Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Hunter Henry is an American professional football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his reliable receiving abilities, leadership, and strong Christian faith, Henry has established himself as one of the Patriots’ most experienced offensive players.
Born on December 7, 1994, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Henry grew up in an athletic and religious household. His parents are Mark Henry and Jenny Henry, while his three siblings are Hayden Henry, Hudson Henry, and Hope Henry.
In his personal life, Hunter is married to Parker Elizabeth Henry, formerly Parker Schmidly. The couple married in June 2018 and have three children: Ace, Rivi, and Navy Henry.
Here is everything you need to know about Hunter Henry’s wife, children, parents, and siblings.
Hunter Henry’s Wife: Who Is He Married To?
Hunter Henry is married to Parker Elizabeth Henry, whose maiden name is Parker Schmidly.
Parker is a former registered nurse who worked in labor and delivery before stepping away from her nursing career to concentrate on raising their children.
The couple met during their college years in Arkansas and maintained their relationship as Hunter entered professional football.
Unlike some NFL couples who prefer complete privacy, Hunter and Parker occasionally share photographs and personal milestones on social media.
Parker also attends Patriots games and participates in charitable activities alongside her husband.
Who Is Parker Elizabeth Henry?
Parker Elizabeth Henry is originally from Fort Smith, Arkansas.
She attended the University of Arkansas, where she studied nursing and graduated in 2018.
Following graduation, Parker began working as a registered nurse specializing in labor and delivery.
She continued working in healthcare for approximately two and a half years while Hunter played professional football for the Chargers.
In a December 2025 essay published by Business Insider, Parker explained that her nursing career gave her personal satisfaction and a sense of purpose.
Although Hunter had already established a successful NFL career, she valued having a profession and responsibilities outside football.
However, her circumstances changed after Hunter signed with the New England Patriots in 2021.
Shortly after the couple relocated to Massachusetts, Parker discovered that she was pregnant with their first child.
She subsequently decided to pause her nursing career to focus on motherhood.
While raising three children is now her primary responsibility, Parker has indicated that she might return to nursing in the future.
How Did Hunter Henry and Parker Schmidly Meet?
Hunter Henry and Parker Schmidly met at Lake Ouachita in Arkansas during the summer before Parker began her freshman year at the University of Arkansas.
According to a December 2018 wedding feature published by Arkansas Bride, their relationship developed while they were both connected to the university.
At the time, Hunter was establishing himself as a talented tight end for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Parker was impressed by his personality, kindness, and Christian faith.
The couple continued dating during Hunter’s college football career.
After the San Diego Chargers selected Hunter in the 2016 NFL Draft, they maintained a long-distance relationship while Parker completed her nursing education.
Despite living in different states, their relationship remained strong.
After approximately three and a half years of dating, Hunter proposed to Parker.
When Did Hunter Henry Get Married?
Hunter Henry and Parker Elizabeth Schmidly married on June 30, 2018.
Their wedding ceremony took place at The Grandeur House in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The celebration brought together relatives, friends, and people who had supported the couple throughout their relationship.
The wedding occurred during Hunter’s early NFL career, when he was playing for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The same year, Parker completed her nursing degree, making 2018 an important period for both of them.
As of now, Hunter and Parker remain married and are raising their three children together.
Does Hunter Henry Have Children?
Yes. Hunter Henry and his wife Parker have three children: one son and two daughters.
Their children are Ace Henry, Rivi Henry, and Navy Selah Henry.
The New England Patriots’ official biography confirms the births of all three children, including their youngest daughter, who arrived in March 2026.
1. Ace Henry – Hunter Henry’s Son
Ace Henry is Hunter and Parker Henry’s first child and only publicly known son.
He was born in December 2021, several months after Hunter joined the New England Patriots.
The couple announced his arrival during the Patriots’ bye week, celebrating their transition into parenthood.
Ace has occasionally appeared in family photographs and social media posts shared by his parents.
