Nick Rallis, the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive coordinator and one of the youngest in NFL history, owes much of his rapid rise from the Vikings to the Eagles and now Arizona to the support and accomplishments of his wife, Devin, a dedicated special education teacher.
Devin, a Milwaukee native born on November 12, 1992, grew up as Devin Stanford (before marriage) in a close-knit family.
She is the daughter of Deborah Stanford and Anthony Roach and was raised alongside two older brothers, Mitchell and Nick.
Her brother Nick Roach had a notable football career, playing linebacker for the Oakland Raiders, which likely fostered an early appreciation for the sport in their household.
A multi-sport standout at Milwaukee Lutheran High School, Devin excelled in track and field, volleyball, and basketball, graduating in 2010 as a recognized standout athlete.
She then headed to the University of Minnesota, where she pursued a double major in elementary education, earning both a BA and a BS.
While studying, she continued competing in indoor and outdoor track and field from 2011 to 2015.
As a redshirt senior, she served as team captain and left an impressive mark on the Gophers’ record books.
She ranks second all-time indoors in the weight throw with a career-best of 20.61 meters.
In her final outdoor season, she earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors as hammer throw runner-up and finished second in the discus at the 2015 Big Ten Outdoor Championships.
She was also a four-year Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
During her college years, Devin developed a deep passion for special education after tutoring a child with autism.
She found the smallest signs of progress incredibly rewarding, solidifying her commitment to working with children who have special needs.
After graduating, she joined Teach for America and earned a master’s degree in special education.
She furthered her studies at Cardinal Stritch University (often referred to in connection with Milwaukee-area programs), completing a Master of Arts in Urban Special Education in 2017.
Professionally, Devin has built a meaningful career in education. She has worked as a special education teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools, an exceptional children’s inclusion teacher in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, an emotional behavior disorder special education teacher in Saint Paul Public Schools, and, since 2020, she has served as a special education resource teacher in South Washington County Schools in Cottage Grove, Minnesota.
She is also pursuing board certification in special education, reflecting her ongoing dedication to the field.
Nick and Devin met at the University of Minnesota, where he played linebacker for the Gophers before moving into coaching
He proposed in 2019, and Devin shared her excitement on social media, thanking Sean Brown and Wedding Day Diamonds in Minnetonka for helping Nick select a stunning diamond ring.
She described the proposal as a complete surprise and the ring as more beautiful than she could have imagined. While their exact wedding date remains private, the couple has built a strong family together.
The Rallises are parents to two sons: Kendrick and Dominick. Their second son, Dominick Kyzir Rallis, named in part after Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White, a player Nick deeply respects, was born on a Sunday morning in November 2024, just hours before a big Cardinals game against the Chicago Bears.
In a classic display of the demands of NFL coaching, Nick reviewed his game plan with Devin in the hospital room shortly after the birth.
Devin encouraged him to coach that day, understanding the mental commitment his role requires.
Embed from Getty ImagesNick has openly praised her as one of the “real MVPs,” noting how she handles everything at home during the intense six-month football season while fully supporting his career.
Their routine often includes Nick reciting plays and calls to her on Fridays before games, highlighting how integrated she is in his preparation.
Devin’s blend of athletic background, educational expertise, and family-first mindset makes her the perfect partner for Nick’s high-pressure world.
As he continues to lead one of the NFL’s rising defenses, her quiet strength and sacrifices play a huge role in his success.
The couple’s story is a reminder that behind many great coaches is an equally impressive support system at home.
