Last Updated on November 13, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Austin Mack is an American professional football wide receiver who plays for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on August 31, 1997, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mack previously played college football at Ohio State University and spent time with several NFL organizations before establishing himself in Canada.
Beyond his football career, Mack is a devoted husband and father. He is married to Joye Forrest Mack, and the couple have three daughters, including their eldest, Alayah Mack. His parents are Shannon and Ernest Mack, according to his official Ohio State University athletics biography.
Austin Mack’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Austin Mack is married to Joye Forrest Mack, a former beauty pageant titleholder, dancer, author, and community advocate. Therefore, he does not have a publicly known girlfriend, as he is already married.
Joye previously held the title of Miss Missouri USA and has been involved in community initiatives, charitable activities, and creative projects.
According to a feature published by TVA Sports on August 27, 2024, Austin met Joye while attending Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Their relationship developed during his college years, and they eventually married.
Although their marriage is publicly confirmed, their exact wedding date has not been reliably established in the sources reviewed.
Who Is Joye Forrest Mack?
Joye Forrest Mack is known for her involvement in beauty pageants, performing arts, writing, and philanthropy.
She held the Miss Missouri USA title in 2021 and has been recognized for her work in creative and community-oriented programs. The Center of Creative Arts in St. Louis also lists her among its distinguished alumni.
Joye has supported Austin throughout his football career, particularly during difficult periods involving injuries and uncertainty about his professional future.
In a July 2023 interview with The Canadian Press, published by Sportsnet, Mack explained that he had considered retiring from football after several unsuccessful attempts to establish himself in the NFL.
At the time, he was thinking about beginning a career outside professional sports and concentrating on his growing family.
However, Joye encouraged him to give football another opportunity. That decision eventually led him to the Montreal Alouettes, where he became one of the CFL’s leading receivers.
Her encouragement proved important to Mack’s professional comeback and his development as a Canadian football star.
Austin Mack’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Austin Mack and his wife Joye have three daughters. Their eldest daughter is named Alayah Mack, while the names of their two younger daughters have not been reliably established through the public sources reviewed.
The couple welcomed their first daughter in March 2023, their second daughter around October 2024, and their third daughter in October 2026.
During an interview on The Nielson Show on October 28, 2026, Mack confirmed that his third child had recently been born in Edmonton, Alberta.
1. Alayah Mack – First Daughter
Alayah Mack is the eldest daughter of Austin and Joye Forrest Mack. She was born in March 2023.
Her arrival marked an important turning point in Austin’s life because he was reconsidering his professional football career around the same period.
By August 2024, Alayah was approximately 18 months old. In an interview with TVA Sports, Mack expressed how much he enjoyed watching his daughter learn new words and develop her personality.
Alayah has also accompanied her parents to public football events. In May 2024, she attended the Montreal Alouettes’ championship ring ceremony with Austin and Joye.
The family was photographed alongside Alouettes owner Pierre Karl Péladeau during the celebration of Montreal’s 2023 Grey Cup championship.
Alayah turned three years old in March 2026.
2. Austin Mack’s Second Daughter
Austin and Joye welcomed their second daughter around October 2024.
In an August 2024 interview with TVA Sports, Mack revealed that he and his wife were expecting another child at the beginning of October.
By July 2026, a Canadian Press report confirmed that Austin and Joye were raising two young daughters.
Although the couple’s second child’s existence is publicly documented, her name and exact birth date have not been reliably confirmed in the sources reviewed.
Her arrival expanded the Mack family during Austin’s career with the Montreal Alouettes.
3. Austin Mack’s Third Daughter
Austin Mack became a father for the third time in October 2026, while playing for the Edmonton Elks.
During his October 28, 2026, appearance on The Nielson Show, Mack revealed that his newest daughter had been born in Edmonton at Grey Nuns Community Hospital.
He described the newborn as an Edmontonian, highlighting the family’s growing connection to the Alberta city.
His comments established that he and Joye were now parents of three children.
Their youngest daughter’s name and exact birth date have not been publicly confirmed through the sources reviewed.
Austin Mack’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Austin Mack was born to Shannon and Ernest Mack, whose names are documented in his official Ohio State University football biography.
He grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he developed his passion for football while attending Bishop Luers High School.
His family supported his academic and athletic development, particularly as he became one of Indiana’s leading high school football prospects.
Austin Mack’s Father: Ernest Mack
Ernest Mack is publicly identified as one of Austin Mack’s parents in his official Ohio State University athletics biography.
The university’s records name Ernest alongside Shannon Mack, although they do not provide extensive information about his background.
