TJ Edwards finally got what he wanted. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport on X, “The #Bears have paid another key piece of their defense. This time, they lock up LB TJ Edwards on a 2-year, $20M extension with $16.6M fully guaranteed. The tackling machine earns another done by agent @SteveCaric of @Wasserman.”

Edwards has been with the franchise for two years now. In this tenure, the 38-year-old recorded 284 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four interceptions, 10 passes defensed, and two forced fumbles in a total of 34 games. So, of course, it’s a huge milestone, not just for the Chicago Bears‘ linebacker, but for his family, and his lifetime partner, too, who has been his constant support throughout.

TJ Edwards and his wife, Kelly Vander Loop, popularly known as Kelly Jo, have been together since 2017. After five years of dating, Edwards finally popped the question to her in January 2022. And a year later, i.e., in February 2023, they finally said “I do,” promising forever.

To be precise, their love story began on June 23, 2016. According to their wedding registry, the two first met at Wando’s Bar during Super Bowl weekend. She was bartending that night, and he was just a man who had no idea he’d meet the love of his life. Since that night, they started seeing each other. And then, a year later, they went public with their relationship.

From the start, Jo was all in. She’d take early shifts just to make it to his games – always showing up – always steady. However, after completing college, she moved to Chicago while Edwards stayed behind to finish school. In fact, when his NFL journey began, they spent three years long-distance. And that was indeed harsh for the lovebirds. But their purity of love kept them close.

Then, finally, in October 2020, they moved in together in Philadelphia. And about two years later, on January 9, 2022, TJ Edwards got down on one knee to propose to his lady love, ending up marrying each other the next year. Since then, their new chapter as husband and wife began, and the two are now each other’s biggest supporters in life.

But outside of being TJ Edwards’ biggest supporter, Kelly Jo has also built her own path.

What work does TJ Edwards’ wife, Kelly Jo, do?

Born on October 12, 1994, in Wisconsin, Kelly Jo studied Rehabilitation Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After finishing her academics, she moved towards working as an account manager for Insight Global and C.D. Zero Pay. But later, she changed her mind and is now working as a real estate agent. Besides that, TJ Edwards’ wife has also joined Haevum Aesthetics Atelier as a Patient Concierge. However, that isn’t the end of the list for the multi-talented Kelly. On top of that, Jo is also pursuing her esthetician license. But that’s not all about her.

TJ Edwards’ wife has a heart full of passion. Jo loves interior designing, traveling, hiking, and just being with her husband. Her favorite place is NorthShore – where the beach meets the city, and the views are always worth it. It’s her happy place with Edwards and their sweet dog, Harlow.

Together, the couple shares a lot of memories, but has decided not to publicize most of them, keeping their social media accounts private. However, their abundant love and support for each other isn’t private anymore, it’s in the public spotlight for all to see!