Honestly, if you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and seen Carrie Underwood’s perfectly curated family photos, you might think you know the deal. A country queen. A hockey tough guy. Two kids. It’s basically the Hallmark version of a celebrity marriage. But when people ask who is Carrie Underwood’s husband, they usually just get the "pro athlete" label and stop there.
That’s a mistake.
Mike Fisher isn't just the guy standing next to her on the red carpet. He’s a Canadian-born retired NHL center who spent nearly two decades taking literal punches to the face before shifting into a life of entrepreneurship and surprisingly quiet Nashville living. Their story isn't some whirlwind Vegas wedding either; it started with a flat-out refusal.
The blind date that almost never happened
Back in 2008, Carrie’s bassist, Mark Childers, tried to play matchmaker. He wanted to set her up with his friend Mike. Carrie’s response? A hard pass. She lived in Nashville; he lived in Ottawa, Canada. She famously joked on VH1’s Behind the Music about how she didn't want to make dating any harder by picking a guy who lived in another country.
But she eventually gave in. They met backstage at one of her concerts, and Carrie’s first impression was basically three words: "Hot, hot, hot."
Because of the distance, they didn't actually see each other again for months. They talked on the phone for about three months before their first real date. Think about that. In a world of instant gratification, they built a foundation on just... talking. It paid off on New Year’s Eve 2008, when they had their first kiss in Times Square as the ball dropped. Fast forward to December 20, 2009, and Mike was popping the question with a yellow diamond ring.
Who is Mike Fisher beyond the NHL?
If you aren't a sports fan, you might not realize how much of a big deal Mike was in the hockey world. He was drafted 44th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 1998. He played for them for years until a massive trade in 2011 sent him to the Nashville Predators.
The trade was actually a huge romantic gesture by the Ottawa GM, Bryan Murray. He reportedly chose Nashville specifically so Mike could be with his wife. It’s rare for a pro sports trade to be motivated by love, but that’s exactly what happened.
Mike Fisher: A Quick Stats Check
- Born: June 5, 1980, in Peterborough, Ontario.
- NHL Career: 19 seasons (Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators).
- Role: Center and eventual Captain for the Predators.
- Retirement: He officially hung up the skates in 2018.
- Citizenship: He became a U.S. citizen in March 2019.
Since retiring, Mike hasn't just been sitting on the couch. He co-founded a hunting lifestyle brand called Catchin' Deers. It’s kind of funny because Carrie is a famous vegetarian and animal lover. They’ve been open about how they "butt heads" over his hunting, but they make it work. Mike even did a parody of her hit "Before He Cheats" called "Before She Bleats" to promote the brand.
Parenting, Miscarriages, and the 2026 Reality
Life in the Fisher household isn't always "Cry Pretty" music videos. They have two sons: Isaiah Michael (born in 2015) and Jacob Bryan (born in 2019). Jacob is often referred to as their "little miracle" because Carrie was very open about suffering three miscarriages in two years before he arrived.
As of early 2026, the couple is still a fixture in Nashville. While rumors occasionally swirl about "rifts"—mostly because Carrie is busy with her American Idol judging gig and Mike is more low-key—they recently celebrated nearly 15 years of marriage. Mike is often seen supporting her at major events, like when she sang "America the Beautiful" at the presidential inauguration in January 2025 or during her Opry appearances.
What most people get wrong
The biggest misconception? That Mike is just "the husband."
In reality, he has his own massive platform. He’s deeply involved in philanthropy, specifically working with Danita’s Children to help kids in Haiti. He’s also a devout Christian, which is the "glue" both he and Carrie say keeps them together despite their very different personalities (she’s a self-described introvert; he’s a "people guy").
If you're looking for the secret to their longevity in a town like Hollywood (or Nashville), it seems to be their ability to let each other have separate lives. Mike has his hunting and his hockey legacy; Carrie has her tours and her fitness empire (Calia and Fit52).
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with what Mike is doing now, here’s how to stay in the loop:
- Check out Catchin' Deers: If you like humor and the outdoors, his YouTube parodies are actually pretty gold.
- Follow his philanthropy: He frequently hosts charity celebrity clay shoots and events in Nashville that are open to the public for fundraising.
- Watch the "I Am Second" series: If you want the deep, emotional side of their marriage, they did a multi-part film series where they talk about their faith and the struggles of their first few years of marriage.
Basically, Mike Fisher is the rare celebrity spouse who managed to transition from a high-pressure pro sports career into a supportive, entrepreneurial role without losing his own identity. He's a hunter, a father, and a guy who isn't afraid to poke fun at his superstar wife.