Last Updated on October 17, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Robert Spillane is an American professional football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his physical playing style, leadership, and determination, Spillane has established himself as an experienced defensive player after entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
Born on December 14, 1995, in Oak Park, Illinois, Spillane comes from a large, close-knit family with an extraordinary football history. His parents are Michael “Mike” Spillane and Gretchen Spillane, while his siblings are Nora, Henry, and Timmy Spillane.
His maternal grandfather was Johnny Lattner, the legendary Notre Dame football player who won the Heisman Trophy in 1953.
In his personal life, Robert is married to Shelby Hague Spillane, his longtime romantic partner and former high school acquaintance. The couple married in June 2023 and have two daughters, Nina Annette and Ro.
Here is everything you need to know about Robert Spillane’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and remarkable family background.
Robert Spillane’s Girlfriend: Who Is He Dating?
Robert Spillane is no longer dating because he is married to his longtime partner, Shelby Hague Spillane.
The couple grew up in the Chicago suburbs and attended Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois.
Although they knew each other during their school years, published relationship profiles indicate that their romantic relationship developed after high school.
Shelby supported Robert as he pursued college football at Western Michigan University and eventually established himself in the NFL.
Their relationship continued through his professional opportunities with the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders.
They eventually married in June 2023, beginning a new chapter that included welcoming two daughters.
Who Is Robert Spillane’s Wife, Shelby Hague?
Shelby Spillane, whose maiden name is Shelby Hague, is the wife of New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane.
She grew up in the Chicago metropolitan area and attended Fenwick High School, where she knew Robert before their relationship became romantic.
Although Shelby has appeared in social media photographs and public reporting about NFL players’ families, she maintains a relatively private personal life.
Reliable information about her professional occupation and educational background beyond high school remains limited.
Nevertheless, she has become an important part of Robert’s life, supporting him during his professional football career and raising their children together.
How Did Robert Spillane and Shelby Hague Meet?
Robert Spillane and Shelby Hague first knew each other while attending Fenwick High School in Oak Park.
Both were raised in the Chicago area and shared connections to their local community.
Robert played football at Fenwick before moving to Michigan for college.
Although the couple knew each other during their teenage years, published accounts indicate that they began dating after high school.
Over time, their relationship developed into a long-term partnership.
Robert continued pursuing his professional football ambitions while Shelby supported him through the uncertainty associated with entering the NFL as an undrafted player.
When Did Robert Spillane Get Engaged?
Robert Spillane announced his engagement to Shelby Hague on May 27, 2022.
At the time, he was playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The engagement announcement appeared on social media and included photographs celebrating the occasion.
According to published relationship profiles, Robert proposed in a classroom setting.
He expressed excitement about marrying Shelby and beginning their future together.
The engagement marked an important personal milestone following several years of dating.
When Did Robert Spillane Get Married?
Robert Spillane and Shelby Hague married on June 25, 2023.
Their wedding took place at the Chicago Botanic Garden in the Chicago metropolitan area.
The location was meaningful because both had grown up nearby.
The wedding occurred shortly after Robert joined the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent.
Following the ceremony, Shelby began using the surname Spillane.
The couple subsequently welcomed two daughters and continued building their family as Robert’s professional football career progressed.
As of now, Robert and Shelby remain publicly identified as husband and wife.
Does Robert Spillane Have Children?
Yes. Robert Spillane and his wife Shelby have two daughters named Nina Annette and Ro.
The couple welcomed their first daughter in 2024 and their second daughter in 2025.
Robert has spoken publicly about how much he enjoys fatherhood and how his children have changed his life.
During an April 2026 media interview, he described spending time with his daughters as one of the most rewarding parts of the NFL offseason.
1. Nina Annette Spillane – Robert Spillane’s First Daughter
Nina Annette Spillane is Robert and Shelby Spillane’s first child.
She was born in June 2024, approximately one year after her parents married.
Robert publicly announced Shelby’s pregnancy in November 2023 following a memorable NFL performance.
At the time, he was playing for the Las Vegas Raiders.
On November 12, 2023, the Raiders defeated the New York Jets in a Sunday Night Football game.
Spillane secured an important interception during the final minutes of the contest.
Following the victory, he revealed during his postgame interview that Shelby was pregnant with their first child.
The announcement added another memorable element to an already successful evening.
Several months later, the couple welcomed Nina.
2. Ro Spillane – Robert Spillane’s Second Daughter
Ro is Robert and Shelby Spillane’s second daughter.
Her arrival was publicly discussed after the couple announced another pregnancy in 2025.
