Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman’s Sweetest Quotes About Wife Joanna
Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Vrijman has never shied away from professing his love for his off-field support system: his wife Johanna Vrijman.
Marcus and Joanna married in 2010 after meeting when Marcus was a star linebacker at Ohio State University. Along the way, they have welcomed six children together: Son Vinniedaughter Siennason Ginoson Nicodaughter Capri and son Rocco.
Before being named head coach at Notre Dame in December 2021, Marcus’ coaching journey took him everywhere from his alma mater at Ohio State and Kent State to Purdue and four seasons at the University of Cincinnati as the school’s defensive coordinator.
A former news presenter, Joanna has always been candid about the highs and lows of life as a football wife.
“We don’t have a super romantic love story,” Joanna said Yahoo! Sport in 2021. “We 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 and matured together.
Keep reading for Marcus’ best quotes about Joanna.
February 2019
Marcus celebrated the couple’s 9th anniversary with a post via Instagram.
“Nine years and six children later, she still chooses to be called Mrs. Freeman. Congratulations on your anniversary,” 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 via Instagram about a hectic Mother’s Day weekend where their daughter Capri had to go to the emergency room.
“Crazy weekend: our 1-year-old breaks her arm; our oldest 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 a trio of photos, including one of Capri showing off her new arm sling.
February 2020
To celebrate the couple’s 10-year wedding anniversary milestone, Marcus posted a carousel of photos via Instagram about the history of their relationship.
“Celebrating 10 years of marriage to the love of my life and bonding with the Freeman family,” Marcus wrote. “Congratulations Jo!”
Joanna commented: “Best day of your life ❤️🤣.”
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, Mrs. Freeman. We love you.”
May 2021
Marcus gushed about his wife’s ability to run the family household in a post celebrating Mother’s Day.
“I don’t know how you do it, but somehow you make raising six kids on your own seem like it’s nothing 🇮🇹 💃🏻🤷🏾♂️ Happy Mother’s Day, the best ever! #YouTheBest #YouTheBestEver,” he wrote via Instagram.
December 2021
During his introductory press conference after being named head coach at Notre Dame, Marcus took time to mention Joanna as he concluded his remarks.
“Lastly, I just 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 always supporting us. You may be my toughest critic, but thanks for just being there.
May 2023
Freeman also gave a special shoutout to his mother, Chong Freeman, in his 2023 Mother’s Day post.
“Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers out there, today we celebrate you!” he wrote via Instagram. “I am especially grateful for these two special women: my wife, Joanna, and my mother!”
May 2024
Marcus called both Joanna and his mother to celebrate Mother’s Day in 2024.
“I am so blessed 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 so many ways with their selflessness and unconditional love. Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers among you!”
December 2024
During the day an appearance on the former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin IIIIn the “Outta Pocket With RGIII” podcast, Marcus called Joanna “the most selfless woman in the world.”
“A lot of times she’s a single parent,” Marcus continued. “And the other part is I try to blend. There is no balance. There is no balance between being a head coach and being a husband and father. So I try to combine my family with our football family as much as possible. My wife can take two kids and just let them run around at practice.”
Marcus concluded, “I want our players to see me as a father and husband.”