Last Updated on October 28, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Matt Orzech is an American professional football long snapper for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 12, 1995, in San Diego, California, Orzech developed his football skills at Azusa Pacific University before beginning his NFL career in 2019. He later won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams and established himself as a dependable member of Green Bay’s special teams.
As of now, Matt Orzech is married to Destiny Orzech, formerly Destiny Ramirez, his high school sweetheart. The couple married on April 5, 2019, and have three children: Micah, Levi and Mercy Jean. His parents are Matt Orzech and Jayme Orzech, while his two siblings are Michael and Mikenna Orzech. He also has family connections through his stepfather, Chris DeFalco, stepmother, Renee Schaeffer, and stepbrother, Coleton DeFalco.
Matt Orzech’s Wife: Destiny Orzech
Matt Orzech’s wife is Destiny Orzech, formerly known as Destiny Ramirez. The couple have been together since their teenage years and built a family while Matt pursued his professional football career.
Destiny grew up in Southern California, where she attended Paloma Valley High School and participated in community sports.
She first became interested in Matt while watching him play football during high school.
According to the couple’s wedding website, their relationship began in 2012 and continued throughout Matt’s college years at Azusa Pacific University.
Destiny has supported her husband through significant professional milestones, including his entry into the NFL, his Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams and his move to the Green Bay Packers.
How Did Matt Orzech Meet Destiny Ramirez?
Matt Orzech and Destiny Ramirez met while attending Paloma Valley High School in Menifee, California.
According to Destiny’s account published on their wedding website, she first noticed Matt during a Friday night high school football game.
She was attending the game with her mother when she saw him walking nearby.
Destiny later discovered that Matt was the older brother of Mikenna Orzech, a girl she knew from community volleyball.
The discovery created an unexpected connection between the future couple.
Destiny eventually contacted Matt through social media with help from his younger sister.
The two began exchanging messages and gradually developed a friendship that turned into a romantic relationship.
When Did Matt Orzech and Destiny Start Dating?
Matt and Destiny began dating in 2012, during their final year of high school.
According to their wedding website, they attended movies together and enjoyed visiting Disneyland.
Their relationship became serious during the autumn of 2012.
Destiny recalled that Matt expressed his love for her during their high school’s homecoming celebrations on October 12, 2012.
The couple remained together after graduation, even as Matt pursued college football and began preparing for a professional career.
Their relationship continued through the challenges associated with college athletics, including injuries and uncertainty about his future in football.
How Did Matt Orzech Propose to Destiny?
Matt Orzech proposed to Destiny Ramirez on June 27, 2018, during a family vacation in Hawaii.
The trip was organized partly to celebrate his mother’s birthday.
Several relatives participated in the vacation, including Matt’s mother, stepfather and siblings.
During their time in Hawaii, Matt arranged a romantic proposal.
Destiny accepted, beginning preparations for their wedding the following year.
The engagement took place shortly before Matt completed his college football career at Azusa Pacific University.
Matt Orzech and Destiny’s Wedding in 2019
Matt Orzech married Destiny Ramirez on April 5, 2019, in San Diego, California.
According to the couple’s wedding website, the ceremony took place at a venue associated with Naval Base Point Loma.
The celebration brought together relatives, close friends and people who had supported the couple throughout their relationship.
Matt’s younger brother, Michael Orzech, served as a best man, while his sister, Mikenna, participated as a bridesmaid.
The wedding occurred shortly before Matt began his professional football career.
In September 2019, Azusa Pacific University confirmed that Destiny had become his wife during the preceding summer.
Destiny Orzech’s Support During Her Husband’s NFL Career
Destiny has remained one of Matt Orzech’s strongest supporters throughout his professional football journey.
Following his signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in September 2019, Matt publicly acknowledged her encouragement.
In an interview published by Azusa Pacific University, he explained that his wife continually motivated him to improve and pursue his goals.
Her support became particularly important during periods when Matt struggled to secure a permanent NFL roster position.
After leaving Jacksonville, he spent time with several organizations before winning the Los Angeles Rams’ long-snapping job in 2021.
Destiny continued supporting him as his professional career developed and the couple began raising their children.
Matt Orzech’s Children: Meet His Two Sons and Daughter
Matt Orzech and his wife, Destiny, have three children: two sons and one daughter.
