When we talk about famous NFL coaches, Jimmy Johnson’s name always comes up. But behind this successful man stands a strong and caring woman – Rhonda Rookmaaker. While her husband spent years in the spotlight, Rhonda chose to live a quiet and private life. Today, we’ll learn about this interesting woman who has been by Jimmy’s side for more than 25 years.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Rhonda Rookmaaker Johnson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1954 |
| Age | 70 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Profession | Former Hairdresser |
| Famous For | Being Jimmy Johnson’s wife |
| Married Since | July 18, 1999 |
| Husband | Jimmy Johnson (NFL Coach) |
| Children | None together (2 stepsons) |
| Net Worth | $1-2 million |
Early Life and Background
Rhonda Rookmaaker was born on July 1, 1954, in the United States. Not much is known about her childhood or her parents because she likes to keep her personal life private. She grew up in a regular American family and had a normal upbringing.
Before she met Jimmy Johnson, Rhonda worked as a hairdresser. She was good at her job and enjoyed helping people look and feel their best. She worked at a salon in Coral Gables, which is near the University of Miami. This job would later change her life in a big way.
How Rhonda Met Jimmy Johnson
The love story of Rhonda and Jimmy is quite special. They first met in 1984 when Jimmy was working as a football coach at the University of Miami. Rhonda was cutting hair at a local salon in Coral Gables, and that’s where their paths crossed.
However, there was one problem – Jimmy was still married to his first wife, Linda Kay Cooper, at that time. So Rhonda and Jimmy stayed friends for many years. They built a strong friendship based on respect and understanding.
In 1990, Jimmy divorced his first wife. The divorce happened because his busy coaching career left him with very little time for family. After the divorce, Jimmy moved to Dallas to coach the Dallas Cowboys. Rhonda also moved to Dallas, and their friendship slowly turned into love.
The Long Journey to Marriage
Rhonda and Jimmy took their time before getting married. They dated for almost 15 years! This shows how patient and sure they were about their relationship. They wanted to build a strong foundation before taking the next step.
In January 1998, Jimmy finally asked Rhonda to marry him. She said yes! After being engaged for about 18 months, they got married on July 18, 1999.
The wedding was small and private, just the way they wanted it. They chose a beautiful beach in the Florida Keys for their special day. The ceremony was simple but meaningful, with the ocean as their backdrop. At that time, Rhonda was 45 years old, and Jimmy was 56.
Life as Jimmy Johnson’s Wife
Being married to a famous NFL coach is not easy, but Rhonda handled it with grace. She has always been a supportive wife, standing by Jimmy through all his career changes.
Jimmy Johnson is a legend in football. He coached the Dallas Cowboys and helped them win two Super Bowl championships in 1993 and 1994. After coaching, he became a TV sports analyst for Fox NFL Sunday. Through all these years, Rhonda was there supporting him.
Despite being married to someone famous, Rhonda chose to stay away from the spotlight. She rarely gives interviews and doesn’t like being the center of attention. This shows her humble and down-to-earth nature.
Family Life and Stepchildren
Rhonda and Jimmy don’t have any children together. However, Jimmy has two sons from his first marriage to Linda Kay Cooper. Their names are Chad Johnson and Brent Johnson.
Rhonda became a loving stepmother to these two boys. She has always treated them with kindness and respect. Both stepsons have grown up to be successful in their own fields.
Brent Johnson works as the president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. Chad Johnson is a politician who serves in the Florida House of Representatives. The family maintains a close relationship, and they often spend time together during holidays and special occasions.
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Rhonda’s Personal Interests
Even though Rhonda keeps a low profile, we know a few things about her interests and hobbies.
She loves to travel and often goes on vacations with Jimmy to different places around the world. They especially enjoy visiting tropical locations and spending time by the ocean.
Rhonda also has a talent for interior design. She has decorated their beautiful home in Islamorada, which is in the Florida Keys. The couple chose to live in this peaceful area because they both love the beach and ocean life.
Family is very important to Rhonda. She enjoys hosting family gatherings and spending quality time with her loved ones. Friends describe her as warm, friendly, and caring.
Social Media and Public Life
Unlike many celebrity wives today, Rhonda is not active on social media. She doesn’t have public Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook accounts. This choice shows that she values her privacy more than fame.
The only time she appeared in public media was in 2012 when she joined Jimmy in a sports documentary called “A Football Life.” Other than that, she prefers to stay behind the scenes.
However, she does attend important events with Jimmy. She was by his side during his NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2020, one of the proudest moments of his career.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Rhonda Rookmaaker has her own money from her years of working as a hairdresser. Her personal net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million.
Her husband, Jimmy Johnson, is much wealthier. His net worth is estimated at around $45 million. He made this money from his coaching career, TV work, and business investments. Jimmy owns restaurants, including Three Rings in Miami and JJ’s Big Chill in Key Largo, Florida.
Together, Rhonda and Jimmy live a comfortable life. They own a beautiful home in the Florida Keys and enjoy their retirement years together. Despite having money, they live simply and don’t show off their wealth.
What Makes Rhonda Special
Rhonda Rookmaaker teaches us important lessons about life and relationships. She shows that you don’t need to be in the spotlight to be important. Her quiet strength and support have been crucial to Jimmy’s success.
She waited 15 years before marrying Jimmy, showing patience and commitment. She embraced her role as a stepmother with love and care. She built her own career and identity before becoming known as “Jimmy Johnson’s wife.”
Most importantly, Rhonda proves that true partnership means supporting each other through thick and thin. She has been Jimmy’s rock for over 25 years, and their marriage continues to be strong and happy.
Conclusion
Rhonda Rookmaaker may not be a household name, but her story is worth knowing. She is a woman of strength, patience, and grace. From working as a hairdresser to becoming the wife of an NFL legend, she has handled every phase of her life with dignity.
Her 25-year marriage to Jimmy Johnson shows what true love and partnership look like. While Jimmy was winning championships and appearing on TV, Rhonda was building a warm home and supporting her family.
Today, at 70 years old, Rhonda continues to live a peaceful life in the Florida Keys with her husband. She remains private, humble, and happy – exactly the way she wants to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Rhonda Rookmaaker? Rhonda Rookmaaker was born on July 1, 1954, making her 70 years old in 2025.
2. When did Rhonda Rookmaaker marry Jimmy Johnson? Rhonda married Jimmy Johnson on July 18, 1999, in a private beach ceremony in the Florida Keys.
3. Does Rhonda Rookmaaker have children? No, Rhonda and Jimmy don’t have children together. However, she is a stepmother to Jimmy’s two sons, Chad and Brent, from his first marriage.
4. What was Rhonda Rookmaaker’s job before marriage? Rhonda worked as a professional hairdresser at a salon in Coral Gables, Florida, before she married Jimmy Johnson.
5. What is Rhonda Rookmaaker’s net worth? Rhonda’s personal net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million, while her husband Jimmy Johnson’s net worth is around $45 million.
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