Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Zach Wood is an American professional football long snapper for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 10, 1993, in Dallas, Texas, he played college football at Southern Methodist University (SMU) before beginning his professional career with the Dallas Cowboys in 2016.
Although Wood has become one of the longest-serving players in the New Orleans Saints organization, he has kept much of his personal and family life private.
His parents played an important role in his upbringing, particularly his father, who encouraged him to learn long snapping long before he entered the NFL.
However, Zach Wood’s parents’ names, siblings, girlfriend or wife, and children have not been reliably identified through the public sources reviewed.
Here is everything publicly known about Zach Wood’s family, including his relationship status, children, parents, siblings, upbringing, and the influence his father had on his football career.
Zach Wood’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Zach Wood’s girlfriend has not been publicly identified through reliable interviews or official football biographies.
Despite spending many seasons in the NFL, Wood has generally maintained a low profile regarding his romantic relationships.
Most of his public appearances and interviews focus on his responsibilities as the New Orleans Saints’ long snapper, his relationships with teammates, and the technical aspects of his position.
His official New Orleans Saints biography does not identify a girlfriend or romantic partner.
Similarly, his Southern Methodist University football biography provides information about his athletic career without discussing his romantic relationships.
As of now, Zach Wood’s relationship status remains publicly unconfirmed.
There is insufficient reliable evidence to determine whether he is single, dating someone privately, or married.
Is Zach Wood Married? Who Is His Wife?
There is currently no reliable public confirmation identifying Zach Wood’s wife.
Although Wood has played professionally since 2016, established sports publications have not provided sufficiently verified information about a marriage.
His official NFL biography does not mention a spouse, wedding, or engagement.
This does not necessarily mean that he is unmarried. Like many professional athletes, Wood may choose to keep his personal relationships outside the public spotlight.
As of now, no verified wedding date or spouse’s name has been established through the sources reviewed.
Zach Wood’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Zach Wood has children.
His official New Orleans Saints player biography does not identify a son or daughter.
His college football records and major media interviews also do not provide confirmed information about parenthood.
Wood has occasionally discussed his own childhood and his relationship with his parents, but those conversations have focused on his football development rather than raising children.
As of now, Zach Wood has not publicly confirmed having children through reliable sources.
Therefore, claims about the number or names of his children should not be presented as established facts without additional evidence.
Zach Wood’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Zach Wood’s parents played an important role in his upbringing in the Dallas, Texas, area.
Although their names are not provided in his official football biographies, Wood has publicly discussed both his father and mother.
An August 26, 2026, article by sports journalist Les East for Crescent City Sports provides particularly valuable information about the family’s influence on his professional career.
The report includes Wood’s recollections about advice from his father and a memorable moment involving his mother when he was preparing to enter the NFL.
Zach Wood’s Father: The Man Who Encouraged His NFL Career
Zach Wood’s father was one of the earliest influences on his development as a football player.
Although his father’s name has not been verified through the reviewed sources, his impact on Zach’s career has been documented.
According to Crescent City Sports, Wood’s father encouraged him to learn the specialized skill of long snapping while he was still young.
At that time, Zach was primarily interested in becoming a defensive football player rather than concentrating on special teams.
However, his father recognized that developing a reliable long snap could eventually create professional opportunities.
Wood recalled that his father repeatedly told him he would appreciate the advice when he became older.
Initially, Zach did not believe that long snapping would become his path to the NFL.
He instead hoped that his performances as a defensive lineman would attract the attention of professional scouts.
However, when he began working out for NFL teams, scouts showed particular interest in evaluating his long-snapping ability.
That experience helped Wood realize that his father had understood the value of the position years earlier.
Zach Wood’s Father Made a Humorous Contract Deal
One of the most interesting stories about Zach Wood’s father concerns a lighthearted agreement they made before Zach began his college football career.
According to Wood’s August 2026 interview, his father jokingly requested 20 percent of Zach’s future NFL contract in return for encouraging him to learn long snapping.
