In a world where every professional athlete seems to be chasing a reality TV deal or a high-profile brand partnership, Kris Bryant is a bit of an anomaly. He’s the guy with the piercing blue eyes who helped snap the most famous curse in sports history. But if you look at his life away from the diamond, it’s remarkably... normal. Behind the MVP trophies and the massive contracts is a partnership that predates the fame by a long shot. Kris Bryant and wife Jessica Delp are basically the gold standard for staying grounded in a league that usually values glitz over substance.
They aren't trying to be "influencers." Honestly, they just seem like two kids from Las Vegas who got lucky and stayed together.
The High School Sweethearts Narrative is Actually Real
Usually, when you hear "high school sweethearts" in sports, there’s a catch. But for Kris and Jessica, the timeline is legitimate. They met at Bonanza High School in Las Vegas when they were just 15 or 16. Neither could even drive yet. Think about that: before the $182 million contract with the Rockies, they were getting dropped off at dates by their siblings.
Jessica wasn't just a bystander, either. She was a standout athlete herself, playing both basketball and softball. While Kris was becoming the best amateur baseball player in the country, she was holding her own on the court and the field. They graduated in 2010 and took the ultimate relationship test: long distance. Kris went to the University of San Diego; Jessica stayed home for UNLV.
They made it through three years of being apart while their careers—and lives—changed forever.
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The 2017 Wedding: A World Series Celebration
If 2016 was the year of the Cubs, 2017 was the year of the Bryants. Just months after winning the World Series and the NL MVP, Kris married Jessica on January 7, 2017. It was a Las Vegas wedding, obviously.
It wasn't some cold, corporate event. Anthony Rizzo was a bridesmaid—wait, no, a groomsman—but let’s be real, the "Bryzzo" bromance was so strong he might as well have been in the bridal party. The wedding even featured a doughnut wall because, as Kris famously told Martha Stewart Weddings, he didn't care where they got married as long as there were doughnuts.
Why Their Relationship Dynamic Works
- The "Awkward Phase" Factor: Jessica once joked in a radio interview that she isn't intimidated by Kris’s "model looks" because she saw him through his awkward teenage years.
- Privacy Over Publicity: Unlike many MLB couples, they don't document every single meal or vacation on TikTok.
- Shared History: They knew each other before the money. That changes everything.
Navigating the Rocky Road in Colorado
The last few years haven't been the easiest for the family. Since signing that massive seven-year deal with the Colorado Rockies in 2022, Kris has been plagued by injuries. We're talking back issues, foot problems, and a diagnosis of lumbar degenerative disc disease that has limited him to just 170 games over four seasons.
It’s been brutal for fans to watch, but it’s undoubtedly harder on the family. Kris has been open about how frustrating it is to wake up in pain every day. In recent interviews, he’s mentioned how he just wants to be able to pick up his kids without his back flaring up.
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The Bryant Brood: Life as a Family of Six
Kris and Jessica have quietly built a big family. They have four children now, including their firstborn, Kyler Lee (born in 2020), and twins.
- Kyler Lee Bryant: Born April 2020.
- The Twins: Carter and Colson, born in 2022.
- The Fourth Child: A daughter, Alice, born in 2024.
Living in Denver (and Lake Tahoe during the off-season), they’ve leaned into the "dad and mom" life. Kris has joked that his kids don't care about his slugging percentage; they just want him to play in the backyard. Jessica has remained the backbone of the operation, managing the chaos of four young kids while Kris travels or spends hours in physical therapy.
What Most People Get Wrong
People see the $26 million annual salary and assume it’s all private jets and easy living. But the reality of Kris Bryant and wife Jessica's life lately has been one of resilience. Dealing with chronic pain while raising four kids under the age of six is a recipe for stress, regardless of your bank account balance.
Jessica has often stepped in to defend Kris against "fans" on social media who claim he’s faking injuries or "quiet quitting." She’s been his fiercest protector since 2007, and that hasn't changed just because the jersey color did.
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The Impact of Jessica Bryant
While she has a degree in psychology from UNLV, Jessica has largely focused on philanthropy and family. During their time in Chicago, she was heavily involved with Cubs Charities. In Denver, they’ve continued that trend, though more privately. She’s the person who keeps Kris grounded when the media is calling his contract the "worst in baseball history."
It’s easy to be a "power couple" when you’re winning World Series rings. It’s a lot harder when you’re grinding through rehab assignments in the minor leagues at 34 years old.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Bryant family journey, here is how to keep up without invading their privacy:
- Look for the Foundation: Support the charities they've historically backed, like Cubs Charities or local Denver food banks.
- Respect the Boundary: Notice how they rarely post their kids' faces or specific locations. It’s a choice—respect it by not reposting leaked or private family photos.
- Perspective Matters: When discussing Kris's performance on the field, remember the human element. He’s a father dealing with a degenerative health condition, not just a line on a spreadsheet.
The story of Kris and Jessica isn't over. Whether Kris returns to All-Star form or eventually transitions into a post-baseball life, it’s clear that the "high school sweetheart" tag wasn't just a PR stunt. It’s the literal foundation of his life.