Sonny Styles is no ordinary safety—he’s a 6’4”, 235-pound game-changer who’s redefining what it means to be versatile in college football. As a semifinalist for the Butkus Award (the linebacker’s version of a Grammy nod), Sonny is already making waves at Ohio State. Back in his Pickerington Central High School days, he dominated with 88 tackles and six interceptions in a single season, proving early on that he wasn’t just another player—he was HIM.

Football greatness runs deep in the Styles family. With an NFL champion dad, a Buckeye-proud mom, and an older brother now suiting up alongside him, Sonny was destined for big things. But this isn’t just about legacy—Sonny’s carving his own path and showing the world he’s built for this Buckeye life.

Who is Sonny Styles’ mom?

Every superstar’s got someone in their corner making it all possible, and for Sonny Styles, that someone is his mom, Laverna. She’s not just your typical proud parent—she’s a total powerhouse. She met her future husband at OSU, and now she’s the Director of HR Operations at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services since June 2023. Before that, she was holding it down as the HCM Assistant Administrator at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources from March 2020 to June 2023.

While she doesn’t work directly with Ohio State Athletics, her Buckeye pride runs deep—and you can bet that Sonny picked up her grit and determination along the way. Growing up in Columbus, he saw her hustle day in and day out, and it’s clear he’s carrying that same drive onto the field.

Ask her about her sons, and she lights up. Watching Sonny suit up for the Buckeyes and knowing that Lorenzo Jr. is now part of the team, too? On the same field where their dad once balled out? Oh, it’s nothing short of a dream come true.

Who’s Sonny Styles’ dad?

Sonny’s football roots? They go straight back to his dad—a guy who knows what it takes to win at every level. Lorenzo Styles Sr. got drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1995 and had himself a solid NFL career, capped off by a Super Bowl win with the St. Louis Rams in 2000. And before all that, he was tearing it up as a linebacker for Ohio State, setting the tone for the Styles family’s Buckeye legacy.

Even after hanging up his cleats, Lorenzo didn’t leave the game. He coached linebackers at Old Dominion University from 2010-11, was the defensive line coach for the Marion Mayhem in 2010, and was the defensive coordinator and DB coach for the Dayton Silverbacks in 2011. He even had the head coach gig for the Marion Head Racers in 2012.

Oh, and a fun fact: Lorenzo played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes before he hit the NFL. So yeah, football runs in the family. Sonny and his older brother, Lorenzo Styles Jr., are out here following their dad’s footsteps, making moves in the game. That family legacy is strong.

Where did Sonny Styles grow up?

Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Sonny was immersed in a football culture where the Buckeyes are more than a team—they’re a way of life. At Pickerington Central High School, he quickly made a name for himself as one of the top recruits in the country, showcasing a rare combination of size, speed, and versatility.

His older brother, Lorenzo Styles Jr., is also repping the scarlet and gray. After transferring from Notre Dame, where he played wide receiver, he’s now making the switch to cornerback at Ohio State. Seeing both brothers on the same field together is a full-circle moment for the Styles family, keeping that Buckeye legacy alive.

Well, Sonny is no doubt living his dream as a Buckeye, but he’s far from finished. With every game, he’s proving why he’s one of the brightest stars in college football and why the NFL scouts are already keeping a close eye on him.