Discover the complete story of Tyna Karageorge, Brian Urlacher’s ex-partner, her custody battle over son Kennedy, legal controversies, defamation lawsuit, and where she is now in 2025.
Quick Facts About Tyna Karageorge
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tyna Marie Robertson (Karageorge) |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1982 |
| Age | 42 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Communications degree from University of Illinois |
| Profession | Real estate agent, former model |
| Known For | Relationship with Brian Urlacher, custody battles, defamation lawsuit |
| Children | Kennedy Urlacher (born 2005) |
| Marital Status | Widowed (Ryan Karageorge died in 2016) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million |
Tyna Karageorge Age and Early Life
Tyna Marie Robertson, known today as Tyna Karageorge, was born on June 22, 1982, making her 42 years old as of 2025. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and later lived in Hobart, Indiana, where she maintained a relatively private lifestyle before entering the public spotlight.
Raised in the Midwest with strong family values, Tyna was known for her grounded nature and preference for privacy—qualities that stood in stark contrast to the intense media scrutiny she would later face. Little is publicly known about her childhood, parents, or siblings, as she has consistently maintained privacy around her family background.
After completing her secondary education, Tyna pursued a Communications degree at the University of Illinois. This educational background equipped her with strong interpersonal and communication skills, though she never sought a career in media or public relations. Instead, she focused on building a career in real estate and mortgage brokering in the Chicago area, where she also briefly worked as a model for various magazines and commercials.
Tyna Karageorge Bio: Professional Career and Personal Background
Before becoming a household name through her relationship with NFL star Brian Urlacher, Tyna Robertson worked as a real estate agent and mortgage broker in Chicago. She also dabbled in modeling, appearing in several local magazines and commercial advertisements during the early 2000s.
Her professional life took a backseat once she became romantically involved with Urlacher and gave birth to their son. The ensuing legal battles and personal tragedies would overshadow her career aspirations, forcing her into the public eye in ways she never anticipated or desired.
Despite the challenges she faced, those who knew Tyna described her as a devoted mother who prioritized her son’s wellbeing above all else. Her commitment to Kennedy remained unwavering throughout the years of legal disputes and public scrutiny that followed her separation from Urlacher.
Tyna Karageorge and Brian Urlacher: The Relationship That Changed Everything
Tyna Robertson first met former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher in the early 2000s through mutual connections in Chicago’s social scene. At the time, Urlacher was already an established NFL star, having been named NFL Rookie of the Year in 2000 and becoming one of the most recognizable faces in professional football.
Their relationship quickly became serious, though the couple never married. It’s important to note that when Tyna met Brian in 2004, he was still married to his first wife, Laurie Urlacher, whom he had wed in 2000. Brian and Laurie divorced in 2004, the same year he began his relationship with Tyna.
The relationship between Tyna and Brian resulted in the birth of their son, Kennedy Urlacher, on May 20, 2005. However, the joy of Kennedy’s arrival was immediately clouded by controversy. Within a month of Kennedy’s birth, Brian Urlacher filed a paternity suit, expressing doubts about whether he was the biological father. Genetic testing later confirmed that he was indeed Kennedy’s father, and the court ordered both parents to share joint custody of their son.
From the beginning, the co-parenting relationship between Tyna and Brian was fraught with tension. Disagreements over parenting decisions, child support, and visitation rights created ongoing conflict that would eventually spill into the courts and the media.
Tyna Karageorge’s Son Kennedy: A Young Football Star
Kennedy Urlacher, born on May 20, 2005, is the son of Tyna Karageorge and NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher. Despite being at the center of a highly publicized custody battle throughout his childhood, Kennedy has emerged as a talented athlete in his own right.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Kennedy pursued football and became a highly-rated safety prospect. As a high school player at Chandler High School in Arizona, he earned significant accolades:
- Four-star recruit rated as the No. 9 player in Arizona by Rivals
- Named No. 39 safety in the country by Rivals
- Earned All-State and First Team All-Region honors as a senior in 2023
- Named MaxPreps Freshman All-American in 2020
- Finished his high school career with 127 tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 touchdown
Kennedy initially committed to Notre Dame, where he played as a freshman in 2024. He appeared in 14 games, recording 12 tackles, including one for a loss, and two pass breakups. In April 2025, Kennedy announced his transfer to the University of Southern California (USC), where he currently plays as a safety for the Trojans.
