Last Updated on November 13, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Chelen Garnes is an American professional football player who plays as a defensive back for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on September 25, 2000, Garnes is from Waldorf, Maryland, and previously played college football at the United States Naval Academy and Wake Forest University.
He joined the Edmonton Elks in March 2025 after spending time with the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). During his rookie CFL season, he established himself as a versatile defensive player and earned Edmonton’s nomination for the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie award.
Beyond football, Garnes has acknowledged the importance of his family in his athletic development. His parents are Troy Garnes and Sylvette Garnes, according to his official Navy and Wake Forest University football biographies.
His mother also played a particularly important role in introducing him to organized football during childhood. However, information about his siblings, romantic relationships and children remains limited.
Who Is Chelen Garnes’s Girlfriend?
Chelen Garnes has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend, wife or romantic partner through reliable interviews, official football biographies or established sports publications.
Most publicly available information about the Edmonton Elks defensive back focuses on his professional football career, college experiences and transition to the Canadian Football League.
During an April 10, 2026, interview on the Elks Central podcast, Garnes discussed his decision to attend the Naval Academy, his transfer to Wake Forest and his experiences playing professional football in Canada.
However, the published episode description does not identify a romantic partner.
Similarly, his official Navy and Wake Forest biographies provide information about his parents and athletic achievements but do not establish his relationship status.
Consequently, there is insufficient verified public information to determine whether Garnes is currently single, dating someone or married.
Does Chelen Garnes Have Children?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Chelen Garnes has any children.
His official university football biographies, Edmonton Elks player announcements and available interviews do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Garnes has discussed his upbringing and family involvement in his football development, he has not publicly provided reliable information about fatherhood.
Therefore, whether he has children remains unconfirmed.
Who Are Chelen Garnes’s Parents?
Chelen Garnes’s parents are Troy Garnes and Sylvette Garnes. Both names appear in the personal information sections of his official United States Naval Academy and Wake Forest University athletics biographies.
Garnes grew up in Waldorf, Maryland, where he attended North Point High School and developed into a promising football player.
Although his parents’ names are publicly documented, information about their occupations and personal backgrounds remains limited.
Chelen Garnes’s Father: Troy Garnes
Troy Garnes is the father of Edmonton Elks defensive back Chelen Garnes.
His identity is confirmed in Chelen’s official Naval Academy and Wake Forest University football profiles, which identify him as the son of Troy and Sylvette Garnes.
Chelen developed his athletic abilities while growing up in Waldorf, Maryland, eventually becoming an accomplished football player at North Point High School.
He later received scholarship offers from several college football programs before choosing the Naval Academy.
During an April 2026 interview on Elks Central, Garnes explained that he discussed his decision to transfer from Navy with his parents.
At the time, he was weighing the possibility of continuing his military education against pursuing his ambition of becoming a professional football player.
The family discussion preceded his decision to transfer to Wake Forest University.
However, available sports reporting does not provide detailed information about Troy Garnes’s occupation, education or personal life.
There is also insufficient verified information establishing whether Troy previously played organized football or worked as a coach.
Chelen Garnes’s Mother: Sylvette Garnes
Sylvette Garnes is Chelen Garnes’s mother. Her name is confirmed in his official Navy and Wake Forest football biographies.
She played an important role in introducing her son to football during childhood.
During an October 23, 2025, interview on the Antler Up with Morley Scott podcast, Garnes discussed how his behavior as a young child influenced his introduction to the sport.
According to the episode’s published description, Garnes explained that he was something of a class clown during his younger years.
His mother consequently decided to involve him in football at an early age.
That decision eventually helped him discover his athletic abilities and develop a lasting interest in the sport.
Garnes continued playing football throughout his school years, becoming a standout defensive player at North Point High School.
His performances eventually earned him opportunities at the Naval Academy, Wake Forest University and professional football organizations.
Although Sylvette’s influence on his early football development has been publicly acknowledged, details about her occupation, education and other personal activities remain limited.
Does Chelen Garnes Have Siblings?
There is no verified public information establishing whether Chelen Garnes has any biological brothers or sisters.
His official Navy and Wake Forest biographies identify his parents but do not provide a list of siblings.
However, Garnes has spoken publicly about the close relationships he developed with teammates, sometimes describing them as brothers.
Does Chelen Garnes Have a Brother?
Chelen Garnes has not publicly identified a biological brother through the official football biographies and established interviews reviewed.
During an October 5, 2021, interview published by Wake Forest University Athletics, Garnes discussed his close friendship with fellow defensive back Caelen Carson.
Both players attended North Point High School in Waldorf, Maryland, before eventually joining Wake Forest University.
Although they followed different paths to college football, their friendship remained strong.
Garnes described Carson as being like a younger brother to him because of their longstanding friendship and shared football experiences.
He was particularly excited to see Carson make an important interception during a Wake Forest victory over Virginia.
However, the description of Carson as a younger brother was an expression of friendship rather than confirmation of a biological relationship.
Therefore, it remains unknown whether Garnes has any biological brothers.
Does Chelen Garnes Have a Sister?
There is also no verified public information confirming whether Chelen Garnes has a sister.
His official university athletics records and available professional football interviews do not identify any sisters.
