Notre Dame Marcus Freeman’s Sweetest Quotes About Wife Joanna

Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman has never shied away from admitting his love for his off-field support system: his wife Joanna Freeman.

Marcus and Joanna married in 2010 after meeting while Marcus was a star quarterback at Ohio State University. Along the way, they met six children together: a son Vinniedaughter Siennason Ginoson Nicodaughter Capri and a son Rock.

Before being named head coach at Notre Dame in December 2021, Marcus had a coaching career ranging from his alma maters at 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 anchor, has always been candid about the ups and downs of life as a football wife.

On the topic: Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman Family Guide: Wife Joanne and 6 Children

Courtesy of Marcus Freeman/Instagram Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has a pretty impressive lineup off the field as well. Freeman, 38, who became Notre Dame’s head coach in December 2021, married his wife Joanna Freeman in 2010. The couple met while Marcus was studying at Ohio State University, where Marcus was (…)

“We don’t have a super romantic love story,” Joanna said Yahoo! Sport in 2021. “We had a lot of breakups and reconciliations. We fell hard. We quickly fell. We were very young when we met, and in many ways we grew up together and became adults.”

Keep reading for Marcus’ best quotes about Joanna.

February 2019

Markus marked the couple’s 9-year anniversary with a post via Instagram.

“It’s been 9 years and 6 kids, but she still wants to call herself Mrs. Freeman. Happy anniversary,” Marcus wrote next to 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 wrote via Instagram about 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 her arm; our senior wins his wrestling tournament; and most importantly, we celebrated Mother’s Day with this selfless woman who holds our family together,” Marcus wrote alongside three photos, including one of Capri showing off her new armband.

February 2020

To celebrate the couple’s milestone 10th wedding anniversary, Marcus posted a carousel of photos via Instagram covering the history of their relationship.

“Happy 10th wedding anniversary to the love of my life and the Freeman family bond,” Marcus wrote. “Happy Anniversary Joe!”

Joanna commented: “Best day of your life ❤️🤣.”

August 2020

Marcus showed photos from a family beach photo session via Instagram to celebrate Joanna’s birthday.

“Happiest Birthday to Freeman Rock!” Marcus wrote. “Thank you for all you do, Mrs. Freeman. We love you.”

May 2021

Marcus spoke about his wife’s ability to run the family business in a Mother’s Day post.

“I don’t know how you do it, but somehow you manage to raise 6 kids on your own, it seems like nothing 🇮🇹 💃🏻🤷🏾‍♂️Happy Mother’s Day! #You are the best #YouTheBestEver,” he wrote via Instagram.

December 2021

During his introductory news conference after being named head coach at Notre Dame, Marcus took time to mention Joanna as he wrapped up his remarks.

“Finally, I want to say a few thanks,” Marcus said. “I want to start with my wife, Joanna. My wife, my partner, thank you for your selflessness. Thank you for always being there and supporting most of the time. You may be my harshest critic, but thank you for just being there.”

May 2023

Freeman also gave special praise to his mother, Chong Freeman, in his Mother’s Day 2023 message.

“Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms, today we celebrate you!” he wrote via Instagram. “I am especially grateful for these two special women—my wife, Joanna, and my mom!”

May 2024

Marcus mentioned Joanna and his mother to celebrate Mother’s Day in 2024.

“I am so blessed to have these two wonderful women in my life,” Marcus wrote via Instagramsharing his photos with both of them. “They have influenced our family in many ways with their selflessness and unconditional love. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms out there!”

December 2024

During appearance on the former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin IIIOn the “Outta Pocket With RGIII” podcast, Marcus called Joanna “the most selfless wife in the world.”

“She’s often a single parent,” Marcus continued. “And the other part is that I try to blend in. No balance. There is no balance between being a head coach and being a husband and father. So, I try to connect my family to our soccer family as much as possible. My wife can bring two kids and let them run around in training.’

Marcus concluded, “I want our players to see me as a father and a husband.”