Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Gunnar Helm, whose full name is Gunnar Blake Helm, is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 6, 2002, in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Helm developed into a standout player at the University of Texas before being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Behind his professional football career is a supportive family that includes his parents, Blake and Patti Helm, and his three sisters, Madison, Morgan and Emerson Helm. Growing up in an athletic household helped Gunnar develop the discipline and competitive attitude that contributed to his football success.
Helm has also attracted attention for his romantic relationships. He was previously linked to Lucy Tidwell during his college career before publicly introducing Erin Schassler as his girlfriend in August 2025.
Although Helm shares occasional glimpses of his personal life, reliable public sources do not confirm that he is married or has children.
Gunnar Helm’s Girlfriend: Who Is Erin Schassler?
Gunnar Helm has been publicly linked to Erin Schassler, an American model who has supported the Tennessee Titans tight end during his professional football career.
Their relationship became public in August 2025, when Helm shared a photograph of Schassler on his Instagram Story.
According to Sportskeeda, the photograph showed Schassler sitting across from Helm during a dinner date.
Helm accompanied the picture with the caption, “Home never looked so good,” confirming their romantic connection to his social media followers.
The announcement attracted attention because Helm had previously been in a relationship with Lucy Tidwell, who supported him during his final college football season at Texas.
Schassler subsequently began appearing at Tennessee Titans games and other events associated with Helm’s professional career.
Who Is Erin Schassler?
Erin Schassler is an American model who has been associated with the fashion and lifestyle industry.
Sports reporting has identified her as a Chicago-based model who began spending additional time in Nashville after developing her relationship with Helm.
She maintains a social media presence under the Instagram username @rinischassler, where she has shared photographs from sporting events, travel experiences and her personal life.
Although Schassler has appeared publicly with Helm, reliable sources provide limited additional information about her family background, education and early life.
Erin Schassler Supports Gunnar Helm at Titans Games
In September 2025, Schassler attended a Tennessee Titans home game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
She shared photographs from the occasion on Instagram, including images of herself and Helm.
The appearance was among the couple’s first widely reported public outings following their relationship announcement.
Schassler continued supporting Helm during his rookie NFL season, occasionally sharing photographs wearing Tennessee Titans merchandise.
In October 2025, she posted images from the sidelines at Nissan Stadium while wearing a customized Titans outfit.
The couple also attended the Sports Illustrated and Tight End University “Tight Ends & Friends” event in Nashville on June 23, 2026.
Getty Images photographed Helm and Schassler together at the event, providing further public documentation of their relationship.
Gunnar Helm’s Former Girlfriend: Lucy Tidwell
Before his relationship with Erin Schassler became public, Gunnar Helm dated Lucy Tidwell.
Their relationship was publicly documented during Helm’s college football career at the University of Texas.
According to published sports reporting, Tidwell began sharing photographs of Helm on Instagram in early 2022.
She continued supporting him throughout his development with the Texas Longhorns and celebrated his selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
On April 26, 2025, after the Tennessee Titans selected Helm in the fourth round, Tidwell shared an Instagram Story congratulating him.
The post included footage of Helm celebrating the draft with his parents and expressed her excitement about his achievement.
Tidwell also publicly encouraged Helm as he began participating in Tennessee’s rookie minicamp.
However, by August 2025, sports publications reported that Helm had entered a new relationship with Erin Schassler.
The exact circumstances and timing of Helm’s separation from Tidwell have not been reliably established.
Is Gunnar Helm Married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Gunnar Helm is married.
His official Tennessee Titans draft questionnaire, completed in 2025, listed his marital status as single and did not identify a spouse or fiancée.
Although Helm has subsequently been photographed with Erin Schassler, there has been no independently verified wedding announcement.
Therefore, Schassler should be described as his publicly known girlfriend rather than his wife.
Does Gunnar Helm Have Children?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Gunnar Helm has any children.
His official Tennessee Titans draft questionnaire did not list any children, and his current player biography does not identify a son or daughter.
Helm has not made a widely documented public announcement about becoming a father.
Although he occasionally shares aspects of his personal life, his public interviews have primarily focused on football, his parents, his sisters and his development as an NFL tight end.
Gunnar Helm’s Parents
Gunnar Helm was born to Blake Helm and Patti Helm, who raised their family in the Denver metropolitan area of Colorado.
Their names are confirmed in the Tennessee Titans’ official player biography and the University of Texas football records.
Both parents encouraged their children to participate in sports, creating an environment where athletic competition and personal discipline became important family values.
During a February 2025 interview with NBC Sports, Helm described growing up in a close-knit family.
He also explained that his parents had maintained a strong marriage and supported their children’s different athletic interests.
Gunnar Helm’s Father: Blake Helm
Blake Helm is Gunnar Helm’s father and one of the important figures in his upbringing.
