Chicago, December 29, 2016. A gunshot echoes through a Willow Springs home, ending one life and forever changing another. Tyna Karageorge watched her husband Ryan die by suicide that night, marking the beginning of a legal nightmare that would thrust her into the public eye in ways she never imagined.
Tyna Karageorge stands at the center of one of sports media’s most complex legal storms. Once known primarily as Brian Urlacher’s former partner, she’s now a key figure in a multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit and ongoing custody battle over their son, Kennedy.
This article examines Tyna Karageorge’s journey from private citizen to public figure. You’ll learn about her relationship with NFL star Brian Urlacher, the tragedy that changed everything, and the $125 million legal battle that followed. We’ll explore how personal loss became public scandal and what it means for families caught in celebrity custody disputes.
Early Life and Background
Before headlines and courtrooms, Tyna Karageorge (known as Tyna Robertson) lived a relatively private life in Hobart, Indiana. Born and raised in the Midwest, Karageorge maintained a low profile until her relationship with NFL star Brian Urlacher brought her into the public eye.
She was born on June 22, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois. Most of her childhood and early years were private and ordinary. She went to school like any other kid, had dreams for her future, and worked to build a career. Some reports say she studied communications at the University of Illinois and later worked in real estate in the Chicago area.
Unlike many who become associated with professional athletes, Karageorge didn’t seek celebrity status. Friends describe her as family-focused and private by nature. This background makes the intense media spotlight that followed particularly challenging for her personal life.
Relationship with Brian Urlacher
Tyna’s relationship with Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher began in the early 2000s. The pair met through mutual connections in the Chicago social scene, where Urlacher was already established as an NFL star.
In June 2005, Urlacher filed suit to establish paternity of his son Kennedy. Genetic testing determined that he is Kennedy’s father. Their relationship produced a son but also introduced Tyna to the complexities of co-parenting with a high-profile athlete.
They reconciled in 2009, and Karageorge said Urlacher blamed his past actions on Schiller. The romantic relationship ended in 2010, although Karageorge said they continued to have a decent co-parenting relationship. For years, the former couple managed to maintain joint custody arrangements that worked for their son.
The Marriage to Ryan Karageorge
In September 2016, she married Ryan Karageorge. From the outside, it seemed like a hopeful new beginning. Ryan stepped into the role of stepfather to Kennedy, and the family appeared ready to move forward together.
She married Ryan Karageorge on Sept. 2, 2016, after eight months of dating. The marriage represented a fresh start for Tyna, who had spent years navigating the challenges of co-parenting with her famous ex-partner.
Ryan Karageorge brought stability to the household. He welcomed Kennedy and Tyna’s other son into his life, creating what appeared to be a blended family ready to build a future together.
The Tragic Night
On December 29, 2016, Ryan died in the couple’s home in Willow Springs from a gunshot wound. The Cook County Medical Examiner later ruled his death a suicide.
The couple were arguing at their Willow Springs home after a birthday party when her husband grabbed her purse, pulled a gun from it and shot himself in the head, Tyna Karageorge told police at the time, according to her lawsuit.
According to the complaint, Ryan Karageorge was “highly intoxicated” when he physically assaulted Tyna on Dec. 29 and, minutes later, fatally shot himself. The children were away from home on winter break, with Kennedy visiting his father in Idaho.
For Tyna, this marked the beginning of an unimaginable ordeal. She lost her husband and would soon face allegations that would threaten everything else she held dear.
The Custody Battle Begins
Within days of this tragedy, Urlacher filed an emergency motion seeking custody of Kennedy, then 11 years old. Court documents reveal Urlacher claimed the home environment had become unsafe for their son following Ryan’s death.
Robertson’s behavior in the hours after the shooting bothered Urlacher, according to the petition. Urlacher was with his son in Arizona just after 10 p.m. Dec. 29 when the boy received a Snapchat message from a cousin informing him that Karageorge had died.
The emergency motion succeeded. The court granted Urlacher temporary custody in early 2017, and Kennedy began living with his father. For Tyna, this represented a devastating double loss in the span of just weeks.
Karageorge said she hasn’t had custody of her and Urlacher’s son, Kennedy, since shortly after Dec. 29, 2016, when her husband, Ryan Karageorge, died.
The $125 Million Defamation Lawsuit
The custody dispute took an unexpected turn when Tyna filed a $125 million defamation lawsuit against Urlacher in December 2017. The lawsuit represented an aggressive legal strategy that would define the next phase of their conflict.
She alleges Urlacher conspired with a Chicago Tribune reporter to portray her as “a bad Mother, unfit and a killer.” The suit named not only Urlacher but also his attorneys and Chicago Tribune reporter David Haugh as defendants.
The suit alleged that Urlacher made false statements to police and court officials following Ryan Karageorge’s death, suggesting Tyna was responsible when evidence pointed to an accidental self-inflicted wound.