During the 2025 season at USC, Kennedy has continued to develop his skills, stepping up when needed. In a notable game against Oregon, he recorded nine tackles (eight solo) and an interception when starting safeties were sidelined due to injury.
Now 19 years old and pursuing his college football career, Kennedy represents a positive outcome despite the turmoil that surrounded his childhood. Both parents have expressed that their ultimate goal was always Kennedy’s wellbeing, even as they battled over custody arrangements.
Tyna Karageorge Custody Battle: A Decade of Legal Conflict
The custody battle between Tyna Karageorge and Brian Urlacher became one of the most widely publicized family court disputes involving a professional athlete. What began as a paternity case in 2005 evolved into a protracted legal struggle that would span more than a decade.
Early Custody Arrangements (2005-2016)
After paternity was established in 2005, Tyna and Brian initially shared joint custody of Kennedy. However, their co-parenting relationship was far from smooth. In 2007, a court ordered both parents to attend a three-hour parenting class designed to help them improve their communication and co-parenting skills.
At the time, Tyna commented on the court’s order: “I’m glad she ordered parenting classes because Brian needs it. Based on his actions, he’s not a good role model, and I pray that he changes.”
Despite court interventions and attempts at mediation, disagreements persisted over the years. Both parents made various claims about each other’s fitness as parents, with accusations flowing from both sides regarding issues such as child support payments, visitation schedules, and parenting decisions.
The Turning Point: Ryan Karageorge’s Death (2016)
The custody situation took a dramatic and tragic turn in December 2016. After her relationship with Brian ended, Tyna had entered into a civil union with William P. Goehrke (Bill Goehrke) in 2007, but they divorced in 2011. She subsequently married Ryan Karageorge, a lawyer and former college football player.
On December 29, 2016, Ryan Karageorge died from a gunshot wound at their home in Chicago. Initial reports indicated that the death was self-inflicted, with Ryan taking a firearm from Tyna’s purse. The tragedy sent shockwaves through Tyna’s life and reignited the custody battle with unprecedented intensity.
Emergency Custody Filing (2017)
Within days of Ryan’s death, Brian Urlacher filed an emergency motion in Cook County court seeking temporary custody of Kennedy, who was then 11 years old. Court documents reveal that Urlacher claimed the home environment had become unsafe for their son following the tragedy.
In January 2017, the court granted Urlacher temporary custody while reviewing the evidence. For Tyna, this decision was devastating. She was simultaneously grieving the loss of her husband and separated from her son during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings (2017-2025)
The custody dispute continued for years after Ryan’s death, with both parents filing motions and counter-motions. Throughout numerous court hearings, Tyna maintained that she was a devoted mother who only wanted to provide a stable home for Kennedy. She argued that Urlacher’s emergency custody filing capitalized on her grief and vulnerability.
Brian’s legal team, on the other hand, argued that his actions were motivated solely by concern for Kennedy’s safety and future wellbeing. They pointed to the circumstances surrounding Ryan’s death as justification for seeking custody.
By 2025, the case had slowed considerably as Kennedy reached adulthood and began expressing his own preferences to the court. Now that Kennedy is 19 and in college, the custody battle has essentially concluded, though the emotional scars from years of legal conflict remain for all parties involved.
Tyna Karageorge Legal Issues: Beyond the Custody Battle
Tyna Karageorge’s legal troubles extended far beyond her custody dispute with Brian Urlacher. Her name has been associated with multiple high-profile legal cases over the past two decades, contributing to a complex public image shaped largely by courtroom controversies.
The Michael Flatley Case (2002-2007)
Before her relationship with Brian Urlacher, Tyna Robertson made headlines in 2002 when she filed a $33 million lawsuit against Michael Flatley, the creator and star of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. She accused Flatley of sexually assaulting her during a stay at a Las Vegas hotel.
