Kniko Howard, the eldest son of media personality and fashion entrepreneur Draya Michele, has piqued public curiosity over the years. Known for keeping a relatively low profile compared to his famous mother, Kniko’s life story reveals aspects of Draya’s journey as a mother and her rise to fame. Let’s dive into the background, family connections, and milestones in the life of Kniko.
Who is Kniko Howard?
Kniko was born in 2002 when Draya Michele was just 17 years old. His upbringing became a key part of Draya’s public narrative as she navigated her career in entertainment and fashion. Kniko has grown up largely out of the spotlight, with Draya often shielding him from the media glare despite her public persona. Over the years, however, fans have gotten occasional glimpses into their relationship, especially through Draya’s social media posts celebrating her son’s milestones.
Physical Appearance
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
Weight | 57 kg (125 lbs) |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Hair Color | Black |
Build | Athletic |
Zodiac Sign | Capricorn (Born January 8, 2002) |
Why He Became Famous?
Kniko Howard became famous primarily due to his connection to Draya Michele, a well-known media personality, model, and entrepreneur. Draya rose to prominence through her role on the VH1 reality show Basketball Wives LA and later built successful fashion brands like Mint Swim. As Draya’s eldest son, Kniko gained public interest, especially since Draya often shared snippets of their life on social media. Additionally, speculation about the identity of his father—fueled by rumors involving former NBA player Gilbert Arenas—added to the intrigue surrounding him. However, Draya’s efforts to protect his privacy have kept Kniko relatively away from the limelight.
Biography
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Kniko Howard |
Date of Birth | January 8, 2002 |
Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
Place of Birth | Pennsylvania, USA |
Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
Weight | 57 kg (125 lbs) |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Hair Color | Black |
Parents | Draya Michele (mother), Kniko Howard Sr. (father) |
Siblings | Jru Scandrick (half-brother) |
Education | Private school in Los Angeles, currently studying business administration at Georgia State University. |
Hobbies & Interests | Maintains a low profile, and appears occasionally on his mother’s social media. |
Public Persona | Maintains a low profile, appears occasionally on his mother’s social media. |
Relationship Status | Private; no public information on romantic relationships. |
Father’s Profession | Barber based in Pennsylvania. |
Mother’s Career | Reality TV star, model, and entrepreneur known for Basketball Wives LA and fashion brands like Mint Swim. |
Notable Milestones | Transition to college; praised by Draya for academic achievements and personal growth. |
Kniko Howard’s Father
For years, rumors swirled about the identity of Kniko’s father. Some tabloids speculated that former NBA player Gilbert Arenas was involved, but Draya Michele put these rumors to rest in 2016. She clarified that Kniko’s father is a man named Kniko Howard Sr., a barber from Pennsylvania. Draya revealed that Kniko Sr. became incarcerated when she was seven months pregnant, a period that shaped much of her early life as a teenage mom. Despite the challenges, she raised Kniko with the help of her mother, eventually building a successful career while balancing motherhood.
Draya Michele’s Journey as a Teenage Mom
Draya Michele has often spoken about the struggles of raising Kniko Howard during her teenage years. She worked in clubs for several years to support herself and her son, striving to build a better life for them. Her journey into reality TV and business began in Los Angeles, where she gained fame through Basketball Wives LA and later launched successful ventures such as Mint Swim and Beige & Coco. Through it all, Draya maintained that her son remained her top priority, saying she was committed to giving Kniko a stable upbringing despite the challenges of being in the public eye.
Family Dynamics

In addition to Kniko Howard, Draya Michele has a second child, Jru Scandrick, with former NFL player Orlando Scandrick. Draya and Orlando’s relationship was turbulent, but they welcomed Jru in 2016. Kniko embraced the role of an older brother, and Draya occasionally shares heartwarming posts about their sibling bond. While Draya’s romantic relationships have been widely reported, she has kept her co-parenting situation with Kniko Sr. private, focusing instead on giving both her children a balanced life.
Education and Achievements
In recent years, Kniko Howard has embarked on new milestones, including his transition into adulthood and higher education. Draya has shared her pride in Kniko’s achievements, including posts about his acceptance into college. While the specific details of his academic path are not publicly known, it’s clear that Kniko is on a path toward independence and success.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Primary Focus | Football and sports development |
Achievements | Demonstrated potential in football with aspirations for a professional career. |
Public Persona | Limited appearances on Instagram and TikTok, building a social media presence. |
Community Impact | Shows interest in leveraging his platform for mentorship and positive change. |
Educational Focus | Pursuing studies in business administration, aiming to combine sports with academic growth. |
Influences | Inspired by his mother, Draya Michele, in balancing personal growth with public life. |
Future Aspirations | Aims to excel in both sports and potential entrepreneurial ventures in the future. |
Public Appearances and Social Media Presence
Unlike many celebrity kids, Kniko prefers to stay out of the limelight. He does not maintain a public social media presence, and most updates about his life come from his mother’s posts. Occasionally, the mother-son duo is spotted at events, but Draya has always emphasized her desire to protect his privacy.
Relationship with Draya Michele
Draya Michele often speaks lovingly about her son, calling him her “greatest achievement.” Their close relationship is evident in the rare glimpses she shares with fans. Kniko appears to have a grounded upbringing despite his mother’s fame, thanks to Draya’s focus on balancing her career with her responsibilities as a mother.
Clarifying Rumors and Misinformation
One of the most persistent rumors involving Kniko Howard was the speculation about Gilbert Arenas being his father. Draya addressed these rumors head-on, explaining that the timeline made such claims impossible. She expressed frustration about how her story was often misrepresented in the media but ultimately chose to focus on raising her son and building her career.
Estimated Net Worth
Category | Details |
---|---|
Estimated Net Worth | $600,000 (as of 2024). |
Primary Sources | Family background, potential endorsements, future sports or entrepreneurial ventures. |
Mother’s Influence | Likely supported by Draya Michele’s resources and network, though he aims to build his independent career. |
Future Earnings Potential | Focus on sports and business administration may lead to higher financial success over time. |
Financial Growth Outlook | Expected to grow through investments, sports opportunities, and possible brand partnerships. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Kniko Howard’s parents?
Kniko’s mother is Draya Michele, a reality TV star and entrepreneur. His father, also named Kniko Howard Sr., is a barber based in Pennsylvania.
What is Kniko’s estimated net worth?
As of 2024, Kniko’s net worth is estimated to be around $600,000, primarily influenced by his family background and emerging opportunities in sports and business.
What are Kniko’s interests?
Kniko has a passion for football and aspires to pursue it at a professional level. He is also studying business administration, aiming to blend sports with entrepreneurial ventures.
Does Kniko have a social media presence?
Kniko maintains a low profile on social media but occasionally appears on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. His focus is on maintaining privacy while building a personal identity separate from his mother’s fame.
Conclusion
Kniko Howard has grown up as the son of a reality TV star and entrepreneur, navigating life with a degree of privacy uncommon among celebrity children. Draya Michele’s journey as a teenage mother highlights the challenges she overcame to provide for her son while building her career. Today, Kniko is on his way to creating his path, supported by his mother and family. As he continues to grow, he remains an important part of Draya’s story, reflecting both her struggles and successes.