Jerry Kill’s wife, Rebecca Kill, has been married to the football coach for 40 years. The football couple has two daughters: Krystal and Tasha. Jerry Kill’s family has gone through a lot throughout the years. It began with his cancer diagnosis in 2005, followed by his persistent convulsions. Jerry fainted on the sidelines in 2011 after suffering a seizure.
His health forced him to withdraw from football in 2015, but he was unable to stay away for long. In 2018, he returned to Southern Illinois AD as the chancellor’s special assistant. His family gave him the go-light to return to the pitch. Jerry took over as head coach at New Mexico State in 2022, and in his first season, the Aggies won their second bowl game since 1960. On Saturday, the Aggies defeated Auburn for the first time in program history. After the game, Jerry praised his players, assistant coaches, and spectators, stating that everyone worked tirelessly.
Meet Jerry Kill’s Wife, Rebecca Kill, and Learn About Their Married Life
Rebecca Kill, Jerry Kill’s wife, was barely 19 when she went down the aisle beside the football coach. Rebecca, a small-town Kansas girl, embraced her husband’s goal and supported him through his highs and lows. Jerry learned about Rebecca while playing football at Southwestern College. He was roommates with Rebecca’s brother. Jerry was open with Rebecaa’s brother about his feelings for Rebecca.
He told her brother that he intended to marry her eventually. Jerry married Rebecca three years after he made his statement. It wasn’t always this simple for the pair. They struggled to pay the $150 monthly rent while living at Bartos Mobile Home Park. They seldom saw one another as football consumed Jerry’s life. Throughout their four decades together, the pair had several health concerns. Jerry’s battle with epilepsy has been well chronicled, and Rebecca was his support throughout. Jerry had his first seizure in 2000, and the second in 2005. The football coach’s second seizure revealed he had stage 4 kidney cancer.
Fortunately, the cancer was identified in time, and Jerry overcame it. However, the seizure lingered. It even pushed him into retirement in 2015, but he returned in 2018. Kill even accompanied Rebecca on recruiting trips in 2012 due to his seizure history. Following Jerry’s comeback to football, Rebecca became an epilepsy awareness advocate. In an interview, Rebecca stated that she maintains a close check on her spouse. She monitors whether Jerry has taken his medications and completed his workouts.
Jerry Kill Daughters: Krystal and Tasha Are A Supportive Pair
Jerry Kill has two children with Rebecca, Krystal and Tasha Kill. The two have previously discussed their father’s epilepsy. Jerry Kill’s two daughters issued a public statement upon their father’s retirement in 2015. The sisters said it was difficult to see their father leave something he enjoyed doing the most. They also mentioned it was difficult since football had always been their life. Krystal Kill, Jerry’s oldest daughter, has been on the sidelines with her father since she was six years old.
During an interview with CNN in the early 2010s, Krystal was described as working on the sidelines with her father, keeping an eye on him. She knew what to do if Jerry had a seizure during the game. During her interview with ESPN, Krystal discussed her particular bond with her father on the sidelines. Krystal said that she was fortunate to be able to participate in her father’s favorite activity. Jerry’s daughter said that she learned a lot while working with her father, but most importantly, she understood his passion for the game and the people around him. Krystal formerly worked as a special needs teacher, but she has avoided using social media. Tasha has also maintained her distance from public interactions.