The Green Bay Packers’ official player biography confirms that the couple have two boys and a girl.
Sports Illustrated has identified their children as Micah James Thomas, Levi Strider and Mercy Jean.
The family welcomed its first child in January 2021, followed by a second son in June 2023 and a daughter in April 2025.
Micah James Thomas: Matt Orzech’s Oldest Son
Micah James Thomas is the oldest child of Matt and Destiny Orzech.
He was born in January 2021, while his father was still attempting to establish himself as an NFL long snapper.
At the time, Matt had already played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and spent time with other professional football organizations.
Micah’s arrival marked an important personal milestone for the couple.
Later in 2021, Matt secured a regular role with the Los Angeles Rams, creating greater professional stability for his growing family.
The couple have occasionally shared family photographs involving their oldest son.
However, they generally avoid disclosing unnecessary personal details about their children’s daily lives.
Levi Strider: Matt Orzech’s Second Son
Levi Strider is Matt and Destiny Orzech’s second son.
He was born in June 2023, during Matt’s first offseason with the Green Bay Packers.
His birth expanded the family to four members.
That year also represented an important professional transition because Matt had signed with Green Bay after two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.
The family began adjusting to life associated with another NFL franchise while caring for their young children.
Levi has occasionally appeared in publicly shared family photographs, although his parents have generally maintained his privacy.
Mercy Jean: Matt Orzech’s Daughter
Mercy Jean is the youngest publicly known child of Matt and Destiny Orzech.
She was born in April 2025, becoming the couple’s first daughter.
Her arrival was publicly celebrated through social media and subsequently reported by Sports Illustrated.
Matt shared a message expressing happiness and gratitude for the new addition to the family.
Mercy’s birth brought the total number of the couple’s publicly confirmed children to three.
Her name also appears in a September 2025 profile about the wives and families of Green Bay Packers players.
How Fatherhood Influenced Matt Orzech’s Life
Fatherhood has become an important part of Matt Orzech’s life outside professional football.
His first child was born shortly before he established himself with the Los Angeles Rams, while his younger children arrived during his years with the Green Bay Packers.
As a professional long snapper, Orzech must maintain consistency and concentration during games, practices and training sessions.
His family provides an important part of his life away from those responsibilities.
Although Matt occasionally shares family moments with supporters, he generally keeps his children’s private lives separate from his professional football career.
Matt Orzech’s Parents: Matt Orzech and Jayme Orzech
Matt Orzech was born to Matt Orzech and Jayme Orzech in San Diego, California.
Their names are confirmed through Azusa Pacific University’s official football biography and the Los Angeles Rams’ historical team records.
His father played college football at Iowa State University, while his mother played an important role in supporting his upbringing and education.
The family’s strong connection to athletics contributed to Matt’s early involvement in football and baseball.
Matt Orzech’s Father: Matt Orzech
Matt Orzech’s father shares his first name and played football at Iowa State University.
According to the Green Bay Packers’ official biography, his father competed at the college level before beginning his professional career outside football.
His experience helped provide an understanding of the physical demands and discipline involved in the sport.
During an interview published by NBC Los Angeles in February 2022, Matt’s father discussed how his son’s background in baseball eventually helped him become a football long snapper.
He explained that his son had initially hoped to continue playing baseball at Azusa Pacific University.
However, a college football coach recognized that a baseball player’s throwing experience could translate into long-snapping skills.
The unexpected transition eventually helped Matt reach the NFL.
Matt Orzech’s Father’s Professional Background
Although Matt Orzech’s father is known for his college football experience, he also worked outside professional sports.
In October 2025, the Green Bay Packers published a report revealing that his father had worked at City National Bank.
The connection became relevant when Green Bay signed kicker Lucas Havrisik.
Havrisik’s mother had previously worked alongside Orzech’s father at the bank.
The relationship demonstrated how members of the two families had known one another before their sons became professional football teammates.
How Matt Orzech’s Father Supported His NFL Ambitions
Matt Orzech has publicly credited his father with supporting his football development.
In a September 2019 interview with Azusa Pacific University, he acknowledged the sacrifices his parents made to help him pursue professional sports.
His father also expressed pride in Matt’s accomplishments when the Los Angeles Rams reached Super Bowl LVI.
