Eli Raridon, the New England Patriots tight end and former Notre Dame football standout, was raised by his parents, Scott Raridon Jr. and Jena Raridon, in Iowa. His father previously played college football at Notre Dame, while his mother supported the family during Scott’s playing years and Eli’s development as a young athlete. Their connection to the Fighting Irish helped shape Eli’s childhood ambitions before the Patriots selected him in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Raridon’s football background stretches across three generations. His grandfather played college football at Nebraska and later worked on Notre Dame’s coaching staff, making Eli’s journey to professional football particularly meaningful for his family.
Who Are Eli Raridon’s Parents?
Eli Raridon’s parents are Scott Raridon Jr. and Jena Raridon, who were high school sweethearts before marrying at a young age.
Scott played offensive line and served as a long snapper at Notre Dame during the early 2000s. Jena attended Indiana University South Bend while her husband was playing college football.
The couple welcomed Eli in 2004, during Scott’s time with the Fighting Irish.
They later returned to Iowa, where they raised Eli and his three younger siblings.
Eli Raridon’s Father Scott Raridon Jr.
Scott Raridon Jr. is a former Notre Dame offensive lineman who played under coaches Tyrone Willingham and Charlie Weis.
His college football experience made him an important influence on Eli’s early interest in the sport.
Scott introduced his son to football at a young age and eventually coached his flag football team.
He noticed Eli’s unusual interest in sports statistics when the boy was approximately five years old. Even then, Eli could remember game scores and player performances.
As his son developed, Scott encouraged him to explore different positions before eventually concentrating on tight end.
He later expressed pride in seeing Eli fulfill his childhood ambition of playing football at Notre Dame.
Eli Raridon’s Mother Jena Raridon
Jena Raridon played an important role in supporting her family while Scott pursued college football.
She attended Indiana University South Bend and became a mother while her husband was still a student-athlete.
After the family returned to Iowa, Jena helped raise four children in a household closely connected to football.
Although information about her professional career remains limited, her role in Eli’s upbringing is well documented through family accounts.
Faith and family relationships were important parts of the Raridon household.
Eli has discussed how his parents’ example influenced his values, particularly during challenging periods of his athletic career.
Eli Raridon’s Grandfather and Football Legacy
Eli’s paternal grandfather, Scott Raridon Sr., also had a significant football background.
He played offensive line at the University of Nebraska before being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 1984 NFL Draft.
After his playing career, he worked in strength and conditioning.
He was part of Notre Dame’s coaching staff when the Fighting Irish won the national championship in 1988 under Lou Holtz.
This connection created a family tradition that continued when Scott Jr. played at Notre Dame and Eli eventually joined the same program.
Eli Raridon’s Siblings and Childhood in Iowa
Eli grew up with three younger siblings named Cynthia, Ariel, and Shepard.
The family settled in central Iowa, where Eli attended Valley High School in West Des Moines.
He became a standout athlete in both football and basketball.
His size, receiving ability, and athleticism attracted attention from several major college football programs.
Despite having opportunities elsewhere, Notre Dame remained his preferred destination.
Growing up surrounded by family members who understood college football helped him prepare for the demands of competing at a higher level.
How His Parents Supported His Notre Dame Career
Eli committed to Notre Dame in 2021 and joined the program in 2022.
His college career included difficult setbacks, particularly two ACL injuries within approximately ten months.
The injuries required extensive rehabilitation and tested his patience.
During that period, Eli relied on his family, religious faith, and support from teammates.
He eventually returned to the field and became an important contributor to Notre Dame’s offense.
His perseverance helped him establish himself as an NFL prospect despite the challenges he experienced earlier in college.
Eli Raridon’s Journey to the New England Patriots
The New England Patriots selected Eli Raridon with the 95th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
His selection continued a family football tradition that began long before his college career.
For Scott and Jena, the achievement represented years of supporting their son’s ambitions, from youth football in Iowa to major college competition.
Scott Raridon Jr.’s football experience and Jena Raridon’s family support helped Eli develop the discipline and determination needed to reach the NFL.
Eli Raridon’s journey reflects the influence of a close family with deep connections to Notre Dame. His parents remain central figures in the story of how a young athlete from Iowa followed a family tradition and earned an opportunity to play professional football.