Jessie Bates III is preparing for a new chapter with the Jacksonville Jaguars after the Atlanta Falcons agreed to trade the All-Pro safety on November 9, 2026. Jacksonville will send Atlanta a second-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft and a fifth-round selection in 2028. The move has also brought attention to Bates’ family background, particularly his mother, Theresa Trotter, who raised him in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Bates grew up in a single-parent household and has frequently credited his mother for teaching him discipline, responsibility, and leadership. Her experiences raising three children while working multiple jobs later inspired his charitable work supporting single mothers.
Who Are Jessie Bates’ Parents?
Jessie Bates III was born on February 26, 1997, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His mother is Theresa Trotter, also identified as Theresa Ladd in earlier football biographies.
Bates was primarily raised by his mother, who worked to provide for her children. His biological father’s identity and personal background have not been widely documented in reliable public interviews.
Theresa raised Jessie alongside his siblings, including his older sister Aaliyah and younger brother Von. The family also includes step-siblings Donavan, Nate, Kameron, and Ariana.
Growing up in a large family taught Bates the importance of responsibility and cooperation. He later connected those experiences to his approach toward football and community service.
Jessie Bates’ Mother Theresa Trotter
Theresa Trotter played a central role in her son’s upbringing and athletic development.
While raising three children as a single parent, she worked two jobs, including positions at a handbag manufacturer and a cleaning company.
Her demanding schedule required careful planning. She used notebooks and planners to organize work responsibilities, school activities, and her children’s sporting commitments.
Bates adopted similar habits as he developed his football career. He became known for studying opponents extensively and preparing detailed notes before games.
Theresa continued encouraging those habits after her son entered the NFL. In 2018, she began giving him customized planners featuring his initials and personal motto, “Just Believe.”
Bates has credited his mother for developing his leadership skills.
“Leadership doesn’t come out of nowhere,” Bates said. “There has to be some type of foundation that it comes from…she set that foundation.”
What Is Known About Jessie Bates’ Father?
Unlike his mother, Jessie Bates’ biological father has not been prominently featured in accounts of his childhood.
Publicly available information does not reliably establish his father’s full name, occupation, or relationship with the NFL player.
Bates has consistently described his upbringing in terms of the sacrifices made by his single mother.
His public discussions about family have generally focused on Theresa, his siblings, and the support system that helped him pursue professional football.
Without verified statements or family records, further claims about his father’s identity would be speculative.
Jessie Bates’ Foundation Supports Single Mothers
Bates established the JB3 Single Mother’s Initiative after entering the NFL in 2018.
The idea developed through conversations with his mother about helping families facing challenges similar to those they experienced.
When Bates signed a four-year, $64 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in March 2023, he pledged $1 million over the contract period to organizations supporting single mothers in Atlanta and Fort Wayne.
His charitable work included support for Solomon’s Temple, an Atlanta organization providing shelter and assistance to mothers experiencing homelessness.
Bates visited the organization with Falcons teammates and participated in activities with families receiving support.
“It’s always near and dear to my heart,” Bates said. “I know how important it is to support to the single moms.”
His initiative also contributed $50,000 to Bedrock Youth Incorporated in Fort Wayne, supporting mentorship, education, and youth development programs.
Theresa remained involved in the initiative by meeting mothers and maintaining relationships with participating families.
Jessie Bates’ Football Career and Family Life
Bates attended Snider High School in Fort Wayne, where he played football and basketball.
He later joined Wake Forest University, developing into one of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s leading defensive backs.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected him with the 54th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Bates quickly established himself as a starting safety and helped Cincinnati reach Super Bowl LVI following the 2021 season.
He joined Atlanta in 2023 and earned a Pro Bowl selection during his first season with the Falcons.
That same year, Bates became a father when his son, Jessie Bates IV, was born. He later explained that fatherhood changed how he approached his responsibilities away from football.
During the 2023 season, he regularly woke early to prepare for practice and spend time with his son, following routines similar to those he remembered from his mother’s working years.
Jessie Bates’ Move to the Jacksonville Jaguars
Bates’ departure from Atlanta comes after nearly four seasons with the Falcons.
During the 2026 season, he recorded 60 tackles, three forced fumbles, and one interception through nine games.
He also made a season-high 14 tackles during Atlanta’s 34-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid on November 8.
The Falcons agreed to send him to Jacksonville in exchange for two future draft selections. The Jaguars are adding an experienced defensive back as they compete for a playoff position in the AFC.
As of November 10, 2026, Bates is set to continue his NFL career with Jacksonville. His mother Theresa remains a significant influence on his life, while his charitable initiative reflects the family’s experiences during his childhood in Fort Wayne.
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