Last Updated on October 24, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Andrew Wingard’s family has played an important role in his journey from Colorado high school football to the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals safety comes from an athletic household, where his father played college football at Nebraska and his grandfather also enjoyed success as a football player.
Born on December 5, 1996, Andrew Wingard, popularly known as “Dewey,” is the son of Dan Wingard and Merrille “Missy” Wingard. He grew up alongside his older sister, Dani Wingard, and developed his football abilities with considerable encouragement from his parents.
Wingard’s romantic life has also attracted attention. He has been publicly linked to Hope Mendoza, who appeared alongside him in social media photographs and was identified as his girlfriend by Sports Illustrated.
Here is everything publicly known about Andrew Wingard’s wife or girlfriend, children, parents, siblings and family background.
Andrew Wingard’s Girlfriend: Who Is Hope Mendoza?
Hope Mendoza is Andrew Wingard’s publicly identified girlfriend. Their relationship has been documented through Wingard’s social media activity and reporting by Sports Illustrated.
In a feature about the wives and girlfriends of Jacksonville Jaguars players, Sports Illustrated identified Mendoza as Wingard’s romantic partner.
The publication described photographs shared on Wingard’s Instagram account showing the couple displaying affection for one another.
Wingard also publicly expressed his affection for Mendoza in a June 30, 2026, Instagram post.
In the post, he referenced Proverbs 31:10 and expressed his desire to call Mendoza his wife in the future, tagging her Instagram account, @hopegmendoza.
The message indicated that marriage was part of his hopes for their relationship.
However, the publicly available information reviewed does not conclusively establish whether the couple has formally announced an engagement or held a wedding ceremony.
As of now, Hope Mendoza remains Wingard’s most recently publicly identified romantic partner.
Is Andrew Wingard Married to Hope Mendoza?
There is no verified public confirmation that Andrew Wingard and Hope Mendoza are married.
Although his June 2026 Instagram post expressed his desire to marry her, the statement alone does not establish that a wedding has occurred.
No reliable wedding announcement identifying the couple as husband and wife was found in the sources reviewed.
Consequently, Mendoza is best described as Wingard’s publicly identified partner rather than his confirmed wife.
What Is Known About Hope Mendoza?
Hope Mendoza became publicly associated with Andrew Wingard through their social media appearances and subsequent sports reporting.
However, reliable public information about her childhood, education, occupation and professional background remains limited.
Although she has appeared in content connected to Wingard’s personal life, she has not been the subject of extensive independent reporting by established sports publications.
As a result, additional claims about her biography should not be presented without reliable confirmation.
Andrew Wingard’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Andrew Wingard has children.
His official Arizona Cardinals biography and University of Wyoming football profile do not identify any sons or daughters.
Likewise, reliable interviews and sports publications reviewed for this article have not established that he is a father.
Although Wingard has shared aspects of his romantic life publicly, he has not made a verified announcement identifying a child.
The absence of publicly available information does not necessarily mean he has no children. It simply means that his parental status has not been reliably confirmed.
Andrew Wingard’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Andrew Wingard’s parents are Dan Wingard and Merrille “Missy” Wingard, whose identities are documented in University of Wyoming athletics records and Westside Alumni Association publications.
His parents were instrumental in encouraging his development as a football player and regularly attended his games throughout college.
Andrew Wingard’s Father: Dan Wingard
Dan Wingard is Andrew Wingard’s father, a former University of Nebraska football player and an experienced aviator.
Dan attended Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska, where he participated in football, basketball and track and field.
During the 1980 football season, he played quarterback and served as team captain, helping Westside reach the state semifinals.
He was also a member of the school’s 1980 state championship basketball team.
His athletic achievements earned him recognition as the 1981 B’nai B’rith Athlete of the Year and Shrine Bowl Offensive Most Valuable Player.
Following high school, Dan continued his football career at the University of Nebraska.
Dan Wingard’s College Football Career
Dan Wingard played punter for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1983 through 1985.
He earned three varsity letters and participated in three teams that won Big Eight Conference championships.
During the 1985 season, he earned second-team All-Big Eight recognition.
According to the Westside Alumni Association, Dan averaged 42 yards per punt that season and finished among the nation’s leading collegiate punters.
His achievements established a football tradition that Andrew would eventually continue at the University of Wyoming.
In a November 2017 university interview, Andrew jokingly discussed his father’s former position as a punter, contrasting it with his own preference for physical contact as a defensive player.
The exchange reflected the close relationship between father and son.
Dan Wingard’s Military and Aviation Career
After completing his college football career, Dan Wingard pursued a career in aviation.
In 1988, he entered military flight training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona.
He graduated in June 1989 and subsequently served as a military pilot.
According to the Westside Alumni Association’s 2012 publication, Dan participated in military operations involving Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Libya.
He also participated in humanitarian missions.