Zach agreed to the arrangement when he was younger because he did not seriously expect the prediction to come true.
Years later, his father’s advice helped him establish a successful NFL career.
Wood jokingly explained that his father had never actually received any money from the agreement.
The story highlights their relationship and the confidence his father had in Zach’s athletic potential.
Zach Wood’s Mother: Her Role in His NFL Journey
Zach Wood’s mother has also been mentioned in public reporting about his football career.
Although her name and professional background have not been reliably documented, one important moment in Zach’s career occurred at her home.
In September 2017, Wood had recently been released by the Dallas Cowboys after competing for their long-snapping position.
According to Crescent City Sports, he was preparing breakfast in his mother’s kitchen when his agent unexpectedly contacted him.
The agent informed Wood that the New Orleans Saints wanted him to travel to Louisiana for a workout.
Wood had not expected another NFL opportunity so quickly after leaving Dallas.
Nevertheless, he packed a small bag and traveled to New Orleans.
Shortly afterward, the Saints offered him a contract, giving him the opportunity to begin his regular-season NFL career.
He made his debut against the Minnesota Vikings on September 11, 2017.
What began as an ordinary morning in his mother’s kitchen ultimately became one of the most significant turning points in his professional life.
Although his mother has remained outside the sports media spotlight, this experience forms part of Wood’s publicly documented family story.
Zach Wood’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
The names and number of Zach Wood’s siblings have not been reliably confirmed through the available public sources.
His official New Orleans Saints biography provides detailed information about his NFL career but does not identify any brothers or sisters.
His Southern Methodist University player biography similarly focuses on his achievements as a defensive lineman and does not include sibling information.
There is insufficient evidence to establish whether Wood grew up as an only child or alongside siblings.
As of now, no particular individual can be reliably identified as Zach Wood’s brother or sister based on the sources reviewed.
Zach Wood’s Family Background and Early Life
Zach Wood was born on January 10, 1993, in Dallas, Texas.
He grew up in the Dallas metropolitan area and attended Rowlett High School in Rowlett, Texas.
During his childhood, Wood developed an interest in football and became a talented defensive lineman.
His father encouraged him to work on long snapping in addition to his primary defensive responsibilities.
This combination of skills became important when Wood eventually entered professional football.
At Rowlett High School, he developed into a highly regarded defensive football prospect.
According to the New Orleans Saints, he recorded 99 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and eight sacks during his junior season.
He followed that performance with 115 tackles and 10 sacks during his senior campaign.
Wood received honorable mention recognition on the 2010 Texas Class 4A All-State team.
His high school performances attracted interest from several college football programs, including Minnesota, Virginia, and Houston.
He ultimately chose Southern Methodist University, allowing him to continue his football career close to his hometown.
Did Zach Wood Grow Up Supporting the Dallas Cowboys?
Yes. Zach Wood grew up in a family that supported the Dallas Cowboys.
In an August 2017 interview published on the Cowboys’ official website, Wood explained that members of his family had supported the team throughout his childhood.
Growing up near Dallas made the Cowboys an important part of his early football experiences.
He also described the opportunity to play for the franchise as the fulfillment of a childhood dream.
Wood attended Rowlett High School before joining SMU, giving him strong connections to the Dallas area.
When the Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2016, he had the opportunity to represent the team he had supported while growing up.
Although he did not secure a permanent roster position in Dallas, the experience helped prepare him for his subsequent career in New Orleans.
Zach Wood’s College Football Career at SMU
After graduating from Rowlett High School, Zach Wood joined the Southern Methodist University football program.
He redshirted during the 2011 season before beginning his competitive college career in 2012.
Unlike his later role in the NFL, Wood primarily played defensive end at SMU.
He developed into a regular starter and an important contributor to the Mustangs’ defensive unit.
During his sophomore season in 2013, he recorded 49 tackles, six tackles for loss, and one sack.
In 2014, he started all 12 games and led the team with four sacks.
Wood continued performing well during his senior season in 2015, recording 39 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.
