Mike MacDonald wife Stephanie, former NFL cheerleader, supports Seahawks’ Super Bowl run

Stephanie Macdonald, the former NFL cheerleader wife of Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, is standing by her husband on the biggest stage in sports. Today, February 8, 2026, the Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, and Stephanie will be in the stands cheering on the team from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

From College Cheerleader to NFL Sidelines

Stephanie started her cheerleading journey at Virginia Tech, where she was a proud member of the Hokies cheer squad. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in sociology in 2010, setting the stage for a career in the professional sports world. Her transition from college cheerleading to the NFL came naturally, as she brought her passion and dedication to three different franchises across eight years of professional cheerleading.

Growing up in Annapolis, Maryland, and primarily raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Stephanie developed a love for sports that would define her path. She wasn’t just cheering on the sidelines, either. During her time with the Washington Commanders, she had the honor of singing the National Anthem before games, showcasing her versatility as both dancer and performer in the NFL ecosystem.

A Chance Meeting That Changed Everything

Mike Macdonald and Stephanie met in October 2015 when both were involved with the Baltimore Ravens. At the time, Mike was serving as a defensive coordinator for the team, while Stephanie was cheering on game day. Their first encounter was brief and passing, and Stephanie wasn’t even aware he was part of the coaching staff. When she discovered his role, she famously told him, “We can’t do this,” concerned about workplace relationships.

Instead of pursuing romance immediately, they caught up after the 2015 season concluded, and in March 2016, after Stephanie had left the Ravens organization, they officially began dating. It was a calculated approach to their connection, showing the thoughtfulness and maturity both partners brought to their relationship from the beginning.

Marriage, Family, and Unwavering Support

Milestone	Year
First Meeting	October 2015
Began Dating	March 2016
Engaged	Summer 2019
Married	2021
Son Jack Born	December 2024

Mike Macdonald praised his wife publicly during the Seahawks‘ introductory press conference in 2024, calling Stephanie an “absolute rock star.” He confidently stated that “the city will fall in love with her,” and his prediction proved accurate. When they welcomed their son, Jack David Macdonald, in December 2024, Mike called his wife a “warrior,” acknowledging the incredible strength she displayed during childbirth and beyond.

Stephanie has been the steady backbone of Mike’s coaching career, supporting him through his roles as defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens and the University of Michigan. The couple celebrated their time in Ann Arbor together, with Stephanie expressing gratitude for the shared experience during one of the most demanding years of their lives.

“Walking in and having that warm welcome, I’m like ‘Alright, this is where we’re meant to be.'”

— Stephanie Macdonald, on joining the Seahawks family in 2024

The Seahawks Super Bowl Run in Context

The 2025 season has been a whirlwind for the entire Macdonald family. Mike transformed the Seahawks from a 10-7 team in his first year to a dominant 14-3 powerhouse this season. The team earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC and steamrolled through the playoffs. They demolished the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 in the divisional round, then outlasted the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in the NFC Championship on January 25, 2026, earning their trip to Super Bowl LX.

Stephanie has watched from the sidelines and stands as her husband executes one of the most impressive coaching debuts in NFL history. At just 38 years old, Mike is the second-youngest head coach in the Super Bowl this year, and his wife’s presence has been a calming force through the intensity of the postseason grind.

How is Stephanie Supporting Mike on the Biggest Stage?

Stephanie Macdonald will be in attendance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara today, cheering on her husband and the Seahawks against the New England Patriots. She’s traded her cheerleader pom-poms for the role of supportive spouse, but her dedication to being Mike’s “No. 1 fan” remains unwavering. The couple’s son Jack, now nearly two months old, represents a new chapter in their journey.

Mike has been candid about the challenges of balancing fatherhood with the demanding schedule of coaching in the NFL, admitting he spends limited time with his infant son during the grueling season. A Super Bowl victory today would give him something precious, a championship ring to share the memory with Jack as their family grows. Whatever happens on the field, Stephanie will be there, the same steady presence she’s been since that chance meeting in Baltimore eleven years ago.

Sources

• People.com – Comprehensive profile of Stephanie Macdonald, her cheerleading career, and relationship timeline with Mike Macdonald
• Heavy Sports – Five fast facts about Stephanie Macdonald including her background and marriage details
• Sports Illustrated – Coverage of Stephanie in the spotlight for Super Bowl LX and her support of Mike Macdonald’s career