Heartfelt Quotes from Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman About His Wife Joanna
Head coach of Notre Dame football, Marcus Freeman, has consistently expressed his affection for his life partner, wife Joanna Freeman, highlighting the significance of their support system beyond the gridiron.
Marcus and Joanna tied the knot in 2010 after their paths crossed while Marcus was a standout linebacker at The Ohio State University. Together, they have celebrated the arrival of six children: son Vinny, daughter Siena, son Gino, son Nico, daughter Capri, and son Rocco.
Before his appointment as head coach at Notre Dame in December 2021, Marcus’s coaching career led him through various institutions—from his time at Ohio State to Kent State and Purdue, culminating in four seasons at the University of Cincinnati as the defensive coordinator.
Joanna, a former news anchor, has been open about the ups and downs of being married to someone in the football profession.
“We don’t have a super romantic love story,” Joanna shared with Yahoo! Sports in 2021. “There were many breakups and reconciliations. We fell deeply and quickly. We met when we were very young, and in many respects, we grew and matured together.”
For some of Marcus’s most touching quotes about Joanna, keep reading.
February 2019
To commemorate their 9-year anniversary, Marcus made a heartfelt post on Instagram.
“9 years and 6 kids later, she still chooses to be called Mrs. Freeman. Happy anniversary,” Marcus captioned a black-and-white image from their 2010 wedding.
Joanna commented, “We haven’t changed a bit! 🤣🤷🏻♀️ Love YOU! 💋.”
May 2019
Marcus shared on Instagram about a hectic Mother’s Day weekend that led to a visit to the emergency room for their daughter, Capri.
“It was a wild weekend: our 1-year-old broke her arm; our eldest won a wrestling tournament; and above all, we honored Mother’s Day with this selfless woman who is the backbone of our family,” he wrote, including a photo of Capri with her arm in a sling.
February 2020
To mark their 10th wedding anniversary, Marcus shared a series of photos on Instagram depicting key moments of their relationship.
“Celebrating 10 wonderful years married to the love of my life and the glue of the Freeman family,” Marcus posted. “Happy Anniversary, Jo!”
Joanna responded, “Best day of your life ❤️🤣.”
August 2020
Marcus shared images from a family beach photo session on Instagram to celebrate Joanna’s birthday.
“Wishing the happiest of birthdays to the rock of the Freeman family!” Marcus wrote. “Thank you for everything you do, Mrs. Freeman. We love you.”
May 2021
Marcus praised Joanna’s remarkable ability to manage their family in his Mother’s Day post.
“I don’t know how you do it; somehow, you make raising six kids alone seem effortless 🇮🇹 💃🏻🤷🏾♂️. Happy Mother’s Day to the best ever! #YouTheBest #YouTheBestEver,” he wrote on Instagram.
December 2021
In his introductory press conference after being appointed head coach at Notre Dame, Marcus took a moment to acknowledge Joanna during his closing remarks.
“Lastly, I would like to extend a few thank yous,” Marcus said. “I want to start with my wife, Joanna. My partner, thank you for your selflessness and for always supporting me, even when you are my toughest critic.”
May 2023
In his Mother’s Day tribute in 2023, Freeman also acknowledged his mother, Chong Freeman.
“Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Moms out there; today is for you!” he posted on Instagram. “I’m especially thankful for these two incredible women—my wife, Joanna, and my Mom!”
May 2024
Marcus celebrated both Joanna and his mother in his Mother’s Day post for 2024.
“I feel so fortunate to have these two extraordinary women in my life,” Marcus wrote on Instagram, sharing photos with both of them. “Their selflessness and unconditional love have left a profound impact on our family. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers out there!”
December 2024
During an episode on Robert Griffin III’s podcast “Outta Pocket With RGIII,” Marcus referred to Joanna as “the most selfless wife in the world.”
“Many times, she manages the household nearly as a single parent,” he explained. “It’s tough to strike a balance between being a head coach and a father and husband. I strive to intertwine my family life with our football responsibilities. My wife often brings two of our kids to practice and lets them run around.”
Marcus concluded, “I want our players to see me as a father and husband.”