Flatley vehemently denied the allegations and filed a counterclaim, accusing Robertson of attempting to extort him. The case proceeded through the courts for several years, attracting significant media attention and polarized public opinion.
Ultimately, Tyna’s case was dismissed, and in 2007, the court awarded Flatley $11 million in damages for defamation and malicious prosecution. Flatley later commented on the verdict: “It’s a terrific weight lifted off my shoulders, but I have to say that it’s a terrible shame in today’s world that somebody can accuse you of something like this.”
The Flatley case marked the beginning of Tyna’s complicated relationship with public perception. From that point forward, she was often framed by the media in the context of her legal struggles rather than her personal narrative.
Contempt of Court (2008)
In 2008, Tyna was arrested for contempt of court related to the Flatley case proceedings. This added another layer to her legal troubles and further cemented her reputation as someone entangled in ongoing legal disputes.
The $125 Million Defamation Lawsuit (2017-2019)
The most significant legal action in Tyna’s history came in December 2017, when she filed a $125 million defamation lawsuit against Brian Urlacher, his attorneys (Donald Schiller, Leslie Arenson, Anita Ventrelli, and Thomas Raines), their law firm Schiller, Ducanto and Fleck LLC, and Chicago Tribune reporter David Haugh.
In her 34-page civil complaint, Karageorge alleged that the defendants conspired to portray her as a murder “suspect” or “person of interest” in Ryan Karageorge’s death, despite evidence pointing to suicide. She claimed these false statements were deliberately made to police, court officials, and custody evaluators to damage her reputation and help Urlacher gain custody of Kennedy.
The lawsuit centered on several key allegations:
- That Urlacher and his attorneys told investigators that Tyna had shot Ryan during an argument
- That these claims were knowingly false and made with malicious intent
- That the false statements caused severe damage to her reputation, emotional wellbeing, and custody rights
- That the Chicago Tribune and reporter David Haugh published defamatory content that presented her in a false light
In her complaint, Tyna wrote: “The atrocities that the Defendants have done equates to a modern day lynching and witchhunt. My life has been ruined by what transpired… People perceive me as a murderer even to this date.”
The $125 million figure represented both compensatory damages for actual harm and punitive damages meant to deter similar conduct.
Donald Schiller, one of Urlacher’s attorneys, responded to the lawsuit by telling the Tribune that it was “essentially a reiteration of the same false statements, twisting of facts and quotes out of context that she has claimed and filed in Court proceedings all during this case. None were found to have merit.”
In 2019, the defamation lawsuit was ultimately dismissed for procedural reasons, though the case had already attracted widespread media attention. For Tyna, the lawsuit represented an attempt to clear her name and push back against what she perceived as a false narrative that had destroyed her reputation.
Tyna Karageorge Controversy: Public Perception and Media Coverage
Tyna Karageorge has been at the center of intense public scrutiny and controversy for over two decades. The media’s treatment of her story reveals sharp contrasts in how different outlets frame her narrative.
Sports Media vs. Legal Publications
Sports media outlets often emphasized her connection to Brian Urlacher, framing stories primarily from the perspective of the NFL star and Hall of Famer. These reports frequently highlighted Urlacher’s concerns and his legal team’s arguments, sometimes at the expense of presenting Tyna’s perspective.
Legal publications, on the other hand, focused on the unusual aspects of the defamation case itself—particularly the substantial $125 million damages claim and the complex intersection of family law and civil litigation.
Social Media and Public Opinion
Social media reactions to Tyna’s story revealed deeply divided public opinion. Some commenters expressed sympathy for a mother fighting for custody while simultaneously grieving her husband’s death. They viewed her as a victim of a powerful ex-partner using his resources and influence to gain an advantage in court.
Others questioned the timing and motives behind her defamation lawsuit, viewing it as an attempt to manipulate public perception or extract financial gain. Critics pointed to her previous legal history, particularly the Flatley case, as evidence of a pattern of behavior.
