In the world of sports media, Big Cat Wife is a subject of much curiosity — largely because Dan “Big Cat” Katz, the energetic co-host of Pardon My Take, is one of the most recognizable personalities at Barstool Sports. Behind him, quietly but undeniably, stands his partner in life: Big Cat Wife, Stephanie Maloney Katz. This article explores Dan Katz’s journey, his private life, and the woman who supports him through the highs and lows of fame.
The Man Behind the Mic: Who is Big Cat?
Dan Katz — better known as Big Cat — has become a household name in sports commentary. Born on January 30, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois, he developed an early love for sports and humor.
Starting from humble beginnings, Dan built his reputation with Barstool Sports, where his wit, sharp takes, and comedic timing made him stand out. His co-hosting role on the wildly popular Pardon My Take podcast has cemented his place in sports media.
Off-air, Dan is known to be more thoughtful and grounded — a contrast to his boisterous persona on mic.
Big Cat Bio:
| Attribute | Information |
| Full Name | Daniel Katz |
| Known As | Big Cat |
| Born | January 30, 1985 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois |
| Profession | Podcaster, Sports Media Personality |
| Notable Work | Co-host of Pardon My Take podcast |
| Education | University of Wisconsin–Madison (or journalism, per sources) |
| Employer | Barstool Sports |
Stephanie Maloney Katz: The Big Cat’s Better Half
While Dan Katz draws attention on-air, the woman behind his success — Big Cat Wife, Stephanie Maloney Katz — remains more private, but no less accomplished. Her legal acumen, intellectual drive, and warm character make her a powerful counterbalance to Dan’s public life.
Quick Bio: Stephanie Maloney Katz
- Full Name: Stephanie Maloney Katz
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois (some sources say New York)
- Education: Juris Doctor degree; law school graduation in 2012 per reports
- Profession: Attorney, former actress, video editor, and philanthropist
Big Cat’s Wife Stephanie Maloney Katz Bio:
Stephanie is more than just the spouse of a famous podcaster. Her background includes acting, law, and philanthropy. According to sources, she pursued acting in her younger years before focusing on her legal education.
After finishing law school around 2012, she passed the bar in 2013 and went on to work in a prestigious New York firm. Over time, Stephanie built a legal career, while staying out of the limelight, choosing to support causes she cares about — particularly children’s education and welfare.
She also dabbles in video editing as a creative outlet and is involved in philanthropic efforts.
Background and Early Life
Stephanie’s early life is characterized by intellectual curiosity and artistic leanings. Raised in a family that valued education, she combined her passion for the arts (acting, performance) with a serious academic drive.
Her decision to go to law school shows a clear commitment to professional excellence. Stephanie’s upbringing laid the foundation for her balanced personality — someone who is warm, driven, and deeply private.
Career and Personal Interests
Stephanie’s career reflects versatility. On one hand, she is a dedicated attorney; on the other, she nurtures creative pursuits like video editing. She keeps much of her life off social media, maintaining a very private presence.
Her philanthropic work, particularly in education and child welfare, is a core part of her identity. She does not chase the spotlight — instead, she invests her influence where it matters.
A Barstool Romance: Dan and Stephanie’s Love Story
The story of Big Cat Wife is entwined with the story of Dan Katz — their romance is rooted in authenticity, kindness, and mutual respect.
Their First Encounter
Dan Katz and Stephanie Maloney first met in 2014 at a mutual friend’s birthday party in New York City. Reportedly, Stephanie didn’t know who Big Cat was at first — she was more interested in the person behind the persona. Their initial connection was simple but genuine.
The Courtship: How Big Cat Won Her Over
Dan’s humor, humility, and warmth attracted Stephanie, while she impressed him with her intelligence and grounded approach to life. Their early dates ranged from relaxed pizza nights to more formal outings — all of which reflected their real, down-to-earth chemistry.
Despite his rising fame, Dan stayed true to himself, and Stephanie appreciated that deeply.
Relationship Milestones
Some of the key moments in their relationship include:
- First date: A casual pizza joint in Manhattan.
- Meeting parents: Their first meeting with family reportedly happened around Thanksgiving 2015.
- Engagement: Summer 2016.
