Joe Gibbs, an auto racing team owner and former football coach, has been married to his supportive wife, Patricia Gibbs, since 1966.
Gibbs, born on November 25, 1940, in Mocksville, North Carolina, began his coaching career as an offensive line coach at San Diego State from 1964 to 1966.
After several years coaching college football, he moved to the NFL, where he first served as the St. Louis Cardinals’ running backs coach from 1973 to 1977.
He later took on roles as offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the San Diego Chargers before becoming the head coach of the Washington Redskins in 1981.
During his tenure with the Redskins, he led the team to three Super Bowl victories (XVII, XXII, XXVI) and was twice named NFL Coach of the Year.
After retiring from football in 1992, he founded Joe Gibbs Racing in NASCAR, where his teams have won multiple championships.
Gibbs returned to coach the Redskins from 2004 to 2007 before retiring again to focus on his NASCAR team.
Recognized for his contributions to both football and racing, Gibbs has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, making him one of the few sports figures honored in multiple major sports halls of fame.
Joe Gibbs and Patricia Wed Following Her European Sojourn and Their Eight-Year Relationship
Joe Gibbs married his wife, Patricia, on January 29, 1966.
Despite dating for eight years and Patricia’s extended vacation in Europe, it wasn’t until her return that Joe realized he couldn’t be without her.
Their marriage, which began shortly after Joe graduated from San Diego State in 1963, has flourished for nearly six decades as of 2024.
On their 50th anniversary in 2016, Joe shared on Facebook with the caption,
My wife Pat and I just celebrated 50 years of marriage! Take a look at how we were able to keep our marriage strong!
Via Facebook
Born as Patricia Escobar, now Patricia Gibbs, hails from the USA and is of Mexican descent.
She has maintained a low profile, with limited public information about her early life, education, and professional career.
Her prominence rose primarily through her marriage to Joe, a relationship that has seen both its highs and its profound challenges, particularly highlighted by her health scare in 1980.
Diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor behind her ear, Patricia faced a difficult battle.
The complexity of her condition led to a series of medical complications following her initial surgery, which required a second urgent operation.
During this trying time, which Joe describes as some of the most challenging hours of their lives, Patricia endured a painful recovery that affected her balance and caused partial paralysis.
Yet, she tackled each obstacle with courage, evidenced by her relentless pursuit of treatment through numerous doctor appointments.
In a revealing 2019 interview, Joe shared an anecdote about his struggle with household chores during Patricia’s recovery, particularly a humorous incident involving a mound of laundry he left untouched until her return home.
This recounting points out the routine shifts and the steadfast support that has been a hallmark of their marriage.
Patricia’s support has been instrumental throughout Joe’s career in both football and racing, managing their home and raising their sons largely independently.
Today, Joe and Patricia Gibbs reside happily in Charlotte, North Carolina, a testament to their enduring partnership and mutual support through both good times and bad.
A Look at Joe and Pat Gibbs’ Sons J.D. and Coy
Joe and Pat Gibbs have two sons, J.D. and Coy Gibbs, and eight grandchildren.
J.D. Gibbs, born on February 21, 1969, was a professional stock car racing driver who began working at his father’s newly founded Joe Gibbs Racing in 1991.
He took on the role of team president in 1998, enhancing its success until his father returned in 2007.
J.D. and his wife, Melissa, had four sons, Joe Jackson, William Miller, Jason Dean II, and Zachary Taylor, before J.D. tragically passed away in 2019 due to a neurological condition diagnosed in 2015.
Coy Gibbs, born on December 9, 1972, was a Stanford University linebacker from 1991 to 1994.
After his father’s return to the Redskins in 2004, Coy joined as an offensive quality control assistant.
His NASCAR career included a notable stint in the Craftsman Truck Series and the Busch Series, where he nearly won Rookie of the Year in 2003.
Coy also ventured into motorcycle racing in 2007 by founding Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross.
He and his wife, Heather, raised four children: Ty, Case, Jett, and Elle.
Tragically, Coy passed away in his sleep in 2022 at the age of 49.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Joe Gibbs was born to his parents, Jackson Ceufud Gibbs and Winnie Era Gibbs.
- He is known for his innovative offensive strategies, including the creation of the famous “H-back” position.
- He has authored several books, including “Fourth and One,” which offers insights into his coaching philosophy and personal beliefs.
