Post Updated: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Kalif Raymond has built a solid NFL career through pure speed, reliability as a returner, and quiet toughness. Now with the Chicago Bears, the 5-foot-9 wide receiver continues to stand out for more than just his playmaking. Fans often ask about his background, and the answer reveals a rich, multicultural story that shaped the player and the person.
Raymond is of mixed African-American and Chinese descent. His father is African-American and his mother is Chinese, giving him a dual heritage that he has spoken about with pride and gratitude.
Table of Contents
African-American Roots Through His Father
Kalif Raymond was born on August 8, 1994, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, to Eric Raymond and Kim Ly. His father, Eric, is African-American. While the family has largely kept personal details private, Eric has remained a steady presence. Raymond has shared family photos and public messages of respect for his dad and uncle, reflecting the strong values of hard work and support that come from that side of the family.
This African-American foundation contributed to the competitive fire and resilience that helped an undersized player from a small college carve out a long NFL career after going undrafted in 2016.
Chinese Heritage and a Remarkable Family Journey
Raymond’s mother, Kim Ly (also referred to in some reports as Kim Jordan), is of Chinese ancestry. Her family’s path to the United States is a powerful immigration story. Relatives moved from China to Vietnam during World War II. As the Vietnam War ended, the family fled by boat when Kim was about three years old. They faced extreme hardship, including the need to sink their boat near American shores and swim to avoid being turned back. After time in a refugee camp, they settled in Georgia. Kim learned English by watching Sesame Street characters like Big Bird.
This side of the family brings Chinese cultural roots and a history of perseverance that clearly influenced Raymond’s mindset. He has been described as half Chinese in multiple biographical sources, and he has taken steps to stay connected to those roots, including studying Vietnamese to help his young daughter connect with older relatives.
How His Mixed Background Shaped His Path
Growing up in Georgia with both heritages, Raymond developed a strong sense of identity and family responsibility. Key elements of his upbringing include:
- Support from both parents who encouraged his early interest in football despite his small size as a child
- A large extended family that includes siblings such as brother Mason and sisters Sydea and Madison, plus additional half- and step-siblings
- A deep commitment to education and lifting others—Raymond has helped fund college for several siblings
- Marriage to Julia Baker, who is Filipino-American, further expanding the family’s multicultural dynamic
His speed and determination carried him from Greater Atlanta Christian School to the College of the Holy Cross, where he excelled in both football and track, before launching an undrafted journey through multiple NFL teams.
Quick Facts on Kalif Raymond’s Ethnicity and Background
Detail Information Full Name Kalif Raymond Date of Birth August 8, 1994 (age 32) Birthplace Lawrenceville, Georgia Father Eric Raymond (African-American) Mother Kim Ly (Chinese ancestry) Ethnicity Mixed African-American and Chinese Current Team (2026) Chicago Bears (No. 14) Position Wide receiver / punt returner Notable Trait Half Chinese descent
Conclusion
Kalif Raymond ethnicity is a blend of African-American and Chinese heritage that reflects both American grit and a profound family immigration story. His father’s background and his mother’s remarkable journey from China through Vietnam to Georgia helped form the resilient, family-first athlete fans see today. As he continues contributing for the Bears in 2026, that dual identity remains an important part of who he is—on and off the field.
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