Who is Jessica Kress? A Closer Look at the Life of Mike McCarthy’s Wife
When you think of NFL coaches, names like Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll, and Mike McCarthy often come to mind. But behind every successful coach, there’s a supportive partner. For Mike McCarthy, his unwavering support comes from his wife, Jessica Kress. Over the years, their relationship has blossomed, and Jessica has played an integral role in both Mike’s personal and professional life.
In this article, we dive into the life of Jessica Kress: her background, education, career, her relationship with Mike, and the charitable work that both of them are passionate about.
Early Life and Background
Jessica Kress was born on February 9, 1972, in Wisconsin, where she spent much of her early life. Being raised in the heart of the Midwest, Jessica developed a strong connection to her roots and a love for her community. Her upbringing and education were important stepping stones that shaped her into the person she is today.
Jessica attended the University of Wisconsin, where she pursued a degree in education, majoring in art. Her passion for art and education led her to become an elementary school art teacher. Her love for creativity and teaching continues to resonate with her today, though her role has expanded beyond the classroom.
Before meeting Mike McCarthy, Jessica had been married to William Kress, the CEO of Green Bay Packaging. Their marriage lasted until 2005, when they divorced. Mike McCarthy also went through a divorce from his first wife, Christine, in 1995. Their individual experiences of love and loss made them more appreciative of the relationship they built with each other.
Meeting Mike McCarthy
Jessica’s life took a significant turn in 2006 when she met Mike McCarthy. At the time, Mike had just joined the Green Bay Packers as their new head coach. Jessica was already a lifelong Packers fan, and the chemistry between the two was instant. They began dating shortly after meeting, and it didn’t take long for their relationship to deepen.
Their connection seemed to come at the perfect time in Mike’s life, as his career began to take off. In 2007, Mike led the Packers to the playoffs, and he finished second in the Associated Press Coach of the Year voting. The timing of their relationship and Mike’s growing success seemed like a divine sign that they were meant to be together.
Mike and Jessica’s bond grew stronger, and they eventually tied the knot on March 15, 2008. Their wedding marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, both personally and professionally.
Family Life
Mike and Jessica have built a beautiful family together. They have five children—Alex, Jack, George, Gabrielle, and Isabella. Alex is Mike’s daughter from his first marriage, and she lives with her mother. Jack and George are Jessica’s sons from her previous marriage. Together, Mike and Jessica have two daughters, Gabrielle and Isabella.
Although the McCarthy family has a blended dynamic, they have managed to create a strong and loving household. Mike is a dedicated father, and Jessica frequently praises him for being a positive influence in their children’s lives. She admires how Mike is able to leave his work behind when he’s at home, stating, “He just loves being with everybody when he’s home and never talks (about work), even after a loss. He’s never negative.”
When they moved to Texas after Mike became the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, the family had to adjust to new surroundings, but they found joy in their new life. Jessica shares how much Mike enjoys spending time on the lake in his free time. “That’s Mike’s happy place. The lake and the boat. Just being with everybody. He’s very much a family man. He’s funny, and he’s a teddy bear.”
Despite his intense and demanding career, Mike’s dedication to his family remains a top priority. Jessica often speaks about how “Football Mike” is a necessary part of his identity, but at home, he’s simply “Boat Mike”—a relaxed, fun-loving father and husband.
Philanthropy and the McCarthy Family Foundation
One of the most inspiring aspects of Jessica’s life is her deep commitment to social causes. Both she and Mike share a passion for giving back to their community, and this passion has led them to create their own charitable organization, the McCarthy Family Foundation.
Their charitable efforts were already well underway during Mike’s tenure with the Green Bay Packers. The McCarthys supported causes such as the Green Bay Police Foundation, the Seven Loaves Project in Rwanda, and the Autism Society of Northeast Wisconsin (ASNEW). However, it was through the foundation they established together that their philanthropic efforts truly began to shine.
Jessica has always emphasized the importance of acknowledging the blessings they have received and giving back to those who have supported them. She has stated, “There isn’t a day that goes by that Mike and I don’t acknowledge our blessings bestowed on our family and we are grateful to pay it back—and forward—to communities that have given so much to us.”
The McCarthy Family Foundation has been instrumental in helping a variety of causes, including providing tuition relief, assisting athletes with their career transitions, and supporting ex-military personnel in adjusting to civilian life. Jessica’s dedication to these efforts reflects her values of empathy, generosity, and the importance of community.
Life with Mike McCarthy: Behind the Scenes
As the wife of an NFL head coach, Jessica has witnessed the highs and lows of Mike’s career. From his Super Bowl win with the Green Bay Packers to his time with the Dallas Cowboys, she has been a constant source of support. One of the most public moments of their relationship came when Jessica fought back tears during a heartfelt interview, sharing how proud she was of Mike and how excited their entire family was to be joining the Dallas Cowboys franchise in 2020. Her genuine emotions in that moment spoke volumes about her love and admiration for her husband.
Jessica’s role as a supportive spouse goes beyond just cheering Mike on from the sidelines. She has actively participated in his professional journey and helped manage the balance between his demanding career and family life. As Mike’s wife, Jessica is his partner not only in his personal life but in the larger picture of their shared mission to make a difference in the world.
Jessica Kress Today
Although Jessica prefers to maintain a relatively low profile compared to her high-profile husband, her impact on Mike’s life and work is undeniable. Her dedication to family, her passion for philanthropy, and her unwavering support of Mike’s career make her an integral part of their success story.
Jessica Kress’s life is a testament to the power of love, hard work, and giving back to the community. She has found a way to balance family, career, and charitable endeavors while remaining a steady and loving presence in the life of her husband, Mike McCarthy.
Fun Facts About Jessica Kress
- Artistic Talent: As an elementary school art teacher, Jessica has a creative side that she cherishes.
- Philanthropist at Heart: The McCarthy Family Foundation continues to impact numerous communities and causes.
- Family-Oriented: Mike and Jessica’s bond as a family is strengthened by their shared time spent together, especially on the lake.
- Wisconsin Roots: Jessica’s love for her home state of Wisconsin has shaped her values and community involvement.
Conclusion
Jessica Kress may not always be in the limelight, but her presence is deeply felt in the McCarthy household and beyond. As the wife of NFL coach Mike McCarthy, she plays a vital role in supporting his career, maintaining their family life, and furthering their philanthropic efforts. Through their foundation and various charitable causes, the McCarthys have made a lasting impact on their communities, all while balancing the demands of life in the NFL. Jessica’s love for her family, her commitment to giving back, and her down-to-earth personality continue to define her as a remarkable woman behind one of football’s most respected coaches.
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