Eli Raridon, the New England Patriots tight end and former Notre Dame football standout, is married to Anna Bernhard Raridon, his longtime high school sweetheart from Iowa. The couple married in May 2025 after dating for several years. In September 2026, they experienced a heartbreaking family loss when their first child, Peter James Raridon, passed away shortly after birth following a diagnosis of anencephaly. Anna publicly shared their experience, and the couple have continued supporting each other while navigating Eli’s first NFL season.
Raridon, who was selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, has frequently acknowledged his wife’s influence on his personal life and football career. Their relationship began long before professional sports entered the picture, making Anna an important part of his journey from Iowa to Notre Dame and New England.
Who Is Eli Raridon’s Wife Anna Bernhard?
Anna Bernhard Raridon is best known as the wife of New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon.
She grew up in the Des Moines area of Iowa and attended the University of Iowa, where she completed her college education in May 2025.
Before attending university, Anna was a talented high school basketball player who competed against several prominent athletes, including Caitlin Clark.
Although her husband pursued professional football, Anna maintained her own interests in athletics and education.
She has occasionally shared photographs from family celebrations, football games, and important relationship milestones.
How Did Eli Raridon and Anna Bernhard Meet?
Eli Raridon and Anna Bernhard met during their high school years in the Des Moines area.
Raridon attended Valley High School in West Des Moines, where he became a standout football and basketball player.
Their relationship began around 2020 and continued after they enrolled at different universities.
Eli attended the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, while Anna studied at the University of Iowa.
Despite the distance between them, they maintained their relationship throughout his college football career.
In January 2024, Anna celebrated their fourth anniversary through a social media post.
When Did Eli Raridon Marry Anna Bernhard?
Eli Raridon and Anna Bernhard became engaged in August 2024.
The proposal took place before Eli began another important season with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The couple married in May 2025, shortly after Anna graduated from college.
Their wedding brought together family members and close friends who had supported their relationship over the years.
Anna later shared photographs from the celebration, describing the wedding as one of the happiest experiences of her life.
Their marriage came before Eli’s final college football season and his eventual transition to the NFL.
Anna Bernhard Played Basketball Against Caitlin Clark
One interesting detail about Anna’s background is her experience playing high school basketball against Caitlin Clark.
Clark, who later became a basketball superstar at the University of Iowa and in the WNBA, was already an outstanding player during her teenage years.
Anna faced Clark multiple times while competing in Iowa high school basketball.
During a 2024 interview, Eli recalled that Anna had once blocked one of Clark’s shots.
He explained that his future wife kept a video of the moment and occasionally showed it to him.
The story attracted attention because it highlighted Anna’s athletic background and the couple’s shared interest in sports.
Eli Raridon and Anna Bernhard’s Son Peter James
In March 2026, Anna announced that she and Eli were expecting their first child.
The pregnancy announcement came shortly before the Patriots selected Eli with the 95th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
During their 20-week ultrasound, doctors diagnosed their baby with anencephaly, a serious condition affecting the development of the brain and skull.
Their son, Peter James Raridon, was born on September 11, 2026.
He passed away shortly after birth.
On September 29, Anna publicly shared the family’s experience, explaining how deeply she and Eli loved their son.
She also expressed gratitude for the time she had spent carrying Peter and emphasized that he would always remain part of their family.
How Anna Supports Eli Raridon’s NFL Career
Anna has supported Eli throughout his college football career and his transition to the New England Patriots.
When he announced his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, Raridon publicly thanked his wife for her sacrifices, encouragement, and belief in him.
After New England selected him, Anna celebrated the achievement through social media.
She also continued attending games during his rookie season.
On October 11, 2026, the couple appeared together on the sidelines at Gillette Stadium before the Patriots faced the Las Vegas Raiders.
The appearance came only weeks after they publicly shared the loss of their son.
Their relationship has remained an important source of support during a year marked by major professional achievements and deeply personal challenges.
Eli Raridon and Anna Bernhard’s Life Together
Eli and Anna’s relationship has developed through several important stages, from high school romance to college, marriage, and professional football.
Their shared athletic interests helped establish a connection early in their relationship.
Family and religious faith have also remained important parts of their lives.
Eli’s former Notre Dame teammates have spoken positively about his commitment to marriage and family responsibilities.
As he continues building his NFL career, Anna remains closely connected to his journey.
Eli Raridon’s wife, Anna Bernhard, has been part of his life since his teenage years. Their marriage reflects a longstanding relationship shaped by shared experiences, family commitments, and mutual support through both joyful and difficult moments.