Throughout his career, the family has maintained strong connections with his former coaches and universities.
Those relationships became especially meaningful as Matt developed from a college tight end into a professional long snapper.
Matt Orzech’s Mother: Jayme Orzech
Matt Orzech’s mother is Jayme Orzech, whose name is also spelled Jamye in the family’s wedding records.
She is identified as Jamye DeFalco on Matt and Destiny’s wedding website.
Jayme helped raise Matt and his siblings in Southern California.
Her support remained important throughout his college education and early professional football career.
According to the family’s wedding website, Matt credited his mother with demonstrating compassion, love and a commitment to Christian faith.
He also acknowledged her influence on his personal values and approach to relationships.
Jayme Orzech’s Influence on Her Son’s Character
Jayme contributed to the family environment that encouraged Matt’s education and sporting development.
Her son participated in baseball and football during high school before attending Azusa Pacific University.
Despite experiencing several injuries during college, Matt continued working toward a professional football career.
In September 2019, he publicly thanked his parents for their sacrifices and encouragement.
His comments reflected the importance of having family support during a challenging transition from college to professional sports.
Matt Orzech’s Stepfather: Chris DeFalco
Matt Orzech’s stepfather is Chris DeFalco.
His identity is confirmed through the couple’s wedding website, where Chris and Jamye DeFalco were listed as the groom’s mother and stepfather.
According to the wedding announcement, Chris became an important part of Matt’s family life.
Matt expressed appreciation for the support he received from his mother and stepfather.
Although information about Chris’s occupation and personal background remains limited, his relationship with the NFL player is publicly documented.
Matt Orzech’s Stepmother: Renee Schaeffer
Matt Orzech’s stepmother is Renee Schaeffer.
She appeared alongside his father in the official wedding party information published in 2019.
The couple were identified as the groom’s father and stepmother.
Matt acknowledged both relatives for their encouragement throughout his upbringing.
Although Renee generally maintains a private life away from professional football coverage, her role within the family is confirmed through those records.
Matt Orzech’s Siblings: Meet Michael and Mikenna Orzech
Matt Orzech has two siblings identified in his official college football biography: a brother named Michael Orzech and a sister named Mikenna Orzech.
Both were involved in his wedding celebrations in April 2019.
The family also includes a stepbrother, Coleton DeFalco, who participated in the wedding.
Michael Orzech: Matt Orzech’s Younger Brother
Michael Orzech is Matt Orzech’s younger brother.
His name is confirmed in Azusa Pacific University’s official football biography.
Michael was chosen to participate in Matt’s wedding as a best man.
The wedding website described the brothers as having a close relationship and sharing interests in recreational activities.
However, detailed information about Michael’s education, occupation and current personal life has not been widely documented through reliable reporting.
Unlike his older brother, Michael has generally remained outside the national sports spotlight.
Mikenna Orzech: Matt Orzech’s Younger Sister
Mikenna Orzech is Matt Orzech’s younger sister.
She played an unexpected but important role in the beginning of Matt’s relationship with his future wife.
During high school, Mikenna participated in community volleyball alongside Destiny Ramirez.
Destiny later discovered that her volleyball teammate was Matt Orzech’s sister.
When Destiny became interested in Matt, Mikenna helped create an opportunity for the two to communicate.
This connection eventually contributed to their relationship beginning in 2012.
Because of that history, Mikenna became an important person in the couple’s love story.
Mikenna Orzech’s Role in Matt and Destiny’s Wedding
Mikenna participated as a bridesmaid during Matt and Destiny’s wedding in April 2019.
Destiny publicly acknowledged her friendship with Mikenna and expressed appreciation for helping bring the couple together.
The two had known each other for several years through community sports and family activities.
The wedding represented another important milestone in their relationship because they officially became sisters-in-law.
Although Mikenna’s current occupation and personal life are not extensively documented, her relationship with Matt and Destiny is well established.
Coleton DeFalco: Matt Orzech’s Stepbrother
Coleton DeFalco is another member of Matt Orzech’s family through his stepfamily.
He appeared among the relatives attending the family vacation in Hawaii during which Matt proposed to Destiny in 2018.
Coleton also participated as a groomsman during the wedding in 2019.
The couple’s wedding website described him as someone who had become like a brother to Matt.
