Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Dalton Schultz is an American professional football tight end for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 11, 1996, in Sandy, Utah, his full name is Dalton Chase Schultz. He played college football at Stanford University before being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Beyond his successful football career, Schultz is a dedicated husband and father who values spending time with his family. He is married to his longtime sweetheart, Laurel Heinrich, and the couple has two children: a son named Theodore James Schultz and a daughter named Savannah Chase Schultz.
Schultz also comes from a supportive family in Utah. His parents, Troy Golightly and Suzy Wilkerson, encouraged his athletic development, while his two brothers, Tom and Brad Schultz, were part of his upbringing.
Who Is Dalton Schultz’s Girlfriend or Wife?
As of now, Dalton Schultz is married to Laurel Heinrich Schultz, his longtime girlfriend and the mother of his two children.
The couple married on July 6, 2020, after maintaining a romantic relationship for several years.
Before their marriage, Laurel supported Schultz through his college football career at Stanford and his transition into the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys.
Their wedding took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them to change their original plans.
Rather than postponing their marriage indefinitely, the couple decided to have a smaller, private ceremony.
Schultz later shared photographs celebrating their wedding on Instagram, expressing his happiness despite the unexpected circumstances.
Who Is Laurel Heinrich?
Laurel Heinrich, also known as Laurel Schultz, is the wife of Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz.
She attended San Francisco State University, where she studied political science and government.
According to published biographical profiles, Laurel graduated in 2018 and developed professional experience in several industries.
Her previous employment included working as an office assistant, restaurant hostess, server, cashier, and childcare provider.
Between 2017 and 2018, she worked as a nanny with Trusted Child Care, gaining experience caring for young children.
Although she is married to a professional football player, Laurel has maintained her own interests and generally keeps her personal life relatively private.
She occasionally shares family photographs and important milestones through social media, including celebrations involving her husband and their children.
How Did Dalton Schultz Meet His Wife?
Dalton Schultz and Laurel Heinrich have been together since their younger years, although the exact circumstances of their first meeting have not been consistently documented.
Some published profiles describe Laurel as his high school sweetheart, while others identify her as his college sweetheart.
What is clear is that their relationship began well before Schultz established himself as a successful NFL player.
They maintained their relationship as Dalton pursued college football at Stanford University and Laurel completed her education.
By 2018, they were preparing to welcome their first child, marking an important milestone in their relationship.
The couple eventually married in 2020 and continued building their family while Schultz played professional football.
Dalton Schultz and Laurel Heinrich’s Wedding
Dalton Schultz and Laurel Heinrich tied the knot on July 6, 2020.
Their original wedding plans were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted ceremonies and gatherings across the United States.
Despite the unexpected circumstances, the couple decided to proceed with a private wedding.
Following the ceremony, Schultz shared a photograph showing their wedding rings.
He acknowledged that the celebration had not gone exactly as planned but expressed appreciation for their relationship and the life they had built together.
The wedding occurred approximately two years after the birth of their first child, Theodore.
Several months later, the couple welcomed their second child, expanding their family to four members.
Does Dalton Schultz Have Children?
Yes. Dalton Schultz and his wife, Laurel, have two children: Theodore James Schultz and Savannah Chase Schultz.
Their son was born in July 2018, while their daughter arrived in February 2021.
Both children are identified in Schultz’s official Houston Texans biography, confirming their names and family relationship.
Schultz has frequently discussed the importance of fatherhood, explaining that raising children changed his perspective on football and everyday life.
1. Theodore James Schultz – Son
Theodore James Schultz, affectionately known as Theo, is Dalton Schultz’s first child.
He was born on July 28, 2018, shortly after his father began his rookie training camp with the Dallas Cowboys.
The circumstances surrounding Theodore’s birth became a memorable story during Schultz’s early NFL career.
While attending his first padded practice with the Cowboys in Oxnard, California, Schultz received news that Laurel was preparing to give birth.
