Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Dion Dawkins is an American professional football player who plays as an offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 26, 1994, in Rahway, New Jersey, Dawkins has become one of the most recognizable players on Buffalo’s offensive line.
His full name is Dion Ray Dawkins. Beyond football, he is a devoted father of three children and is engaged to Daiyaana Muhammad, a registered nurse, model and healthcare educator.
His parents are Eric Dawkins and Lisa Dawkins. He is also the youngest of five children, with three older brothers and one older sister. His oldest brother, Eric Kirit Dawkins, has been particularly influential in his life.
Dion Dawkins’s Girlfriend: Is He Married or Dating?
Dion Dawkins is engaged to Daiyaana Muhammad, an American model, registered nurse and healthcare professional.
The couple has been together for several years and shares three children.
Their engagement was publicly documented in 2024, and Muhammad has frequently accompanied Dawkins to NFL events, charity functions and public appearances.
During a February 2025 interview with WKBW Buffalo, Muhammad discussed her relationship with Dawkins and expressed pride in his dedication to helping others.
She has also spoken publicly about the responsibilities of maintaining a relationship with a professional athlete while raising children and pursuing her own career.
Who Is Daiyaana Muhammad?
Daiyaana Muhammad is an American model, registered nurse, nursing educator and fitness enthusiast originally from Los Angeles, California.
She began pursuing modeling opportunities at approximately 18 years old while also developing an interest in healthcare.
After completing nursing school, Muhammad moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she worked at Emory University in healthcare roles involving dialysis and pediatric emergency care.
She later relocated to Buffalo, New York, after developing her relationship with Dion Dawkins.
While living in Buffalo, she worked in a neonatal intensive care unit before taking time away from clinical work following the arrival of her first child.
Muhammad subsequently earned a master’s degree and worked as a nursing instructor at Chamberlain University.
She has also pursued modeling, fashion and Pilates instruction.
In a November 2025 interview with People magazine, Muhammad discussed balancing motherhood, professional responsibilities and life as an NFL player’s partner.
How Did Dion Dawkins Meet Daiyaana Muhammad?
The exact date and circumstances of Dion Dawkins and Daiyaana Muhammad’s first meeting have not been extensively documented.
However, Muhammad confirmed in her People interview that she had been working in Atlanta before meeting Dawkins and eventually relocating to Buffalo.
Their relationship developed into a long-term partnership, and the couple became engaged.
They have since appeared together at NFL Honors ceremonies, Buffalo Bills events and community activities.
Is Dion Dawkins Married?
Dion Dawkins and Daiyaana Muhammad are publicly known to be engaged.
Although some online biographies incorrectly identify Muhammad as his wife, reliable reporting has continued to describe her as his fiancée.
No widely verified wedding announcement has established that they have married.
Dion Dawkins’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
Yes. Dion Dawkins has three children: two daughters named Dalilah and Dakota, and a son named Dil.
Their names are confirmed in the Buffalo Bills’ official player media guide.
Dawkins and his fiancée, Daiyaana Muhammad, have shared selected aspects of their family life through interviews, social media and NFL documentaries.
1. Dalilah Dawkins – Dion Dawkins’s Daughter
Dalilah Dawkins is one of Dion Dawkins’s two daughters.
She attracted public attention in December 2023 when she participated in a special Buffalo Bills announcement honoring her father.
During the presentation, Dalilah surprised Dawkins with the news that he had been selected as the team’s nominee for the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
The award recognizes NFL players for their outstanding community service and achievements on the football field.
The emotional moment demonstrated the importance of family in Dawkins’s life and the pride his daughter takes in his accomplishments.
Dalilah has also appeared in family photographs and media coverage involving her parents.
2. Dakota Dawkins – Dion Dawkins’s Daughter
Dakota Dawkins is Dion Dawkins’s other daughter.
Her name is confirmed in the Buffalo Bills’ official player biography.
Like her siblings, Dakota has occasionally appeared in family photographs and public activities involving her parents.
Dawkins has spoken about his commitment to spending meaningful time with his children despite the demanding schedule of professional football.
However, Dakota’s exact birth date and additional personal details have not been reliably established through major public reporting.
3. Dil Dawkins – Dion Dawkins’s Son
Dil Dawkins is Dion Dawkins’s son and one of his three children.
He is identified by name in the Buffalo Bills’ official player media guide.
Dil has appeared alongside his parents and sisters in family-related media content.
In 2025, Muhammad and the couple’s three children were featured in HBO’s Hard Knocks, which followed the Buffalo Bills during training camp.
The documentary offered viewers a glimpse of Dawkins’s life as a father away from football.