According to published professional profiles, Blake attended Colorado State University before pursuing a career in business.
He has reportedly worked in regional leadership roles in the medical technology industry, including a position associated with Artelon.
Although Blake generally maintains a private public profile, he has been involved in supporting Gunnar’s football career.
Growing up in Colorado, Gunnar participated in several sports, including football, basketball, lacrosse and recreational hockey.
His parents encouraged him to explore these activities while developing the discipline required to compete at a high level.
Blake was also present during one of the most important moments in Gunnar’s career: the 2025 NFL Draft.
When the Tennessee Titans selected Helm with the 120th overall pick, Gunnar celebrated alongside his parents in Colorado.
Photographs and videos from the occasion captured the family’s excitement as he learned he would begin his NFL career in Tennessee.
Gunnar Helm’s Mother: Patti Helm
Patti Helm is Gunnar Helm’s mother and another important figure in his personal development.
According to published biographical reporting, Patti attended the University of Arizona, where she studied marketing and fashion.
Her professional background has reportedly included work in the fashion industry, including regional leadership responsibilities with Jones Apparel Group.
She has also been associated with real estate and community organizations in the Denver area.
Beyond her professional activities, Patti helped raise four children with different athletic interests and competitive ambitions.
Gunnar has spoken about how watching his sisters train and compete taught him the importance of dedication.
His mother and father supported those activities while encouraging the children to work hard and pursue their individual goals.
Patti also celebrated Gunnar’s achievements at Cherry Creek High School, the University of Texas and during his transition to professional football.
Gunnar Helm’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Gunnar Helm has three sisters: Madison Helm, Morgan Helm and Emerson Helm.
The names of all three siblings are confirmed in the Tennessee Titans’ official player biography and the team’s 2025 draft questionnaire.
Helm has no brothers identified in those official records.
His sisters also have athletic backgrounds, and Gunnar has credited their dedication to their sports with helping him develop his own work ethic.
Madison Helm – Gunnar Helm’s Sister
Madison Helm is one of Gunnar Helm’s three sisters.
She grew up in the Denver area alongside Gunnar and their other siblings.
In a February 2025 interview with NBC Sports, Gunnar explained that his oldest sister was an accomplished competitive swimmer.
He recalled that she came within one-hundredth of a second of achieving an Olympic Trials qualifying time in the breaststroke.
Although he did not identify the swimmer by name during that specific part of the interview, he described her achievements as an important example of athletic dedication within the family.
Gunnar said that watching his sister spend long hours training helped him understand how much effort elite athletes must invest in their sports.
Reliable public reporting provides limited additional information about Madison’s later education, occupation and personal life.
Morgan Helm – Gunnar Helm’s Sister
Morgan Helm is another of Gunnar Helm’s sisters.
Like her siblings, Morgan grew up in a household that valued athletics, education and commitment to personal goals.
During his NBC Sports interview at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Gunnar discussed how one of his older sisters competed in dance at a high level.
He recalled that she regularly participated in national championship competitions in Florida and spent many hours practicing with her team.
The demanding training schedule impressed Gunnar and gave him an example of the commitment required to succeed in competitive activities.
He explained that watching his sisters train helped establish expectations for his own athletic preparation.
Although Morgan is named in the Titans’ official biography, detailed information about her later career and personal activities is not widely available.
Emerson Helm – Gunnar Helm’s Younger Sister
Emerson Helm is Gunnar Helm’s younger sister and a former high school field hockey player.
She attended Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado, the same school where Gunnar developed into a standout football player.
According to MaxPreps, Emerson played varsity field hockey for Cherry Creek as a forward and wore jersey No. 11.
Her high school athletic records include participation during the 2022–23 season.
Emerson graduated from Cherry Creek in 2023, according to the school’s athletic records published by MaxPreps.
In his February 2025 NBC Sports interview, Gunnar also spoke affectionately about his younger sister’s outgoing personality.
He explained that she was particularly good at connecting with people and often knew someone whenever he wanted to make a new acquaintance.
The siblings relied on one another for support, and Gunnar described their family relationship as especially close.
Gunnar Helm’s Grandparents and Family Football History
Football has been part of Gunnar Helm’s extended family history.
According to published family profiles, his paternal grandfather, Roger Helm, played college football as a tight end at the University of Iowa.
His maternal grandfather also reportedly played tight end at the University of Illinois and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.
These athletic connections contributed to a family background in which football was familiar long before Gunnar became a professional player.
Roger Helm has publicly celebrated his grandson’s NFL achievements.
Following Gunnar’s impressive performances during the 2025 preseason, Roger expressed pride in his selection by the Tennessee Titans.
He also recalled being in Colorado with his wife when Gunnar received the news that Tennessee had drafted him.