He immediately left practice and traveled to Dallas to be present for his son’s arrival.
According to an official Dallas Cowboys report published on July 31, 2018, Theodore was born at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Saturday night.
Schultz successfully arrived in time for the delivery and later described the experience as one of the most important moments of his life.
He even joked that becoming a father had surpassed being selected in the NFL Draft as his greatest personal achievement.
How Theodore Changed Dalton Schultz’s Life
Becoming a father at 22 years old added new responsibilities to Schultz’s life as he was beginning his professional football career.
During a December 2022 interview with the Deseret News, Schultz explained that raising Theodore had changed his understanding of what mattered most.
He described how everyday experiences that adults often take for granted can be exciting and meaningful to young children.
Schultz particularly enjoyed helping Theodore understand new concepts and watching him discover the world.
He also recalled returning home after a Dallas Cowboys loss to the Green Bay Packers and finding that his son was disappointed by the result.
The moment reminded him that football had become part of his children’s lives, even though they were still young.
For Schultz, spending time with Theodore helped create a healthier balance between the competitive demands of professional football and his responsibilities as a parent.
2. Savannah Chase Schultz – Daughter
Savannah Chase Schultz is the second child and only publicly known daughter of Dalton Schultz and Laurel Heinrich.
She was born in February 2021, approximately two and a half years after her older brother Theodore.
Her arrival made Dalton and Laurel parents of two children.
According to published family profiles, the couple had announced Laurel’s second pregnancy during the latter part of 2020.
Savannah’s birth took place while Schultz was establishing himself as an important offensive player for the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite his demanding NFL schedule, he continued emphasizing the importance of spending time with his family.
The birth of his daughter strengthened his appreciation for fatherhood and the everyday experiences associated with raising young children.
As of now, Theodore and Savannah are the only two children publicly identified in official Houston Texans records.
Who Are Dalton Schultz’s Parents?
Dalton Schultz was born to Troy Golightly and Suzy Wilkerson in Sandy, Utah.
Both parents are identified in his official Stanford University football biography.
They raised Dalton alongside his two brothers, Tom and Brad, in an environment where education and athletic participation were important.
Although his parents have remained relatively private, their encouragement helped Dalton pursue opportunities in high school football and eventually earn a scholarship to Stanford University.
Dalton Schultz’s Father: Troy Golightly
Troy Golightly is Dalton Schultz’s father.
He raised his family in Utah and supported Dalton’s interest in competitive athletics.
According to published family profiles, Troy was involved in encouraging his son’s football development from an early age.
During childhood, Dalton participated in organized football before becoming a standout athlete at Bingham High School in South Jordan, Utah.
His father remained an important part of the family support system as Dalton progressed through different levels of competition.
Although Troy has been identified in official college football records, he generally stays away from public interviews and media attention.
Reliable information about his occupation, educational background, and other personal activities remains limited.
Troy Golightly’s Influence on Dalton’s Career
Growing up in Utah, Schultz developed a reputation for being physically talented, disciplined, and committed to improving his performance.
His family supported his decision to participate in football and basketball during high school.
At Bingham High School, he became one of the most highly regarded tight end prospects in the country.
His performances eventually attracted scholarship offers from major college football programs.
Schultz selected Stanford University, a school recognized for its combination of academic standards and competitive athletics.
The decision represented an important achievement for the family.
Although Dalton has spoken more extensively about his coaches and football development than about his father’s personal life, Troy remains publicly identified as an important member of his family background.
Dalton Schultz’s Mother: Suzy Wilkerson
Suzy Wilkerson is Dalton Schultz’s mother.
Like Troy Golightly, she is identified in the official Stanford University athletic records that accompanied Dalton’s college football career.
Suzy raised Dalton and his two siblings in Sandy, Utah.
She supported her son’s educational and athletic ambitions as he developed into one of Utah’s leading high school football prospects.
While Dalton became increasingly recognizable through his college and NFL performances, his mother maintained a relatively private lifestyle.