Chicago Media Coverage
Chicago news outlets provided the most consistent and detailed coverage, tracking court appearances and publishing available court documents. As both Brian Urlacher and Tyna had connections to the Chicago area, local media took particular interest in the case.
National media attention spiked mainly around major developments in either the custody or defamation cases but otherwise remained sporadic.
Tyna’s Media Strategy
Throughout the various legal battles, Tyna herself maintained a limited public presence. She occasionally spoke through attorneys but largely avoided direct media engagement. This approach appeared designed to protect both her privacy and Kennedy’s, keeping him as shielded as possible from the spotlight.
However, this strategy also meant that her side of the story was often less prominently featured in media coverage, potentially contributing to public perception challenges.
Tyna Karageorge Family: Relationships and Personal Life
Tyna Karageorge’s family life has been marked by both joy and tragedy, with several significant relationships shaping her adult narrative.
Relationship with Brian Urlacher (2004-2005)
Tyna’s most notable relationship was with Brian Urlacher, which began in 2004 and resulted in the birth of their son Kennedy in 2005. Though they were never married, this relationship would define much of Tyna’s public identity and lead to decades of legal disputes.
Brian Urlacher went on to marry Jennipher Frost, a former America’s Next Top Model contestant, in March 2016. He has two daughters from his first marriage to Laurie Urlacher (married 2000-2004): Pamela and Riley.
Civil Union with William P. Goehrke (2007-2011)
After ending her relationship with Brian Urlacher, Tyna reportedly entered into a civil union with William P. Goehrke (Bill Goehrke) in 2007. At the time, Goehrke was a professional basketball player for the Kirchheim Knights in Germany.
Tyna spoke fondly of Goehrke during their relationship, noting that he was 10 years her junior and describing their blended life as happy and stable. In her words: “He’s a good guy. He’s just a great guy. We’re a normal, happy family. He’s a wonderful father.”
Goehrke later transitioned into the corporate world and now serves as a senior business development manager at Connect Search. Despite the positive early years, the marriage lasted approximately four years, with Tyna filing for divorce in 2011.
Marriage to Ryan Karageorge (until 2016)
The length of Tyna’s marriage to Ryan Karageorge remains unclear, but it came to a devastating close on December 29, 2016. Ryan, a lawyer and former college football player, died from a gunshot wound at their home. Initial investigations focused on whether the wound was self-inflicted or accidental, with reports indicating that Ryan had taken a firearm from Tyna’s purse.
The tragedy of Ryan’s death profoundly impacted Tyna’s life, not only causing immense grief but also triggering the most intense phase of her custody battle with Brian Urlacher.
Other Relationships and Children
Beyond Kennedy Urlacher, Tyna has at least one other child, referred to in some reports as Oonagh Paige, from another relationship. Limited information is available about this child or their father, as Tyna has worked to keep this aspect of her life private.
Parents and Siblings
Information about Tyna’s parents and siblings is extremely limited. Reports indicate that her father played a strong role in her early development, serving as a stable figure during her childhood. However, Tyna has not publicly disclosed details about her family background, and there are no major public records confirming any brothers or sisters.
This lack of information could be due to family members choosing to remain outside the spotlight, or it’s possible that Tyna is an only child. What is clear is that her familial circle is fiercely private.
Tyna Karageorge Net Worth: Financial Standing
As of 2025, Tyna Karageorge’s net worth is estimated at approximately $1 million. This figure is based on her work as a real estate agent and mortgage broker, along with any financial settlements or child support arrangements from her relationship with Brian Urlacher.
Sources of Income
Real Estate Career: Tyna has worked as a real estate agent in the Chicago area, which likely provides her primary source of income. The real estate market in Chicago can be lucrative for successful agents, though specific details about her earnings are not publicly available.
Child Support: As Kennedy’s mother, Tyna has received child support from Brian Urlacher over the years. Given Urlacher’s substantial wealth (estimated at around $16 million from his NFL career and subsequent business ventures), this likely represented a significant financial support.
Modeling: Earlier in her career, Tyna worked as a model for magazines and commercials, though this was never her primary income source.
