Who Is Tyna Robertson? Brian Urlacher’s Ex, Kennedy’s Mother & Her Ongoing Legal Fights

Tyna Robertson, also known as Tyna Karageorge, is best recognized as the former partner of NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher and the mother of his son, Kennedy. Over the past two decades, she has been at the center of highly publicized legal disputes that combine personal tragedy, a bitter custody battle, and a multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit against Urlacher. Her life, once relatively private, became a subject of national media coverage after the 2016 death of her husband, Ryan Karageorge, and the subsequent court fights that followed. Today, her story represents a rare mix of family law, defamation claims, and media scrutiny, offering a deeper look at how private challenges can quickly become public controversies.

Tyna Robertson Quick Bio

Early Life & Background

Tyna Marie Robertson was born on June 22, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Hobart, Indiana. Growing up in the Midwest, she was known for her strong family values, grounded nature, and preference for privacy, qualities that stood in contrast to the public life she would later be forced into.

After completing her schooling, Robertson pursued higher education at the University of Illinois, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Although her degree equipped her with strong interpersonal and communication skills, she never sought a career in the media or public spotlight. Instead, she focused on family and personal life. It was only after meeting Brian Urlacher in the early 2000s that she began to attract widespread media attention.

How Old Is Tyna Robertson?

Tyna Robertson, also known as Tyna Karageorge, was born on June 22, 1982, which makes her 42 years old in 2025. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and later studied Communications at the University of Illinois before her life became publicly known through her relationship with former NFL star Brian Urlacher. Over the years, her age has often been highlighted in news reports, especially in connection with the custody battle over her son, Kennedy, and her ongoing defamation lawsuit, as both stories have unfolded across more than a decade of legal disputes.

Relationship with Brian Urlacher

Meeting Brian Urlacher

In the early 2000s, Tyna Robertson met Brian Urlacher through Chicago social circles. At the time, Urlacher was already a rising NFL star with the Chicago Bears, while Robertson was living a relatively quiet life. Their connection developed quickly, and although Robertson remained private by nature, her association with a professional athlete brought her into the public eye.

Their Son: Kennedy Urlacher

In 2005, Robertson and Urlacher welcomed their son, Kennedy, who became the center of their lives and remains the strongest bond between them. After their romantic relationship ended, they began co-parenting, navigating the challenges of raising a child while managing the scrutiny that came with Urlacher’s fame.

Breakup and Early Custody Challenges

Following their separation, Robertson and Urlacher entered into a co-parenting arrangement, but disputes often escalated into legal conflicts. While both parents expressed their commitment to Kennedy, differences in lifestyle and parenting approaches created ongoing challenges. These early disputes laid the groundwork for more serious custody battles that would unfold years later.

Who Is Brian Urlacher?

Brian Urlacher is a retired NFL linebacker best known for his 13-season career with the Chicago Bears, where he became one of the most dominant defensive players in league history. Born on May 25, 1978, in Pasco, Washington, Urlacher played college football at the University of New Mexico before being drafted by the Bears in 2000. During his career, he earned eight Pro Bowl selections, was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2005, and established himself as the face of the Bears’ defense.

Urlacher retired after the 2012 season and was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. Since leaving football, he has remained active in business, media appearances, and philanthropy, while also being in the spotlight for his role in a prolonged custody battle with his ex, Tyna Robertson, over their son, Kennedy.

Custody Battles Over Kennedy Urlacher

The custody conflict between Robertson and Urlacher reached a turning point in December 2016 after the death of Robertson’s husband, Ryan Karageorge. Ryan died of a gunshot wound in their home, and while investigations suggested the wound was likely self-inflicted, the circumstances raised concerns for Urlacher, who filed an emergency motion seeking custody of Kennedy.

In early 2017, courts began reviewing temporary custody arrangements. A guardian ad litem was assigned to evaluate Kennedy’s best interests, and hearings continued throughout the year. During this process, Urlacher claimed that Robertson’s household environment was unsafe, while Robertson argued that she was fully capable of providing stability and care for her son.

Between 2017 and 2024, the custody case remained active, with both sides filing motions and undergoing court evaluations. In December 2017, Robertson also launched a defamation lawsuit against Urlacher, arguing that his statements had not only harmed her reputation but also unfairly influenced custody proceedings. As of 2025, Kennedy is nearing adulthood, and the court increasingly considers his preferences in shaping the outcome.

Marriage to Ryan Karageorge & Tragedy

After her relationship with Urlacher ended, Robertson married Ryan Karageorge, a man known for his work in the Chicago area. Their marriage brought stability for a time, but tragedy struck on December 29, 2016, when Ryan died from a gunshot wound at their home. Initial reports were unclear about whether the incident was accidental or self-inflicted, but the sudden loss was devastating for Robertson and her family.

The tragedy became a focal point in Robertson’s legal struggles with Urlacher. Within days of Ryan’s death, Urlacher filed for emergency custody of Kennedy, citing safety concerns, which amplified the public and legal challenges Robertson faced while she was still processing personal grief.

The $125 Million Defamation Lawsuit

In December 2017, Robertson filed a $125 million defamation lawsuit against Brian Urlacher, alleging that he had made false and damaging claims about her in connection with Ryan Karageorge’s death. Specifically, she accused Urlacher of telling police officers, court officials, and custody evaluators that she was responsible for Ryan’s death, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.

The lawsuit outlined several key allegations, including false statements to law enforcement, misleading communications to court-appointed evaluators, and reputational harm that undermined her parental rights. Robertson’s legal team argued that these actions caused significant emotional and financial damage, warranting compensatory and punitive damages.