His son’s exact birth date has not been consistently documented in reliable public sources.
Dion Dawkins’s Life as a Father
Fatherhood is an important part of Dion Dawkins’s identity.
In February 2026, he told People magazine that becoming a father had revealed a different side of his personality.
He also discussed how much he enjoys preparing food for his children, mentioning simple meals such as soup, grilled cheese sandwiches and pancakes.
The Buffalo Bills have featured Dawkins’s family in their Beyond Blue and Red documentary series, showing how he balances professional football with family responsibilities.
His children have also accompanied him to public appearances and recreational outings, including a family visit to Walt Disney World.
Dion Dawkins’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Dion Dawkins was born to Eric Dawkins and Lisa Dawkins.
Both parents raised their five children in Rahway, New Jersey, where they emphasized discipline, hard work and responsibility.
Their names are confirmed in Dion’s official Temple University football biography and Buffalo Bills media guide.
Dion Dawkins’s Father: Eric Dawkins
Eric Dawkins is Dion Dawkins’s father.
He worked for many years at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Newark, New Jersey.
In a July 2020 article published by The Players’ Tribune, Dion explained that his father worked as a brewmaster and frequently left home early in the morning.
According to Dawkins, his father’s demanding schedule demonstrated the importance of responsibility and maintaining a strong work ethic.
Eric helped provide for the family’s five children while encouraging them to develop independence and discipline.
Dion has repeatedly credited both parents with teaching him the value of hard work.
How Eric Dawkins Influenced His Son
Growing up, Dion watched his father maintain a demanding professional routine.
His father’s commitment to providing for the household taught him that meaningful achievements require effort and consistency.
Dion began working at an early age, shoveling snow from driveways and sidewalks in his neighborhood.
He and his friends woke up before sunrise during winter storms to offer snow-removal services to residents.
The experience helped him develop an entrepreneurial mindset and an appreciation for physically demanding work.
Those lessons eventually influenced his approach to professional football and community service.
Dion Dawkins’s Mother: Lisa Dawkins
Lisa Dawkins is Dion Dawkins’s mother and another central figure in his life.
She worked for United Airlines in the baggage department at Newark Liberty International Airport, according to Dion’s firsthand account published in 2020.
Like her husband, Lisa maintained a demanding work schedule while helping raise five children.
She encouraged Dion to remain focused on education, respect others and appreciate the opportunities available to him.
During a February 2025 interview with WKBW, Lisa described her son’s generosity and willingness to help people in need.
She recalled that he had demonstrated an interest in helping others from childhood, including through his neighborhood snow-shoveling business.
Lisa has continued supporting Dion throughout his NFL career and regularly appears at Buffalo Bills family events.
Lisa Dawkins’s Relationship With Her Son
Dion shares a strong relationship with his mother.
He has publicly expressed appreciation for the sacrifices she made while raising him and his siblings.
During the 2025 WKBW interview, Lisa explained that Dion frequently looks for opportunities to assist others, sometimes stopping to help strangers with everyday tasks.
She also expressed happiness that her son had developed such a strong connection to Buffalo.
In November 2025, Lisa attended the ceremony where Dion received a Key to the City of Buffalo, recognizing his contributions to the community.
Dion Dawkins’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
Dion Dawkins has four older siblings: three brothers and one sister.
He is the youngest of five children.
During an October 2021 interview with Spectrum News, Dawkins explained that having older brothers and a sister helped him understand the importance of guidance and mentorship.
His oldest brother is Eric Kirit Dawkins, whose personal story Dion has discussed publicly.
The names of his other siblings have not been consistently established through reliable major sports reporting.
1. Eric Kirit Dawkins – Oldest Brother
Eric Kirit Dawkins, commonly known as Kirit, is Dion Dawkins’s oldest brother.
In a March 2021 article published in The Players’ Tribune, Dion explained that Kirit is nine years older than him.
Interestingly, both brothers share the same birthday, April 26.
Dion has described Kirit as one of his childhood role models.
Growing up, he admired his brother’s confidence, personality and athletic abilities.
Kirit introduced him to music, basketball and prominent athletes, helping shape some of his early interests.
Dion Dawkins’s Support for His Brother Kirit
In 2021, Dion publicly discussed his older brother’s experience with incarceration and the emotional effects it had on the family.
Kirit served a five-year sentence related to a firearm offense in New Jersey.
During that period, his four sons spent time living with their grandparents, Eric and Lisa Dawkins.
Dion explained that watching his nephews experience separation from their father influenced his views on criminal justice reform.
