ceremony in December 2021 and later held a larger wedding celebration in Utah in July 2025.
According to People magazine, they have two children.
Noah Sewell – Penei Sewell’s Younger Brother
Noah Sewell is Penei Sewell’s younger brother and a professional American football linebacker.
Born on April 26, 2002, Noah is the youngest of the four Sewell brothers.
He grew up playing football alongside his older brothers in American Samoa before the family moved to Utah.
Noah initially attended Desert Hills High School before transferring to Orem High School, where he developed into one of the country’s top defensive prospects.
He eventually followed Penei to the University of Oregon.
At Oregon, Noah became a productive linebacker and earned national recognition for his performances.
During his college career, he was named Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and earned All-Conference honors.
Noah declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round.
His arrival in professional football meant that all four Sewell brothers had pursued football careers beyond college.
According to an Associated Press interview published in 2022, Noah explained that he chose Oregon partly because he admired Penei’s development and wanted to learn from his older brother.
Their relationship reflects the strong sporting traditions established by their parents.
Gabriella Sewell – Penei Sewell’s Sister
Gabriella Sewell is Penei Sewell’s only sister and the only daughter of Gabriel and Arlene Sewell.
She grew up alongside her four brothers in American Samoa and Utah.
Unlike her brothers, who pursued competitive football careers, Gabriella has generally maintained a more private life.
Her identity is confirmed through reporting about the Sewell family and her mother’s official biography published by Brigham Young University.
According to a 2016 family profile published by The Salt Lake Tribune, Gabriella was considered athletic during childhood but did not pursue sports as extensively as her brothers.
She also participated in religious and educational activities as she grew older.
Although her brothers became widely recognized through college and professional football, Gabriella has remained an important member of the family’s personal life.
Reliable public reporting provides limited information about her current occupation and other private details.
Penei Sewell’s Family Background and Childhood
Penei Sewell spent most of his early childhood in Malaeimi, a village in American Samoa.
His family lived in modest conditions, including a small house with limited facilities.
Despite financial challenges, Sewell has frequently described his childhood as a happy period filled with family activities, football and time spent outdoors.
His father coached football, while his mother worked in information technology and education.
The Sewell brothers regularly competed against one another, developing a strong interest in American football.
In January 2012, the family moved to St. George, Utah.
The relocation offered additional educational opportunities and access to more competitive high school football programs.
Penei attended Desert Hills High School, where he became one of the nation’s leading offensive line prospects.
He received scholarship offers from numerous universities before choosing the University of Oregon.
During his college career, Sewell developed into one of the country’s most accomplished offensive linemen.
In 2019, he won the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s outstanding interior lineman, and became a unanimous All-American.
The Detroit Lions selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
His professional achievements have included multiple Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro honors.
In April 2024, he signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension with Detroit.
The agreement provided additional long-term stability for Sewell, his wife and their growing family.
Penei Sewell’s Extended Family and NFL Connections
Football runs deep in the Sewell family beyond Penei and his three brothers.
His extended family includes former NFL players Isaac Sopoaga and Richard Brown, who are identified as his uncles in university athletic biographies.
Sopoaga played defensive tackle in the NFL, most notably for the San Francisco 49ers.
Richard Brown also played professional football as a linebacker.
The family’s broader connections to college and professional sports helped provide Penei and his brothers with examples of what was required to compete at the highest level.
However, Penei has repeatedly emphasized that his family’s relationships and shared experiences are more important than individual football achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penei Sewell’s Family
Who is Penei Sewell’s wife?
Penei Sewell’s wife is Isabelle Ford Sewell, a former University of Oregon cheerleader. The couple married on July 12, 2024, in Malibu, California.
Does Penei Sewell have a girlfriend?
Penei Sewell is married to his longtime girlfriend, Isabelle Ford. They began dating in 2020, became engaged in April 2023 and married in July 2024.
How many children does Penei Sewell have?
Penei Sewell has three publicly confirmed children with his wife, Isabelle: a son named Malakai and two daughters named Mila and Marley.
Who is Penei Sewell’s oldest child?
His oldest child is his son, Malakai Sewell, who was born in late 2022.
Who are Penei Sewell’s daughters?
Penei Sewell has two daughters, Mila Sewell, born in 2024, and Marley Sewell, born in April 2025.
Who are Penei Sewell’s parents?
Penei Sewell’s parents are Gabriel Sewell and Arlene Sewell. His father coached football in American Samoa, while his mother built a career in information technology and higher education.
Who is Penei Sewell’s father?
His father is Gabriel “Gabe” Sewell, a former football coach who helped all four of his sons develop their athletic abilities.
Who is Penei Sewell’s mother?
His mother is Arlene Pele Sewell, an information technology executive who has held leadership positions at Brigham Young University and BYU–Hawaii.
How many siblings does Penei Sewell have?
Penei Sewell has four siblings: three brothers, Gabriel, Nephi and Noah Sewell, and one sister, Gabriella Sewell.
Are Penei Sewell’s brothers NFL players?
Two of his brothers, Nephi and Noah Sewell, have played in the NFL as linebackers. His oldest brother, Gabriel, played college football at Nevada and pursued a professional career in spring football leagues.
Does Penei Sewell have a sister?
Yes. His sister is Gabriella Sewell, the only daughter of Gabriel and Arlene Sewell.
Where is Penei Sewell from?
Penei Sewell grew up in Malaeimi, American Samoa, before moving with his family to St. George, Utah, in 2012.
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.