The family’s football history provides additional context for Gunnar’s decision to pursue the tight end position.
Gunnar Helm’s Childhood and Family Background
Gunnar Helm was born in Greenwood Village, Colorado, and grew up in the Denver area.
During childhood, he participated in several sports, including football, hockey, basketball, skiing and lacrosse.
He frequently played pond hockey and developed strong ice-skating abilities.
According to his official Tennessee Titans biography, Helm considers ice skating one of his lesser-known athletic skills.
In an NBC Sports interview, he explained that growing up in Colorado also gave him opportunities to ski regularly.
He believed that skiing helped improve his lateral movement and body control, qualities that became useful when playing tight end.
Helm also competed in basketball and lacrosse to improve his overall athleticism.
Although he enjoyed several sports, football gradually became his primary passion.
He attended Cherry Creek High School, where he developed into one of Colorado’s top football prospects.
Gunnar Helm’s High School Football Career
At Cherry Creek High School, Gunnar Helm played football under head coach Dave Logan.
He helped the program win consecutive Colorado Class 5A state championships and establish an impressive winning streak.
During his senior season, Helm recorded 28 receptions for 367 yards and seven touchdowns.
His performances earned him first-team Class 5A All-State recognition and All-Centennial League honors.
Recruiting services considered him one of the top tight ends in Colorado.
Rivals ranked him as the state’s third-best overall prospect in his recruiting class.
Following his high school success, Helm accepted an opportunity to play college football at the University of Texas.
His move from Colorado to Austin represented an important stage in his development and required him to adapt to a new environment away from his family.
How Gunnar Helm’s Family Influenced His College Career
Gunnar Helm began his college football career at the University of Texas in 2021.
During his early seasons, he primarily contributed as a reserve tight end and special teams player.
He faced significant competition for playing time, including from fellow tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders.
Rather than transferring immediately or abandoning his ambitions, Helm remained committed to improving and earning a more prominent role.
His patience eventually paid off during his senior season in 2024.
He became one of Texas’s most productive receivers, recording 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns.
The performances earned him second-team All-SEC recognition and a place among the semifinalists for the John Mackey Award, which honors college football’s outstanding tight end.
Helm also maintained strong academic results throughout his college career.
He earned multiple Academic All-Big 12 honors and graduated from Texas in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications.
The discipline required to balance football and education reflected the competitive family environment he described during interviews.
Gunnar Helm’s Family Celebrated His NFL Draft Selection
On April 26, 2025, the Tennessee Titans selected Gunnar Helm in the fourth round of the NFL Draft with the 120th overall pick.
The selection represented the fulfillment of a dream he had pursued since childhood.
Helm celebrated the occasion with his family, including his parents, Blake and Patti Helm.
His then-girlfriend, Lucy Tidwell, also shared a congratulatory message on social media following the announcement.
Helm subsequently traveled to Nashville and signed his rookie contract with Tennessee.
During his first NFL season in 2025, he appeared in 16 games, starting 10.
He recorded 44 receptions for 357 yards, setting a Tennessee Titans franchise record for receptions by a rookie tight end.
He also scored two receiving touchdowns during his debut season.
His successful transition to professional football provided another major milestone for the Helm family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gunnar Helm’s Family
Who is Gunnar Helm’s girlfriend?
Gunnar Helm has been publicly linked to Erin Schassler, a model who appeared with him at Titans games and the Tight Ends & Friends event in June 2026.
Who was Gunnar Helm’s previous girlfriend?
Gunnar Helm previously dated Lucy Tidwell, who supported him during his college football career at Texas and celebrated his selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Is Gunnar Helm married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Gunnar Helm is married.
Does Gunnar Helm have children?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Gunnar Helm has any children.
Who are Gunnar Helm’s parents?
Gunnar Helm’s parents are Blake Helm and Patti Helm. They raised him and his three sisters in the Denver metropolitan area of Colorado.
How many siblings does Gunnar Helm have?
Gunnar Helm has three sisters named Madison, Morgan and Emerson Helm.
Does Gunnar Helm have a brother?
No brothers are identified in his official Tennessee Titans biography, which lists three sisters.
Who is Gunnar Helm’s youngest sister?
Gunnar Helm’s younger sister is Emerson Helm, who played varsity field hockey at Cherry Creek High School in Colorado.
Where is Gunnar Helm’s family from?
Gunnar Helm’s family is from the Denver area of Colorado. He was born in Greenwood Village and grew up near Englewood.
Did Gunnar Helm’s grandparents play football?
Published family profiles report that his paternal grandfather, Roger Helm, played tight end at Iowa, while his maternal grandfather played tight end at Illinois.
Which college did Gunnar Helm attend?
Gunnar Helm attended the University of Texas, where he played football from 2021 to 2024 and graduated with a degree in corporate communications.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
