Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Pete Werner’s family has played an important role in his journey from a promising football player in Indianapolis to a professional linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. The former Ohio State standout grew up in an athletic household, with a father who played in the NFL and an older brother who competed in college football at Harvard University.
Born on June 5, 1999, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Pete Werner attended Cathedral High School before playing college football at Ohio State University. He entered the NFL in 2021 after the New Orleans Saints selected him in the second round of the NFL Draft.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, fans frequently search for information about Pete Werner’s wife, girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings.
As of now, Pete Werner is married to Emily Chernoff, his longtime partner whom he first met during high school. His parents are Greg Werner and Nancy Cowan Werner, and he has three siblings: Ellen, Dan, and Tom Werner.
Although Pete and Emily have discussed their hopes of starting a family, there is currently no reliable public confirmation that they have children.
Who Is Pete Werner’s Wife or Girlfriend?
Pete Werner’s wife is Emily Chernoff, whom he married on March 22, 2025.
Emily and Pete have known each other since their teenage years in Indianapolis, where they attended Cathedral High School.
According to an exclusive interview published by People magazine on April 3, 2025, the couple initially met and became friends during high school.
Their relationship eventually became romantic while they were attending different universities.
Pete studied and played football at Ohio State University, while Emily attended Miami University in Ohio.
Despite attending different schools, they developed a lasting relationship that continued as Pete pursued his professional football career.
As of now, Emily is publicly identified as Pete Werner’s wife, rather than his girlfriend.
How Did Pete Werner Meet Emily Chernoff?
Pete Werner and Emily Chernoff first met while attending Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The two became friends before eventually beginning a romantic relationship during their college years.
By that time, Werner was developing into an important linebacker at Ohio State, while Emily was pursuing her studies at Miami University.
Their relationship continued as Pete transitioned from college football to the NFL.
Following his selection by the New Orleans Saints in 2021, the couple maintained their relationship while adjusting to the responsibilities and travel associated with professional football.
In their People interview, the couple discussed how their shared history and connections to Indianapolis had remained important throughout their relationship.
When Did Pete Werner Get Engaged?
Pete Werner and Emily Chernoff announced their engagement in March 2024.
The engagement came after several years together, including the early stages of Pete’s NFL career.
According to People, the couple subsequently began organizing a wedding that would bring together their relatives, childhood friends, and people they had met through football.
They chose Indianapolis as their wedding destination, reflecting the significance of their hometown in their relationship.
Pete Werner and Emily Chernoff’s Wedding
Pete Werner and Emily Chernoff married on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The couple exchanged vows during a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony at Saint Joan of Arc Church.
Following the ceremony, they hosted a reception at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, a historic venue in downtown Indianapolis.
According to People magazine, approximately 300 guests attended the celebration.
Among the attendees were several current and former NFL players who had been teammates or friends of Werner, including:
- Payton Turner
- Paulson Adebo
- Blake Gillikin
- Zack Baun
- Sam Hubbard
- Zach Wood
- D’Marco Jackson
Emily wore a wedding gown by Rosa Clará, while Pete wore a traditional black tuxedo.
The wedding reception featured a garden-party-inspired design, incorporating floral arrangements, greenery, and decorative details reflecting the couple’s preferences.
There were also several references to Pete’s professional football career.
Instead of a traditional bouquet toss, Emily threw a football decorated with flowers.
The celebration also included New Orleans-inspired details, including beignets served as a late-night treat.
A particularly personal moment came when Emily’s father presented a slideshow featuring more than 200 photographs documenting the couple’s relationship.
Following the wedding, Pete and Emily described their celebration as a memorable occasion that brought together their families and friends.
Does Pete Werner Have Children?
As of now, Pete Werner has no publicly confirmed children.
There has been no reliable public announcement establishing that the New Orleans Saints linebacker and his wife, Emily, have welcomed a son or daughter.
However, the couple has publicly discussed the possibility of starting a family.
In their April 2025 People interview, Pete and Emily explained that they looked forward to having children in the future.
They also expressed their desire to pass down important family traditions and values to the next generation.
At the time of the interview, they were enjoying married life while dividing their time between New Orleans and Indianapolis.
The couple’s comments confirmed their interest in becoming parents but did not establish that they already had children.
As of now, there is insufficient verified information to identify any children or establish that the couple has become parents since the interview.
Who Are Pete Werner’s Parents?
Pete Werner’s parents are Greg Werner and Nancy Cowan Werner.
Their identities are confirmed by Ohio State Athletics, the New Orleans Saints, and DePauw University.
