D.J. Reed’s Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Tanos Potter

D.J. Reed, whose full name is Dennis Duane Reed Jr., is an American professional football player who plays cornerback for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 11, 1996, in Bakersfield, California, Reed has established himself as an experienced defensive player since entering the NFL in 2018.

Beyond football, Reed is a husband and father of three children. He is married to Briana Nicole Reed, and their eldest child is a daughter named Kinsley Nicole Reed. The couple has built a family together while navigating the demands of his professional football career.

Reed also comes from a family whose experiences shaped his determination to succeed. His mother, Linda Reed, survived breast cancer and struggled with heart disease, while his father, Dennis Reed Sr., died in September 2022 after an 18-year battle with multiple sclerosis. He also has two siblings, Florence and Tyson Reed.

Here is everything publicly known about D.J. Reed’s family, including his wife, children, parents and siblings.

D.J. Reed’s Wife: Who Is Briana Nicole Reed?

D.J. Reed is married to Briana Nicole Reed, his longtime romantic partner and the mother of his three children.

The couple began their relationship around 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted everyday life in the United States.

In a 2025 interview with Detroit Free Press journalist Dave Birkett, Reed explained how he first met the woman who would eventually become his wife.

According to Reed, a female entrepreneur invited him and a friend to a gathering where participants could share their personal stories and life experiences.

Briana was among the people attending the event.

During the gathering, Reed discussed his difficult football journey, including his experiences as a college walk-on, his time in junior college and his determination to help his family financially.

Briana was impressed by his story and contacted him approximately one week later.

They began exchanging messages and eventually arranged to meet for a meal.

The two discovered that they enjoyed spending time together and continued developing their relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their friendship eventually developed into a serious romantic relationship that led to marriage and parenthood.

When Did D.J. Reed and Briana Get Married?

D.J. Reed and Briana became engaged in November 2022.

According to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Reed shared photographs of his proposal on Instagram, identifying Briana as his fiancée.

The engagement announcement featured romantic decorations, including balloons displaying a marriage proposal.

Reed subsequently married Briana, although the exact wedding date has not been independently established through authoritative public reporting.

During his 2025 interview with the Detroit Free Press, Reed explained that they had dated for approximately three years before getting married.

By June 2023, Reed and Briana were already publicly identified as husband and wife in coverage of their first Father’s Day as parents.

The couple has continued building their relationship while raising their children and supporting Reed’s professional career.

What Does Briana Nicole Reed Do?

Briana Nicole Reed has maintained a relatively private professional life despite her husband’s NFL career.

According to Reed’s 2025 interview with the Detroit Free Press, Briana was working for a life insurance company when they first met.

However, reliable public reporting has not independently established her current occupation or employer.

Briana has also developed a social media presence, occasionally sharing photographs of her family, vacations and experiences supporting her husband at NFL games.

During Reed’s time with the New York Jets, she attended team activities and publicly celebrated important moments in his career.

In 2024, EssentiallySports reported that Briana regularly attended Jets practices and games with their daughter Kinsley.

She has continued supporting Reed as his career has taken him from New York to Detroit.

D.J. Reed’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?

D.J. Reed and his wife Briana have three children.

Their eldest child is Kinsley Nicole Reed, who was born in late 2022.

The couple subsequently expanded their family, welcoming additional children during the following years.

In an October 27, 2026, interview with Detroit radio station 97.1 The Ticket, Reed confirmed that he was raising three children, all younger than four years old.

He also discussed the challenges of balancing his responsibilities as a father with the demanding preparation required to compete in the NFL.

Kinsley Nicole Reed: D.J. Reed’s Eldest Daughter

Kinsley Nicole Reed is D.J. Reed’s eldest child and first publicly documented daughter.

She was born in late 2022, approximately two months after the death of Reed’s father.

Her arrival represented an important emotional milestone for the NFL cornerback.

On June 18, 2023, Jets X-Factor published a report about Reed celebrating his first Father’s Day with his six-month-old daughter.

The report was based on an interview conducted by SNY journalist Jeane Coakley.

