Justin Verlander, the celebrated MLB pitcher renowned for his powerful arm and numerous accolades, has also navigated a public and enduring romantic journey. His love life, marked by a long-term high school romance and a high-profile marriage to a supermodel, has unfolded alongside his impressive baseball career, culminating in a stable family life.
Verlander's romantic history began long before his rise to baseball stardom, rooted in his hometown of Manakin-Sabot, Virginia. He shared a significant, long-term relationship with Emily Yuen, his high school sweetheart. Their romance began in December 2000 during their senior year at Goochland High School and continued through their college years at Old Dominion University. Yuen even moved to Detroit with Verlander as he began his professional baseball career, providing a stable presence in his early adult life. Reports indicated that Yuen was very close with Verlander's family, even speaking daily with his mother, highlighting the depth and longevity of their connection.
The relationship with Emily Yuen reportedly concluded around 2011 or early 2012. Public reports suggest that the couple's long-standing relationship ended around the time Verlander began to be linked with supermodel Kate Upton. While the exact reasons for their split were not widely publicized, it marked the end of a chapter that spanned over a decade.
Verlander's next significant relationship began with Kate Upton, a renowned supermodel and actress. The pair first met in early 2012 while filming a commercial for the Major League Baseball 2K12 video game. Despite initial denials from Upton about a romantic involvement, rumors of their budding romance quickly circulated, with them reportedly being spotted together in July 2012. Their connection, born from a professional encounter, soon blossomed into a high-profile coupling.
Their relationship, however, experienced a brief period of turbulence. After dating for some time, Verlander and Upton reportedly split in mid-2013. During this brief separation, Kate Upton was linked to Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy for a short period. Despite the temporary parting, Verlander and Upton soon rekindled their romance, confirming their reconciliation and signaling a stronger commitment to their relationship. This brief hiatus ultimately solidified their bond, as they navigated the pressures of public scrutiny.
After several years of dating, Justin Verlander and Kate Upton announced their engagement in March 2016. Upton publicly debuted her stunning engagement ring at the Met Gala, confirming the exciting news. Verlander had proposed to her just before the start of the baseball season, keeping the engagement private for a few months before the public announcement. The engagement was a highly anticipated milestone for the couple, celebrated by fans and media alike.
Their wedding was a grand affair, taking place in Tuscany, Italy, on November 4, 2017. The timing was particularly significant, as it occurred just two days after Verlander and the Houston Astros won the 2017 World Series, marking his first championship title. The celebration was a double triumph, blending personal joy with professional success. Upton wore a classic white gown, while Verlander looked dapper in a tuxedo, with the picturesque Italian countryside serving as their backdrop.
In July 2018, Kate Upton announced that she and Justin were expecting their first child. Their daughter, Genevieve Upton Verlander, affectionately known as Vivi, was born on November 7, 2018. Parenthood brought a new dimension to their relationship, and both Verlander and Upton frequently share glimpses of their family life on social media, showcasing their roles as devoted parents. Upton often praises Verlander as an "incredible #GirlDad," highlighting his dedication to their daughter.
Justin Verlander and Kate Upton continue to be a prominent power couple in the worlds of sports and entertainment. They are frequently seen supporting each other's careers, with Upton often attending Verlander's games and Verlander celebrating Upton's professional achievements. Their relationship is characterized by mutual respect and strong public support, often seen on red carpets and social media. They represent a successful blend of high-profile careers and a stable, loving family unit, demonstrating a lasting partnership that has weathered the demands of fame and public life.
"We definitely want kids, but hopefully not anytime soon, but of course, you know, oopsies happen!" Upton had stated prior to Genevieve's birth, reflecting their openness to family life.
Their journey from a chance meeting on a commercial set to a celebrated marriage and parenthood exemplifies a modern celebrity love story, built on a foundation of genuine connection and unwavering support. They continue to be a beloved couple, inspiring many with their enduring bond and shared life.