Seahawks Coach Mike Macdonald and Wife Stephanie: You Won't Believe How They Met
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is in the spotlight on Sunday, February 8, as his team plays in Super Bowl LX, but his wife Stephanie Macdonald is a star, as well.
Stephanie was actually a cheerleader in the NFL for eight years, including time with the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans, according to Ari Horton of the Seahawk's official website.
"Although 'head coach's wife' will be one of her new titles, Stephanie has had her own journey through the NFL," Horton writes. "From a young age, she's been a cheerleader and says it was her dream to cheer in the NFL one day."
Seattle Seahawks Coach Mike Macdonald's Wife Stephanie Was a Pro Bowl Cheerleader in the NFL
Stephanie was even selected to be a Pro Bowl cheerleader for the Ravens in 2014, which she says is one of her favorite memories from cheering. "You're not expecting it," she said. "It was my second year on the team and every single person on the team is so deserving and deserves to go."
Stephanie also says that the bonds she formed while being a professional cheerleader are priceless. "The friendships from those teams are just so invaluable to me," she explained. "Each team had such a special place in my heart."
On top of cheering in the NFL, Stephanie is also a musician. During her time with the Commanders, she sang the National Anthem before one of their games, according to research from Horton.
"That's something I'll never forget," Stephanie said in the Seahawks article. "Being on FedExField and singing for 70,000 people was incredible."
During Macdonald's introductory press conference in 2024 when taking the job as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, before he took questions, he talked about Stephanie and his family.
"My wife Stephanie is an absolute rock star," Mike said at the press conference. "You'll get to know her, and this city will fall in love with her."
Mike Macdonald Talks About the Seattle Seahawks' Road to the Championship
Ahead of the Super Bowl, Macdonald spoke to reporters about how his background as the defensive coordinator of the Ravens has helped him in working with the Seahawks.
"We just made kind of a pact with each other: We're going to be a great defense no matter what it takes," Macdonald said, "and they bought in. It didn't happen overnight, but that's the type of stuff and the dedication it takes, moving in the same direction to actually make this thing come to life."
After the team's win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Jan. 25, he spoke with reporters about the 31-27 victory, stating, "What a great football game. I mean, first of all, an incredibly electric atmosphere. Just an all-time great atmosphere shown by our 12s."
He added, "Shoutout to all our people and the Seahawks, too, all the lights. It was just an electric atmosphere. With all the adversity we're dealing with throughout the game, they didn't leave. Not a seat was empty. Given all the circumstances they stuck with us. Our team could feel it. It was awesome"
Macdonald added that was "just so proud of our group. This is who we are. We set out to show that -- you know, to prove to ourselves who we were as a team."