Mike McCarthy is a well-known name in the world of American football. As a successful head coach in the National Football League (NFL), he has guided teams to important victories, including a Super Bowl win. While fans often see Coach McCarthy on the sidelines, there is a vital person by his side who provides support and shares in his life’s journey: his wife, Jessica Kress.
Bio
| Full Name | Jessica Kress McCarthy |
| Date of Birth | February 9, 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Wisconsin, USA |
| Education | Attended Bayview Middle School and St. Joseph’s Academy; graduated from the University of Wisconsin |
| Profession | Former elementary school art teacher |
| First Marriage | Married to William Kress (CEO of Green Bay Packaging); divorced in 2005 |
| Children from First Marriage | Two sons: Jack and George |
| Second Marriage | Married Mike McCarthy on March 15, 2008 |
| Children with Mike McCarthy | Two daughters: Gabrielle (born October 22, 2008) and Isabella (born in 2011) |
| Stepchildren | Stepdaughter Alexandra (Mike McCarthy’s daughter from his first marriage) |
| Philanthropy | Co-founder of the McCarthy Family Foundation; involved in charitable activities including donations to the American Family Children’s Hospital and the Green Bay Police Foundation |
| Notable Facts | Met Mike McCarthy in 2006 through mutual friends; known for maintaining a low public profile while supporting her husband’s NFL career |
Meeting Mike McCarthy
The story of Mike and Jessica Kress begins in 2006. They were introduced by mutual friends, and this meeting marked the start of their relationship. At the time, Mike McCarthy was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
Meeting through friends allowed them to connect on a personal level outside of the demanding world of professional football. Their relationship grew, built on shared values and a connection that would lead to marriage.
The Marriage and Blending Families
Mike McCarthy and Jessica Kress were married on March 15, 2008. Their wedding was a private ceremony held in Maricopa County, Arizona. This was a special moment for both of them, as they committed to building a future together.
Both Mike and Jessica had been married before and had children from their previous marriages. Mike had a daughter from his first marriage. Jessica had two sons from her previous marriage to William Kress, the former CEO of Green Bay Packaging. When Mike and Jessica married, they blended their families, bringing together children from different backgrounds into one loving home.
Together, Mike and Jessica have two daughters: Gabrielle and Isabella. Gabrielle was born in October 2008, and Isabella was born in 2011. This brought the total number of children in their blended family to five, creating a lively and full household. Blending families can have its unique aspects, but the McCarthy family has shown a strong bond and commitment to supporting each other.
Life in Green Bay
During Mike McCarthy’s long tenure as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, Jessica and their family were deeply rooted in the Green Bay community. Jessica had a connection to Wisconsin even before meeting Mike, as she grew up there and attended the University of Wisconsin. She reportedly worked as an elementary school teacher, with her workplace being close to the iconic Lambeau Field, the home stadium of the Packers.
Life as the spouse of an NFL head coach can be busy and requires a lot of flexibility and support. The football season involves demanding schedules, travel, and intense public scrutiny. Jessica provided a stable and loving home environment for Mike and their children amidst this demanding lifestyle. She was a constant source of support for Mike, both during the highs of victory and the challenges of defeat.
While specific details about Jessica’s involvement in the Green Bay community during this time are not extensively publicized, it is clear that she played a crucial role in their family’s life there. The family home in Green Bay served as a private sanctuary away from the pressures of the NFL. It was a place where they could be a family, support each other, and create lasting memories.
The Move to Dallas
In 2020, Mike McCarthy became the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, a major change that required the family to relocate to North Texas. This was a significant transition for the entire family, especially for the children who had grown up in Green Bay. Jessica played a key role in managing this move and helping the family adjust to their new surroundings.
Moving to a new state and a new community can be challenging, but Jessica focused on making the transition as smooth as possible for their children. She understood the importance of helping them find their footing in a new school and make new friends. The family’s ability to adapt and embrace their new home in Texas is a testament to their resilience and strong family bonds.
Jessica has spoken about the family’s adjustment to Texas, noting that their daughters quickly embraced their new home and made good friends. She has mentioned that the girls even started using the word “y’all,” a common Texas expression, showing how they had integrated into the local culture. This highlights Jessica’s focus on creating a positive and supportive environment for her family, no matter where their journey takes them.
Charitable Work and Giving Back
Mike and Jessica McCarthy are also known for their commitment to giving back to the community. They have been involved in various charitable endeavors over the years. Their desire to make a positive impact led them to establish the McCarthy Family Foundation.
The McCarthy Family Foundation supports various nonprofit organizations, focusing on causes that are important to the family. Their charitable work reflects their values and their desire to use their platform to help others. This involvement in philanthropy is a shared passion for Mike and Jessica, and it provides another way for them to connect and work together for a good cause.
Through the foundation and their personal involvement, they have supported organizations like the American Family Children’s Hospital in Wisconsin and the Green Bay Police Foundation. Their commitment to charity has continued in Texas, where they have become involved in the local community and supported causes there as well. This aspect of their lives demonstrates their generosity and their dedication to making a difference beyond the football field.
Jessica Kress’s Interests and Life Away from Football
While much of the public information about Jessica Kress is related to her role as Mike McCarthy’s wife, she is also an individual with her own interests and life away from the world of football. Reports have mentioned her interest in art, noting that she has worked in McKinney’s historic Cotton Mill in Texas, a place known for its artistic community.
Having personal interests and pursuits is important, especially given the demanding nature of Mike’s profession. It allows Jessica to have her own creative outlet and connect with her passions. Her involvement in the arts community in Texas suggests a creative side and a desire to engage with the local culture.
Jessica maintains a relatively private profile compared to her husband, who is constantly in the public eye. This allows her to focus on her family and her personal life. While she supports Mike in his career, she also maintains her own identity and interests.
A Partner in Life and Career
Jessica Kress is more than just Mike McCarthy’s wife; she is his partner in life. She has been with him through significant moments in his coaching career, from winning a Super Bowl with the Packers to taking on the challenge of leading the Cowboys. Her support and understanding are undoubtedly crucial to his success and well-being.
The life of an NFL coach’s family involves frequent moves, long hours, and the emotional roller coaster of wins and losses. Jessica has provided stability and a strong foundation for their family throughout these experiences. Her ability to adapt, support, and keep the family grounded is a testament to her strength and character.
While Mike McCarthy is the public figure on the football field, Jessica Kress plays an equally important role in their shared life. She is the supportive wife, the loving mother and stepmother, and the partner who helps navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes that come with a life in the NFL.
