New Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald has been on quite the journey through the NFL, going from just an intern to replacing one of the most-revered coaches in the league in the span of a decade.
Not to be outdone, his wife Stephanie Macdonald has been on her own journey through the NFL. During his introductory press conference on Thursday, Mike made sure to give his wife the praise she deserves.
"My wife Stephanie is an absolute rock star," Mike told reporters. "You'll get to know her, and this city will fall in love with her."
Before the couple wed in 2021, Stephanie was previously a cheerleader for three different NFL teams over eight years, those being the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders. Some of her career highlights as a cheerleader include going to the Pro Bowl in just her second year in the league and getting to sing the National Anthem during her time in Washington.
What may stand out the most from her cheerleading days, though, are the friends she's made along the way.
"The friendships from those teams are just so invaluable to me," Stephanie told reporters after the press conference. "Each team had such a special place in my heart."
Even though her cheerleading days are behind her, Stephanie still knows how to get hyped when supporting her husband. Now joining a rowdy fanbase in Seattle, she's ready to put her fandom to test.
"Well let's bring that back," Stephanie said when she was told that the 12s have broken a world record before. "Let's have a scream-off, me and the fans."
Moving across the country from Baltimore to Seattle is obviously a huge change, and one that will take time for Stephanie, Mike and Bruce, their 4-year-old English Labrador, to acclimate to. Based on first impressions, though, it feels like Seattle is the perfect place for the Macdonald family.
"It's just incredible, we're so lucky," Stephanie said. "Walking in and having that warm welcome, I'm like 'Alright, this is where we're meant to be.'"
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