He subsequently became involved in initiatives supporting rehabilitation, family connections and fairness in the justice system.
His advocacy emphasized compassion for children and families affected by incarceration.
The experience also strengthened his commitment to mentoring young people.
2. Dion Dawkins’s Other Older Brothers
Besides Kirit, Dion Dawkins has two additional older brothers.
Although he has referenced his brothers in interviews, their names and professional backgrounds have not been consistently verified through reliable public sources.
In his 2021 Spectrum News interview, Dawkins expressed appreciation for the guidance he received from his older siblings.
He explained that these experiences helped inspire his involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization that connects young people with adult mentors.
3. Dion Dawkins’s Older Sister
Dion Dawkins also has an older sister.
He mentioned her during several interviews discussing his upbringing and family relationships.
In an earlier Buffalo Bills interview, Dawkins revealed that his sister’s husband had served in the military.
He also explained that several members of his extended family had military backgrounds.
Although his sister is part of his publicly documented family story, her name, occupation and private relationships have not been independently established through major sports reporting.
Dion Dawkins’s Childhood and Family Background
Dion Dawkins grew up in Rahway, New Jersey, where he developed an interest in sports at a young age.
His parents’ demanding work schedules encouraged him to become responsible and independent.
He attended Rahway High School, where he participated in football, wrestling, track and field, and bowling.
After graduating, Dawkins attended Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia to continue his athletic and academic development.
He subsequently received an opportunity to play college football at Temple University in Philadelphia.
During his college career, he appeared in 44 games and made 41 starts.
In 2016, he earned First-Team All-American Athletic Conference recognition.
He graduated from Temple with a degree in criminal justice.
Dion Dawkins’s NFL Career and Family Support
On April 28, 2017, the Buffalo Bills selected Dion Dawkins in the second round of the NFL Draft with the 63rd overall pick.
He quickly developed into an important member of the team’s offensive line.
Playing primarily at left tackle, Dawkins became responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blind side and supporting Buffalo’s running game.
He earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections for the 2021 through 2025 NFL seasons.
Throughout his professional career, he has maintained close relationships with his parents, siblings, fiancée and children.
His family has also participated in celebrations recognizing his football achievements and charitable contributions.
Dion Dawkins’s Charity Work and Family Values
Dion Dawkins established Dion’s Dreamers, a charitable foundation focused on supporting children and young adults facing difficult circumstances.
The organization promotes mentorship, education and assistance for underserved communities.
Dawkins’s experiences growing up with older siblings helped inspire his interest in mentoring children who lack positive role models.
He has supported Big Brothers Big Sisters and participated in fundraising activities benefiting young people across Western New York.
His community involvement also includes supporting families experiencing financial hardship and organizing charitable events.
In recognition of his work, the Buffalo Bills selected him as their Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee for three consecutive years, from 2022 through 2024.
In November 2025, Buffalo honored him with a Key to the City for his contributions to the community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dion Dawkins’s Family
Who is Dion Dawkins’s girlfriend?
Dion Dawkins is engaged to Daiyaana Muhammad, a registered nurse, model and healthcare educator.
Is Dion Dawkins married?
Dion Dawkins is publicly known to be engaged to Daiyaana Muhammad. There is no widely verified wedding announcement confirming that they have married.
Who is Dion Dawkins’s fiancée?
His fiancée is Daiyaana Muhammad, a model and registered nurse who has also worked as a nursing educator and Pilates instructor.
Does Dion Dawkins have children?
Yes. Dion Dawkins has three children: Dalilah, Dakota and Dil Dawkins.
How many daughters does Dion Dawkins have?
Dion Dawkins has two daughters, Dalilah and Dakota.
Who is Dion Dawkins’s son?
His son is named Dil Dawkins.
Who is Dion Dawkins’s father?
His father is Eric Dawkins, who worked for many years as a brewmaster at an Anheuser-Busch brewery in New Jersey.
Who is Dion Dawkins’s mother?
His mother is Lisa Dawkins, who worked in the baggage department for United Airlines at Newark Liberty International Airport.
How many siblings does Dion Dawkins have?
Dion Dawkins has four older siblings: three brothers and one sister.
Who is Dion Dawkins’s oldest brother?
His oldest brother is Eric Kirit Dawkins, who is nine years older than Dion. The brothers share the same birthday, April 26.
Is Dion Dawkins the youngest child in his family?
Yes. Dion Dawkins is the youngest of Eric and Lisa Dawkins’s five children.
Where did Dion Dawkins grow up?
Dion Dawkins grew up in Rahway, New Jersey, where he attended Rahway High School before playing college football at Temple University.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