During the interview, Reed expressed his happiness about becoming a father and discovering a new kind of love.

He explained that he particularly enjoyed spending time with Kinsley while preparing for football games.

One of their favorite activities involved watching football film together.

Although Kinsley was too young to understand the details of the sport, Reed enjoyed having her beside him while reviewing game footage.

Briana also described the affectionate relationship between father and daughter, explaining that Reed rarely became frustrated with Kinsley.

Reed affectionately described his daughter as a daddy’s girl.

D.J. Reed’s Younger Children

Following Kinsley’s birth, Reed and Briana continued expanding their family.

In July 2024, EssentiallySports reported that Briana was pregnant with their second child, a boy.

The publication highlighted photographs from New York Jets training camp showing Briana expecting another baby.

During a June 2025 interview with Sports Illustrated, Reed explained that his wife was nearing another delivery and could not travel by airplane at that stage of her pregnancy.

He planned to remain with her before returning to his offseason training routine.

By October 2026, Reed publicly confirmed that he and Briana were raising three children.

Although their eldest daughter Kinsley is identified by name, the full names and exact birth dates of their younger children have not been consistently verified through the reliable sources reviewed.

As of now, three is the most recently confirmed number of children in the Reed family.

How D.J. Reed Balances Fatherhood and Football

Fatherhood has become an increasingly important part of D.J. Reed’s life.

During his October 27, 2026, interview with 97.1 The Ticket, Reed discussed the difficulties of managing an NFL schedule while raising three young children.

He explained that preparing for games often requires additional hours of film study, physical recovery and training.

Those responsibilities sometimes limit the amount of time he can spend with his wife and children.

Reed acknowledged experiencing what he described as “dad guilt” when professional obligations required him to spend additional time away from his family.

However, he explained that he had learned to focus on making the most of the time he does spend with them.

Rather than reducing his preparation, he committed to being fully present during family activities when his football responsibilities allowed.

His comments demonstrated how important his role as a father had become alongside his professional career.

D.J. Reed’s Parents: Meet Linda Reed and Dennis Reed Sr.

D.J. Reed was raised in Bakersfield, California, by his parents, Linda Reed and Dennis Reed Sr.

His childhood initially involved a busy household where relatives and other people frequently gathered.

However, the family experienced serious financial and emotional difficulties after his father developed multiple sclerosis and his mother encountered significant health problems.

Reed has repeatedly identified his parents’ experiences as major influences on his work ethic, determination and personal values.

D.J. Reed’s Mother: Who Is Linda Reed?

Linda Reed is D.J. Reed’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.

Her identity is confirmed in his official Kansas State University and Detroit Lions player biographies.

According to an August 2018 interview published by the San Francisco Chronicle, Linda worked for Kern County for more than three decades.

She was employed as a program coordinator and also held additional jobs to support her children.

Her work included positions with Macy’s, Big Lots, and businesses involving manicures and automobile sales.

The additional employment became particularly important after her separation from Dennis Reed Sr.

During that period, Linda was responsible for helping support her children while facing serious medical challenges of her own.

Linda Reed’s Battle With Breast Cancer and Heart Disease

In 2008, when D.J. was in seventh grade, Linda Reed learned that she had congenital heart disease.

Approximately six months later, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Linda initially resisted hospitalization because she was concerned about leaving her children without adequate care.

She subsequently underwent seven months of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation treatment.

Despite the physical effects of treatment, she tried to maintain ordinary family routines.

Linda explained that she sometimes spent much of the day resting before getting out of bed to welcome her children home from school.

Her children did not initially understand the seriousness of her illness.

After treatment, Linda was declared cancer-free.

Her recovery became an important source of motivation for D.J., who witnessed her determination during an exceptionally difficult period.

In interviews with the New York Jets, Reed explained that his mother’s resilience influenced his own response to adversity.

He wanted to pursue professional football partly because he hoped to provide financial security for her.

How Linda Reed Helped Her Son Reach the NFL

Linda supported Reed’s athletic ambitions even when the family faced financial difficulties.

After graduating from Independence High School in Bakersfield, Reed joined Fresno State University as a walk-on football player.

