Bob Heinz Children: Meet Julie, Joe and John Heinz, the NFL Legend’s Three Kids

Former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Bob Heinz has returned to the headlines following the announcement of his passing at age 79. His son John confirmed the news, prompting tributes to the two-time Super Bowl champion who helped Miami complete its historic undefeated season. Beyond his achievements in professional football, Heinz was a devoted family man who shared more than five decades of marriage with his wife, Carol, and raised three children.

Bob Heinz had three children: Julie Heinz, Joe Heinz and John Heinz. He welcomed them with his longtime wife, Carol Covington Heinz, whom he married in 1970. The family spent many years living in California, where Heinz pursued a career in advertising after retiring from professional football. He was also a grandfather to two grandchildren, Matthew and Samantha.

How Many Children Did Bob Heinz Have?

Bob Heinz was the father of three children, one daughter and two sons.

Their names are Julie, Joe and John Heinz, as confirmed in family information released following his passing.

Although Heinz achieved national recognition through his NFL career, he kept his children’s personal lives largely outside the public spotlight.

The family lived in Menlo Park, California, where Heinz worked in sales and advertising after leaving professional football.

His children grew up with a father who had played on one of the most celebrated teams in NFL history, but their individual careers and personal interests have not been extensively documented.

Who Is Bob Heinz’s Son John Heinz?

John Heinz is one of Bob Heinz’s two sons and became publicly recognized after confirming his father’s passing.

Bob passed away on October 31, 2026, in Fresno, California. John subsequently confirmed the news, which was reported by several sports publications.

His announcement brought renewed attention to the former defensive tackle’s accomplishments with the Miami Dolphins.

John has otherwise maintained a relatively private life, and reliable information about his education, occupation and family circumstances remains limited.

His role in confirming the news reflected the family’s involvement in sharing Bob’s legacy with football fans.

Meet Bob Heinz’s Other Children, Julie and Joe

Julie Heinz is Bob Heinz’s daughter, while Joe Heinz is his other son.

Both were raised in California alongside their brother John.

Their father spent much of his post-football career working in advertising and sales in the Palo Alto and Menlo Park areas.

Despite Bob’s association with the Dolphins’ championship teams, Julie and Joe have not maintained prominent public profiles.

There is limited verified information about their professions, marriages or individual family lives.

The family’s public tribute focused on Bob’s personality, friendships and affection for those closest to him rather than revealing extensive details about his children.

Bob Heinz’s Wife Carol and Their 56-Year Marriage

Bob Heinz married Carol Covington in 1970, shortly after beginning his professional football career.

The couple met while Heinz was attending the University of the Pacific, where he played college football and participated in track and field.

Their marriage lasted 56 years, spanning his NFL career, retirement and subsequent professional life.

Carol remained his longtime partner as the family established roots in Northern California.

After many years in Menlo Park, the couple eventually moved to Fresno to be closer to family.

Carol survived her husband, along with their three children and two grandchildren.

Their long marriage was an important part of Heinz’s life beyond his accomplishments on the football field.

Bob Heinz’s Grandchildren and Family Legacy

Bob Heinz was also a grandfather to two grandchildren, Matthew and Samantha.

Both were mentioned among his surviving family members following his passing.

Additional details about their ages, education and personal lives have not been widely disclosed.

Heinz’s family remembered him for his sense of humor, friendships and enjoyment of everyday life.

He was known for appreciating Jimmy Buffett’s music, supporting the San Francisco Giants and following professional football long after his playing career ended.

His family also recalled his habit of rooting against NFL teams attempting to match Miami’s undefeated season.

Those personal memories offered a different perspective on a player best remembered for his role in football history.

Bob Heinz’s NFL Career and Historic Dolphins Legacy

Bob Heinz was born on July 25, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

He later moved to California and played college football at San Joaquin Delta College and the University of the Pacific.

The Miami Dolphins selected him in the second round of the 1969 NFL Draft with the 37th overall pick.

He became a defensive tackle on Miami’s celebrated No-Name Defense under head coach Don Shula.

During the 1972 season, the Dolphins completed a perfect 17-0 campaign, winning Super Bowl VII against Washington.

Miami followed that achievement by winning Super Bowl VIII the next season.

Heinz spent eight seasons with the Dolphins before finishing his NFL career with Washington in 1978.

After retiring, he worked as an advertising executive and maintained a relatively private lifestyle.

His passing marked another loss among the players who contributed to Miami’s historic championship era.

For readers searching for Bob Heinz’s children, the former NFL player was survived by his daughter Julie, sons Joe and John, and grandchildren Matthew and Samantha. While his football achievements remain part of NFL history, his 56-year marriage to Carol and the family they raised were equally important parts of his personal story.