Dan attained the rank of lieutenant colonel and held a leadership position with the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 173rd Air Refueling Squadron.
One particularly memorable experience occurred on November 27, 2009, when he commanded a military flyover before a Nebraska-Colorado football game.
Following the flyover, he appeared at Memorial Stadium wearing his former Nebraska football jersey.
Dan also worked as a commercial airline pilot for American Airlines, according to reporting published by The Gazette in November 2018.
His experience in competitive football and aviation provided Andrew with examples of discipline, commitment and professional responsibility.
How Dan Wingard Influenced Andrew’s Football Career
Dan Wingard helped introduce his son to the physical demands of competitive football.
In a September 2026 interview published by the Arizona Cardinals, Andrew recalled an important childhood lesson from his father.
As a young football player, Wingard was sometimes intimidated by a particularly physical opponent during practice.
His father encouraged him to approach contact confidently rather than hesitate.
Andrew explained that the advice helped change his mentality and influenced the aggressive playing style he later developed as a safety.
His father’s influence continued throughout his high school, college and professional football careers.
Andrew Wingard’s Mother: Merrille “Missy” Wingard
Merrille Wingard, commonly known as Missy Wingard, is Andrew Wingard’s mother.
Her full first name appears in a 2012 Westside Alumni Association publication, while University of Wyoming Athletics identifies her as Missy Wingard.
She raised Andrew and his older sister Dani alongside her husband, Dan.
Although Missy has generally maintained a private public profile, her importance in Andrew’s development is documented through university interviews.
In November 2017, Andrew discussed his relationship with both parents during an interview published by Wyoming Athletics.
He explained that Dan and Missy had made considerable sacrifices to provide him with opportunities to succeed.
He also revealed that his parents had not missed any of his college football games up to that point.
Their regular attendance became one of the most meaningful aspects of his college football experience.
Wingard particularly enjoyed having dinner with his parents after successful games.
Those moments helped him maintain a close connection to his family despite attending college away from home.
Andrew Wingard’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Andrew Wingard has an older sister named Dani Wingard.
Her identity is confirmed by the Westside Alumni Association’s 2012 publication and a September 2016 family feature published by WyomingNews.com.
The alumni publication identifies Dan and Merrille Wingard as the parents of Dani and Andrew.
No additional biological siblings were identified in the reliable family sources reviewed.
Dani Wingard: Andrew Wingard’s Older Sister
Dani Wingard is Andrew Wingard’s older sister.
She spent part of her childhood in Omaha, Nebraska, before the family relocated to the Denver metropolitan area.
According to a September 2016 article published by WyomingNews.com, Dani attended the University of Nebraska.
The university was particularly meaningful to the family because her father, Dan, had previously played football for the Cornhuskers.
In 2016, Dani was described as a senior at Nebraska while Andrew was developing into an accomplished defensive player at Wyoming.
At the time, the siblings’ college affiliations created an interesting family connection when the two universities competed against each other.
Although Andrew represented Wyoming, the family’s longstanding connections to Nebraska remained significant.
Additional details about Dani’s professional career and current personal life have not been extensively documented in reliable public sources.
Does Andrew Wingard Have a Brother?
There is no reliable public information identifying a biological brother of Andrew Wingard.
The Westside Alumni Association’s family biography names two children, Dani and Andrew.
Although Wingard has developed close relationships with teammates throughout his NFL career, those friendships should not be confused with biological family connections.
As of now, Dani remains his only publicly confirmed sibling.
Andrew Wingard’s Grandfather: Monte Mercer
Andrew Wingard’s family football tradition extends beyond his father.
Monte Mercer, Andrew’s grandfather, also played college football.
According to a November 2017 University of Wyoming feature, Mercer competed at Kearney State College in Nebraska, now known as the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Former Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl recalled Mercer’s athletic reputation and identified him by the nickname “the Blonde Comet.”
Bohl was familiar with the family’s football background and recognized the athletic tradition that had influenced Andrew’s development.
The connection between Mercer, Dan Wingard and Andrew demonstrates that football has featured across several generations of the family.
Andrew Wingard’s Childhood and Family Background
Andrew Wingard was born on December 5, 1996, and spent part of his early childhood in Nebraska.
According to The Gazette, his family lived in Lincoln and Dallas before settling in the Denver metropolitan area when Andrew was in second grade.
He grew up in Arvada, Colorado, where he developed an interest in several sports.
Wingard participated in football, basketball and track and field during his school years.
He also spent time riding horses and participating in outdoor activities at his grandfather’s ranch.
Those experiences helped him develop physical confidence and an appreciation for competitive activities.
His father encouraged discipline and physical preparation, while both parents supported his participation in organized sports.
Andrew Wingard’s High School Football Career
Andrew Wingard attended Ralston Valley High School in Arvada, Colorado.
He became one of the state’s most accomplished football players, contributing as a running back, defensive back and return specialist.