As of 2025, the defamation lawsuit remains active in the Cook County court system, with ongoing motions, evidence reviews, and procedural delays. Legal experts note that the case is unusual because it intersects family law with defamation, raising broader questions about how personal disputes can spill into civil litigation.

Other Legal Issues & Public Controversies

Beyond her custody and defamation battles, Robertson has faced other legal controversies in the past. In the early 2000s, she was involved in a highly publicized legal dispute with Michael Flatley, the “Lord of the Dance” performer, whom she accused of sexual assault. The case was dismissed, and she was later ordered to pay damages for defamation and extortion.

These legal issues have shaped public perception of Robertson, with some media outlets portraying her as controversial and others emphasizing her resilience in the face of personal tragedy. The mix of legal history and ongoing disputes has made her a polarizing figure in both local and national coverage.

Media Coverage & Public Image

The media portrayal of Robertson has varied widely. Sports outlets often focus on her connection to Urlacher, framing her identity primarily through the lens of being his ex-partner and the mother of his child. Legal and mainstream media, however, tend to emphasize the unusual aspects of her defamation lawsuit and the prolonged custody battle.

On social media, public opinion has been sharply divided. Some express sympathy for a grieving mother fighting for her son and reputation, while others question her motives and legal actions. Throughout, Robertson has largely avoided direct media engagement, choosing instead to communicate through her attorneys. This strategy has helped her maintain privacy but has also allowed speculation to shape much of the public narrative.

Personal Life Today

Despite the legal turbulence, Robertson has remained focused on motherhood and rebuilding stability. She continues to live in Hobart, Indiana, where she maintains a private lifestyle centered around raising Kennedy and protecting him from the media spotlight. Friends and acquaintances describe her as devoted to her son’s well-being, committed to shielding him from the negative impact of public disputes.

Unlike many figures who find themselves in high-profile cases, Robertson has not sought to capitalize on her story through interviews, books, or media appearances. Instead, she prioritizes family life, emphasizing normalcy and privacy during her custody time with Kennedy.

Where Is Tyna Robertson Now? (2025 Update)

As of 2025, Tyna Robertson remains engaged in both her ongoing custody case and the defamation lawsuit against Brian Urlacher. Recent court filings suggest movement toward a resolution in the custody case as Kennedy nears adulthood and his own voice carries more weight in legal decisions. The defamation lawsuit, however, continues to move slowly, with hearings and motions still in progress.

Robertson’s current focus is on providing a stable environment for her son while navigating the legal processes that have defined much of her public life. Despite the challenges, she has managed to maintain a degree of privacy, keeping her day-to-day life outside the spotlight.

Legacy & Lessons from Her Story

The story of Tyna Robertson highlights the complex ways personal relationships, family law, and public perception can intertwine. Her experiences show how private tragedies, such as the death of a spouse, can evolve into protracted legal battles with consequences for reputation, parenting, and personal stability.

Her case also demonstrates the mental and emotional toll of long-term legal disputes, particularly when children are involved. Family law experts often cite her story as an example of how high-profile custody battles can extend beyond the courtroom and into broader issues of defamation, media scrutiny, and public judgment.

Net Worth & Financial Considerations

Tyna Robertson’s net worth is not publicly documented, and unlike Brian Urlacher, who has accumulated wealth through his football career and business ventures, Tyna’s financial situation is less clear. Legal battles over nearly a decade likely imposed significant financial strain, and while some assume her ties to Urlacher afford her financial security, it is important to distinguish between her resources and his. Without verified financial disclosures, any estimates of her personal net worth remain speculative.

Conclusion

Tyna Robertson’s life story reflects resilience in the face of personal tragedy, legal challenges, and relentless public scrutiny. From her early days in Chicago and Hobart to her relationship with Brian Urlacher, her son Kennedy’s custody battles, the tragic death of her husband Ryan Karageorge, and her ongoing defamation case, Robertson has endured circumstances that few could imagine.

While much of the media attention has focused on controversy, a closer look reveals a woman who has fought to protect her son and her reputation despite overwhelming odds. Her journey remains ongoing in 2025, a reminder that behind every headline lies a human being striving for stability, dignity, and peace.

FAQs About Tyna Robertson

1. Who is Tyna Robertson?
Tyna Robertson, also known as Tyna Karageorge, is best known as the former partner of NFL legend Brian Urlacher and the mother of their son, Kennedy. She gained national media attention due to her custody battle with Urlacher and her $125 million defamation lawsuit against him.

2. How old is Tyna Robertson?
Tyna Robertson was born on June 22, 1982, which makes her 42 years old in 2025. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and later studied Communications at the University of Illinois.

3. Was Tyna Robertson married to Brian Urlacher?
No, Tyna Robertson and Brian Urlacher were never married. They were in a relationship in the early 2000s, and during that time, they had a son together, Kennedy Urlacher, in 2005.

4. Who was Tyna Robertson’s husband?
Tyna Robertson married Ryan Karageorge, who tragically died in December 2016 from a gunshot wound. His death became a turning point that intensified her custody battle with Urlacher.

5. What is the custody battle about?
After Ryan Karageorge’s death, Brian Urlacher filed an emergency motion seeking custody of Kennedy, claiming that Tyna’s home was unsafe. Since then, both parents have been locked in a long-running court battle that continues into 2025.

6. What is the $125 million defamation lawsuit?
In 2017, Tyna Robertson filed a $125 million defamation lawsuit against Brian Urlacher, claiming he made false statements suggesting she was responsible for Ryan’s death. The case is still active in 2025.

7. Where does Tyna Robertson live now?
As of 2025, Tyna Robertson lives in Hobart, Indiana, where she focuses on raising her son, Kennedy, and maintaining a low profile away from the media spotlight.