T.J. Shanahan is a Florida native that played his sophomore season at Orlando Timber Creek before moving to play as a junior and senior at Austin Westlake. Shanahan’s father, Tim, played at Arizona. One older brother, Leka, played at Utah and another older brother, Michael, currently plays for UT Martin. He also has a cousin, Jon Halapio, who had a four-year NFL career. Shanahan says he has a close relationship with his cousin and patterns his game after Halapio. Away from football, Shanahan likes lifting weights, working out and spending time with his family. His mother is Mele Shanahan.