He has also attended Patriots home games to watch his father compete.
In her December 2025 Business Insider essay, Parker explained that Ace enjoys following Hunter’s football schedule.
She described how he sometimes watches Patriots games at home, although his afternoon naps occasionally interfere with viewing the entire game.
For Hunter, having his son involved in his football career has made playing in the NFL especially meaningful.
2. Rivi Henry – Hunter Henry’s First Daughter
Rivi Henry is Hunter and Parker’s second child and their first daughter.
She was born in 2023, approximately two years after her older brother, Ace.
Her arrival expanded the Henry family and gave Ace a younger sister.
Like her brother, Rivi occasionally appears in photographs shared by her parents.
Parker has described the responsibilities of raising two young children while managing the unpredictable schedule of an NFL season.
Despite the challenges, the family maintains routines that allow their children to remain connected to their father during the football season.
3. Navy Selah Henry – Hunter Henry’s Youngest Daughter
Navy Selah Henry is Hunter and Parker’s third child and youngest daughter.
She was born on March 13, 2026.
The couple announced her birth through a joint Instagram post on March 15, 2026.
The announcement featured photographs of their newborn daughter and a message celebrating her arrival.
Before Navy’s birth, Parker had publicly discussed expecting her third child during interviews and her Business Insider essay.
In February 2026, while New England was preparing for Super Bowl LX, Parker was still pregnant with Navy.
Her arrival in March marked another major milestone for the family.
During offseason interviews, Hunter expressed gratitude for his youngest daughter and described adjusting to the additional responsibilities of having three children.
As of now, Navy is the youngest of Hunter Henry’s three publicly confirmed children.
How Hunter Henry Balances Fatherhood and Football
Hunter Henry has spoken positively about becoming a father and the importance of spending time with his children.
However, the demanding NFL schedule sometimes makes balancing professional responsibilities and family life difficult.
During the regular season, Hunter must attend practices, team meetings, training sessions, and games.
Road games frequently require traveling to other states and spending time away from home.
In her December 2025 essay, Parker explained that she takes on much of the responsibility for managing the household during the football season.
Although the children attend Patriots home games, traveling with them to away games is more complicated.
Consequently, Parker often watches Hunter’s games at home with the children.
Despite the challenges, the couple emphasizes maintaining family routines and spending quality time together whenever possible.
Who Are Hunter Henry’s Parents?
Hunter Henry’s parents are Mark Henry and Jenny Henry.
Both have strong connections to the University of Arkansas and played important roles in raising their four children.
His father is a former college football player and Christian pastor, while his mother attended the University of Arkansas and helped raise the family.
Hunter’s upbringing was strongly influenced by football, education, faith, and community service.
Hunter Henry’s Father: Mark Henry
Mark Henry is Hunter Henry’s father, a former college football offensive lineman and Christian pastor.
Mark grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and attended Little Rock Central High School.
His football abilities earned him a scholarship to the University of Arkansas, where he played for the Razorbacks from 1988 through 1991.
He earned four varsity letters during his college football career and served as a team captain during his senior season.
Mark also received All-Southwest Conference recognition while playing offensive line.
After college, he pursued a career in Christian ministry.
According to his official biography at Fellowship Bible Church, Mark worked with Arkansas Athletes Outreach and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes before attending Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois.
He later served in churches in Arkansas and Georgia.
In 2009, Mark joined Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock as a teaching pastor.
How Mark Henry Influenced Hunter’s Football Career
Mark Henry’s experience as a college football player had a significant influence on Hunter’s athletic development.
From an early age, Hunter understood the responsibilities and dedication required to compete at a high level.
His father encouraged athletic participation while also emphasizing education, humility, and personal character.
Growing up in a family with strong ties to the Arkansas Razorbacks helped Hunter develop an interest in playing football for the university.
Mark also influenced his son’s Christian faith.
In a November 2024 feature published by the New England Patriots, Hunter recalled attending church during childhood and watching his father deliver sermons.
