When you think of Jonathan Greenard, you picture him bulldozing through offensive lines, right? But what if I told you the real story doesn’t start with a football at all? Nope, it starts with his mom and dad, who laid down the foundation for the man who now owns the Texans‘ defense. Behind every sack, every clutch moment, there’s a family that didn’t just watch from the sidelines—they put in the work to get him there. His parents didn’t just raise him—they created the monster who goes all out in every play.

But here’s the twist. This story isn’t all about tackles and trophies. Jonathan’s road is paved with loss, grit, and a deep-rooted drive to honor family. His parents weren’t just mentors—they were the lifeline, pushing him to defy the odds. Ready to hear how they did it? Let’s break it down because this journey is way more than football.

Who is Jonathan Greenard’s mom?

Carmen Greenard-Varnum is the secret weapon behind Jonathan’s success. And no, we’re not talking about some quiet, behind-the-scenes mom—Carmen’s been out there grinding right alongside Jonathan since day one. Born and raised in Georgia, she made sure Jonathan never missed a play, whether it was signing him up for rec leagues or driving him to practice through the late-night hours. Carmen didn’t just raise her kids; she raised a future NFL star. And let’s just say, she didn’t pull any punches when it came to teaching them about hard work and dedication.

The real MVP? Yes, we can say that. She’s not just Jonathan’s mom—she’s his heart, his rock, the one who’s had his back through every high and low. From her work at Northside Hospital to her entrepreneurial grind, Carmen is a powerhouse. She even dropped a book, The Momager of Jonathan Greenard NFL Defensive End, giving the world a glimpse into her journey raising an NFL player. Her love, hustle, and wisdom didn’t just shape Jonathan’s career—they became the foundation for his rise to the NFL. Jonathan doesn’t just ball for himself; he’s got a whole squad cheering him on, and she’s at the top of that list.

Who is Jonathan Greenard’s dad?

Jonathan Greenard’s dad, Matt Greenard Jr., was the original game-changer. He introduced Jonathan to football and gave him that deep-rooted love for the sport. They were a duo—Matt wasn’t just Jonathan’s dad, he was his first coach and biggest fan. When Matt passed away from congestive heart failure while Jonathan was still in junior high, it left a void that’s been impossible to fill. But Matt’s legacy didn’t end there. The lessons of dedication, grit, and love for the game stayed with Jonathan, driving him to push through every challenge.

After Matt’s passing, Jonathan found a new source of support in his stepdad, Washington Varnum Jr. Washington brought in the wisdom and guidance Jonathan needed to keep pushing toward his NFL dream. While Matt’s influence is felt in every play Jonathan makes, Washington’s encouragement and support helped him keep his head in the game. Matt may not have been there for the big moments, but his spirit, paired with Washington’s unwavering support, lives on in every sack and every tackle.

Where did Jonathan Greenard grow up?

Hiram, Georgia—doesn’t exactly scream “NFL star,” right? But for Jonathan, it was the perfect place to start his journey. No fancy training camps or state-of-the-art facilities—just straight-up hustle and heart. Growing up in Hiram, Jonathan didn’t just play football; he ate, slept, and breathed it. His community taught him that success doesn’t come from the spotlight—it comes from grinding every single day, no matter the odds.

At Hiram High, that’s when Jonathan really started to make waves. He wasn’t just a kid with talent—he was a force, snagging the 5-A regional defensive player of the year honors. But what really set him apart wasn’t just his stats—it was the work ethic he built from the ground up. His mom, Carmen, made sure he stayed focused, balancing his passion for football with the life lessons of responsibility. Hiram may not be a football powerhouse, but for Jonathan, it was the place that taught him the real meaning of success: hustle, grind, and staying grounded.