Mark Gastineau used to be the loudest man in New York. If you watched the Jets in the '80s, you remember the "Sack Exchange," the fur coats, and that wild, borderline-obnoxious dance he’d do after flattening a quarterback. He was the guy everyone loved to hate—or just plain loved. But fast forward to 2026, and the lights have dimmed. The mink coats are gone. These days, when people search for Mark Gastineau wife today, they aren't looking for a red carpet update. They’re looking for the woman who has quite literally kept a dying legend alive.
Her name is JoAnn Gastineau.
While the tabloids of the past were obsessed with Mark’s high-profile romances and messy divorces, JoAnn has spent the last two decades in the trenches of a much harder reality. She isn't a reality TV star like his first wife, Lisa Gastineau. She isn't a Hollywood icon like his former fiancée, Brigitte Nielsen. Honestly, JoAnn is the anchor Mark never had when he was the "Sack King."
Who is JoAnn Gastineau?
Mark and JoAnn married in 2007. At that point, Mark was already a changed man, having traded the party scene for a life of faith. They didn't meet at a nightclub or a movie premiere. They met through their church, specifically the Times Square Church where they both sang in the choir. Imagine that: the guy who used to terrorize Dan Marino was suddenly harmonizing in a choir loft.
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JoAnn has stayed by his side through a medical gauntlet that would break most people. We aren't just talking about a bad knee or some old football aches. Mark has been open about his diagnoses: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia. On top of that, he fought a brutal battle with Stage 3 colon cancer.
If you see a video of Mark today, he’s often at a rehabilitation facility like the Lawrence Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center. He’s thinner, slower, and his voice carries the weight of a brain that’s been through too many collisions. But in almost every shot, JoAnn is right there. She’s the one holding his hand, navigating the insurance paperwork, and making sure he’s still fighting.
What Happened to Mark’s Famous Exes?
To understand why his relationship with JoAnn is so different, you have to look at the wreckage of the past. It’s no secret that Mark’s early life was... well, a disaster.
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- Lisa Gastineau: His first wife and the mother of Brittny Gastineau. They were the "it" couple until they weren't. Lisa eventually starred in The Gastineau Girls on E!, and she hasn't always been kind about Mark's health struggles. Back in 2018, she famously told TMZ that his illnesses were "karma" for his past behavior. It was harsh. It was public. And it showed just how deep those old wounds ran.
- Brigitte Nielsen: In 1988, Mark famously quit the Jets mid-season to be with Brigitte. It was a scandal that rocked the NFL. They had a son together, Killian, but the relationship ended in a flurry of headlines and accusations.
- Patricia Schorr: His second marriage was short-lived and marred by legal trouble. Mark actually served time in Rikers Island after failing to complete an anger management course related to a domestic incident with Patricia.
By the time JoAnn entered the picture, the "old" Mark Gastineau was effectively dead. He was a man trying to outrun a reputation for violence and infidelity.
Living with the Aftermath of the NFL
Today, Mark Gastineau’s life is a cautionary tale about the cost of the game. He admits he "led with his head" on every play. The results are devastating. In recent updates, JoAnn has been his primary advocate in his ongoing quest for support from the NFL.
They don't live a glamorous life. It's a life of appointments. It's a life of "good days and bad days." JoAnn has spoken about how Mark’s faith—and her own—is what keeps them from spiraling. They aren't looking for a "comeback" in the traditional sense. They’re looking for peace.
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One of the most moving things about Mark Gastineau wife today is how JoAnn helped him confront his past. In 2019, Mark went public with a horrific confession: he had been raped as a child. He said he never felt safe enough to tell anyone until he met JoAnn. He trusted her with the darkest part of his soul, something he couldn't do with the "glamour" wives of his youth.
Where Are They Now?
As of 2026, the Gastineaus are still leaning heavily on their faith. Mark is a frequent visitor to rehab centers, not just for himself, but to encourage others. He’s become an advocate for "Heads Up Football," trying to teach kids how to tackle without ending up like him.
JoAnn remains the gatekeeper. She’s the one who helps him remember the names he’s forgotten. She’s the one who manages the GoFundMe pages when the medical bills for cancer and neurodegenerative treatments stack up.
It’s a different kind of love story. It isn't for the cameras. It’s the kind of love that shows up at 3:00 AM in a hospital room when the "Sack King" is just a man who can’t remember where he is.
Next Steps for Fans and Supporters
- Follow the Advocacy: Keep an eye on Mark’s work with USA Football. He’s passionate about making sure the next generation doesn't suffer the same cognitive decline.
- Support the Cause: If you want to help, there are often verified fundraisers managed by his family to help with the astronomical costs of long-term care for NFL veterans.
- Health Screenings: Take a page out of Mark’s book—he’s a huge proponent of early colon cancer screenings. Don't skip yours.