There is limited verified information about her professional background or personal activities.
Nevertheless, she is part of the family that supported Schultz throughout his childhood and early football development.
Suzy Wilkerson’s Support During Dalton’s Early Years
Dalton Schultz grew up participating in several sports, including football and basketball.
His athletic development required significant time commitments, particularly after he began competing at higher levels during high school.
Schultz has spoken positively about the coaches and community members who helped him develop his football abilities in Utah.
He has also maintained a strong connection to his hometown and former high school.
Although Suzy has rarely given public interviews about her son’s career, her presence in his family history remains an important part of his background.
Who Are Dalton Schultz’s Siblings?
Dalton Schultz has two brothers, Tom Schultz and Brad Schultz, according to his official Stanford University football biography.
Dalton grew up alongside his siblings in Utah, where sports were an important part of his childhood.
Of the two brothers, Brad has a publicly documented college football background, while Tom maintains a more private personal life.
1. Tom Schultz – Brother
Tom Schultz is one of Dalton Schultz’s two brothers.
His name appears in the official Stanford football biography identifying Dalton’s family members.
Unlike Dalton, Tom has not attracted significant attention through professional athletics or major sports media coverage.
As a result, reliable information about his age, education, occupation, and personal relationships is limited.
There are also no widely verified reports establishing whether he is married or has children.
Although Tom maintains a private lifestyle, he remains one of Dalton’s two publicly documented siblings.
2. Brad Schultz – Brother
Brad Schultz is Dalton Schultz’s other brother and shares the family’s interest in football.
According to Stanford University’s official athletic biography, Brad played college football at Southern Virginia University.
Southern Virginia is a private university in Buena Vista, Virginia, with an established collegiate athletic program.
Brad’s participation in college football demonstrates that Dalton was not the only member of the family to pursue the sport at a competitive level.
Both brothers experienced the demands associated with organized football, including training, conditioning, and competition.
Although Brad did not achieve the same national recognition as Dalton, his collegiate football experience represents another part of the family’s sporting background.
Additional reliable information about Brad’s professional career and current personal life remains limited.
Does Dalton Schultz Have Sisters?
As of now, official Stanford University football records identify Dalton Schultz as having two siblings, Tom and Brad.
Both are his brothers, and no sister is identified in the university’s biography.
Therefore, his publicly documented siblings consist of two brothers.
How Dalton Schultz’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Dalton Schultz’s upbringing in Sandy, Utah, helped establish the foundation for his athletic success.
He attended Bingham High School in South Jordan, where he participated in both football and basketball.
As a high school football player, Schultz became known for his size, athletic ability, and versatility as a tight end.
During his senior season in 2013, he recorded 31 receptions for 512 yards and nine touchdowns.
His contributions helped Bingham complete an undefeated season and win the Utah state championship.
Schultz finished his high school football career with 76 receptions for 1,120 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
His performances earned recognition from recruiting services, which ranked him among the nation’s leading tight end prospects.
He eventually committed to Stanford University in 2014.
Dalton Schultz’s College Career at Stanford
At Stanford, Schultz developed into an effective tight end who contributed both as a receiver and blocker.
He redshirted during his first college season in 2014.
In 2015, he played in all 14 games, recording 10 receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown.
He became a regular starter in 2016 after fellow tight end Austin Hooper entered the NFL.
During that season, Schultz recorded 23 receptions for 222 yards and one touchdown.
His blocking also contributed to Stanford’s productive rushing offense.
In 2017, Schultz earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors after recording 22 receptions for 212 yards and three touchdowns.
He also received recognition for his academic performance while studying science, technology, and society.
After completing his final college season, Schultz declared for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Dalton Schultz’s NFL Career
In April 2018, the Dallas Cowboys selected Schultz with the 137th overall pick in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
He spent his first five NFL seasons with Dallas, gradually developing into one of the team’s most reliable offensive players.
His breakthrough season came in 2020, when he recorded 63 receptions for 615 yards and four touchdowns.