Pete grew up in an Indianapolis-area family with strong connections to athletics and education.
His father previously played professional football before becoming an orthodontist, while his mother participated in activities supporting college football players and their families.
Pete Werner’s Father: Greg Werner
Greg Werner is Pete Werner’s father, a former professional American football player and an orthodontist.
Before becoming a dentist, Greg enjoyed a successful college athletic career at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.
He competed in both football and baseball, becoming one of the university’s most accomplished two-sport athletes.
As a football player, Greg played tight end and earned All-American recognition in 1988.
He finished his college football career with 119 receptions for 1,742 receiving yards.
Greg also excelled in baseball, earning four varsity letters as a pitcher.
His achievements eventually earned him induction into the DePauw Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.
Did Pete Werner’s Father Play in the NFL?
Yes. Greg Werner played professional football with the New York Jets and spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
After graduating from DePauw University in 1989, Greg joined the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent.
He appeared in 10 regular-season games for the Jets during the 1989 season, recording eight receptions for 115 yards.
He later attended training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1990.
Although his professional football career was relatively brief, his experience provided his children with a direct family connection to the NFL.
After leaving professional football, Greg pursued a career in dentistry.
He graduated from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1998 and completed advanced training in orthodontics in 2000.
He subsequently established a career as an orthodontist in the Indianapolis area.
According to Werner Orthodontics, he has also maintained an interest in coaching youth football and baseball.
His transition from professional athletics to healthcare provides an example of the family’s emphasis on both sports and education.
Pete Werner’s Mother: Nancy Cowan Werner
Nancy Cowan Werner is Pete Werner’s mother.
Her identity is confirmed in Ohio State University’s official football biography and DePauw University’s athletics records.
Nancy attended DePauw University, graduating in the same class as her husband, Greg.
Although she has generally maintained a lower public profile than her husband and son, Nancy has participated in activities supporting college football players and their families.
During Pete’s time at Ohio State, she became involved with Football Parents at Ohio State, an organization representing and supporting the families of Buckeyes football players.
In September 2020, Eleven Warriors identified Nancy as a member of the organization’s leadership structure.
The organization became especially active when the Big Ten Conference temporarily postponed its football season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nancy participated in efforts to encourage communication between families, football administrators, and conference officials.
In an interview published by Eleven Warriors, she discussed how the organization’s structure helped parents communicate and organize.
Her participation demonstrated an active interest in supporting Pete and other college athletes during a challenging period.
Nancy also appeared in discussions about the eventual return of Big Ten football during the 2020 season.
As of now, her current professional activities and other private personal details are not extensively documented in reliable sources.
Does Pete Werner Have Any Siblings?
Yes. Pete Werner has three siblings: Ellen Werner, Daniel “Dan” Werner, and Thomas “Tom” Werner.
Their identities are confirmed by DePauw University’s official Athletics Hall of Fame biography of Greg Werner and the Werner Orthodontics website.
According to those sources, Greg and Nancy Werner have four children: Ellen, Daniel, Peter, and Thomas.
1. Daniel “Dan” Werner – Older Brother
Dan Werner is Pete Werner’s older brother and a former college football player at Harvard University.
Like his father and younger brother, Dan pursued competitive American football.
He attended Mount Vernon High School in Indiana, where he participated in football and basketball.
During high school, Dan played several football positions, including pass rusher, running back, and H-back.
He earned All-State, All-County, and All-Conference recognition for his performances.
His athletic achievements helped him secure an opportunity to play at Harvard University.
At Harvard, Dan played tight end and wore jersey number 89.
According to Harvard Athletics, he competed for the Crimson between 2015 and 2018.
During the 2017 season, he appeared in six games and recorded three receptions for 60 yards.
In 2018, he appeared in three games, contributing as a receiving tight end.
Dan’s football experience highlights the Werner family’s continued participation in the sport across multiple generations.
Although Pete and Dan attended different universities, both developed their skills in prominent college football programs.
2. Ellen Werner – Sister
Ellen Werner is Pete Werner’s sister.
Her name appears in the official DePauw University biography of their father, Greg Werner.
The Werner Orthodontics website also identifies Ellen as one of Greg and Nancy Werner’s four children.
Unlike Pete and Dan, Ellen has not received extensive public attention through professional or college football coverage.
As of now, detailed verified information about her educational background, occupation, and current personal activities remains limited.
Her identity as Pete’s sister, however, is clearly documented in the family’s public biographies.
