Javon Kinlaw Parents

Javon Kinlaw is a Trinidadian professional American football defensive tackle, who plays for the New York Jets in the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers selected Kinlaw as the 14th pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Born on October 3, 1997, Kinlaw started his football career at Goose Creek High School, where he showcased his exceptional performance. After high school, he joined Jones College in 2016, and transferred to the University of South Carolina in 2017. In his first season, he made only 17 total tackles in 13 games. However, his junior year ended with 30 tackles and four sacks. He made 35 tackles and six sacks in his senior year, which earned him first-team All-SEC honors in 2019.

Kinlaw's NFL career began with the San Francisco 49ers in the 2020 season. In his first season with the 49ers, he recorded 33 total tackles and one interception. He also got his first chance to sack a quarterback in the New Orleans Saints. Although Kinlaw was sidelined throughout a portion of the 2021 season due to injury, he returned to form in the 2023 season and played all games of the regular season and registered 3.5 sacks and 25 total tackles. Kinlaw's NFL journey took a new turn in 2024, when he was traded to the New York Jets.

Javon Kinlaw Parents

George Kinlaw and Leesa James-Exum are the parents of Javon Kinlaw.

Javon Kinlaw's Mother

Leesa James is the mother of Javon Kinlaw. According to Washington Post, she faced significant challenges after immigrating to Washington from Trinidad and Tobago in 1995. Despite her hard work in various jobs, including construction, painting, and personal training, financial stability remained elusive. The family often lived in difficult conditions, moving through a series of basement apartments, some lacking basic amenities like electricity and water. At times, they even faced homelessness and food scarcity. Despite these hardships, James made the difficult decision to send 13-year-old Javon Kinlaw to live with his father in South Carolina, hoping for a better life for her youngest child.

Javon Kinlaw's Father

According to Washington Post, George Kinlaw, Javon's father, lived in Charleston, South Carolina. However, George struggled with alcoholism, which sometimes led to physical confrontations with Javon. As a result, Javon often found himself moving between friends' homes and motels during his time in Charleston.