Key Legal Allegations
The defamation case centers on several specific claims:
- Urlacher allegedly told investigators Tyna shot Ryan during an argument
- These statements were made despite evidence pointing to suicide
- The false statements were designed to influence custody proceedings
- Media coverage was coordinated to damage Tyna’s reputation
“The atrocities that the Defedants (sic) have done equates to a modern day lynching and witchhunt,” she wrote in her lawsuit.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
Media treatment of Tyna Karageorge shows sharp contrasts in how outlets frame her story. Sports media often emphasize her connection to Urlacher, while legal publications focus on the unusual aspects of the defamation case itself.
“My life has been ruined by what transpired,” Karageorge said Wednesday. “People perceive me as a murderer even to this date.” The public nature of the allegations created lasting damage to her reputation in the community.
The coverage highlighted how custody disputes involving public figures can quickly spiral into broader media narratives. Because she is now perceived as a “murderer,” her neighbors have stopped waving to her.
Current Status and Legal Outcomes
The lawsuit continues through various motions and hearings in 2025, with both sides submitting evidence and testimony. Sept 2019 – Court sanctions her $8,500 over unsupported claims. Post-2019 – She steps out of the spotlight and seeks privacy.
Despite these challenges, details about how she navigated life after the disputes remain scarce, as Karageorge has maintained a relatively low profile following the height of her legal confrontations with Urlacher.
The case represents an unusual intersection of family law and defamation claims. Legal experts note that the $125 million figure represents compensatory damages for actual harm and punitive damages meant to deter similar conduct.
Kennedy Urlacher’s Journey
While his parents fought in courtrooms, Kennedy Urlacher pursued his own path. The son of Brian Urlacher and Tyna Robertson, Kennedy Urlacher is of mixed Irish, English, and African American ethnicity. He played college football as a safety for Notre Dame during his first year in 2024, primarily contributing to special teams.
On May 1, 2023, he committed to playing for Notre Dame over offers from Dartmouth Big Green, Washington Huskies, TCU Horned Frogs, Pennsylvania Quakers, Stanford Cardinal, Penn State Nittany Lions, Kansas Jayhawks, Arizona State Sun Devils, etc.
However, the rising athlete entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 16, 2025, seeking a new opportunity to expand his role and playing time. His athletic success stands in contrast to the legal battles that have defined his family’s public narrative.
Life After the Headlines
Tyna herself has maintained a limited public presence, occasionally speaking through attorneys but largely avoiding direct media engagement. This approach seems designed to protect both her privacy and her son’s.
Beyond the legal disputes and relationship with Brian Urlacher, little is known about Tyna Karageorge’s life. It appears that after legal battles, she sought to reclaim a sense of normalcy away from the public eye.
Her withdrawal from public life represents a conscious choice to prioritize privacy over public advocacy. This decision reflects the toll that years of legal battles and media scrutiny have taken on her family.
Lessons About Fame and Family Law
Tyna Karageorge’s story is a testament to the complexities that can arise from personal relationships, especially when they unfold under the public gaze. Her experience illustrates how quickly private family matters can become public scandals when celebrities are involved.
The case highlights several important issues:
- How custody disputes can escalate when one parent is famous
- The role of media coverage in influencing public perception
- The challenges faced by non-celebrity parents in high-profile relationships
- The long-term impact of legal battles on families
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tyna Karageorge? Tyna Karageorge is the mother of Kennedy Urlacher and former partner of NFL star Brian Urlacher, known for a high-profile custody battle and defamation lawsuit.
What happened to Ryan Karageorge? Ryan Karageorge died of a gunshot wound to the head and his death was later ruled a suicide by the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
How much is Tyna Karageorge suing for? She filed a $125 million defamation lawsuit against Urlacher in Cook County Circuit Court.
Does Tyna Karageorge have custody of Kennedy? Karageorge said she hasn’t had custody of her and Urlacher’s son, Kennedy, since shortly after Dec. 29, 2016.
What is Kennedy Urlacher doing now? He entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 16, 2025, seeking a new opportunity after playing safety for Notre Dame.
The Human Cost of Public Battles
Tyna Karageorge’s story extends beyond legal documents and court filings. When you strip away the noise, it’s the story of a mother and a woman trying to survive heartbreak, protect her child, and hold on to her dignity.
Her journey from private citizen to public figure illustrates the complex intersection of personal tragedy and celebrity culture. The case serves as a reminder that behind every headline are real people dealing with real pain, trying to protect their families while navigating an unforgiving public spotlight.
Her journey is a reminder that the people we see in headlines are still human beings—living, hurting, and hoping just like the rest of us. Whether the legal battles will ever fully resolve remains uncertain, but Tyna Karageorge’s story will continue to resonate as an example of resilience in the face of overwhelming public scrutiny.
