“Things are never perfect, but through love, you continue to persevere, and you move through them, you move through them.” NBA legend Kobe Bryant once expressed this quote about love. The Browns‘ jersey no. 75 means and implements what his idol told about love. But you will be surprised to know how Joel Bitonio’s love for Kobe and the Lakers brought him to his wife Courtney.

Currently, serving his decadal year for the franchise, Bitonio found the love of his life in Courtney. But they met in an interesting manner.

Who is Joel Bitonio’s wife?

Bitonio’s wife, Courtney Bitonio, is a 34-year-old sports enthusiast and philanthropist, as well as a successful wife and mother. She grew up in Las Vegas and graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the same university where Joel studied. The couple met in their freshman year. Although Courtney is not typically an extroverted person, she is a good friend to others.

Last year, the couple made headlines for donating $1 million to the Wolf Pack Football team, which represents the University of Nevada.

But where did it all start? Well, Mrs. Bitonio noticed a boy watching the Lakers’ game on TV downstairs in the lobby of Argenta Hall. Joel’s love of sports unknowingly attracted Courtney’s attention.

And that’s when the college girl decided to take a shot and speak to Bitonio. She once opened up about the incident, “So I tried to have a conversation with him, but he was…totally disinterested”. But this first, quite awkward conversation led to them tying knots after completing college.

When did Joel and Courtney get married?

Well, Bitonio married Courtney in 2016. The couple exchanged vows in a beautiful summer ceremony surrounded by friends and family. After dating for a couple of years, Bitonio proposed to Courtney in 2015. Their wedding marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives together.

And then they extended their family by welcoming their first child, Zoey Grace, on January 7, 2019. Their second child, Benjamin Michael, was born last year.

Since their marriage, Bitonio and Courtney have often shared glimpses into their lives on social media. The couple’s love and commitment to each other continue to grow stronger with each passing day and their interest in the sport doubled.

The 35th pick all over is considered one of the all-time best football players in the Wolf Pack’s history. But after completing 8 years together, it’s safe to Bitonio is winning in his personal life, all thanks to his partner, Courtney and their 2 kids.