During his senior season in 2014, he rushed for 1,653 yards and 28 touchdowns.
He also recorded 96 tackles and three interceptions on defense.
His versatility helped Ralston Valley finish with a 12-1 record and reach the Colorado Class 5A state semifinals.
Wingard earned Colorado Gatorade Football Player of the Year recognition following the 2014 season.
He was also selected to the All-Colorado football team by The Denver Post.
Despite those achievements, Wingard received relatively limited attention from major college football programs in his home state.
He ultimately accepted a scholarship to the University of Wyoming, where he became one of the program’s most productive defensive players.
Andrew Wingard’s College Football Career at Wyoming
Andrew Wingard joined the Wyoming Cowboys in 2015.
He made an immediate impact, becoming the first freshman in university history to record more than 100 tackles in a single season.
He finished his freshman campaign with 122 tackles and earned Freshman All-American recognition.
During the 2016 season, Wingard recorded 131 tackles and helped Wyoming reach the Mountain West Conference Championship Game.
He continued performing at a high level throughout his junior and senior seasons.
By the end of his college career in 2018, Wingard had accumulated 454 tackles, 10 interceptions and five forced fumbles.
His tackle total ranked second in Wyoming football history and tied the Mountain West Conference career record.
He also earned first-team All-Mountain West recognition in three consecutive seasons.
Throughout college, Wingard maintained a close relationship with his parents, who regularly traveled to watch him compete.
Andrew Wingard’s NFL Career: From Jacksonville to Arizona
Despite his outstanding college football career, Andrew Wingard was not selected in the 2019 NFL Draft.
He subsequently signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.
Wingard earned a place on Jacksonville’s roster during his rookie season, contributing on defense and special teams.
His playing time gradually increased, and he became a regular defensive starter during the 2021 season.
Over seven seasons with Jacksonville, Wingard appeared in 102 regular-season games and made 44 starts.
He recorded more than 300 tackles, six interceptions and three forced fumbles during that period.
During the 2025 season, he started all 16 games he played and finished second on the Jaguars with 84 tackles.
His performance helped him attract interest when he became a free agent in 2026.
Andrew Wingard Joins the Arizona Cardinals
On March 16, 2026, Andrew Wingard signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
The move ended his seven-season association with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Arizona brought Wingard into its defensive secondary as an experienced safety capable of contributing leadership and physical play.
He made an immediate impression during the Cardinals’ 2026 season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Wingard recorded an interception and forced a fumble during Arizona’s 26-14 victory.
In September 2026, the Cardinals published a feature discussing the way his competitive personality and physical playing style had influenced his new teammates.
The article also recalled the advice his father gave him during childhood, connecting his current NFL approach to lessons learned growing up.
As of now, Andrew Wingard plays safety for the Arizona Cardinals, wearing jersey number 28.
Frequently Asked Questions About Andrew Wingard’s Family
Who is Andrew Wingard’s wife?
As of now, no reliable public source confirms that Andrew Wingard is married. He has been publicly linked to Hope Mendoza and expressed his desire to marry her in June 2026.
Who is Andrew Wingard’s girlfriend?
His publicly identified girlfriend is Hope Mendoza, who appeared in photographs shared on his Instagram account and was identified by Sports Illustrated.
Is Andrew Wingard engaged?
Wingard’s June 2026 Instagram message expressed his desire to call Hope Mendoza his wife. However, a formal engagement announcement has not been independently verified through reliable reporting.
Does Andrew Wingard have children?
There is no verified public information confirming that Andrew Wingard has a son or daughter.
Who is Andrew Wingard’s father?
His father is Dan Wingard, a former University of Nebraska punter who subsequently pursued military and commercial aviation careers.
Who is Andrew Wingard’s mother?
His mother is Merrille “Missy” Wingard, who supported his athletic development and regularly attended his college football games.
Does Andrew Wingard have siblings?
Yes. Andrew Wingard has an older sister named Dani Wingard, who attended the University of Nebraska.
Does Andrew Wingard have a brother?
No biological brother has been identified in the reliable family records reviewed. His older sister Dani is his only publicly confirmed sibling.
Who is Andrew Wingard’s grandfather?
His grandfather is Monte Mercer, a former Kearney State College football player who was known as the Blonde Comet.
Why is Andrew Wingard called Dewey?
Dewey is Andrew Wingard’s longtime nickname. His father reportedly gave him the nickname during childhood, and it remained part of his identity throughout college and professional football.
Where is Andrew Wingard from?
Andrew Wingard grew up in Arvada, Colorado, after spending part of his early childhood in Nebraska and Texas. He attended Ralston Valley High School.
What NFL team does Andrew Wingard play for?
As of now, Andrew Wingard plays safety for the Arizona Cardinals, having joined the franchise in March 2026 after seven seasons with Jacksonville.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