During Austin’s high school years, he became a highly recruited athlete who attracted offers from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan, and several other prominent college football programs.
Austin discussed having family members present during important moments of his recruitment, including meetings with Ohio State coaches.
However, specific details about Ernest Mack’s occupation, educational background, and private life are not widely documented in reliable public sources.
Austin Mack’s Mother: Shannon Mack
Shannon Mack is named as one of Austin Mack’s parents in his official Ohio State University player biography.
Austin has spoken publicly about the importance of parental guidance during his childhood, including the academic expectations his mother maintained.
In an August 2015 interview with Eleven Warriors, Mack explained that academic achievement was an important priority in his family. He intended to maintain strong grades while pursuing football at Ohio State.
His mother’s influence also appeared in a July 2023 Canadian Press feature discussing Mack’s early athletic development.
During an intense training session with wide receiver coach Dre Muhammad, Austin pushed himself so hard that his mother, who was watching, became concerned about his physical condition.
The story illustrates how closely his family followed his development as a young football player.
Beyond these accounts, Shannon Mack’s occupation and other personal information have not been extensively reported.
Austin Mack’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
There is no reliable public information identifying Austin Mack’s brothers or sisters.
His official Ohio State University athletics biography names his parents but does not list any siblings.
Likewise, available interviews about his upbringing in Fort Wayne focus primarily on his parents, coaches, education, and football development.
Does Austin Mack Have a Brother?
No biological brother has been publicly identified through the reliable sources reviewed.
Mack has developed close friendships with several football players, including former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins and NFL receiver Michael Thomas.
In a 2017 interview with Eleven Warriors, Mack described Michael Thomas as being like an older brother because of the guidance Thomas provided during his college career.
However, this description referred to their friendship and mentorship rather than a confirmed biological relationship.
It remains unknown whether Mack has brothers.
Does Austin Mack Have a Sister?
There is also no verified public information identifying a sister of Austin Mack.
Neither his college football biography nor major CFL reporting establishes that he has sisters.
Therefore, the existence and identities of any sisters remain unconfirmed.
How Austin Mack’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Family has played an important role in Austin Mack’s decisions throughout his professional football career.
After graduating from Ohio State University in December 2019 with a degree in consumer and family services, Mack entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
He signed with the New York Giants in 2020 and later spent time with the Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers.
Repeated injuries and uncertainty about his professional opportunities led him to consider retiring from football.
However, his wife Joye encouraged him to continue pursuing his career, and he joined the Montreal Alouettes in 2023.
That season, he recorded 1,154 receiving yards and four touchdowns and helped Montreal win the Grey Cup championship.
In August 2024, Mack signed a four-year contract extension with the Alouettes, explaining that stability for his family had become a major factor in his career decisions.
Following his departure from Montreal, Mack signed a two-year contract with the Edmonton Elks on January 29, 2026.
The move reunited him with quarterback Cody Fajardo, who had played alongside him during Montreal’s championship season.
In a July 2026 interview with The Canadian Press, Mack explained that his family’s well-being was a central consideration when choosing Edmonton.
His family subsequently grew again with the birth of his third daughter in October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Mack’s Family
Who is Austin Mack’s girlfriend?
Austin Mack is married to Joye Forrest Mack, a former Miss Missouri USA titleholder and community advocate.
Who is Austin Mack’s wife?
His wife is Joye Forrest Mack. The couple met while Austin was attending Ohio State University.
How many children does Austin Mack have?
Austin Mack has three daughters with his wife Joye. Their third daughter was born in Edmonton in October 2026.
What is Austin Mack’s eldest daughter’s name?
His eldest daughter is named Alayah Mack. She was born in March 2023.
Who are Austin Mack’s parents?
His parents are Shannon and Ernest Mack, according to his official Ohio State University football biography.
Does Austin Mack have siblings?
There is no verified public information identifying Austin Mack’s brothers or sisters. His official university biography does not list any siblings.
Where did Austin Mack meet his wife?
Austin met Joye while studying at Ohio State University, according to an August 2024 interview published by TVA Sports.
Is Austin Mack’s wife a former beauty queen?
Yes. Joye Forrest Mack previously held the Miss Missouri USA title and has also been involved in writing, performing arts, and charitable activities.
Where was Austin Mack born?
Austin Mack was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 31, 1997.
Which CFL team does Austin Mack play for?
Austin Mack plays for the Edmonton Elks. He signed a two-year contract with the team in January 2026 after previously playing for the Montreal Alouettes.
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.
