Jerry Neuheisel, currently the quarterbacks coach at Northwestern University under head coach DeShaun Foster, is happily married to Nicole Knox. The couple tied the knot in summer 2020 in a private ceremony at Yosemite Valley, California—a scenic, intimate setting that perfectly matches their low-key, grounded relationship style. As of February 2026, they’ve been married for over five years with no public drama, breakups, or girlfriend rumors since the wedding. Jerry has no children publicly documented, and both he and Nicole keep family matters completely private.
Nicole first captured widespread attention in October 2025 when she rushed onto the field for an emotional, joyful hug with Jerry after the UCLA Bruins’ stunning 42-37 upset over No. 7 Penn State (Nittany Lions) at the Rose Bowl. The clip—Jerry soaked in Gatorade, Nicole beaming with pride—went viral across social media and sports networks, giving fans a rare glimpse of authentic sideline love amid the intensity of college football.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Husband | Jerry Neuheisel (son of legendary coach Rick Neuheisel; former UCLA Bruins OC; now Northwestern QBs coach) |
| Wife | Nicole Knox (travel photographer, entrepreneur, creative content creator) |
| Wedding Date | Summer 2020 (private ceremony in Yosemite Valley) |
| Wedding Location | Yosemite Valley, California |
| Children | None publicly mentioned or shown on social media |
| Relationship Status | Married (no girlfriend or single phase since 2020) |
| Public Style | Extremely private; minimal social media sharing; no interviews or reality-TV exposure |
| Viral Moment | Nicole’s sideline hug after UCLA’s 2025 Rose Bowl win over Penn State |
How Jerry Neuheisel & Nicole Knox Met and Built Their Life Together
Jerry and Nicole began dating sometime before 2020, though they’ve never shared a detailed “meet-cute” story publicly. Their relationship deepened during Jerry’s coaching moves—from Northwestern (where he worked as Northwestern quarterbacks coach) to UCLA (where he served as offensive coordinator under Chip Kelly and later DeShaun Foster) and back to Northwestern in 2025. Nicole has traveled alongside him, embracing the nomadic coach lifestyle with flexibility and independence.
They chose a private, meaningful wedding in Yosemite Valley in summer 2020—away from cameras, media, and the college football world. Jerry posted a simple “Just married!” photo on Instagram at the time, and the couple has kept nearly everything else off social media ever since.
Nicole Knox: More Than Just a Sideline Supporter
Nicole Knox is a professional travel photographer and entrepreneur with a strong creative identity of her own. Her Instagram (@nicolexknox) showcases stunning outdoor adventure imagery—Pacific Coast Highway drives, Eastern Sierra landscapes, Pacific coastline scenes, mountain landscapes, and global trips (Tokyo, Texas, California, etc.). She thrives in artistic freedom while cheering Jerry’s career from the sidelines.
Her viral moment came after UCLA’s shocking 2025 Rose Bowl win over Penn State—Jerry (as offensive playcaller) orchestrated a comeback, and Nicole’s genuine, emotional hug became an instant feel-good clip shared across sports media.
View Nicole’s photography portfolio and travel content on her official site: nicolexknox.com.
That Viral Sideline Hug: The Moment That Captured Hearts
On October 25, 2025, UCLA pulled off a 42-37 upset over No. 7 Penn State at the Rose Bowl. Jerry Neuheisel, soaked in Gatorade after the win, ran straight to Nicole for a heartfelt embrace. The clip exploded online—shared by CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, Racer X, and countless fan accounts—because it showed pure, unscripted joy. No staged celebration, just real emotion from a couple who rarely appear in public together.
Watch the moment and read coverage on CBS Sports.
Why Jerry & Nicole Keep Their Relationship So Private
Unlike many college football couples who share everything online, Jerry and Nicole guard their personal life fiercely. They rarely post about each other, never do joint interviews, and avoid the spotlight. Jerry has said in passing comments that family is his anchor—Nicole’s steady, independent spirit helps him navigate the pressure of coaching career moves, recruiting battles, and game-day intensity. Their privacy-first approach feels refreshing in a world that often overshares.
See Jerry’s limited but heartfelt personal posts on his Instagram.
No Kids, No Drama – Just Steady Partnership
No children have been publicly mentioned or shown by Jerry or Nicole. Their social media focuses on travel, photography, and occasional game-day moments—no family photos or pregnancy announcements. The couple has been married since 2020 with no public separation, girlfriend rumors, or single status since the wedding. They appear to thrive on mutual support and shared adventures rather than public validation.
How Nicole Fits Into the Neuheisel Football Legacy
Jerry is the son of former UCLA quarterback and head coach Rick Neuheisel, giving him deep roots in the sport. Nicole blends seamlessly into that family-oriented background without chasing attention. She cheers from the sidelines, travels with him through coaching changes (Northwestern to UCLA and back), and maintains her own creative career—showing a healthy balance of partnership and independence.
Read more about Jerry’s coaching path and family legacy in this Racer X feature.
What Fans Love About Jerry & Nicole’s Low-Key Vibe
Fans appreciate the authenticity: genuine joy in big wins (like the Penn State upset hug), no manufactured drama, no reality-TV chase. Their relationship feels real—supportive, private, and drama-free—standing out in college football’s often intense personal stories.
Jerry Neuheisel & Nicole Knox in 2026: Solid as Ever
In 2026, Jerry begins a new chapter as QBs coach at Northwestern under DeShaun Foster, while Nicole continues her photography and travel work. Their marriage enters its sixth year with the same warmth and discretion they’ve always maintained—no public changes, just steady partnership amid football’s fast lane.
Final Portrait of Jerry Neuheisel’s Love Life
Jerry Neuheisel is happily married to Nicole Knox since summer 2020—no girlfriend, no single status. Their private, supportive bond stole attention with Nicole’s viral sideline hug during UCLA’s 2025 Penn State upset. Nicole, a globe-trotting photographer/entrepreneur (nicolexknox.com), complements Jerry’s coaching path (Northwestern QBs coach, son of Rick Neuheisel) with independence and genuine enthusiasm. No kids publicly shared, but their 5+ year union shines as drama-free and grounded—centered on partnership, shared adventures, and celebrating wins side by side.
Rapid-Fire Clarity: Key Questions on Jerry Neuheisel’s Love Life
Who is Jerry Neuheisel’s wife?
Nicole Knox, travel photographer and entrepreneur; married since summer 2020.
When did Jerry Neuheisel tie the knot?
Summer 2020 (Yosemite Valley ceremony; confirmed by Zola site and Jerry’s Instagram).
Is Jerry Neuheisel single or dating someone?
No—he’s been married to Nicole Knox for over 5 years; no public single or girlfriend phase since.
Do Jerry Neuheisel and Nicole Knox have children?
No kids mentioned publicly across bios/social media; they keep family details under wraps.
What made Nicole Knox go viral?
Her joyful hug with Jerry after UCLA’s 2025 Rose Bowl upset over Penn State; clip spread fast online.
