The Dallas Cowboys may have faced a challenging 2024 season, but their defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, is kicking off 2025 with a personal victory.

Zimmer’s longtime partner, Katarina Elizabeth Miketin, recently announced their engagement on Instagram, sparking curiosity about the woman who has captured the heart of the veteran NFL coach.

Miketin, 41, is a model and entrepreneur from Duluth, Minnesota.

Born on November 17, 1982, she holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The College of St. Scholastica and an MBA from Northwestern University.

Her modeling career has included features in prominent publications such as Sports Illustrated and Maxim Australia.

Outside of modeling, Miketin is also a businesswoman, owning OneTen Cycles, a women-owned bike shop in Minnesota.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Miketin is passionate about outdoor sports, including gravel biking and soccer.

She also embraces her Serbian heritage, as noted in her social media bios.

The couple first met five years ago, and Miketin shared their engagement news with a heartfelt social media post.

“Five years ago, they told us we needed to meet … God knew what He was doing,” she wrote. “I thank Him for you, my best friend … so, of course… I said Yes!”

Zimmer, 68, has spent decades in the NFL, known for his tough demeanor on the field and his long-standing coaching career.

However, those close to him often describe him as a devoted family man.

This new chapter comes after a period of personal loss for Zimmer, who was married to his late wife, Vikki, for 27 years before her passing in 2009.

He also tragically lost his son, Adam, an NFL coach, in 2022.

As the Cowboys prepare for their final regular-season game against the Washington Commanders, Zimmer is expected to balance wedding plans with his professional commitments.

With questions surrounding his future in Dallas, the engagement brings a moment of joy to a man who has faced both triumphs and challenges in his career and personal life.