Mike and Kathy Holmgren have much to say about their values, priorities, marriage, and relationships. Read some of their thoughts about one another and their lives together.
Mike, about priorities: "...My priorities in life are faith, family and football - in that order...but I will not risk losing my marriage or my family for my career. If pro football ever begins to undermine what matters most in life, then I'll go back to coaching high school. It's that simple!"
Source: Decision magazine, October 1997
Kathy, about her husband Mike: "He's very, very easy to get along with. He's very kind and considerate. He doesn't change with the wind. He is who he is. He's a very honest and honorable person."
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Kathy, on interdependence in marriage: "The older I've gotten, I realize that each one of us, we have to find our own life. If he's happy in what he does, that makes for a better partner for me. And he feels the same way about me. So he's really very nice about giving me opportunities to enrich myself and to really do the kinds of things that I like to do."
"It's real important for each one of us to have our own life, so that I don't depend on him for my happiness. I have to be happy on my own. But we really do like to spend time together, so it's not like we lead separate lives. Whenever we can be together, we would opt for that, because we really like each other."
Source: Packer Plus Online, 12/97
Jerry Izenberg, about Mike and Kathy:For this couple who still share Friday night "date nights" and who never miss sitting down to breakfast together when he isn't on the road, they will not need to see each other to know where their hearts are."
Source: Star Ledger
Les Carpenter, about the Holmgren's moving to Seattle: "...after the Holmgrens dined with owner Paul Allen, his mother and sister, they went back to the hotel and made the decision as a family to accept the Seahawks' offer."
Source: Jim Moore P-I Reporter. Seattle Times. Seattle, Wash.: Jan 9, 1999. pg. B.6
Kathy, about working with the Seahawks: "I have the most input. If I won't go, he won't go. We work as a team."
Source: Jim Moore P-I Reporter. Seattle Post - Intelligencer. Seattle, Wash.: Jan 9, 1999. pg. E.2
Mike, after dropping many speaking engagements and weekly TV and radio shows to spend time with Kathy and daughters: "Certainly, there are things you have to do, but if there's a choice, I'm going to choose being with my family."
Source: Jim Moore P-I Reporter. Seattle Post - Intelligencer. Seattle, Wash.: Jan 9, 1999. pg. E.2
Agent Bob LaMonte, when Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer in April, 2001:"People say that I'm Mike's best friend. I would say that I'm second, next to Kathy Their relationship is extraordinary. That made it even more difficult."
Source: Clare Farnsworth P-I reporter. Seattle Post - Intelligencer. Seattle, Wash.: Jul 27, 2001. pg. E.1
Mike, after being checked into a hospital for tightness in his chest: "I think we're all wired a certain way. We're all very competitive. ... With me, my life kind of changed a little bit when Kathy got cancer. And I kind of said, 'OK, let's reevaluate here just a little bit.'"
Source: SFgate.com
Kathy, on her own identity: "I feel like a person of privilege who has way more than I'll ever need. I look at the money, and it boggles my mind. But I think it's really important to have my own life or identity. I have absolutely nothing to with his success and I never have claimed to have."
Jayda Evans. Seattle Times. Seattle, Wash.: Jan 6, 2005. pg. D.1
Mike, on having daughters: "Having daughters is pretty good. I get to make a lot of decisions at work, I make none at home."
Source: Pittsburgh Live
Mike, about his values: "When I got into coaching, there were two things I told myself. One was that my job was not going to disrupt my marriage. And second, I would really try to keep things in perspective and not get carried away with myself. I'd like to think I have done a good job with both."
Source: As told to Paul Attner of "The Sporting News," Biography Resource Center Online. Gale Group, 2002.
Mike, about turning down income opportunities: "There's nothing we need that we don't have. How much can a person want?"
Source: Sports Illustrated, March 24, 1997 v86 n12 p77(1)
Kathy, on what's important in life: "What's important is relationships, service -- those things are important. Using your gifts."
Source: Packer Plus Online, 12/97
Mike, about Kathy: "This is who she is. While at times she is 'Mike Holmgren's wife' she is also very much her own woman, and I've always loved that about her."
Source: ABC News
