As Miami prepares for the National Championship game, we’re sharing a different side of this historic moment, not from the sidelines, but from inside the home of Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal.
NBC6 Anchor Sheli Muñiz sat down exclusively with his wife, Jessica Cristobal, for an intimate conversation about what this week means for their family, her role behind the scenes, and why giving back to the community has been central to their journey in Miami.
“This is literally a dream come true for our family,” Jessica said. “We’ve been working toward this goal for as long as I’ve been married to Mario, almost 20 years. We’re living our dream right now.”
Miami vs. Indiana CFP national championship
While the excitement is undeniable, Jessica admits the moment still hasn’t fully sunk in.
“I keep telling myself, ‘Jessica, feel this moment,’ because there’s only one first time for this,” she said.
As he prepares for the final matchup, Jessica says her husband is “very serious, very focused” right now.
“He’s not joking as much as he normally does when he gets home with the boys, although he’s always fun when he’s home,” she said.
For the Cristobal family, and for the city, this run carries deep meaning.
“This is everything,” Jessica said. “For us, for Mario, for this city. We’ve waited a long time to get here. And it’s time.”
Inside their home, a striking abstract piece of art hangs above the family fireplace. It’s more than décor. It’s a manifestation. Look closely, and you’ll find the words “National Championship” written directly into the design by Jessica herself.
“I’m his wife, his companion, his best friend,” she said. “I want our home to be a place that’s peaceful and grounding, somewhere he can reset and do what he needs to do to go out there and win.”
Beyond football, Jessica has built her own legacy of service. She is currently Mrs. Florida International and the founder of Leading Ladies League, an organization she launched in 2009.
“We’re a community-based organization that brings women together for connection, collaboration, and community impact,” she explained. “We like to showcase women who are doing great things in the community.”
Her mission focuses on serving at-risk youth, children in the foster care system, and young girls who need mentorship, such as The Embrace Girls Foundation.
“I believe God gave us this platform to be a voice for people who don’t have one,” Jessica said. When asked what she hopes women take away from her story, her message was simple and powerful. “Go for it. I want women to know that you can do, be, and have anything.”
On game day, the Cristobal household runs on excitement and routine.
“Game day is fun. Game day is exciting,” Jessica said. “I usually start my day with a really hardcore workout. I’ve got to get the energy out because we’re all so excited and amped up.”
As kickoff approaches, the family shifts into preparation mode. “About two and a half hours before it’s time to go, the family starts getting ready,” she said. “Everyone’s in a good mood. We turn on football games, then we load up in a sprinter van, about 13 of us, and head over to Hard Rock Stadium.”
While some fans rely on superstitions, Jessica keeps her pregame habits simple.
“I really don’t have superstitions,” she said. “I stick to my routine. I work out, eat a good breakfast, listen to good music while I get ready. But I do pray. I pray a lot.”
Off the field, she says Mario is not always what people expect.
“He’s a lot of fun. He’s funny. He’s very funny,” she said. “I know a lot of people don’t see that side of him. He’s focused, driven, and extremely committed to whatever he sets his mind to.”
Jessica also hopes fans understand the unseen work that goes into building a championship program.
“This life is exciting. It’s high highs and low lows,” she said. “But the women behind these coaches really are the backbone of what we do. Without their support, you don’t have a successful team. It’s important for people to see what it takes to build something like this.”
As for her message to the team heading into the biggest game of their lives, it is one of confidence.
“Get out there and do what you know how to do,” she said. “These guys are equipped. They’re ready. They’re focused. They’re prepared. Let’s go.”
And if the Hurricanes come out on top, Jessica already knows how the family plans to celebrate.
“Pizza,” she said, without hesitation.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
