If you spent any time watching college football in the late 2000s, you remember the name. Colt McCoy. The guy was a legend in Austin, basically a deity in a burnt orange jersey. But while everyone was busy dissecting his completion percentage or that heartbreaking shoulder injury in the 2010 BCS National Championship, a much more interesting story was quietly unfolding on the sidelines.
It involves a young track star and aspiring journalist named Rachel Glandorf.
People tend to think of "NFL wives" as these flashy, curated figures who appear out of nowhere once the big contracts start rolling in. That wasn’t the case for Colt McCoy and wife Rachel. Their story didn't start in a VIP lounge or through a high-end dating app. It started with a microphone and a very awkward first date.
The Interview That Changed Everything
Back in 2008, Rachel was an intern for KEYE TV in Austin. She was a senior at Baylor University—a rival school, mind you—where she was a standout on the track and field team. Specifically, she crushed it in the 400-meter hurdles.
She was sent to interview the star quarterback of the Texas Longhorns.
Honestly, she tried to keep it professional. She actually tried not to date him at first. When they finally agreed to go out for the first time, Rachel wasn't taking any chances. She brought a friend along. Imagine being one of the most famous athletes in the country, showing up for a date, and seeing a third wheel standing there. Colt wasn't exactly thrilled, but it worked.
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They kept things quiet for a while. It’s hard to keep a secret in a football-obsessed town like Austin, though. Eventually, fans spotted her sitting with Colt’s parents during games, and the cat was out of the bag.
A Scoreboard Proposal
By January 2010, Colt was ready to make it permanent. A week after that brutal loss to Alabama—the one where he got knocked out early—he lured Rachel to the 50-yard line at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. He told her he just needed to "pick up his cleats."
Then, the giant high-definition scoreboard flashed the words: "Rachel, I love you! Will you marry me? Colt."
She said yes. Obviously.
Building a Life Beyond the Gridiron
The couple tied the knot on July 17, 2010. It was a massive Texas wedding, complete with a performance by Jordan Shipley, Colt’s best friend and favorite target on the field. They even went skeet shooting at the reception. Very Texas.
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But then the "journeyman" years began.
Colt’s NFL career was a wild ride. He wasn't a perennial starter, but he became the ultimate "pro's pro." He bounced from the Cleveland Browns to the San Francisco 49ers, then a long stint in Washington, followed by the Giants and the Cardinals.
Through all of that—the trades, the injuries, the cross-country moves—Rachel was the anchor. They didn't just survive the NFL; they grew a family. They have three children now: two daughters, Sloane and Brooke Lincoln, and a son. Fun fact: Brooke Lincoln was named partly because the Lincoln Memorial is Rachel’s favorite spot in D.C., and Colt has a thing for Abraham Lincoln.
Where Are They in 2026?
A lot of fans lost track of them after Colt officially retired in August 2024. He didn't just disappear into a golf course, though. He’s busier now than he was when he was taking snaps.
- Broadcasting: Colt jumped straight into the booth for NBC Sports. He’s been a staple for Big Ten coverage, making his debut during that massive Colorado vs. Nebraska game. He’s good at it because he sees the game like a coach.
- Real Estate: This is the part that surprises people. Colt is now a big player in commercial real estate. In early 2025, he launched the Fort Worth office for HPI, a major Texas firm. He’s not just a "name" on the door; he’s actually running the show, focusing on industrial leasing and development.
- Public Service: Just this month, in January 2026, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Colt to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. He’s literally helping shape the future of colleges in Texas until 2031.
Why Their Partnership Actually Works
You see a lot of sports couples flame out. The pressure of the NFL is no joke. But Colt McCoy and wife Rachel seem to have cracked the code. They’ve been married for over 15 years now, which is basically a century in "pro athlete years."
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It comes down to a few simple things. They share a deep Christian faith, which they’ve both been very vocal about. When Colt's college career ended on that painful note in the Rose Bowl, he famously said that he realized football wasn't his everything—that "Jesus has to be enough." Rachel has been right there beside him with that same mindset.
They also chose to put down roots. After years of living out of suitcases in D.C., New York, and Phoenix, they finally settled in Fort Worth. Colt called it the "first time in my life I've been able to choose where I want to live."
Practical Takeaways for the Rest of Us
You don't have to be a star quarterback to learn something from how they've handled their transition.
- Pivot with Purpose: Colt didn't just mope when his playing days ended. He leveraged his communication skills (broadcasting) and his connections (real estate) to build a multi-dimensional career.
- Privacy Matters: Despite being public figures, they’ve kept their kids mostly out of the "influencer" spotlight. They’ve maintained a level of normalcy that’s rare for people with that kind of fame.
- The "Partner First" Rule: Rachel wasn't just a spectator. She had her own background in journalism and athletics, which helped her understand the demands of his job while building her own identity.
If you want to keep up with what they're doing now, keep an eye on the Fort Worth business journals or tune into NBC on Saturday nights. They aren't just a "Texas football story" anymore. They’re a blueprint for what a successful post-sports life looks like.
For those looking to follow a similar path of career transition, start by identifying two skills you used in your previous role that translate to a completely different industry. For Colt, it was leadership and quick decision-making—traits that work just as well in a real estate boardroom as they do in a two-minute drill.
Follow Their Journey
Check out Colt's analysis on NBC Sports' Big Ten Saturday Night or follow his work with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to see how he's influencing the next generation of students in the Lone Star State.