​Justin Verlander’s retirement news shouldn’t come as a shock. At 43, the future Hall of Famer has already accomplished so much in Major League Baseball: three Cy Young Awards, a Rookie of the Year honor, two World Series rings, and an MVP trophy. He’s not the same pitcher who dazzled for the Detroit Tigers, but his impact and legacy remain undeniable. Now, he’ll have more time to devote to family life with his wife, model Kate Upton, and their two children, son Bellamy and daughter Genevieve. In his retirement message, he gave a heartfelt nod to his family, with a special mention of Upton.
“To my family, especially my wife Kate,” Verlander wrote, “thank you for standing beside me through every season, every rehab, and every high and low. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
The moment captured a memorable scene from the 2017 postseason, when Verlander and the Houston Astros celebrated after defeating the New York Yankees to advance to the World Series. In that moment at Minute Maid Park, Verlander held the MVP trophy aloft as he celebrated with Upton, a powerful image that underscored the balance he has found between his professional triumphs and personal life.
Their relationship reportedly began with a collaboration on a Major League Baseball 2K12 commercial in 2012, and by 2013 they were openly a couple. The arc of their story—from that early partnership to becoming one of sports’ most recognizable power couples—adds another layer to Verlander’s legacy as he steps away from the field.
This piece originally appeared on For The Win and includes a note that the article was updated to emphasize Upton in Verlander’s retirement declaration for better SEO.