Robert shared a Mother’s Day message in May 2025 celebrating Shelby and revealing that the family was preparing to welcome another child.
By April 2026, Spillane had confirmed that the couple had two daughters.
During a media interview, he affectionately referred to his younger daughter as Ro.
Some published reports have provided differing details about her exact birth month, so her precise birth date should not be treated as conclusively established.
Her full legal name has also not been consistently documented in reliable sports reporting.
Nevertheless, Robert has publicly confirmed that both daughters are an important part of his family life.
How Has Fatherhood Changed Robert Spillane?
Fatherhood has become one of Robert Spillane’s greatest sources of happiness.
During an April 28, 2026, media session with the New England Patriots, he discussed how much he enjoyed spending time with Nina and Ro.
He explained that watching his daughters grow was a blessing and that spending time with them during the offseason brought him considerable joy.
He also mentioned that his daughters regularly wore Patriots clothing around the house.
In a separate interview around the beginning of 2026, Spillane emphasized that caring for his wife and two daughters was one of his most important priorities outside football.
Although his professional career requires physical preparation, travel, and significant time away from home, he has made it clear that his family remains central to his life.
Who Are Robert Spillane’s Parents?
Robert Spillane’s parents are Michael “Mike” Spillane and Gretchen Spillane.
Both grew up in large families with longstanding connections to Oak Park, Illinois.
His father was one of 11 children, while his mother was one of eight children born to Notre Dame football legend Johnny Lattner and his wife Peggy.
Together, Mike and Gretchen raised four biological children and also welcomed Robert’s close friend Simmie Cobbs Jr. into their household.
The family’s generosity and love of sports helped shape Robert’s upbringing.
Robert Spillane’s Father: Michael “Mike” Spillane
Michael Spillane, commonly known as Mike or Big Mike, is Robert Spillane’s father.
He grew up in a large Chicago-area family and later established his own household in Oak Park.
According to a November 2020 profile published by DK Pittsburgh Sports, Mike worked in sales for Westco.
Despite his professional responsibilities, he remained closely involved in his children’s activities.
Mike helped create a household where football, basketball, and other sports were regular parts of family life.
He also demonstrated a commitment to helping young people who needed additional family support.
How Mike Spillane Influenced His Son
One of the most meaningful examples of Mike Spillane’s character involved his decision to welcome Robert’s friend Simmie Cobbs Jr. into the family home.
Robert and Simmie had known each other since middle school.
However, Simmie experienced difficult family circumstances and needed a more stable living arrangement.
After learning about the situation, Mike and Gretchen spoke with Simmie and his grandmother.
They eventually invited him to become part of their household.
According to a 2014 Chicago Sun-Times article, the Spillanes treated Simmie as another member of their family.
For Robert, the experience provided an example of generosity and the importance of helping others.
Robert Spillane’s Mother: Gretchen Spillane
Gretchen Spillane is Robert Spillane’s mother and the daughter of legendary Notre Dame football player Johnny Lattner.
She grew up surrounded by football traditions and developed strong connections to the Chicago sports community.
According to a 2020 family profile, Gretchen worked as a sales manager for a manufacturing company.
Alongside her professional career, she helped raise her four children and welcomed other young people into the family’s home.
Gretchen has been particularly supportive of Robert’s football career, from his high school days through his NFL accomplishments.
How Gretchen Spillane Supported Robert’s Football Career
Gretchen frequently attended Robert’s football games and celebrated his accomplishments.
She was especially proud when he earned a regular starting opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020.
During that season, Spillane made a memorable interception against Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and returned it for a touchdown.
After the game, Gretchen discussed the excitement surrounding her son’s achievement during a family interview.
However, she also emphasized the family’s grounded attitude.
Although Robert had become a nationally recognized NFL player, his relatives continued treating him as the same person they had known throughout his childhood.
Robert Spillane’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Robert Spillane has three biological siblings: a sister named Nora and two younger brothers named Henry and Timmy.
All three were identified in a 2014 Chicago Sun-Times feature about the Spillane household.
The family also considers Simmie Cobbs Jr. an honorary brother because he lived with them during his teenage years.
1. Nora Spillane – Robert Spillane’s Sister
Nora Spillane is Robert Spillane’s sister.
She grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, alongside Robert and their younger brothers.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Nora attended Oak Park and River Forest High School.
During high school, she participated in several sports, including field hockey, cross country, and lacrosse.
Her involvement in athletics reflected the family’s strong sporting traditions.
Although her brother became an NFL player, Nora has generally maintained a private life outside national sports coverage.
Reliable information about her current occupation and personal relationships remains limited.