Those experiences helped shape his personal beliefs and later involvement in charitable organizations.
Hunter has credited his father with demonstrating the importance of using one’s opportunities to help other people.
Hunter Henry’s Mother: Jenny Henry
Hunter Henry’s mother is Jenny Henry.
She attended the University of Arkansas and shares her husband’s longstanding connection to the university.
Jenny and Mark married in 1991 and subsequently welcomed four children: Hunter, Hayden, Hudson, and Hope.
Throughout her children’s upbringing, Jenny helped maintain a household centered around education, athletics, and Christian values.
Three of her sons eventually played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Although Jenny has maintained a comparatively private lifestyle, her influence is reflected in the family’s continued connections to Arkansas athletics and their support for one another.
She has also attended sporting events and celebrated Hunter’s accomplishments throughout his football career.
Hunter Henry’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Hunter Henry has three younger siblings: Hayden Henry, Hudson Henry, and Hope Henry.
He is the oldest of four children born to Mark and Jenny Henry.
Like Hunter, both Hayden and Hudson played college football at the University of Arkansas, continuing the family’s sporting tradition.
1. Hayden Henry – Hunter Henry’s Brother
Hayden Henry is Hunter Henry’s younger brother and a former Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker.
He was born on February 14, 1999, in Arkansas.
Hayden attended Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, the same high school his older brother attended.
During his high school football career, he established himself as an outstanding defensive player.
As a senior in 2016, Hayden recorded 93 tackles, four interceptions, and 9.5 tackles for loss.
His performances earned him recognition as the Arkansas Class 5A Player of the Year.
After graduating, Hayden joined the University of Arkansas football program in 2017.
He played linebacker and contributed on special teams throughout his college career.
His decision to attend Arkansas continued the family’s football tradition established by their father and older brother.
2. Hudson Henry – Hunter Henry’s Brother
Hudson Henry is another of Hunter Henry’s younger brothers and a former college football tight end.
He was born on November 20, 2000.
Like Hunter and Hayden, Hudson attended Pulaski Academy in Little Rock.
He developed into one of the nation’s highly regarded high school tight end prospects.
During his senior season in 2018, he recorded 86 receptions for 1,207 yards and 14 touchdowns.
His outstanding performances attracted scholarship offers from major college football programs, including Alabama, Clemson, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State.
However, Hudson ultimately chose the University of Arkansas, following in the footsteps of his father and older brothers.
He joined the Razorbacks in 2019 and continued developing his football career at the collegiate level.
Hudson’s decision meant that three Henry brothers had played football for the same university.
3. Hope Henry – Hunter Henry’s Sister
Hope Henry is Hunter Henry’s younger sister and the only publicly identified daughter of Mark and Jenny Henry.
Her name is confirmed in official biographies published by the University of Arkansas and in her father’s church biography.
Unlike her three brothers, Hope has generally maintained a private life outside national sports coverage.
Reliable public information about her age, education, occupation, and personal relationships remains limited.
Although her brothers became known through college and professional football, Hope has not pursued a similarly public athletic career.
Hunter Henry’s Grandfather: Skip Coffman
Hunter Henry’s athletic family background extends beyond his father and brothers.
His maternal grandfather, Skip Coffman, also participated in college athletics at the University of Arkansas.
Coffman played basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
His involvement in college basketball added another generation to the family’s sporting history.
Between Skip Coffman’s basketball career, Mark Henry’s football accomplishments, and the three Henry brothers’ football careers, the family has maintained a multigenerational connection to Arkansas athletics.
Hunter Henry’s Childhood and Family Background
Hunter Henry was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he spent his early childhood.
In 2000, his family moved to the Atlanta, Georgia, area because of his father’s ministry career.
Hunter later returned to Little Rock before beginning high school.
He attended Pulaski Academy, where he became an outstanding football player.
During his junior season, he recorded 64 receptions for 1,093 yards and 16 touchdowns while helping his school win a state championship.
