DeCarlo Griner: Eldest Sibling of WNBA Star Brittney Griner

Behind every sports star is a family story that often stays out of the spotlight. DeCarlo Griner, the eldest brother of WNBA player Brittney Griner, has been one of her strongest supporters through every challenge. This biography shares his background, career, and the quiet strength that helped shape his sister’s journey.

DeCarlo Griner Bio/Wiki

Facts	Information
Full Name	DeCarlo Griner
Relation to Brittney	Eldest brother (half-sibling)
Father	Raymond Griner
Age	Early 50s (as of 2025)
Height	Approximately 6’7″ (201 cm)
Education	Graduated from Nimitz Senior High School (1990)
Occupations	Mechanic, Truck Driver, Oil Rig Worker, Pool Installer
Children	Daughter: Sydney Alyse Griner
Notable Support	Supported sister Brittney during her 10-month detention in Russia (2022)

DeCarlo Griner Personal Background

DeCarlo Griner was born about 17 years before his younger sister Brittney. He is the son of Raymond Griner from a previous marriage, before Raymond married Sandra Griner. As of 2025, DeCarlo is in his early fifties.

Growing up in Texas, DeCarlo lived in different homes from his younger siblings, but their connection remained close. Brittney has described her brother and sisters as “full blood,” showing how strong their bond is despite the age differences. (Source: Sportskeeda)

Physical Attributes

DeCarlo stands about 6 feet 7 inches tall (around 201 centimeters), slightly shorter than Brittney, who is 6 feet 9 inches. Height is a common trait in the Griner family and has played a role in Brittney’s basketball career.

Early Life and Education

DeCarlo’s early years were spent in various parts of Texas, including Dayton, Humble, and Harris. During his early years in Texas, DeCarlo enjoyed outdoor activities and sports, a common part of local life. (The Sun)

According to available information, DeCarlo graduated from Nimitz Senior High School in 1990 – coincidentally the same year his youngest sister Brittney was born. This timing meant he was already entering adulthood just as his baby sister was entering the world.

DeCarlo Griner Career and Professional Life

Throughout his career, DeCarlo has worked in several fields, including as a mechanic, truck driver, oil rig worker, and pool installer. His varied experience reflects strong work ethic and adaptability.

His varied career path speaks volumes about his adaptability and work ethic. While his sister found fame on the basketball court, DeCarlo built his life working these blue-collar jobs that keep our world running.

DeCarlo Griner Relationship with Brittney Griner

In her 2014 memoir In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court, Brittney shared that she admired her older brother, especially his confidence and style. His interests in motorcycles and tattoos also influenced her own personality and hobbies. Their connection shows how influential older siblings can be, even with a significant age difference. (EssentiallySports)

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DeCarlo Relationship with Father

Raymond Griner has mentioned that his eldest son DeCarlo was energetic and independent during his youth, which sometimes led to differences between them. Their relationship improved as DeCarlo grew older.

Raymond would tell Brittney and her sister Pier Griner (also called Pleshette): “There’s no bail money for y’all because your brother used it up.” What seemed like a joke actually taught Brittney important lessons about choices and consequences.

Family Dynamics

The Griner family is blended, but they share a strong sense of unity and mutual respect. The four siblings – DeCarlo, SheKera, Pier, and Brittney – have significant age differences but maintain close relationships.

With DeCarlo being 17 years older than Brittney, SheKera 10 years older, and Pier 5 years older, they didn’t have the typical experience of growing up together. Yet they’ve created meaningful connections that span different households and generations.

People Magazine shares Brittney’s own words about this unique dynamic: “They have always been great to me, and we consider each other full blood, but it’s not like we were all running around the yard, playing games, living under the same roof.“

During Brittney’s Russian Detention

When Brittney faced her 10-month detention in Russia, DeCarlo stepped up in a major way. He was among the first family members to see her after her release in December 2022, joining their father Raymond for an emotional reunion at the San Antonio base where she was recovering.