2. Henry Spillane – Robert Spillane’s Younger Brother
Henry Spillane is one of Robert Spillane’s younger brothers.
He was approximately nine years old when the Chicago Sun-Times published its family feature in 2014.
Henry grew up in the family’s Oak Park home and developed interests in competitive sports.
By 2020, he was attending high school and participating in multiple athletic activities.
Henry also developed a close relationship with Simmie Cobbs Jr., whom the family welcomed into their home.
During the 2014 interview, the family explained that Henry considered Simmie another brother.
Although Henry has occasionally been mentioned in family-related sports reporting, details about his adult professional career remain limited.
3. Timmy Spillane – Robert Spillane’s Younger Brother
Timmy Spillane, also known as Timothy Spillane, is Robert’s youngest brother.
He was approximately eight years old when the Chicago Sun-Times interviewed the family in 2014.
Like Henry, Timmy grew up participating in different sports.
A 2020 feature identified both younger brothers as active high school athletes.
Timmy also shared the family’s enthusiasm for football and other athletic competitions.
According to the DK Pittsburgh Sports profile, the younger brothers regularly used Robert’s old football equipment during neighborhood games.
Further information about Timmy’s current education, occupation, and personal relationships has not been extensively documented.
4. Simmie Cobbs Jr. – Robert Spillane’s Honorary Brother
Simmie Cobbs Jr. is one of Robert Spillane’s closest childhood friends and is considered part of the Spillane family.
Although they are not biological brothers, the two developed a relationship that closely resembled a sibling bond.
They first met during middle school in Oak Park and initially competed against each other in youth football.
Over time, they became close friends.
During high school, Simmie experienced difficult family circumstances and needed a stable place to live.
Mike and Gretchen Spillane welcomed him into their household.
Robert was particularly enthusiastic about the arrangement because Simmie was already one of his best friends.
The family eventually began treating Simmie as another son and brother.
He attended family gatherings and developed a relationship with Robert’s grandfather, Johnny Lattner.
Simmie later became a college football wide receiver and pursued his own professional football opportunities.
Their relationship remains an important example of the Spillane family’s generosity and commitment to supporting one another.
Robert Spillane’s Grandfather: Johnny Lattner
One of the most famous members of Robert Spillane’s family was his maternal grandfather, Johnny Lattner.
Born on October 24, 1932, Lattner became one of the most accomplished college football players of his generation.
He attended Fenwick High School before playing college football at the University of Notre Dame.
At Notre Dame, he earned All-American recognition and became a standout running back.
In 1953, Johnny Lattner won the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player in college football.
The Pittsburgh Steelers subsequently selected him in the first round of the 1954 NFL Draft.
He played one professional season and earned Pro Bowl recognition.
However, his NFL career ended prematurely after he suffered a serious knee injury while serving in the United States Air Force.
How Johnny Lattner Influenced Robert Spillane
Robert grew up hearing stories about his grandfather’s accomplishments at Notre Dame and in professional football.
However, he has explained that Johnny rarely treated his Heisman Trophy as something that needed special protection.
Instead, the family viewed the award as part of everyday life.
Johnny sometimes allowed friends and community members to borrow the trophy for charitable events.
He also attended his grandchildren’s sporting events and encouraged their participation in athletics.
Robert developed a particularly close relationship with him.
For the young football player, Johnny was not simply a famous athlete but a grandfather who cared about his family.
Johnny Lattner passed away on February 13, 2016, at age 83.
His influence continued shaping Robert’s approach to football long after his death.
Robert Spillane’s Grandmother: Peggy Lattner
Peggy Lattner, whose maiden name was McAllister, was Robert Spillane’s maternal grandmother.
She married Johnny Lattner, and the couple raised eight children, including Robert’s mother, Gretchen.
The extended Lattner family became particularly well known in the Oak Park area because of its sporting traditions.
Johnny and Peggy had numerous grandchildren, several of whom participated in competitive football.
The family’s large gatherings and close relationships became an important part of Robert’s upbringing.
Robert Spillane’s Cousin: Ryan Smith
Robert Spillane also has a cousin named Ryan Smith, who played college football at Miami University in Ohio.
The two grew up playing football together and maintained a close relationship.
Both attended Fenwick High School, where they participated in the school’s football program.
Ryan later became a tight end at Miami University.
During a 2023 Las Vegas Review-Journal interview, Smith described how proud the extended family was of Robert’s NFL accomplishments.
He also discussed the family’s tradition of attending games and supporting one another.
Robert Spillane’s Childhood and Football Career
Robert Spillane was born on December 14, 1995, in Oak Park, Illinois.