3. Thomas “Tom” Werner – Brother
Thomas Werner, also known as Tom, is another brother of Pete Werner.
He is included among the four children of Greg and Nancy Werner in DePauw University’s official Hall of Fame records.
The family’s orthodontic practice also identifies Tom as a member of the household.
However, unlike Dan and Pete, Thomas has not been the subject of extensive established sports coverage.
As of now, reliable information about his career, education, and other personal interests is limited.
How Has Pete Werner’s Family Influenced His Football Career?
Pete Werner grew up in a family where competitive athletics and education were important.
His father, Greg, had firsthand experience playing college and professional football, while his older brother Dan pursued the sport at Harvard.
This background provided Pete with examples of the commitment required to compete at a high level.
His parents also emphasized educational achievement.
At Ohio State, Pete studied real estate and urban analysis while competing for one of the nation’s leading football programs.
He earned multiple Academic All-Big Ten honors, demonstrating his commitment to academic responsibilities alongside athletics.
His mother’s involvement with Football Parents at Ohio State also demonstrated the family’s continued interest in supporting athletes beyond the football field.
These experiences form an important part of Pete Werner’s family background.
Pete Werner’s Early Life and College Football Career
Pete Werner was born on June 5, 1999, and grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana.
He attended Cathedral High School, where he developed into one of the state’s leading defensive football prospects.
During his senior season, Werner recorded 64 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
His performances earned him first-team Associated Press Class 6A All-State recognition.
He also received the Indianapolis Star’s award recognizing the state’s leading linebacker.
After initially committing to Notre Dame, Werner reconsidered his college options and ultimately chose Ohio State University.
He joined the Buckeyes in 2017 and became a regular starter during the 2018 season.
Throughout his college career, he developed a reputation for versatility, tackling ability, and defensive awareness.
In 2020, he received first-team All-Big Ten recognition from conference coaches and was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
He completed his college career with 185 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and four sacks.
Pete Werner’s NFL Career and Married Life
Pete Werner entered the NFL when the New Orleans Saints selected him with the 60th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
He signed his rookie contract in June 2021 and quickly established himself as a contributor on the Saints’ defense.
Werner became a regular starter during his first several professional seasons.
In 2023, he started all 16 games in which he appeared and recorded 93 tackles, according to the Saints’ official records.
His performances helped him secure a three-year contract extension with New Orleans in August 2024.
The extension kept him under contract through the 2027 NFL season.
Werner married Emily in March 2025, adding another major personal milestone to his professional accomplishments.
During the 2025 NFL season, he appeared in all 17 regular-season games, recording 81 tackles, two sacks, and three fumble recoveries.
As of now, Pete Werner continues his career with the New Orleans Saints while maintaining personal and family connections to Indianapolis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pete Werner’s Family
Who Is Pete Werner’s Wife?
Pete Werner’s wife is Emily Chernoff. The couple first met at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis and married on March 22, 2025.
Who Was Pete Werner’s Girlfriend?
Before getting married, Pete Werner dated Emily Chernoff. They became friends in high school and began their romantic relationship during college.
When Did Pete Werner Get Married?
Pete Werner married Emily Chernoff on March 22, 2025, during a Catholic wedding ceremony in Indianapolis.
Does Pete Werner Have Children?
As of now, Pete Werner has no publicly confirmed children. He and his wife previously expressed their hopes of starting a family in the future.
Who Is Pete Werner’s Father?
Pete Werner’s father is Greg Werner, a former NFL tight end who played for the New York Jets and spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles. He later became an orthodontist.
Who Is Pete Werner’s Mother?
His mother is Nancy Cowan Werner, who participated in Football Parents at Ohio State while Pete was playing for the Buckeyes.
How Many Siblings Does Pete Werner Have?
Pete Werner has three siblings: two brothers, Daniel and Thomas Werner, and a sister, Ellen Werner.
Who Is Pete Werner’s Brother Dan?
Dan Werner is Pete’s older brother and a former Harvard University football player. He played tight end for the Crimson from 2015 through 2018.
Does Pete Werner Have a Sister?
Yes. Pete Werner has a sister named Ellen Werner, whose identity is confirmed in DePauw University’s official family biography of Greg Werner.
Did Pete Werner’s Father Play in the NFL?
Yes. Greg Werner played tight end for the New York Jets in 1989 and attended training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1990.
Where Is Pete Werner From?
Pete Werner is from Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended Cathedral High School before playing college football at Ohio State University.
Which NFL Team Does Pete Werner Play For?
As of now, Pete Werner plays linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. He has been with the organization since being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
