Ohio-born Marcus Freeman’s wife, Joanna Herncane, is of a white ethnic background and has ancestral roots in Ireland.
An American football coach dated Joanna in college. They married in 2010 and have six children: Vinny, Siena, Gino, Nicolo, Capri, and Rocco.
Highlights
- Joanna Hernacane, the daughter of Melville Herncane and Marie Downey, likes to live a private lifestyle.
- She dated Marcus Freeman in 2004 and lived in a close-knit family with their six children.
- She is a former professional basketball player, and her sports knowledge helped her encourage Marcus during the challenging moments.
Marcus Freeman was named to the Parade All-America team and rated as one of Ohio’s top three overall prospects as a senior. He joined Ohio State Univeristy and committed to playing between 2004 and 2008.
The Chicago Bears selected him in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL draft but waived him on September 4, 2009. Later, on September 22, he signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad.
On November 4, he signed with the Houston Texans but retired from professional play on May 1, 2010, due to an enlarged heart condition.
Marcus served as a graduate assistant at his alma mater in 2010 and became the linebackers coach for Kent State in 2011.
Purdue University hired him as a linebackers coach in January 2013 and promoted him to co-defensive coordinator for the 2016 season.
He was named the 247Sports Defensive Coordinator of the Year in Cincinnati during the 2020 season and joined Notre Dame on January 8, 2021.
Joanna Herncane Keeps A Low Profile Away From Tabloid Attention
Joanna Herncane, the daughter of Melville Herncane and Marie Downey, was born on August 24, 1984, in Ohio, USA. Unlike the football coach, Joanna likes to have a low-profile private life.
Melville was engaged in local development initiatives and served as the president of the Massillon City Council.
Happy Mother’s Day to my wife, Joanna, my Mom and all of the mothers out there! pic.twitter.com/K7JX3xiv5f
— Marcus Freeman (@Marcus_Freeman1) May 8, 2022
Joanna’s parents supported her decision to pursue a journalism career reporting news live.
She attended Massillon Washington High School and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Journalism from Ohio State University. She worked in various media outlets, including WBNS-Channel 10 in Columbus.
However, the football coach’s wife took a break from her reporting career to focus on raising a family and becoming a homemaker. She was also a public relations manager at AAA Ohio Auto Club.
Although she was into journalism, she avoided the spotlight and kept herself private from social media. She stands 5 feet and 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 132 lbs.
On the other hand, Marcus Freeman is the son of Michael Freeman and Chong Freeman, who met in South Korea. His parents moved to Ohio in 1976.
The football coach calls his mother his pillar of life. She taught him unselfishness and tireless work. Likewise, his father taught him discipline, a strong work ethic, and honesty.
Well, I’m the son of a man who served in the Air Force for 26 years, and I’m the son of a woman who was born in Korea and came to the United States in 1976.
Marcus Freeman
Joanna Is The Marcus Freeman’s Biggest Cheerleader
Joanna entered the limelight because of her relationship with Marcus, a former NFL player. The married couple resides in Granger, Indiana, with her six children.
Her steadfast support for her husband’s athletic career exemplifies the famous phrase, “Behind every successful man is a woman.”
I’m so blessed to have these two amazing women in my life. They have impacted our family in so many ways with their selflessness and unconditional love.
— Marcus Freeman (@Marcus_Freeman1) May 12, 2024
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the incredible moms out there! pic.twitter.com/GTSeexmCPh
During their college days, Marus and Joanna began dating in 2004 and married on February 20, 2010. The football coach often shares a glimpse of their close-knit family on social media.
Joanna is a former American collegiate and professional basketball player. Her sports knowledge helped her encourage him during the challenging moments in his professional career.
National outlets have considered him one of the rising stars of college coaching, and she suggested he attend Notre Dame.
My wife, my partner. Thank you for your unselfishness. Thank you for always being there and supporting me. Most of the time, you can be my toughest critic. Thank you for just being there.
Marcus Freeman
Moreover, her community initiatives and contributions at Notre Dame include mentorship programs and workshops on academic integrity.
In addition to his six children from his married life, he has a daughter, Bria, from his previous relationship with Aynsley Collier.
Additional Information
- Marcus Freeman, the son of Michael Freeman and Chong Freeman, was born on January 10, 1986, at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center in Fairborn, Ohio.
- He grew up with his elder brother, Michael Jr., in Huber Heights, where he attended Wayne High School.
- He ran track while growing up and competed in the 4×100-meter relay, throwing the shot and discus.
- He has amassed an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2025.
