Jim McMahon Wife: Who Is He Married To? (2026)

Jim McMahon, the brash quarterback who led the Chicago Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX, was married to Nancy Daines for 27 years. The two met while attending Brigham Young University and married in 1982, the same year McMahon was drafted into the NFL.

Who Is Nancy Daines?

Nancy Daines met Jim McMahon while both were students at Brigham Young University, where McMahon starred as the Cougars' quarterback. Unlike her famous husband, Nancy kept a low public profile throughout his football career, focusing on raising their four children while McMahon played for seven NFL teams over 15 seasons. She filed for divorce in September 2009, and the marriage was dissolved later that year after 27 years together.

Marriage Timeline

Jim and Nancy McMahon were married on May 1, 1982, just months after McMahon was selected fifth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1982 NFL Draft. Their marriage spanned nearly his entire professional career, from his rookie season with the Bears through his championship run in the 1985 season and his final years as a backup quarterback with the Green Bay Packers. In September 2009, a dissolution of marriage petition was filed in Cook County, Illinois, and the divorce was finalized shortly thereafter.

Children

Jim and Nancy McMahon had four children: two daughters, Alexis and Ashley, and two sons, Sean and Zach. McMahon has described his relationship with his children as one of the constants in his life through his difficult post-retirement years dealing with injuries. Following his divorce, McMahon was later reported to be in relationships with Laurie Navon and Mayra Montoya.

Career Highlights

Jim McMahon was born on August 21, 1959, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and became a college star at BYU. Drafted fifth overall by the Chicago Bears in 1982, he led the 1985 Bears to a 15-1 record and a dominant victory in Super Bowl XX, earning Pro Bowl honors that season. Over 15 NFL seasons, McMahon played for the Bears, Chargers, Eagles, Vikings, Cardinals, Browns, and Packers, earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 1991 while backing up Randall Cunningham in Philadelphia. He won a second Super Bowl ring with the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI before retiring in 1996. In retirement, McMahon became a well-known advocate for medical cannabis as treatment for chronic pain and arthritis.

FAQ

Who is Jim McMahon's ex-wife?

His ex-wife is Nancy Daines, whom he met at Brigham Young University.

When did Jim McMahon get divorced?

The divorce petition was filed in September 2009 in Cook County, Illinois, and finalized shortly after.

How many children does Jim McMahon have?

Four: daughters Alexis and Ashley, and sons Sean and Zach.

When did Jim McMahon marry Nancy Daines?

They married in 1982, the same year he entered the NFL with the Chicago Bears.

Which Super Bowls did Jim McMahon win?

He won Super Bowl XX as the Bears' starting quarterback and Super Bowl XXXI as a backup with the Green Bay Packers.

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