Ryan Clark, a former NFL safety and current ESPN analyst, dated his now-wife, Yonka Clark, during their college days at Louisiana State University, and they have been together for more than 20 years now.
Born October 12, 1979, Clark entered the NFL in 2002 as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants.
Over his career, he also played for the Steelers and the Redskins.
He has earned notable achievements, such as a Pro Bowl selection in 2011 and a Super Bowl victory with the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.
Ryan’s Wife, Yonka Clark, Has Been A Pillar of Strength in His Battle With Health Challenges
Yonka has been very supportive throughout Ryan’s life, especially during his battle with sickle cell trait, which significantly impacted his football career.
The sickle cell trait condition resulted in risks when playing in high-altitude environments like Denver, Colorado.
Strong advocates for sickle cell awareness, Ryan and Yonka Clark launched the “Ryan Clark’s Cure League” in 2012 to support research, treatment, and education about the disease.
Ryan often credits Yonka for being his rock, describing their bond as one built on mutual respect, love, and resilience.
Beyond football, he is deeply involved in community service. He participated in initiatives such as the United Way Hometown Huddle and “Operation PaintFest,” creating art for New York City hospitals.
Yonka and Ryan both said they didn’t start well and considered each other rude. However, as they got to know each other, their initial thoughts changed, and they fell in love.
The couple first met through Yonka’s cousin in 1997, and both attended Louisiana State University, Ryan one year ahead of Yonka.
They tied the knot in 2004, seven years after they first met. In an interview in 2016, Yonka mentioned,
“I did not like the title ‘NFL wife’ because I was not married to the NFL; I am married to Ryan.”
Source: The Sport Sorority
Yonka was born on August 11, 1980, in Ama, Louisiana. She keeps her personal life private, as evidenced by her private Instagram account. Her bio simply reads, “Just an ordinary girl, living an incredible life.”
She has a strong interest in skincare and is passionate about organics and natural products.
Moreover, she has admitted that she never really wants people to know anything about her.
Ryan and Yonka Clark Are Proud Parents To Their Three Children!
The couple has three children: two daughters and a son: Jaden, Jordan, and Loghan.
Regarding their children, Yonka said,
“My children are the only perfect thing I’ve ever done in life. If I can raise three productive and healthy human beings, I’ll feel I’ve succeeded as their mother.”
Their eldest daughter, Jaden, is in her mid-20s and recently earned a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from the University of San Francisco.
Jaden shared her gratitude on Instagram, expressing pride in being a Fall 2023 graduate commencement speaker and celebrating her journey.
The couple’s middle child, Jordan, plays football at Notre Dame University, and he praises the school’s focus on football and life beyond the sport.
Their youngest daughter, Loghan, graduated from high school in 2023, where she excelled as a volleyball player.
She is currently pursuing culinary school and runs her own baking business, Bumbles Bakeshop, specializing in cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
As her children grow older, Yonka acknowledges the challenge of transitioning from being a full-time mom to exploring her passions.
For Yonka, the biggest challenge is discovering her identity beyond her roles as Ryan’s wife and her children’s mother.
She wants to continue being a support system for her family but also wants to step out and embrace being herself.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Clark was born in Marrero, Louisiana.
- Clark was a standout for the LSU Tigers during his college years.
- He graduated from Archbishop Shaw High School.