He also demonstrated his special-teams ability by blocking three kicks.
According to his official Saints biography, he completed his SMU career with:
- 43 games played
- 33 starts
- 137 total tackles
- 22 tackles for loss
- Nine sacks
- Two forced fumbles
- Three blocked kicks
Wood graduated with a bachelor’s degree in applied physiology and health management, along with a minor in sport management.
Although his college career centered on defensive football, the long-snapping skills encouraged by his father ultimately proved essential to his professional future.
Zach Wood’s NFL Career: From Dallas to New Orleans
Dallas Cowboys (2016–2017)
Zach Wood entered the 2016 NFL Draft but was not selected.
Following the draft, the Dallas Cowboys invited him to participate in their rookie minicamp.
His performance impressed the organization, and he signed with Dallas as an undrafted free agent in May 2016.
Wood initially competed as both a defensive lineman and long snapper.
Although he did not make the team’s final roster, the Cowboys later brought him back on a reserve/future contract in January 2017.
He returned for another offseason and training camp before being released in September 2017.
Despite the disappointment, another opportunity arrived almost immediately.
New Orleans Saints (2017–Present)
On September 9, 2017, the New Orleans Saints signed Zach Wood to become their long snapper.
The team urgently needed a replacement after veteran long snapper Jon Dorenbos was diagnosed with a serious heart condition.
Wood joined New Orleans shortly before its regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
Despite having minimal preparation time, he handled the team’s long-snapping responsibilities successfully.
He gradually became one of the most reliable members of the Saints’ special-teams unit.
In March 2020, New Orleans signed him to a four-year contract.
On July 28, 2023, the Saints announced another four-year contract extension, keeping him with the franchise.
By the end of the 2025 season, Wood had appeared in 149 consecutive regular-season games for New Orleans and seven postseason contests.
He had also been selected as a special-teams captain by his teammates for three consecutive seasons.
His professional success demonstrates how the specialized skill recommended by his father became the foundation of a long NFL career.
How Zach Wood’s Parents Influenced His Success
Although the names of Zach Wood’s parents remain outside the verified public record, their influence on his career is evident in his interviews.
His father recognized the importance of developing long-snapping skills at an early age.
His mother was present in the background of one of the most memorable moments of his professional journey, when he received the call that led to his Saints contract.
In August 2026, Saints special-teams coordinator Phil Galiano praised Wood’s upbringing during an interview with Crescent City Sports.
Galiano credited Wood’s parents for raising him with the values and attitude that contributed to his professionalism.
Those qualities became increasingly important as Wood established himself as a dependable veteran and team captain.
His commitment to preparation, consistency, and supporting younger teammates has helped him maintain a lengthy NFL career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zach Wood’s Family
Who is Zach Wood’s girlfriend?
As of now, Zach Wood has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend or romantic partner through reliable sources.
Is Zach Wood married?
There is no verified public information establishing Zach Wood’s marital status or identifying a wife.
Does Zach Wood have children?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Zach Wood has a son or daughter.
Who is Zach Wood’s father?
Zach Wood’s father’s name has not been reliably documented. However, his father encouraged him to learn long snapping as a youngster and helped influence his eventual NFL career.
Who is Zach Wood’s mother?
Zach Wood’s mother’s name has not been publicly verified. Wood recalled being in her kitchen when his agent contacted him about the New Orleans Saints’ interest in September 2017.
How many siblings does Zach Wood have?
The number and names of Zach Wood’s siblings have not been publicly confirmed through reliable sources.
Where is Zach Wood from?
Zach Wood was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in the Dallas area. He attended Rowlett High School in Rowlett, Texas.
How old is Zach Wood?
Zach Wood was born on January 10, 1993. He is 33 years old.
Where did Zach Wood play college football?
Zach Wood played college football at Southern Methodist University from 2011 through 2015, primarily as a defensive end.
What NFL team does Zach Wood play for?
Zach Wood plays for the New Orleans Saints, whom he joined in September 2017 after spending time with the Dallas Cowboys.
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.