Because he did not initially receive an athletic scholarship, his mother had to help cover his educational expenses.

That financial responsibility eventually became difficult to maintain.

Reed decided to transfer to Cerritos College, where he continued playing football while seeking a scholarship opportunity.

He subsequently earned an opportunity at Kansas State University.

In January 2018, Reed explained to Heartland College Sports that one of his main reasons for entering the NFL Draft was his desire to provide for his family and reduce the financial pressure on his mother.

He ultimately achieved that goal when the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the 2018 NFL Draft.

D.J. Reed’s Father: Who Was Dennis Reed Sr.?

Dennis Reed Sr. was D.J. Reed’s father.

He played an important role in introducing his son to athletics, including wrestling, soccer, basketball, tennis and football.

According to a September 2022 article published by the New York Jets, Dennis was physically active before developing multiple sclerosis in 2004.

The progressive neurological condition increasingly affected his mobility and ability to participate in everyday activities.

As his health deteriorated, Dennis eventually moved to Waterloo, Iowa.

Despite living separately from his son, the two maintained contact through telephone conversations and occasional visits.

Reed remembered his father as someone with a strong sense of humor who enjoyed making people laugh, even during difficult circumstances.

His father’s experiences also contributed to Reed’s determination to become a successful professional athlete.

When Did D.J. Reed’s Father Die?

Dennis Reed Sr. died on September 11, 2022, after an 18-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

His death occurred shortly before the New York Jets’ season-opening game against the Baltimore Ravens.

According to the Jets’ official website, Reed learned about his father’s passing through messages from relatives while preparing to enter the field.

Although devastated by the news, he decided to participate in the game.

During the national anthem, Reed became emotional as he reflected on his father’s life.

He subsequently produced one of the Jets’ most memorable defensive performances of the afternoon.

Reed intercepted a pass from Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson and forced a fumble during the contest.

After the interception, he knelt on the field and raised his arms toward the sky in tribute to his father.

Following the game, Reed explained that the gesture was intended to honor Dennis and acknowledge his influence on his life.

The moment became particularly meaningful because his father died shortly before the birth of Reed’s first child, Kinsley.

D.J. Reed’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?

D.J. Reed has two siblings identified in his official Kansas State University football biography: an older sister named Florence Reed and a younger brother named Tyson Reed.

Both grew up in the family household in Bakersfield, California.

During their childhood, the siblings experienced the financial and emotional challenges associated with their parents’ separation and medical difficulties.

These experiences helped strengthen the family’s relationships and encouraged D.J. to take on additional responsibilities.

Florence Reed: D.J. Reed’s Older Sister

Florence Reed, also known as Flo, is D.J. Reed’s older sister.

Her identity is confirmed in Kansas State University’s official football biography and an August 2018 San Francisco Chronicle family profile.

Florence grew up alongside D.J. and Tyson in Bakersfield, California.

She was already an adult when Linda Reed faced some of the family’s most difficult health challenges.

Although Florence has maintained a private personal life, her relationship with D.J. is publicly documented.

Reliable reporting provides limited information about her current occupation, education and family circumstances.

Tyson Reed: D.J. Reed’s Younger Brother

Tyson Reed is D.J. Reed’s younger brother.

His identity is confirmed in the official Kansas State University biography.

Tyson and D.J. experienced much of their childhood together while living with their mother in Bakersfield.

Following their parents’ separation and their father’s relocation to Iowa, D.J. became an important role model for Tyson.

During an interview with the New York Jets, Reed explained that he felt responsible for setting a positive example for his younger brother.

He encouraged Tyson and tried to help him navigate the challenges associated with their family circumstances.

Tyson also understood the financial pressure their mother experienced while paying for D.J.’s education at Fresno State.

According to Reed, Tyson helped him recognize how difficult those expenses had become.

That realization contributed to D.J.’s decision to leave Fresno State and pursue a different route toward a college football scholarship.

Although Tyson’s influence on his brother’s journey is documented, his current professional and personal circumstances remain private.

