When Justin Herbert got drafted in 2020, he didn’t just thank his coaches; he shouted out to his brothers. That now-iconic photo of the three Herbert boys came with a heartfelt caption, “Thank you for not only being my receivers but for being my best friends.” Oldest brother Mitchell paved the way, even if his own NFL dreams didn’t pan out. But Justin? He’s been lighting up the league for five seasons. Now, little brother Patrick Herbert is stepping into the spotlight too.

After going undrafted this April, the former Oregon TE signed with the Jaguars, ready to grind for his shot. But this summer, football isn’t the only big thing happening in Patrick’s life. The Herbert family has even more to celebrate these days. So, what’s the buzz about? Over the weekend, Patrick and his longtime girlfriend, Carly Wallace, dropped some major personal news on Instagram. A cozy photo of the couple, her hand flashing a ring, and a simple caption: “You and me forever🤍.” No big announcement, no flashy production – just pure, unfiltered happiness. Moreover, even big brother Justin Herbert, the Chargers‘ star QB, couldn’t hide his approval, dropping a like on the post.

Turns out, Patrick Herbert isn’t the only one in the relationship with serious athletic chops. His fiancée, Carly Wallace, knows a thing or two about competition herself – she used to spike balls for Oregon’s beach volleyball team. These two aren’t just building a life together; they’re bonding over a shared hustle.

Carly gave fans a peek at their engagement weekend through her IG stories, posting playful snippets with the caption, “Whole lotta love this weekend :)” It’s no surprise, she’s always been Patrick’s biggest cheerleader. Back in 2022, she went all out for his birthday, surprising him with an adorable husky puppy named Koda. Her post said it all, “Had to make your 22 one to remember, meet Koda!🐶 Happy birthday, Pat, I love you!🤍”

From volleyball courts to NFL dreams, these two are tackling life as a team. And with Patrick grinding for his Jaguars shot and Carly by his side, this power couple’s story is just getting started.

Patrick Herbert’s blue-collar game

While Patrick and Carly are writing the first chapters of their life together, the Jaguars are giving him a chance to write his NFL story too. And if there’s one thing both journeys have in common? Herbert doesn’t do anything halfway. After going undrafted in April, the former Oregon TE landed a UDFA deal, and if there’s one thing the Jaguars noticed, it’s that this 6’5”, 255-pounder plays with a chip on his shoulder.

Patrick’s college stats won’t blow anyone away. Over his last two seasons at Oregon, he saw just 32 targets. But here’s what doesn’t show up in the box score: 469 snaps as a run-blocker, per PFF. This guy isn’t here to pad his receiving numbers; he’s here to move bodies.

His old tight ends coach, Drew Mehringer, put it perfectly, “Patrick Herbert is the epitome of toughness. This is a guy that doesn’t say a whole lot, that does the right thing, that misses very, very, very rare assignments… He breaks his finger in the middle of practice? Doesn’t care. Will not put on a red jersey. He is an awesome human being.” That kind of grit matters in the NFL, especially for a Jaguars team that needed depth at TE.

Even after adding veterans Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long this offseason, Jacksonville’s offense under Liam Coen relies heavily on tight ends who can hold their own in the run game. And Patrick? Indeed, he’s spent years doing the dirty work without complaint.

Now the question is whether he can turn that “intangibly rich” mindset – as analyst James Gladstone calls it – into a roster spot. It won’t be easy. Undrafted free agents have to outwork everyone just to survive camp. But if there’s one thing the Herberts know how to do, it’s prove people wrong. Justin Herbert did it as the “system QB” doubters faded. Now it’s Patrick’s turn.

Between his engagement to Carly and this NFL opportunity, 2025 is, indeed, shaping up to be a milestone year for the youngest Herbert brother. Moreover, if his football journey mirrors his personal life, Jaguars fans might just have a new fan favorite on their hands.