DeForest Buckner Children: How Many Kids Does the NFL Star Have?
DeForest Buckner’s children have become an important part of his life as the NFL defensive tackle navigates another major career transition. Following reports of his return to the San Francisco 49ers in October 2026, interest has grown in the family behind the former Indianapolis Colts star. Buckner and his wife, Ashlyn Buckner, are parents to three children: Dominic George Buckner, Jordan Sione Buckner, and their daughter Gianna. The football player has frequently spoken about how becoming a father changed his priorities and strengthened his motivation to succeed.
Buckner has spent a decade building a reputation as one of the NFL’s most dependable defensive linemen. However, away from football, his responsibilities as a husband and father remain central to his personal life. His wife and children have supported him through professional relocations, demanding seasons, and the challenges of recovering from serious injuries.
How Many Children Does DeForest Buckner Have?
DeForest Buckner has three children with his wife, Ashlyn Buckner.
The couple welcomed their first son, Dominic George Buckner, on April 24, 2020.
Their second son, Jordan Sione Buckner, was born on February 12, 2022.
They later welcomed a daughter named Gianna, who is also affectionately called Gia.
The children have grown up during an important period of Buckner’s professional football career.
Dominic was born shortly after his father was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Indianapolis Colts.
Jordan arrived while Buckner was an established member of Indianapolis’ defensive line.
Their daughter completed the family’s transition to becoming parents of three young children.
Although Buckner occasionally shares family moments publicly, he and Ashlyn generally maintain privacy around their children’s everyday lives.
Dominic George Buckner: DeForest Buckner’s Eldest Son
Dominic George Buckner is the eldest child of DeForest and Ashlyn Buckner.
He was born on April 24, 2020, during a period of significant change for the family.
Just weeks before Dominic’s arrival, Buckner had been traded from San Francisco to Indianapolis.
The move required the couple to adjust to a new city while preparing to become first-time parents.
Dominic’s birth marked an important milestone in Buckner’s personal life.
The NFL star has described fatherhood as a responsibility that changed how he approached both football and family.
As his eldest child, Dominic has experienced several seasons of his father’s professional career.
Buckner has occasionally shared photographs and family celebrations involving his son.
However, he generally avoids revealing unnecessary details about Dominic’s personal activities.
Jordan Sione Buckner: His Second Son
Jordan Sione Buckner is DeForest Buckner’s second child.
He was born on February 12, 2022.
His arrival expanded the Buckner household to a family of four.
At the time, DeForest was continuing his successful career with the Indianapolis Colts.
Balancing professional football with raising two young children introduced additional responsibilities.
Buckner has spoken about the importance of being present for his family despite the demands of the NFL schedule.
His wife, Ashlyn, has played an important role in managing their household during football seasons.
Jordan’s middle name, Sione, reflects a name commonly associated with Polynesian communities, although the family has not publicly explained the specific reason for choosing it.
The Buckners have generally kept their younger son’s daily life private.
Gianna Buckner: DeForest Buckner’s Daughter
Gianna Buckner is the youngest child and only daughter of DeForest and Ashlyn Buckner.
She is also known by the nickname Gia.
Her arrival made Buckner a father of three.
Although the couple have shared occasional family updates, Gianna’s exact birth date has not been consistently documented in widely accessible reporting.
Buckner has expressed his appreciation for spending time with his children whenever his professional schedule allows.
Welcoming a daughter added another important chapter to his family life.
As with Dominic and Jordan, the couple have generally avoided placing Gianna in the public spotlight.
Their approach allows their children to enjoy a relatively private upbringing despite their father’s professional recognition.
Who Is DeForest Buckner’s Wife Ashlyn?
DeForest Buckner is married to Ashlyn Buckner, formerly Ashlyn Shebelut.
The couple met while attending the University of Oregon in 2015.
At the time, Buckner was preparing for his final college football season, while Ashlyn was involved in the university’s cheerleading program.
Their relationship developed before Buckner entered the NFL.
After the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the 2016 NFL Draft, they continued building their life together.
Buckner proposed during a trip to Napa Valley in November 2017.
The couple married in Honolulu, Hawaii, on July 14, 2018.
Ashlyn has remained a constant source of support throughout his professional career.
She has also played an important role in raising their three children while managing the responsibilities associated with life in the NFL.
How Fatherhood Changed DeForest Buckner’s Life
Becoming a father in 2020 marked a significant turning point for DeForest Buckner.
His first son arrived during a period when the football player was adjusting to a new team and city.
The experience introduced responsibilities beyond professional performance.
Buckner has discussed the importance of creating a stable environment for his children.
He has also emphasized the value of setting a positive example through discipline, commitment, and personal responsibility.
Professional football requires extensive training, travel, and physical preparation.
These demands can limit the time players spend at home during the season.
Buckner has worked to balance those responsibilities with his role as a parent.
His children have become an important source of motivation, reminding him that his responsibilities extend beyond the football field.
DeForest Buckner’s Children and His Injury Recovery
Buckner experienced a challenging period during his recovery from neck surgery.
The injury affected his ability to participate in everyday family activities.
He later discussed how difficult it was to temporarily lose the ability to lift his children or help with ordinary household responsibilities.
For a professional athlete accustomed to physical strength, these limitations were particularly frustrating.
His wife, Ashlyn, provided encouragement throughout the recovery process.
She helped him remain focused on rehabilitation while managing their family responsibilities.
Buckner acknowledged that the experience gave him a different perspective on his health and career.
Spending time with his children became an important part of his motivation to recover.
The experience reinforced the value he placed on being physically present and involved in their lives.
DeForest Buckner’s Family and His Return to San Francisco
In October 2026, reports indicated that DeForest Buckner was returning to the San Francisco 49ers after spending several seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
The reported trade represented another significant transition for his family.
Buckner originally joined San Francisco as the seventh overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft.
He played four seasons with the franchise before being traded to Indianapolis in March 2020.
During his time with the Colts, he developed into one of the team’s most respected defensive veterans.
His return to San Francisco would bring him back to the region where he began his professional career and married Ashlyn.
However, the family circumstances are now very different.
When Buckner first played for the 49ers, he had not yet become a father.
Today, he and Ashlyn are raising three young children.
Any relocation would therefore involve additional considerations related to family routines, schooling, and everyday responsibilities.
DeForest Buckner’s Hawaiian Roots and Family Values
DeForest Buckner was born on March 17, 1994, in Waianae, Hawaii.
He grew up with a strong connection to Hawaiian culture and community traditions.
His upbringing emphasized respect, discipline, and family relationships.
Buckner attended Punahou School in Honolulu before continuing his football career at the University of Oregon.
He later became one of the NFL’s prominent defensive linemen.
Despite his professional achievements, he has remained connected to his roots.
His family background has influenced how he approaches leadership and parenthood.
Buckner has also participated in charitable activities supporting children and families.
These efforts reflect his interest in contributing to communities beyond football.
As his own children grow older, the values associated with his upbringing remain an important part of his approach to raising them.
DeForest Buckner’s Children and Family Life Today
DeForest Buckner and Ashlyn Buckner are raising three children: Dominic George, Jordan Sione, and Gianna.
Their family has grown alongside Buckner’s professional football career.
From welcoming Dominic during the transition to Indianapolis to raising three children while managing injuries and demanding seasons, the couple have experienced several major changes.
Buckner has consistently emphasized the importance of being a supportive husband and involved father.
His children remain an important source of motivation as he continues competing in the NFL.
Although his football achievements have brought national recognition, his role as a father remains one of the most meaningful parts of his personal life.
