Super Bowl XXXIV saw the former linebacker Terry Killens making his mark on the field for the Tennessee Titans. 24 years later, this Ohio native returns to Super Bowl LVIII but this time as a referee, while making history as the first to do so. A well-known saying suggests that behind every successful man, there is a woman. Such was indeed the case for Killens but unfortunately, she passed three years ago.

The former San Francisco 49ers star is known to be quite secretive about his personal life. Nonetheless, it is known that the linebacker’s relationship status stands currently single but he once was married to Rhonda Hill Killens. Let us delve into the identity of this individual who, sadly, is no longer with us.

All about Terry Killens’ late high school sweetheart

Rhonda Hill Killens, born on December 31, 1973, in Cincinnati, Ohio shares her birthplace with Terry Killens. The daughter of Al and Annie Mae Hill, her life narrative is not as publicized as that of the NFL icon. However, the couple’s paths reportedly crossed during high school and remained inseparable since then. The couple was blessed with five children: Taylor Denise Killens, Trey Killens, Taryn Danielle Killens & Tori Killens; the names of four that are publicly known.

In an interview with The Athletic back in 2019, Terry shed light on how instrumental his wife had been during the nascent stages of his college-level referee career. “My wife (Rhonda) held things down at home with our five kids, and I traveled wherever I could and worked on getting better,” he stated.

Tragically one year later in August 2020, Rhonda breathed her last at age 46 due to breast cancer. Subsequently, she was laid to rest at her birthplace, Cincinnati. The loss was an earth-shattering one for Terry Killens who has since found solace through the fortifying support from friends and family.

Still, the 49-year-old’s determination toward his craft did not waver despite the huge loss. Similarly, his son Trey showcased perseverance by paving an athletic career for himself in basketball, thereby upholding his father’s legacy.

The athlete’s blood runs in the Killen family

Not following in his father’s footsteps into football, Trey Killens has chosen to carve out a professional future in basketball. During his time in high school, he showcased his skills as a guard for the Mason Comets. Standing at a height of 6 feet 1 inch, he currently represents Wittenberg University in the NCAA Division III.

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Aside from this, another interesting family detail is that Terry Killens is cousins with Mike Wallace. Wallace was also an athlete at Penn State playing as a cornerback for the Nittany Lions between 2009 and 2012. It appears evident that sporting prowess runs deeply ingrained within the bloodline of this family.

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