His relationship with the family is confirmed, although further details about his education and professional activities remain private.
Matt Orzech’s Childhood and Family Background
Matthew Robert Orzech was born on April 12, 1995, in San Diego, California.
He grew up in Southern California and attended Paloma Valley High School in Menifee.
During childhood, Orzech developed an interest in both football and baseball.
His father had previously played football at Iowa State, creating an additional family connection to competitive athletics.
However, baseball was initially Matt’s favorite sport.
He became a talented pitcher and first baseman before discovering that his throwing skills could also be valuable in American football.
Matt Orzech’s High School Football Career
Matt Orzech attended Paloma Valley High School, where he participated in football and baseball.
He earned three varsity letters in football and two in baseball.
As a senior in 2012, he helped the school’s football team finish with a 9-4 record and advance to the third round of the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs.
He played tight end and defensive end.
During his final high school season, he recorded six receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, he contributed 55 tackles and nine sacks.
He also enjoyed success in baseball, recording a .354 batting average with five doubles during his senior season.
His versatility attracted interest from college athletic programs.
Matt Orzech’s College Football Career at Azusa Pacific
Matt Orzech attended Azusa Pacific University in California, where he played college football from 2013 through 2018.
He initially planned to pursue opportunities in baseball and football.
However, his baseball experience eventually helped introduce him to the specialized role of long snapper.
During his freshman season in 2013, he appeared in 11 football games and handled long-snapping duties.
He continued contributing as a reserve tight end and special teams player during the following seasons.
Injuries interrupted his college career, including the entire 2016 season and much of 2017.
Nevertheless, he returned for a productive final season in 2018.
That year, he appeared in 12 games and made five starts at tight end.
He recorded eight receptions for 139 yards and contributed seven special teams tackles.
Orzech completed his college football career with 46 appearances and eight starts.
He also studied graphic design.
Matt Orzech’s Journey From College to the NFL
Matt Orzech entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
The Baltimore Ravens initially signed him before releasing him during the final roster reductions.
Shortly afterward, the Jacksonville Jaguars claimed him off waivers.
On September 1, 2019, Jacksonville added him to its active roster.
The achievement represented an important milestone after years of preparation and college injuries.
Azusa Pacific University celebrated his accomplishment, highlighting the role played by his wife, parents, coaches and support network.
Orzech subsequently appeared in all 16 regular-season games for the Jaguars during the 2019 season.
However, Jacksonville released him in 2020.
He then spent time with the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans before receiving another major opportunity.
Matt Orzech’s Super Bowl Victory With the Los Angeles Rams
Matt Orzech joined the Los Angeles Rams in May 2021.
He competed for the team’s long-snapping position during training camp and earned the starting role.
The opportunity became especially meaningful because it allowed him to establish greater professional stability.
During the 2021 season, Orzech handled long-snapping duties throughout the regular season and playoffs.
The Rams eventually reached Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals.
On February 13, 2022, Los Angeles defeated Cincinnati 23-20 to win the championship.
Orzech became a Super Bowl champion, achieving one of the most important milestones of his football career.
His father and extended family celebrated the occasion, reflecting on the challenges he had overcome to reach professional football’s biggest stage.
Matt Orzech’s NFL Career With the Green Bay Packers
Matt Orzech joined the Green Bay Packers on March 17, 2023.
The team signed him as an unrestricted free agent after two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.
Orzech quickly established himself as Green Bay’s primary long snapper.
His responsibilities include delivering accurate snaps for punts, field goals and extra-point attempts.
He works closely with the team’s punter, holder and placekicker to maintain consistency during special teams plays.
Throughout the 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons, Orzech appeared in all 51 regular-season games.
He also handled snapping duties during four postseason contests.
Matt Orzech’s Contract Extension With the Packers
On August 26, 2025, the Green Bay Packers announced a contract extension for Matt Orzech.
The agreement followed two productive seasons in which he established himself as a reliable member of the team’s special teams unit.
The extension reflected Green Bay’s confidence in his ability to maintain consistent long-snapping performances.
It also provided greater professional continuity for Orzech and his growing family.
Matt Orzech’s Return From Injury in 2026
During the 2026 offseason, Matt Orzech experienced a calf injury that prevented him from participating in training camp.
