As the NFL season kicks off, all eyes are on fresh talent hitting the field. And one name that’s rising fast is Luke Wattenberg, the Denver Broncos‘ center. But hey! Before we hype his performance, let’s take a peek behind the curtain. A look at the folks who helped shape this guy into the player he is today. His parents!

Who is Luke Wattenberg’s mom?

Meet Margaret Lee Wattenberg, the powerhouse mom of Luke. As a retired elementary school teacher, she’s been lighting up more than just classrooms. Once upon a time, she was a volleyball star at St. Joseph High School, graduating back in ’83. Not stopping at volleyball, she was also a notable track and field athlete. Talk about versatility! After hitting up UCSB for undergrad, she snagged her teaching credential from Cal Poly, paving the way for her dedication to educating little future leaders.

Margaret’s touch is all over Luke’s life. He often goes on about how her support and lessons about hard work were game-changers. It’s easy to see how her spirit of perseverance has fueled Wattenberg‘s passion, especially after racking up accolades like the All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention and getting drafted by the Broncos. Imagine the pride she must feel watching her son carve out his space in the NFL, knowing she played a part in molding that determination.

But you gotta know that the athletic prowess runs deep in the Wattenberg family tree. Margaret’s sister-in-law, Shauna, was no joke—she was a star in both softball and volleyball. And then there’s her father-in-law, Bob Wattenberg, a coaching legend for the Orcutt Express fastpitch softball team, leading them to national championships. With that foundation, it’s like Luke hit the genetic jackpot, growing up in a family that eats, sleeps, and breathes sports.

Who is Luke‘s dad?

Now, let’s shift the spotlight to Robert Wattenberg, Luke’s dad. He’s a former basketball player from St. Joseph High School, graduating in ’80, who parlayed that athletic background into a solid career. Robert dug into the engineering world and got his degree in electrical engineering from Cal Poly, blending smarts with sports. Now, he’s a sales manager at a cell phone equipment company, proving you can tackle life from multiple angles.

What’s cool here? Robert’s mix of sports and sales likely rubbed off on the Broncos center in more ways than one. His old man’s sales skills must’ve sharpened Wattenberg’s own communication game, an essential tool when you’re out there strategizing with teammates. Growing up with a dad who’s both an athlete and a professional must have set some solid expectations for Luke.

Robert and Margaret met in Santa Maria, where their roots run deep. Robert’s pop, Bob, wasn’t just a family man; he was a respected coach who helped mold community champions. That kind of legacy isn’t just background noise; it’s the heartbeat of the Wattenberg family.

With parents who boast solid athletic and impressive academic credentials, it’s no wonder Luke’s making waves. His achievements at the University of Washington and his journey into the NFL show that he’s carrying the family torch forward—promoting hard work, resilience, and that never-give-up spirit.