Tyler Shough Parents: Meet Glenn and Dana Shough, the Family Behind the Saints Quarterback

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has emerged as an important part of the franchise’s future following an impressive rookie campaign. After taking over the starting position during the season, he finished with 2,384 passing yards and ten touchdowns, earning Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year honors. His rise has also brought attention to his parents, Glenn and Dana Shough, whose athletic backgrounds and personal experiences helped shape his football career.

Born in Chandler, Arizona, Tyler grew up in a family where education, competitive sports and perseverance were strongly encouraged. His father played college football before entering law enforcement, while his mother was a talented softball player who later became a teacher. Their influence became especially important when Dana faced a serious health crisis during Tyler’s childhood.

Who Are Tyler Shough’s Parents?

Tyler Shough’s parents are Glenn Shough and Dana Shough, who raised their family in Chandler, Arizona.

Both have backgrounds in athletics and education. Glenn played college football at California Lutheran University before pursuing a career in law enforcement, while Dana was a promising softball player who initially committed to Oregon State University.

The couple also emphasized academic achievement alongside sports. Tyler eventually earned two undergraduate degrees from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree from Texas Tech University.

Their family experienced significant challenges when Dana was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer while Tyler was still a young child.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding her health, Glenn and Dana remained closely involved in their children’s lives and athletic development.

Who Is Tyler Shough’s Father Glenn Shough?

Glenn Shough is a former college football player, retired police officer and educator.

He attended California Lutheran University, where he played football before completing his undergraduate education.

Glenn later earned a master’s degree from Arizona State University and pursued a career in law enforcement.

Following his police career, he taught subjects including criminal justice and driver’s education.

His professional experiences had a considerable influence on Tyler’s educational interests.

During his time at Oregon, Tyler studied criminal justice and political science, partly because he admired his father’s work in law enforcement.

The quarterback has previously discussed accompanying his father on police ride-alongs and considering a career in federal law enforcement.

Glenn also encouraged his son’s football development, providing advice and support throughout his high school and college years.

In June 2025, Tyler celebrated Father’s Day by sharing a promotional video featuring his father, offering fans a glimpse of their close relationship.

Who Is Tyler Shough’s Mother Dana Shough?

Dana Shough is Tyler Shough’s mother, a former educator and an accomplished athlete during her younger years.

She initially committed to playing college softball at Oregon State University before attending Arizona State University, where she earned a teaching degree.

Dana later worked as a teacher in the Chandler Unified School District.

Her background in competitive athletics helped establish a family environment where sports were encouraged from an early age.

However, Dana’s most widely discussed personal experience involves her battle with advanced breast cancer.

In 2006, when Tyler was approximately five years old, she received a diagnosis of stage-four metastatic breast cancer.

Doctors initially gave her a very limited prognosis, creating an extremely difficult period for the family.

Dana has recalled being told that she might have only nine months to live.

Rather than giving up hope, she pursued treatment and remained determined to raise her children.

Her determination became one of the most important examples of perseverance in Tyler’s childhood.

How Did Dana Shough’s Cancer Battle Influence Tyler?

Dana Shough’s cancer diagnosis had a lasting influence on her son’s outlook toward adversity.

Tyler was still in elementary school when his mother began undergoing treatment.

His younger brother, Brady, was approximately two years old at the time.

The family faced considerable emotional uncertainty as Dana underwent treatment and worked toward recovery.

Tyler later explained that watching his mother confront a life-threatening illness helped him understand the importance of determination.

He carried those lessons into his football career, particularly when injuries interrupted his college development.

During his time at Texas Tech, Tyler experienced several setbacks, including a broken collarbone and a serious leg injury.

The injuries limited his playing opportunities and raised questions about his professional future.

However, he continued pursuing football, eventually transferring to Louisville for his final college season.

In an April 2025 interview before the NFL Draft, Dana reflected on her cancer diagnosis and explained that difficult experiences reveal how people respond to challenges.

Tyler has similarly credited his mother’s resilience with helping him maintain confidence during demanding periods of his athletic career.

Does Tyler Shough Have Any Siblings?

Tyler Shough grew up with four siblings, including his younger brother Brady and two older half-sisters.

His younger brother, Brady Shough, also pursued football and played safety at Northern Arizona University.

The brothers grew up in Chandler and developed their athletic abilities through school sports.

Tyler’s older half-sisters are Beth Serino and Cori Clausman, who have lived in the Los Angeles area.

The family maintained strong connections despite differences in age and professional interests.

Growing up with siblings helped Tyler develop a competitive personality and an appreciation for teamwork.

His brother’s involvement in football also reinforced the family’s longstanding interest in athletics.

Although Tyler became the most publicly recognized member of the family through his NFL career, his parents have consistently emphasized the importance of supporting all their children.

How Did Glenn and Dana Shough Support Tyler’s Football Career?

Tyler Shough attended Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona, where he developed into one of the state’s leading quarterback prospects.

During his senior season in 2017, he threw for 3,071 yards and 30 touchdowns, attracting interest from major college football programs.

He eventually committed to the University of Oregon, beginning a college career that would span seven seasons and three universities.

After Oregon, Tyler transferred to Texas Tech before completing his final season at Louisville.

His college journey was complicated by injuries that repeatedly interrupted his development.

Throughout those setbacks, Glenn and Dana continued encouraging him to remain focused on his long-term goals.

Their support proved particularly important when Tyler suffered a season-ending leg injury at Texas Tech in 2023.

He returned the following year at Louisville, throwing for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns.

His performances earned national recognition and renewed interest from NFL scouts.

The New Orleans Saints selected him with the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

For Glenn and Dana, the selection represented the culmination of years spent supporting their son’s football ambitions.

Tyler Shough’s Growing Family and NFL Career

Tyler Shough’s family has expanded as his professional football career has developed.

He married former Oregon soccer player Jordan Wormdahl in April 2024 after meeting her during their college years.

The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Grayson DuBois Shough, in February 2026.

Becoming a father introduced another important responsibility for Tyler, who has frequently discussed the influence of his own parents.

His first NFL season also brought significant professional success.

After becoming New Orleans’ starting quarterback, Shough helped the Saints win five of his nine starts and established himself as a promising young player.

He finished the season leading rookie quarterbacks in several statistical categories, including completion percentage and passer rating.

His performances earned him the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award.

As Tyler continues developing his career in New Orleans, Glenn and Dana remain important figures in his personal story.

Their experiences in athletics, education and overcoming serious challenges helped establish the foundation for his success. For Tyler Shough, reaching the NFL reflects not only his own determination but also the lasting influence of the parents who supported him throughout his journey.