The Wedding: A Low-Key Affair for a High-Profile Couple
Dan and Stephanie chose an intimate and private ceremony in Fall 2016. Rather than a flashy event, they invited close family and select friends, including some colleagues from Barstool Sports — to share in their special day.
Their wedding reflected the essence of their relationship: meaningful, genuine, and focused on what truly matters to them.
Family Life: The Katz Clan
While Dan’s public persona is loud, his family life with Big Cat Wife is characterized by love, privacy, and careful balance.
Welcoming Their First Child
In 2019, Dan and Stephanie welcomed their first child, a son. This milestone deeply changed their lives, bringing a new perspective and sense of responsibility. Dan, known for his humor, often speaks with a softer tone when he mentions fatherhood.
Balancing Fame and Family
The couple has carefully navigated the divide between Dan’s public life and their private family world. While Dan records podcasts, goes to media events, and remains one of Barstool Sports’ most visible faces, Stephanie keeps a low media profile.
They prioritize time together at home, away from microphones and cameras. Their parenting style is hands-on, and they value creating a stable, nurturing environment for their child.
Big Cat’s Approach to Fatherhood
Fatherhood has brought out a reflective side of Dan Katz. While he remains energetic on podcast episodes, at home he embraces dad life with authenticity. He has talked about how becoming a father has grounded him, helping him prioritize what truly matters.
Stephanie supports him fully in this role — she balances her legal career with being present in their child’s life, reflecting their shared values of family first.
Growing Their Family
While Dan and Stephanie have kept details about their family largely private, some sources suggest that they may have expanded their family beyond their first child. However, they continue to guard their children’s privacy — rarely sharing personal photos or personal details in public.
Big Cat’s Past: Separating Fact from Fiction
In a world of rumor mills, Big Cat Wife stories sometimes get tangled with speculation — but many reports clarify what is real and what is not.
Addressing Rumors and Speculation
Despite some tabloid chatter, there is no solid public evidence of major past affairs for Dan Katz before Stephanie. Sources emphasize that he has kept his personal life relatively private.
Much of the speculation seems to be based on assumptions rather than facts. Interviewers and fans alike note that Dan rarely discusses past relationships in depth.
Known Relationships Before Stephanie
According to public records and reporting, Dan did not have a widely known serious relationship before meeting Big Cat Wife. He appeared to be more focused on building his career at Barstool Sports than on high-profile romances.
Shaping His View on Love and Commitment
Dan’s experiences seem to reflect a maturity when it comes to relationships. From how he speaks about Stephanie and their family, it’s clear that he values long-term commitment over fleeting attention. His openness to vulnerability when talking about his private life suggests he has learned from the past and chosen what matters most: his partnership with Big Cat Wife.
The Big Cat Empire: Career and Net Worth
Dan Katz’s career is not just about a podcast — it’s about building a brand, diversifying his income, and creating a legacy. And Big Cat Wife plays a role in that stability.
Dan’s Journey with Barstool Sports
Dan joined Barstool Sports in 2012, working behind the scenes before stepping into front-facing roles. Over time, he became one of the platform’s most prominent voices — especially when Pardon My Take launched in 2016.
His natural comedic style, combined with genuine sports knowledge, allowed him to connect with a huge audience. He and his co-host PFT Commenter interview athletes, celebrities, and other public figures, making the podcast one of the most influential in its niche.
Major Career Highlights
Some of Dan’s most notable achievements:
- Launching Pardon My Take in 2016, which has grown into a top-tier sports podcast.
- Regular collaborations with major athletes and media personalities.
- Diversification into merchandise, live events, and brand partnerships.
- Strategic investments in startups, including in sports betting and digital content.
Diversifying His Portfolio
Beyond his on-mic persona, Dan has wisely broadened his scope. He invests in startups, and his stakes in media-related ventures contribute to his long-term financial stability.
Stephanie’s legal background sometimes supports these business decisions; her experience helps in evaluating contracts and negotiations.
Together, they make decisions that reflect both his media instincts and her legal rigor — a powerful combination.
Estimated Net Worth in 2024
There’s some variation in what sources estimate as Dan Katz’s net worth. Several outlets suggest his worth lies between $5 million to $7 million around 2024.
