Marcus Freeman, Joanna Freeman.
Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesNotre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman he has never shied away from expressing his love for his off-field support system: wife Joanna Freeman.
Marcus and Joanna married in 2010 after meeting while Marcus was a linebacker at Ohio State University. Along the way, they welcomed six children together: a son Vinnydaughter Siennason Ginoson Nicodaughter Capri and a son Rocco.
Before being named head coach at Notre Dame in December 2021, Marcus’ coaching journey took him all the way – 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 journalist, has been outspoken about the highs and lows of life as a footballer’s wife.
Courtesy of Marcus Freeman/Instagram Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman has an impressive team off the field, too. Freeman, 38, who became the 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 a student. […]
“We don’t have a miraculous love story,” said Joanna Yahoo! Sports in 2021. “We had a lot of break ups and make up. We fell hard. We fell quickly. We were really young when we met, and in many ways, we grew and matured into adults together.”
For more of Marcus’ best quotes about Joanna, read on.
February 2019
Marcus celebrated the couple’s 9th anniversary with a post on Instagram.
“9 years and 6 children later she still chooses to be called Mrs Freeman. Happy New Year,” Marcus wrote alongside a black and white photo of the couple from their 2010 wedding.
Joanna responded in the comments, “We haven’t changed a bit! 🤣🤷🏻♀️ I love YOU! 💋.”
May 2019
Marcus posted on Instagram a busy Mother’s Day weekend that included a trip to the emergency room for their daughter, Capri.
“Crazy weekend: our one-year-old broke his arm; our oldest wins his wrestling tournament; and most importantly we celebrated Mother’s Day with this selfless woman who is the backbone of our family,” Marcus wrote along with three photos, including one of Capri showing off her arm sling.
February 2020
To celebrate the couple’s milestone 10th wedding anniversary, Marcus posted a carousel of photos on Instagram covering the history of their relationship.
Marcus wrote: “Have a great day Jo!”
Joanna commented, “Best day of your life ❤️🤣.”
August 2020
Marcus shared photos of a beach family photo on Instagram to commemorate Joanna’s birthday.
“Happy birthday rock Freeman!” Marcus wrote. “Thank you for everything you do Mrs Freeman. We love you.”
May 2021
Marcus talked about his wife’s ability to manage the family in a post to celebrate Mother’s Day.
“I don’t know how you do it but somehow you make raising 6 kids on your own seem like nothing 🇮🇹 💃🏻🤷🏾♂️Happy Mothers Day to the best ever! #WenaOkuhle #YouTheBestEver,” he wrote on Instagram.
December 2021
During his press conference after being named head coach at Notre Dame, Marcus took some time to talk about Joanna as he wrapped up his remarks.
“Finally, there are a few thanks I want to give you,” said Marcus. “I want to start with my wife, Joanna. My wife, my partner, thank you for your selflessness. Thank you for your constant presence and support most of the time. You can be my harshest critic, but thank you for just being there.”
May 2023
Freeman also gave a big shout out to his mom, Chong Freeman, in his Mother’s Day 2023 post.
“Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing Mothers out there, 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 talked both Joanna and her mother into celebrating Mother’s Day in 2024.
“I am blessed to have these two amazing women in my life,” Marcus wrote on Instagram, sharing photos of himself with the two. “They have touched our family in so many ways with their dedication and unconditional love. Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful mothers out there!”
December 2024
During an appearance on a former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin IIIOn the “Outta Pocket With RGIII” podcast, Marcus called Joanna “the most selfless wife in the world.”
“A lot of times you’re a single parent,” Marcus continued. “And the other part is that I’m trying to integrate. There is no balance. There is no comparison between being a great coach and being a husband and father. So, I try to bring my family and our football family together as much as possible. My wife can bring the two children and let them run around to exercise.”
Marcus concluded by saying, “I want our players to see me as a father and a husband.”
