Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker was born on 30 October 2001 in Sterling, Virginia, to his parents, Jamal and Jenny Coker.
The 22-year-old has one brother, Jaxon Coker, and one sister Jemma Coker.
Highlights
- Both of Jalen Coker’s parents played sports during their college.
- The Sterling native wanted to become like his father. His father, Jamal Coker, was a two-sport athlete at Fort Dorchester High School in South Carolina.
- His mother, Jenny walked onto the University of Virginia basketball team.
Growing up in Sterling, Virginia, Coker attended Potomac Falls High School and completed his formal education.
After that, he played college football at Holy Cross from 2020 to 2023. During his collegiate career, Jalen had 163 receptions for 2,684 yards and a school-record 31 touchdowns.
After the 2023 season, the wide receiver entered the 2024 NFL Draft but was not selected. Instead, he joined the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent.
In his first game, Coker made a strong impression by catching four passes for 78 yards and scoring his first career touchdown in a 28-14 loss to the Broncos.
Coker was promoted to the active roster on 24 September.
Jalen Coker Was Raised By Athlete Parents
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker’s parents are former athletes. According to The Charlotte Observer, his mother, Jenny, walked on to the University of Virginia basketball team.
Similarly, the NFL player’s father, Jamal Coker, is a former two-sport athlete. Jamal is also in the Hall of Fame at Fort Dorchester High School in South Carolina.
In addition, Jamal is a die-hard fan of the Panthers.
Wishing this guy the happiest of birthdays today! I love you Jalen! Hope you have the best day! 🎉🥳🤩 pic.twitter.com/WQavZU95pU
— Jenny Coker (@j4coker) October 30, 2024
The 22-year-old football player entered college as a defensive back because of his size, which he inherited from his 6’4″ father.
The young football player refers to his dad as “a huge piece,” if not the biggest piece of where he is today.
In an interview, Jamal shared a proud moment from when Jalen was 7 years old. One day, they were playing basketball together.
Jamal dunked the ball, and young Jalen’s face lit up with excitement. The wide receiver said he would become just like his father.
Jalen Coker:- "I can't wait, I'm going to be just like you." Jalen Coker's father, Jamal Coker:- "No, man. I can't wait. Because you're going to be better than me."
Reflecting on the rookie wide receiver’s journey, his proud dad expressed amazement at how far he has come.
And to just see where he’s come to now. All the trials and tribulations. All that work that he’s put in, the ups and downs, the losses and the wins — it’s amazing.”
Jamal Coker
The Carolina Panthers rookie receiver caught four passes for 78 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown in a 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos on 27 October.
Following the game, everyone saw how talented the Sterling native was. Fellow wide receiver David Moore, an undrafted player from East Central University, said that every time Jalen makes a play or a catch, it fires him up.
“Hey, bro, that’s you. Keep doing your thing,” added Moore. On October 29, his mother shared her pride on Twitter along with a similar note.
She wrote,
“The dream continues! Keep being you, kid – we are all here rooting for you!”
Additional Information
- Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker is currently dating Jenna McCarthy.
- The couple celebrated their first anniversary on 8 May 2024.
- Jalen has shared several pictures with his girlfriend, Jenna McCarthy.
