Last updated: July 29, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert didn’t become one of the NFL’s most talented young signal-callers by accident. Behind the strong arm, calm presence, and quiet leadership sits a family rooted in sports, education, and steady support. His parents, Mark and Holly Herbert, raised three sons in Eugene, Oregon, just minutes from Autzen Stadium. Their story blends athletic bloodlines with everyday values that still shape Justin today.
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Meet Mark Herbert: The Supportive Father and Former Athlete
Mark Herbert, born May 9, 1965, grew up in Eugene and graduated from Sheldon High School. He earned a scholarship to the University of Montana, where he played football before switching to track and field events like hurdles, long jump, and triple jump. He left school before graduating and later taught high school biology—the same career path as his own father, Roger Herbert.
Roger had been a sprinter at Oregon State and coached track for decades at Sheldon High. Mark has spoken openly about not fully appreciating his college opportunity at the time. That lesson stuck. He coached Justin’s youth teams and constantly reminded his sons that college athletics demand more than high-school success. Today he remains one of Justin’s most consistent supporters, often seen at games and speaking with quiet pride about his middle son holding “one of the 32 most coveted jobs in the world.”
Holly Herbert: The Dedicated Mother Behind the Star
Holly Herbert (born October 8, 1970) is the daughter of Rich Schwab, a standout receiver for the University of Oregon from 1960 to 1963. Schwab, affectionately known as “Schwabby,” introduced his grandsons to Ducks football and left a lasting impression before his death from a stroke in 2018. Justin has said he still tries to live by the values his grandfather taught him.
Holly attended Washington State University and did not play college sports. She and Mark built their family life in Eugene, raising three boys in a home roughly a 10-minute drive from Autzen Stadium. They rarely missed Justin’s home games during his Oregon years. When the Chargers drafted him sixth overall in 2020, the couple wrote a heartfelt “Dear Rookie” letter reminding him how proud they were and promising, “You got this, and if you ever need anything: we got you.”
The Athletic Family Legacy That Shaped Justin
The Herbert household was steeped in competition and academics. Mark’s side contributed track and football experience; Holly’s side brought Oregon football tradition. All three sons attended Sheldon High School and earned football scholarships.
- Mitchell Herbert (born April 21, 1996) played wide receiver at Montana State, then earned a medical degree from Columbia University. He now works in orthopedic surgery at UCLA.
- Justin Patrick Herbert (born March 10, 1998) starred at Oregon before becoming the Chargers’ franchise quarterback.
- Patrick Herbert (born October 18, 2000) played tight end at Oregon, continuing the family Ducks connection.
Mark and Holly emphasized humility and hard work. Their sons excelled both on the field and in the classroom, reflecting the biology-teacher influence that runs through the paternal line.
How Mark and Holly Raised Three Successful Sons
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Father | Mark Herbert |
| Mother | Holly Herbert (née Schwab) |
| Hometown | Eugene, Oregon |
| Mark’s College | University of Montana (football & track) |
| Holly’s College | Washington State University |
| Maternal Grandfather | Rich Schwab (Oregon receiver, 1960–63) |
| Paternal Grandfather | Roger Herbert (Oregon State sprinter, track coach) |
| Sons | Mitchell (1996), Justin (1998), Patrick (2000) |
| Family Profession Link | Biology teaching (Mark and Roger) |
The parents kept the boys grounded even as Justin’s profile rose. They stayed nearby during his Oregon career, celebrated the Chargers draft together, and continue to offer the same steady presence years later. Their approach—encouragement without pressure, lessons from past mistakes, and genuine family closeness—helped produce three accomplished young men in different fields.
Conclusion
Mark and Holly Herbert are more than just the parents of an NFL star. They are educators, former athletes, and the quiet foundation of a multi-generational sports family. From the biology classroom to the football field, their influence runs deep. Justin Herbert’s success on Sundays reflects years of intentional parenting in a home that valued effort, education, and loyalty. As the Chargers quarterback continues his career, the same two people who coached youth teams and wrote that proud “Dear Rookie” letter remain his biggest supporters—proof that strong roots still matter at the highest level of the game.