He followed that performance with an exceptional senior season, catching 107 passes for 1,449 yards and 15 touchdowns.
His performances attracted scholarship offers from several major college football programs.
However, his family’s strong connection to the University of Arkansas influenced his decision to become a Razorback.
Hunter Henry’s College Football Career at Arkansas
Hunter Henry played college football at the University of Arkansas from 2013 through 2015.
He quickly established himself as one of the Southeastern Conference’s leading tight ends.
During his freshman season, he earned SEC All-Freshman recognition.
His production continued improving over the following two years.
In 2015, Henry recorded 51 receptions for 739 yards and three touchdowns.
His exceptional performance earned him the John Mackey Award, recognizing him as the nation’s outstanding college football tight end.
He finished his Arkansas career with 116 receptions, 1,661 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns.
His college success continued the Henry family’s longstanding football legacy at Arkansas.
Hunter Henry’s Journey to the NFL
After completing his college career, Hunter Henry entered the 2016 NFL Draft.
The San Diego Chargers selected him in the second round with the 35th overall pick.
He spent five seasons with the Chargers organization, which relocated to Los Angeles in 2017.
During his rookie season, Henry caught 36 passes for 478 yards and eight touchdowns.
He gradually became one of the team’s dependable receiving options.
In March 2021, Henry signed with the New England Patriots as an unrestricted free agent.
His move to New England created a new chapter in his professional and family life.
That same year, he and Parker welcomed their first child, Ace.
Over the following seasons, Henry became one of New England’s most experienced offensive contributors and served as a team captain.
In 2025, he recorded 60 receptions for a career-high 768 yards and seven touchdowns.
He also helped the Patriots reach Super Bowl LX in February 2026.
Hunter Henry and Parker Henry’s Charity Work
Hunter and Parker Henry have also become involved in charitable activities supporting children and families.
The couple has worked with organizations helping young people in foster care.
In May 2026, they hosted more than 40 teenagers involved in the foster care system at Gillette Stadium.
During the event, the teenagers received new bicycles through a program supported by the Henry family and several Patriots players.
The event was part of Hunter’s ongoing commitment to supporting children and creating opportunities for young people facing difficult circumstances.
Henry has also supported organizations including Compassion International and International Justice Mission.
His involvement reflects the Christian faith and community-service values emphasized by his parents during childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hunter Henry’s Family
Who is Hunter Henry’s girlfriend?
Hunter Henry is married to his longtime girlfriend, Parker Elizabeth Schmidly, now known as Parker Henry. The couple married on June 30, 2018.
Who is Hunter Henry’s wife?
His wife is Parker Elizabeth Henry, a former labor and delivery nurse who graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2018.
When did Hunter Henry get married?
Hunter Henry married Parker Schmidly on June 30, 2018, at The Grandeur House in Little Rock, Arkansas.
How many children does Hunter Henry have?
Hunter Henry has three children: a son named Ace and two daughters named Rivi and Navy.
When was Hunter Henry’s youngest child born?
His youngest daughter, Navy Selah Henry, was born on March 13, 2026.
Who is Hunter Henry’s father?
His father is Mark Henry, a former Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman and Christian pastor.
Who is Hunter Henry’s mother?
His mother is Jenny Henry, who attended the University of Arkansas and raised four children with her husband, Mark.
How many siblings does Hunter Henry have?
Hunter Henry has three siblings: Hayden Henry, Hudson Henry, and Hope Henry.
Does Hunter Henry have brothers?
Yes. His two younger brothers, Hayden and Hudson, both played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Does Hunter Henry have a sister?
Yes. Hunter Henry has a younger sister named Hope Henry.
Where is Hunter Henry from?
Hunter Henry was born on December 7, 1994, in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he also attended Pulaski Academy.
Which NFL team does Hunter Henry play for?
Hunter Henry plays tight end for the New England Patriots, whom he joined in March 2021 after five seasons with the Chargers.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