He improved those numbers in 2021, recording 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns.
Schultz continued providing a reliable receiving option for quarterback Dak Prescott during the 2022 season.
In March 2023, he signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans.
During his first season in Houston, he recorded 59 receptions for 635 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
His production helped rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud establish himself as one of the NFL’s most promising young players.
Schultz subsequently signed a three-year contract extension worth $36 million in March 2024.
The agreement demonstrated Houston’s confidence in his abilities and provided additional stability for his family.
He has continued contributing to the Texans as an experienced tight end and important member of the offensive unit.
How Fatherhood Changed Dalton Schultz’s Perspective
One of the most important aspects of Dalton Schultz’s personal life is his commitment to being an involved father.
During his December 2022 interview with the Deseret News, Schultz explained that becoming a parent had influenced how he thought about football and life.
He acknowledged that professional football can be physically and emotionally demanding.
However, returning home to his children helped him place those challenges in perspective.
He particularly enjoyed watching Theodore learn new concepts and develop his understanding of the world.
Schultz explained that activities adults consider routine can become exciting learning experiences for children.
These moments helped remind him that football results, individual statistics, and professional recognition are not the only important things in life.
His wife, Laurel, has also played an important role in creating a supportive family environment.
As the couple raises Theodore and Savannah, they continue balancing parenting responsibilities with the demands of professional football.
Dalton Schultz’s Family Life in Houston
Dalton Schultz’s move from the Dallas Cowboys to the Houston Texans in 2023 represented an important transition for his family.
After spending five seasons in Dallas, he joined a rebuilding Houston team preparing to develop a new generation of offensive players.
His arrival coincided with the addition of quarterback C.J. Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Although changing teams requires adjustments for professional athletes and their families, Schultz quickly established himself as an important contributor.
His success helped him earn a multiyear contract extension in 2024.
Off the field, he has continued emphasizing the importance of spending time with his wife and children.
Schultz has also discussed his interest in technology and video games, including building his own gaming setup.
According to published interviews, he even built a separate computer for Laurel, allowing the couple to enjoy playing video games together.
These shared interests provide another glimpse into their relationship away from the demands of professional football.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dalton Schultz’s Family
Who is Dalton Schultz’s girlfriend?
Dalton Schultz’s longtime girlfriend was Laurel Heinrich. The couple married in July 2020, so she is now his wife.
Is Dalton Schultz married?
Yes. Dalton Schultz has been married to Laurel Heinrich Schultz since July 6, 2020.
Who is Dalton Schultz’s wife?
His wife is Laurel Heinrich, a San Francisco State University graduate who studied political science and government and previously worked in childcare.
Does Dalton Schultz have children?
Yes. Dalton Schultz has two children: a son named Theodore James Schultz and a daughter named Savannah Chase Schultz.
When was Dalton Schultz’s son born?
Theodore James Schultz was born on July 28, 2018, while Dalton was attending his rookie training camp with the Dallas Cowboys.
Who is Dalton Schultz’s daughter?
His daughter is Savannah Chase Schultz, who was born in February 2021.
Who is Dalton Schultz’s father?
His father is Troy Golightly, who is identified in his official Stanford University athletic biography.
Who is Dalton Schultz’s mother?
His mother is Suzy Wilkerson, who raised Dalton and his siblings in Utah.
How many siblings does Dalton Schultz have?
Dalton Schultz has two brothers named Tom Schultz and Brad Schultz.
Did Dalton Schultz’s brother play football?
Yes. His brother Brad Schultz played college football at Southern Virginia University.
What is Dalton Schultz’s full name?
His full name is Dalton Chase Schultz.
Where is Dalton Schultz from?
Dalton Schultz was born in Sandy, Utah, and attended Bingham High School in South Jordan before playing college football at Stanford University.
Which NFL team does Dalton Schultz play for?
As of now, Dalton Schultz plays for the Houston Texans, whom he joined in March 2023 after spending five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