Consequently, the number and identities of his siblings remain publicly unconfirmed.
Chelen Garnes’s Relationship With His Football Teammates
Although little information is publicly available about Garnes’s biological siblings, his relationships with fellow football players have been documented.
In an October 2021 feature published by Wake Forest University Athletics, Garnes discussed the family-oriented culture within the Demon Deacons football program.
He explained that his teammates made him feel welcome after he transferred from the Naval Academy.
Garnes also acknowledged the support he received from quarterback Sam Hartman, who contacted him before he officially committed to Wake Forest.
According to Garnes, Hartman helped him understand the university and football program, making his transition easier.
He also maintained a longstanding friendship with linebacker Ryan Smenda, whom he had known through youth football.
These relationships helped Garnes adjust to his new environment and continue developing as a college football player.
Chelen Garnes’s Family Background and Early Life
Chelen Garnes was born on September 25, 2000, and grew up in Waldorf, Maryland, United States.
His mother introduced him to football during childhood, and he subsequently developed into a talented defensive player.
Garnes attended North Point High School, where he participated in football and track and field.
He earned three varsity letters in each sport.
During his high school football career, he received All-County recognition twice and served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons.
He also helped North Point win a regional football championship.
His performances attracted attention from several college football programs, including Army, Air Force, Delaware and Towson.
Ultimately, Garnes decided to attend the United States Naval Academy.
Before enrolling, he spent the 2018-19 academic year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School.
Chelen Garnes’s College Football Career
Chelen Garnes began his college football career at the Naval Academy in 2019.
During his freshman season, he appeared in all 13 games for the Navy Midshipmen.
He recorded 11 tackles, two interceptions and one pass breakup.
His first college interception came against South Florida, while he recorded another interception against Connecticut.
He also contributed to a Navy defense that improved significantly during the 2019 season.
However, Garnes eventually reconsidered his future at the military academy.
In an April 2026 interview, he explained that continuing at Navy would have involved a military service commitment.
After discussing his options with his parents, he decided to transfer and continue pursuing his goal of playing professional football.
He joined Wake Forest University in 2020.
After sitting out the 2020 season under NCAA transfer rules, Garnes began contributing to the Demon Deacons defense in 2021.
He appeared in seven games during that season, recording 13 tackles and two sacks.
His role expanded in 2022, when he started all 13 games at safety and recorded 71 tackles, one interception, one sack and three pass breakups.
During his final college season in 2023, Garnes appeared in 12 games and recorded 61 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
Across his Wake Forest career, he recorded 145 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception and 10 passes defended.
Garnes also completed his academic studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in December 2023.
Chelen Garnes’s Professional Football Career
Following his college career, Chelen Garnes pursued opportunities in the National Football League.
In May 2024, he signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent.
He participated in the team’s offseason activities and appeared in three preseason games, recording three tackles.
However, the Lions released him in August 2024 before the start of the regular season.
Garnes subsequently continued pursuing professional football opportunities.
On March 7, 2025, the Edmonton Elks announced that they had signed him as an American defensive back.
He made his Canadian Football League debut on June 8, 2025, against the BC Lions.
During his rookie CFL season, Garnes developed into an important member of Edmonton’s defense.
He recorded 62 defensive tackles while contributing at free safety and strong-side linebacker.
He also registered his first CFL interception during Edmonton’s September 2025 victory over the Calgary Stampeders.
His performances earned him the Edmonton Elks’ nomination for the CFL Most Outstanding Rookie award.
On February 4, 2026, Edmonton announced a contract extension keeping Garnes with the organization through the 2027 season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelen Garnes’s Family
Who is Chelen Garnes’s girlfriend?
Chelen Garnes has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner through reliable interviews or official football biographies.
Is Chelen Garnes married?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Edmonton Elks defensive back Chelen Garnes is married.
Does Chelen Garnes have children?
There is no reliable public information establishing whether Chelen Garnes has any sons or daughters.
Who is Chelen Garnes’s father?
Chelen Garnes’s father is Troy Garnes, according to his official Naval Academy and Wake Forest University football biographies.
Who is Chelen Garnes’s mother?
His mother is Sylvette Garnes. Garnes explained during a 2025 podcast interview that his mother decided to introduce him to organized football when he was young.
Does Chelen Garnes have a brother?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Chelen Garnes has a biological brother. He has described former high school teammate Caelen Carson as being like a younger brother because of their close friendship.
Does Chelen Garnes have a sister?
There is no verified public information identifying a sister of Chelen Garnes.
Why did Chelen Garnes’s mother put him in football?
Garnes explained during an October 2025 interview that his mother introduced him to football partly because of his playful behavior as a child.
Where is Chelen Garnes from?
Chelen Garnes is from Waldorf, Maryland, where he attended North Point High School.
How old is Chelen Garnes?
Chelen Garnes was born on September 25, 2000, making him 26 years old in November 2026.
Where did Chelen Garnes play college football?
Garnes played at the United States Naval Academy in 2019 before transferring to Wake Forest University, where he played from 2021 through 2023.
What team does Chelen Garnes play for?
Chelen Garnes plays as a defensive back for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League.
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.