The Packers temporarily evaluated other long snappers while he recovered.
However, the organization retained him as its preferred specialist.
Orzech was activated from the physically unable to perform list before the beginning of the regular season.
He subsequently returned to playing duties and appeared in Green Bay’s first seven games of 2026.
His recovery demonstrated his determination to remain available and continue contributing to the Packers.
Matt Orzech’s Community Involvement and Personal Values
Matt Orzech has participated in charitable activities during his professional football career.
He has supported International Justice Mission, an organization that works to protect vulnerable people from violence and exploitation.
In 2025, he selected the organization for the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative.
The program allows NFL players to wear specially designed footwear representing charitable causes.
Orzech has also participated in activities supporting the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.
These include charitable golf events and fundraising initiatives connected with the Packers Vs. Cancer campaign.
His commitment to community activities reflects values he has associated with faith, family responsibility and helping others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matt Orzech’s Family
Who is Matt Orzech’s wife?
Matt Orzech is married to Destiny Orzech, formerly Destiny Ramirez. The couple met during high school in California and married on April 5, 2019.
Does Matt Orzech have a girlfriend?
Matt Orzech is married to Destiny Orzech, his former high school girlfriend.
When did Matt Orzech get married?
Matt Orzech married Destiny Ramirez on April 5, 2019, in San Diego, California.
How did Matt Orzech meet his wife?
Matt and Destiny met during high school. Destiny knew his younger sister, Mikenna, through community volleyball, and Mikenna helped the couple begin communicating.
How many children does Matt Orzech have?
Matt Orzech has three children: two sons named Micah and Levi, and a daughter named Mercy Jean.
Who is Matt Orzech’s oldest son?
Matt Orzech’s oldest son is Micah James Thomas, who was born in January 2021.
Who is Levi Strider?
Levi Strider is Matt and Destiny Orzech’s second son. He was born in June 2023.
Who is Matt Orzech’s daughter?
Matt Orzech’s daughter is Mercy Jean, who was born in April 2025.
Who are Matt Orzech’s parents?
Matt Orzech’s parents are Matt Orzech and Jayme Orzech, according to Azusa Pacific University’s official football biography.
Who is Matt Orzech’s father?
Matt Orzech’s father shares his first name and played college football at Iowa State University.
Who is Matt Orzech’s mother?
Matt Orzech’s mother is Jayme Orzech, also identified as Jamye DeFalco in the family’s wedding records.
Who is Matt Orzech’s stepfather?
Matt Orzech’s stepfather is Chris DeFalco, who was identified in the couple’s official wedding party information.
Who is Matt Orzech’s stepmother?
Matt Orzech’s stepmother is Renee Schaeffer, whose relationship with the family is documented through his 2019 wedding records.
How many siblings does Matt Orzech have?
Matt Orzech has two siblings identified in his official college biography: Michael Orzech and Mikenna Orzech. His extended family also includes stepbrother Coleton DeFalco.
Who is Matt Orzech’s brother?
Matt Orzech’s younger brother is Michael Orzech, who served as a best man during his wedding in 2019.
Who is Matt Orzech’s sister?
Matt Orzech’s younger sister is Mikenna Orzech. She helped introduce him to his future wife, Destiny, during high school.
Who is Coleton DeFalco?
Coleton DeFalco is a member of Matt Orzech’s stepfamily. He participated as a groomsman in Matt’s wedding.
Where is Matt Orzech’s family from?
Matt Orzech was born in San Diego, California, and attended Paloma Valley High School in Menifee, California.
What is Matt Orzech’s full name?
His full given name is Matthew Robert Orzech, according to the Green Bay Packers’ official biography.
When was Matt Orzech born?
Matt Orzech was born on April 12, 1995, in San Diego, California.
Where did Matt Orzech play college football?
Matt Orzech attended Azusa Pacific University, where he played college football from 2013 through 2018.
Has Matt Orzech won a Super Bowl?
Yes. Matt Orzech won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams during the 2021 NFL season.
When did Matt Orzech join the Green Bay Packers?
Matt Orzech signed with the Green Bay Packers on March 17, 2023, after playing for the Los Angeles Rams.
What position does Matt Orzech play?
Matt Orzech is a long snapper for the Green Bay Packers and wears jersey number 42.
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.