Financial Challenges
Tyna’s financial situation has likely been impacted by extensive legal fees over the years. The custody battle with Urlacher, the defamation lawsuit, and previous legal cases such as the Michael Flatley matter would have required substantial legal representation.
Additionally, the $11 million judgment against her in the Flatley case represented a significant financial burden, though it’s unclear how much of this was actually collected or whether bankruptcy proceedings may have impacted the obligation.
Comparison to Brian Urlacher’s Wealth
It’s worth noting the significant wealth disparity between Tyna and Brian Urlacher. As a Pro Football Hall of Famer who played 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears, Urlacher earned substantial money during his playing career. His post-retirement work as a football analyst and various business ventures have added to his wealth.
This wealth disparity likely played a role in the custody battle, as Urlacher had greater financial resources to devote to legal representation and court proceedings.
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Tyna Karageorge Where Is She Now: Life After the Spotlight
After her defamation lawsuit was dismissed in 2019, Tyna Karageorge made a conscious decision to step back from public life and pursue a quieter existence away from media attention.
Current Whereabouts
Tyna’s exact current location is not publicly available, as she has successfully maintained her privacy in recent years. She has not been active on social media platforms and has avoided media interviews. Based on various reports, she may be living in Illinois, likely in the Chicago area where she has established roots through her real estate career.
Focus on Privacy
Those close to the situation indicate that Tyna has prioritized reclaiming her privacy and focusing on a life away from the controversies that dominated her public image for so many years. After decades of legal battles, media scrutiny, and public judgment, she appears to have consciously chosen a path of quiet reflection.
Relationship with Kennedy
While specific details are not publicly available, Tyna presumably maintains a relationship with her son Kennedy, who is now an adult pursuing his college football career at USC. With Kennedy reaching adulthood, the custody arrangements that dominated their lives for over a decade are no longer the central issue they once were.
Kennedy’s success as a college athlete suggests that despite the tumultuous custody battle, he has managed to thrive and pursue his dreams. Both parents can likely take some satisfaction in that outcome, regardless of their ongoing differences.
Professional Life
Tyna reportedly continues to work as a real estate agent, though she maintains a low profile even in her professional capacity. Unlike many who seek to capitalize on name recognition, she appears to prefer conducting her business affairs quietly and privately.
Moving Forward
As of 2025, Tyna Karageorge represents a complex figure whose life story extends far beyond the headlines and controversies. While she became known primarily for her legal battles and relationship with a famous athlete, she remains a person who has experienced tremendous personal tragedy, fought for her son, and endured intense public scrutiny.
Her decision to step away from the public eye suggests a desire to finally live life on her own terms, away from courtrooms and media cameras. Whether she will ever choose to tell her story more fully remains to be seen, but for now, she appears content with privacy and peace.
Conclusion: A Life Defined by Resilience
Tyna Karageorge’s story is one of remarkable resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges. From her early days in Chicago and Hobart to her high-profile relationship with Brian Urlacher, from the tragic death of her husband Ryan to years of custody battles and legal disputes, Tyna has endured circumstances that would break many people.
While media coverage has often focused on controversy and conflict, a closer examination reveals a woman who consistently fought for what she believed was right—particularly when it came to her son Kennedy. Whether one agrees with her actions or not, there’s no denying that she demonstrated persistence and determination in pursuing custody arrangements she felt were best for her child.
The legal battles—from the Michael Flatley case to the custody dispute to the defamation lawsuit—have undoubtedly taken their toll. Yet Tyna has survived each challenge and ultimately chosen a path toward privacy and healing.
As Kennedy Urlacher continues to build his own legacy as a college football player, carrying on his father’s athletic tradition while forging his own path, he stands as perhaps the most positive outcome of an otherwise difficult story. Both of his parents can take pride in raising a young man who, despite being at the center of years of legal conflict, has managed to pursue his dreams and succeed.
For Tyna Karageorge, the future hopefully holds peace, privacy, and the opportunity to define her life by more than the legal battles and controversies that have dominated her public image. Her journey serves as a reminder that behind every sensational headline is a human being navigating complex circumstances, making difficult decisions, and striving for a better future.