Some other reports cite lower figures (e.g., around $2 million), but those may not account for all his investments and business ventures.
His income comes from multiple streams: the Pardon My Take podcast, salary at Barstool Sports, merchandise, and savvy investments.
Behind the Scenes: The Real Dan Katz
To understand the full picture of Big Cat Wife, one must also consider who Dan is when the microphones are off.
Physical Appearance and Style Evolution
Dan Katz is often described as having a strong, athletic build that matches his larger-than-life nickname. Over time, his style has matured — from casual college wear to more tailored outfits that suit his public persona and his growing influence.
Personality Traits: On-air vs. Off-air Dan
On-air, Dan is outspoken, loud, and quick to crack a joke. But those close to him say the real Dan is more thoughtful, introspective, and calm.
This duality is something that reportedly drew Stephanie to him — she values the deeper, quieter side of his personality.
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Work
When he isn’t recording podcasts or working on Barstool projects, Dan enjoys:
- Watching his favorite Chicago teams, including the Bears and Cubs.
- Playing golf, which gives him a break from his busy schedule.
- Reading non-fiction books and staying intellectually engaged.
- Exploring new restaurants with Stephanie, valuing real moments over flashy public appearances.
How Stephanie Influences His Personal Growth
Stephanie’s influence on Dan goes deeper than just being his life partner. Her calm intellect and legal mindset help ground him.
She encourages him to take a long-term view — both in his career and in their personal life. By balancing her own professional ambitions with their family goals, she helps him stay focused and humble.
The Power Couple Dynamic
The relationship between Dan and Stephanie is more than romance — it’s a partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and complementary strengths.
Supporting Each Other’s Careers
Dan and Stephanie have crafted a relationship where both individuals thrive in their own spheres. While Dan commands the mic and public attention, Stephanie excels in her legal career and behind-the-scenes work. Their mutual support amplifies their success
She does not just support him passively; she is an active intellectual partner in business, offering insight and counsel when needed.
Navigating Public Life Together
Being Big Cat Wife comes with its own challenges. Stephanie deliberately avoids public platforms and maintains a private life.
They’ve created boundaries that allow them to share some parts of their life while safeguarding family privacy. Their approach emphasizes meaningful moments over media spectacle.
Shared Values and Future Aspirations
Dan and Stephanie’s shared core values — family, humility, dedication, and purpose — shape their vision for the future.
They both prioritize giving back. Stephanie’s philanthropic focus on education and welfare aligns with Dan’s platform, helping drive initiatives that matter to them.
They also envision expanding their family, continuing their personal growth, and investing in projects that reflect not just business sense, but heart.
What Makes Their Relationship Work
Several factors contribute to the strength of the bond between Dan and Big Cat Wife:
- Open, two-way communication
- Mutual respect for each other’s careers and boundaries
- Shared vision for family and philanthropy
- A healthy balance of public attention and private life
- A grounded sense of identity beyond fame
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Big Cat’s wife in real life?
Big Cat Wife is Stephanie Maloney Katz, a skilled attorney and former actress.
What does Big Cat wife do for a living?
She works as an attorney and is also involved in philanthropic work.
When did Big Cat marry his wife?
Dan Katz married Stephanie in 2016 during a private, intimate ceremony.
How many children do they have?
They have at least one child, a son born in 2019.
Does Big Cat wife use social media?
No — she maintains a very private presence and has no known public social media accounts.
What is Dan “Big Cat” Katz’s net worth?
Estimates place his net worth between $5-7 million as of 2024.
How did Big Cat meet his wife?
They met in 2014 at a mutual friend’s birthday party in Manhattan.
Conclusion
Dan “Big Cat” Katz and his wife, Big Cat Wife — Stephanie Maloney Katz — represent a rare blend of public success and private stability. Their partnership is built on genuine connection, shared aspirations, and mutual respect.
Though Dan’s voice is loud on the mic and his persona animated, Stephanie offers a grounding influence, consistently anchoring their life in purpose, family, and humility — making their story one of the most compelling power couples in media today.
Anne Kellogg is the creative mind behind NamesPerl, where she shares her passion for names. With 4 years of experience in crafting unique and catchy names, Anne helps readers discover the perfect words to express identity, creativity, and meaning.