Marcus Freeman, Joanna Freeman.
Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesNotre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman never hesitated to profess his love for his support system off the field: wife Joanna Freeman.
Marcus and Joanna married in 2010 after meeting while Marcus was a star linebacker at Ohio State University. Along the way, they welcomed six children together: son Vinnygirl Sienason Ginoson Nicholasgirl Corsair and son Rocco.
Before being named head coach of Notre Dame in December 2021, Marcus’ coaching journey took him everywhere – from his alma mater Ohio State and Kent State to Purdue and four seasons at the University of Cincinnati as the school’s defensive coordinator.
Joanna, a former news presenter, has always been candid about the ups and downs of life as a footballer’s wife.
Courtesy of Marcus Freeman/Instagram Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman also has a pretty impressive team off the field. Freeman, 38, who became head football coach at Notre Dame in December 2021, married his wife, Joanna Freeman, in 2010. The couple met during Marcus’ time at Ohio State University, where Marcus was student. […]
“We don’t have a super romantic love story,” Joanna said. Yahoo! Sporty in 2021. “We’ve had a lot of breakups and make-ups. We fell hard. We fell quickly. We were very young when we met, and in many ways we really grew up and grew into adults together.
For Marcus’ best quotes about Joanna, keep reading.
February 2019
Marcus celebrated the couple’s 9th anniversary with a post via Instagram.
“9 years and 6 children later, she still chooses to be called Mrs. Freeman. Happy anniversary,” Marcus wrote alongside a black and white photo of the couple taken during their 2010 wedding.
Joanna replied in the comments: “We haven’t changed at all! 🤣🤷🏻♀️ I love you! 💋.”
May 2019
Marcus posted via Instagram about an eventful Mother’s Day weekend that involved a trip to the emergency room for their daughter, Capri.
“Crazy weekend: our 1-year-old daughter breaks her arm; our eldest wins his wrestling tournament; and most importantly, we celebrated Mother’s Day with this selfless woman who is the glue of our family,” Marcus wrote alongside three photos, including one of Capri showing off her new arm in a sling.
February 2020
To celebrate the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary, Marcus posted a carousel of photos via Instagram covering the history of their relationship.
“Celebrating 10 years of marriage to the love of my life and the glue of the Freeman family,” Marcus wrote. “Happy birthday Joe!”
Joanna commented: “Best day ever ❤️🤣.”
August 2020
Marcus showed photos from a family photo shoot on the beach via Instagram to commemorate Joanna’s birthday.
“Wishing the happiest of birthdays to Freeman Rock!” »Marcus wrote. “Thank you for all you do, Ms. Freeman. We love you.”
May 2021
Marcus gushed about his wife’s ability to run the family home in a message to celebrate Mother’s Day.
“I don’t know how you do it, but somehow you make it seem like raising 6 kids by yourself is nothing 🇮🇹 💃🏻🤷🏾♂️Happy Mother’s Day, the best ever! #YouTheBest #YouTheBestEver,” he wrote via Instagram.
December 2021
During his introductory press conference after being named Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus took the time to mention Joanna as he finished his remarks.
“Finally, there are a few thanks I want to offer,” Marcus said. “I want to start with my wife, Joanna. My wife, my partner, thank you for your altruism. Thank you for always being there and supporting us most of the time. You can be my harshest critic, but thanks for being here.
May 2023
Freeman also paid a special tribute to his mother, Chong Freeman, in his 2023 Mother’s Day message.
“Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms, today we celebrate you! » he wrote via Instagram. “I am especially grateful to these two special women: my wife, Joanna, and my mother!
May 2024
Marcus mentioned Joanna and her mother to celebrate Mother’s Day in 2024.
“I am so lucky to have these two amazing women in my life,” Marcus wrote. via Instagramsharing photos of him with both of them. “They have impacted our family in many ways through their selflessness and unconditional love. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms!
December 2024
During an apparition on the former NFL quarterback Robert GriffinOn the “Outta Pocket With RGIII” podcast, Marcus called Joanna “the most selfless wife in the world.”
“A lot of times she’s a single parent,” Marcus continued. “And the other part is I’m trying to blend in.” There is no balance. There is no balance between being a head coach and being a husband and father. So I try to mix my family with our football family as much as possible. My wife can bring two kids and let them run around in practice.
Marcus concluded: “I want our players to see me as a father and a husband.”