In Brittney’s 2024 book Coming Home, she recalled her reunion with family at the San Antonio base, where DeCarlo and their father Raymond were among the first to see her after her release. (Source: People Magazine)

When Brittney faced her first off-season after returning home and worried about falling into depression, DeCarlo flew to Houston without even booking a return flight – he simply wanted to be there for as long as she needed. During her detention, he expressed his pain on Facebook, describing it as “one of the most difficult days in my life” when he had to wish her happy birthday without seeing or hearing her.

Social Media Presence

While DeCarlo maintains a relatively private life, he has an active presence on Facebook where he connects with family and friends. His profile shows connections with his sisters and extended family members like Lynde Emerson and Adrienne Middleton.

His social media offers glimpses into his role as a proud dad to Sydney Alyse Griner, whom he calls his “princess.” In 2021, he wrote that his sister Pleshette has always been there when he needs “a joke & a bottle,” while referring to SheKera as his “best friend.” (News Amomama)

Support During Key Life Moments

When Brittney came out as a lesbian in high school, DeCarlo responded with casual acceptance, reportedly joking, “It ain’t no thang“ – a simple but powerful statement of unconditional love that contrasted with her father’s initial struggle to accept this news.

This moment showcases why sibling support can be so crucial during life’s challenging transitions. When parents might struggle with change, siblings often step in with the acceptance we need. Have you ever been that person for someone in your family?

DeCarlo Griner Life as a Father

DeCarlo is a proud dad to his daughter Sydney Alyse Griner, who holds a special place in his heart. DeCarlo values his role as a father and often expresses pride in his daughter. His family connections remain an important part of his life.

This adds another dimension to understanding the man who’s been such a supportive presence for his own siblings – he’s passing those same values of family support to the next generation.

Interesting Facts About DeCarlo Griner:

• Graduated high school the same year his sister Brittney was born (1990)
• Influenced Brittney’s interest in cars and tattoos
• Known for his motorcycle that impressed young Brittney
• Responded to Brittney’s coming out with casual acceptance
• Flew to Houston with a one-way ticket to support Brittney after her release from detention
• Described by Brittney as a “healing presence” during her recovery
• Maintains close relationships with all his sisters despite significant age differences

Conclusion

DeCarlo Griner’s story highlights the important role family plays behind every public success. His steady presence, work ethic, and loyalty to his loved ones show the strength of character that often stays out of the spotlight. While Brittney Griner’s achievements are known worldwide, DeCarlo’s quiet support has been just as meaningful within their family.

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FAQ About DeCarlo Griner

How tall is DeCarlo Griner?

DeCarlo stands approximately 6 feet 7 inches (201 centimeters) tall – impressive height runs in the Griner family!

Is DeCarlo Brittney Griner’s twin?

No, DeCarlo is actually 17 years older than Brittney. He was born from Raymond Griner’s previous marriage before Raymond married Sandra.

What does DeCarlo Griner do for a living?

DeCarlo has worked various jobs throughout his life, including as a mechanic, truck driver, oil rig worker, and pool installer, making him something of a jack-of-all-trades.

How many siblings does Brittney Griner have?

Brittney has three older siblings: brother DeCarlo and sisters SheKera and Pier (also called Pleshette).

Are DeCarlo and Brittney Griner close?

Yes! Despite their 17-year age difference, they maintain a close relationship. DeCarlo has been especially supportive during critical moments in Brittney’s life, including her detention in Russia.

Who is Sydney Alyse Griner?

Sydney is DeCarlo’s daughter whom he affectionately refers to as his “princess.” She represents the next generation of the Griner family.

How did DeCarlo support Brittney during her detention in Russia?

DeCarlo publicly expressed his support on social media, was among the first family members to see her upon her release, and even flew to Houston with a one-way ticket just to provide emotional support during her difficult transition back home.