He grew up in a large family where athletics and community involvement were important parts of daily life.
He attended Fenwick High School and became an outstanding football player.
At Fenwick, Spillane played both running back and linebacker.
His combination of strength, athleticism, and determination attracted interest from several college football programs.
He eventually accepted a scholarship to Western Michigan University.
Robert Spillane’s College Football Career
Robert Spillane played college football at Western Michigan University from 2014 through 2017.
He initially joined the program as a running back prospect before transitioning to linebacker.
His physical playing style and strong work ethic helped him become an important member of the team’s defense.
During his college career, Spillane appeared in 47 games and made 40 starts.
He recorded:
- 312 total tackles.
- 32.5 tackles for loss.
- 10 sacks.
- Four interceptions.
- Three forced fumbles.
He earned second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in both 2016 and 2017.
After completing his college career, Spillane entered the 2018 NFL Draft.
Robert Spillane’s Journey to the NFL
Despite his college football achievements, Robert Spillane was not selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.
He subsequently signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie free agent.
Although he initially struggled to secure a permanent roster position, his determination helped him remain in professional football.
He made his NFL debut with Tennessee in October 2018.
Spillane later joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he developed into a dependable linebacker.
During the 2020 season, he received additional playing opportunities following an injury to starting linebacker Devin Bush.
His interception return for a touchdown against Baltimore became one of the most memorable highlights of his early NFL career.
Robert Spillane’s Career With the Las Vegas Raiders
In March 2023, Spillane signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The move marked an important development in his professional career because he became a regular starting linebacker.
During the 2023 season, he recorded 148 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions.
He continued improving in 2024, recording 158 tackles.
The total established a Raiders single-season record.
His leadership also earned him recognition as a team captain.
His success in Las Vegas helped establish him as one of the league’s dependable veteran linebackers.
Robert Spillane Joins the New England Patriots
On March 13, 2025, the New England Patriots officially signed Robert Spillane as an unrestricted free agent.
The move reunited him with head coach Mike Vrabel, who had previously worked with him during his rookie season in Tennessee.
Spillane joined New England as an experienced defender capable of providing leadership and stability.
During his first season with the Patriots, he appeared in 13 regular-season games and recorded 97 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions.
He was also selected as a team captain.
The Patriots subsequently advanced to Super Bowl LX in February 2026.
Although New England lost to the Seattle Seahawks, Spillane gained the opportunity to compete in his first Super Bowl.
As of now, he continues playing linebacker for the New England Patriots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Spillane’s Family
Who is Robert Spillane’s girlfriend?
Robert Spillane is married to his longtime girlfriend, Shelby Hague, now known as Shelby Spillane.
Who is Robert Spillane’s wife?
His wife is Shelby Hague Spillane, whom he knew during his high school years in Oak Park, Illinois.
When did Robert Spillane get married?
Robert Spillane married Shelby Hague on June 25, 2023, at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Does Robert Spillane have children?
Yes. Robert and Shelby have two daughters named Nina Annette and Ro.
Who is Robert Spillane’s first daughter?
His first daughter is Nina Annette Spillane, who was born in June 2024.
Who is Robert Spillane’s second daughter?
His second daughter is publicly known as Ro. She was born after the couple announced another pregnancy in 2025.
Who is Robert Spillane’s father?
His father is Michael “Mike” Spillane, who worked in sales and helped raise a large, supportive family in Oak Park.
Who is Robert Spillane’s mother?
His mother is Gretchen Spillane, the daughter of 1953 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Lattner.
How many siblings does Robert Spillane have?
Robert Spillane has three biological siblings: Nora, Henry, and Timmy. His family also considers childhood friend Simmie Cobbs Jr. an honorary brother.
Who is Robert Spillane’s sister?
His sister is Nora Spillane, who participated in field hockey, cross country, and lacrosse during high school.
Who are Robert Spillane’s brothers?
His younger brothers are Henry and Timmy Spillane. Simmie Cobbs Jr. is also considered part of the family.
Who is Robert Spillane’s famous grandfather?
His maternal grandfather was Johnny Lattner, who won the Heisman Trophy while playing football at Notre Dame in 1953.
What is Robert Spillane’s full name?
His full name is John Robert Spillane.
Where is Robert Spillane from?
Robert Spillane was born on December 14, 1995, in Oak Park, Illinois.
Where did Robert Spillane play college football?
He played college football at Western Michigan University from 2014 through 2017.
Which NFL team does Robert Spillane play for?
Robert Spillane plays linebacker for the New England Patriots, whom he joined in March 2025.
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.
