Ryan Clark is a name that resonates in the NFL world—Super Bowl champion, ESPN analyst, and outspoken media personality. But behind every great man is an even greater woman, and in Ryan’s case, that woman is Yonka Clark, his ride-or-die since their high school days.
So, who is Ryan Clark’s wife? Does he have a first spouse or baby mama? And what about his kids? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the Clark family saga—complete with love, drama, and a whole lot of Southern charm.
Meet Yonka Clark: The Woman Who Stood By Ryan Through It All
We are thrilled to introduce our February 2013 cover stars: Yonka (@WriteHereYONKee) & Ryan Clark (@RealRClark25)! pic.twitter.com/cpqz1XgV
— WHIRL Magazine (@WHIRLMagazine) January 25, 2013
From “Snooty Girl” to Soulmate
Yonka Clark (née unknown) wasn’t exactly smitten with Ryan when they first met. In fact, their origin story sounds like a rom-com gone wrong.
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They crossed paths in 1997 at Archbishop Shaw High School’s graduation picnic in Louisiana. Introduced by Yonka’s cousin, their first impressions were… less than stellar.
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Yonka’s take: “He was this arrogant football player with girls fawning over him. Not my type.”
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Ryan’s reaction: “She was the snootiest, meanest girl I’d ever met.”
But fate had other plans. They both ended up at LSU, where seeing a familiar face softened their attitudes. Slowly, the ice melted, and by 2004, they tied the knot after seven years of dating.
More Than Just an “NFL Wife”
Yonka never wanted to be defined by Ryan’s career. While other NFL wives embraced the glitz, she kept it low-key—no flashy social media, no reality TV drama.
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Her philosophy: “I wasn’t married to the NFL. I was married to Ryan.”
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Her hustle: While Ryan was tackling opponents, Yonka was building her own empire—skincare, organic products, and managing their kids’ careers.
She was the rock during Ryan’s scariest health crisis—a splenic infarction in 2007 due to his sickle cell trait. She stood by him as he lost 30 pounds, had his spleen and gallbladder removed, and fought his way back to the field.
The Clark Kids: Jaden, Jordan, and Loghan
Ryan and Yonka have three children, each carving their own unique path.
1. Jaden Clark – The Brainy Counselor
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The eldest, now in her mid-20s.
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Earned a Master’s in Professional Counseling from the University of San Francisco.
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Gave a commencement speech—proof that the Clark genes include both brains and charisma.
2. Jordan Clark – The Football Prodigy
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Following in Dad’s footsteps, Jordan plays safety for Notre Dame after transferring from Arizona State.
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Ryan’s proudest sideline moment? Watching his son dominate on the field.
3. Loghan Clark – The Baking Boss
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The baby of the family, but don’t let that fool you.
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Runs Bumbles Bakeshop, her own baking business.
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Also inspired Yonka’s tween skincare line (because teenage skin struggles are real).
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The Big Question: Does Ryan Clark Have a First Wife or Baby Mama?
Former NFL players Ryan Clark and Channing Crowder reveal they both had vasectomies, while Nick Cannon makes it clear he’s not done having kids.
(🎥 We Playin’ Spades/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/CvhgPou6wh
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) March 17, 2025
Nope. Zero evidence suggests Ryan was married before Yonka or has children outside their marriage.
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Fact: Ryan got a vasectomy after three kids because Yonka said, “We’re done.” (He wanted a fourth, but she shut that down fast.)
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No ex-wives, no secret offspring—just a solid, decades-long marriage.
The Clark Family Today: More Than Just ESPN Drama
Ryan’s recent feud with Robert Griffin III (RG3) over Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark made headlines, but at home? It’s all about family dinners, kids’ milestones, and their dog, Harley J.
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Their motto: “We’re the Clark 5.” (Yes, the dog counts.)
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Biggest flex? Raising three successful children while navigating NFL chaos.
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Final Verdict: A Love Story That Outlasted the NFL
Ryan Clark’s legacy isn’t just Super Bowls and ESPN debates—it’s Yonka, Jaden, Jordan, and Loghan. No baby mamas, no messy divorces—just real love, real hustle, and a family that stays winning.
So next time you see Ryan on First Take, remember: Behind every fiery take is a woman who once thought he was arrogant… and kids who still keep him humble.
Want more Clark family tea? Check out Yonka’s skincare ventures or Jordan’s latest Notre Dame highlights. This dynasty is just getting started.