How D.J. Reed’s Family Influenced His Football Career

D.J. Reed’s journey to the NFL was shaped by his family’s financial challenges and his desire to create a better future for his loved ones.

Growing up in Bakersfield, he participated in football and basketball at Independence High School.

He became an accomplished athlete and earned recognition as the school’s Most Valuable Player in both sports.

Despite those achievements, Reed initially struggled to attract scholarship offers from major college football programs.

He enrolled at Fresno State in 2014 as a walk-on before transferring to Cerritos College in 2015.

At Cerritos, Reed lived in crowded accommodation with several teammates while continuing to pursue his football ambitions.

His performances eventually earned him a scholarship to Kansas State University.

He played for the Wildcats during the 2016 and 2017 seasons and became one of the Big 12 Conference’s leading defensive backs.

Reed earned First-Team All-Big 12 recognition during both seasons and developed into a promising NFL prospect.

He declared for the 2018 NFL Draft with the goal of beginning a professional career and helping support his family.

D.J. Reed’s NFL Career: From San Francisco to Detroit

The San Francisco 49ers selected D.J. Reed in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 142nd overall pick.

He spent two seasons with San Francisco before joining the Seattle Seahawks in 2020.

During his time in Seattle, Reed developed into a productive starting cornerback and recorded four interceptions across two seasons.

In March 2022, he signed with the New York Jets, where he became an important member of the team’s secondary.

He remained with New York through the 2024 season before entering free agency.

In March 2025, Reed signed a three-year contract with the Detroit Lions reportedly worth $48 million.

The move represented an important professional opportunity and allowed him to establish a new home for his growing family.

Why D.J. Reed Bought a Family Home in Detroit

After signing with the Detroit Lions, Reed purchased a home in the Detroit area.

During a July 2025 interview, he explained that the purchase was primarily motivated by his desire to provide stability for his wife and children.

Because he expected to spend multiple seasons with the franchise, Reed wanted his family to feel comfortable and settled in Michigan.

His decision reflected the importance he places on maintaining family stability while pursuing professional football.

As of now, Reed continues playing cornerback for the Detroit Lions, wearing jersey number 4.

Frequently Asked Questions About D.J. Reed’s Family

Who is D.J. Reed’s wife?

D.J. Reed is married to Briana Nicole Reed. The couple began dating around 2020 and became engaged in November 2022.

When did D.J. Reed get married?

Reed and Briana married after approximately three years of dating. They were publicly identified as husband and wife by June 2023, although their exact wedding date has not been independently verified.

How many children does D.J. Reed have?

D.J. Reed has three children with his wife Briana, according to his October 27, 2026, interview with 97.1 The Ticket.

Who is D.J. Reed’s daughter?

His eldest daughter is Kinsley Nicole Reed, who was born in late 2022.

Who is D.J. Reed’s father?

D.J. Reed’s father was Dennis Reed Sr., who introduced him to sports during childhood. Dennis died on September 11, 2022, after battling multiple sclerosis for 18 years.

Who is D.J. Reed’s mother?

His mother is Linda Reed, a breast cancer survivor and former Kern County program coordinator who worked multiple jobs to support her children.

Does D.J. Reed have siblings?

Yes. D.J. Reed has two siblings identified in his Kansas State University biography: an older sister named Florence Reed and a younger brother named Tyson Reed.

Who is Florence Reed?

Florence Reed, also known as Flo, is D.J. Reed’s older sister. She grew up alongside him in Bakersfield, California.

Who is Tyson Reed?

Tyson Reed is D.J. Reed’s younger brother. D.J. has publicly discussed his responsibility to serve as a positive role model for him.

What is D.J. Reed’s real name?

D.J. Reed’s full name is Dennis Duane Reed Jr.

Where is D.J. Reed from?

D.J. Reed was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, where he attended Independence High School.

How old is D.J. Reed?

D.J. Reed was born on November 11, 1996. He is 29 years old as of now.

What NFL team does D.J. Reed play for?

As of now, D.J. Reed plays cornerback for the Detroit Lions. He joined the franchise in March 2025 after previously playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets.