Last Updated on November 13, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Mark Korte is a Canadian professional football offensive lineman who plays for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on August 2, 1996, in Spruce Grove, Alberta, Korte previously played university football for the University of Alberta Golden Bears before beginning his professional career with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2018.
Beyond football, Korte comes from a family with strong connections to Canadian athletics. He is married and has a daughter named Emma Korte. His parents are Brent Korte and Cheryl Korte, and his brother, Craig Korte, also played university football for the Alberta Golden Bears.
His father was selected by Edmonton in the 1989 CFL Draft, establishing a family football tradition that Mark and his brother continued.
Mark Korte’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Mark Korte is married. The Edmonton Elks offensive lineman celebrated his wedding on June 18, 2022, in Stony Plain, Alberta.
His marriage became a major talking point in Canadian football because the ceremony took place on the same day as Edmonton’s 2022 home opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
According to a June 18, 2022, report published by 3DownNation, Korte missed the game so that he could attend his wedding.
The ceremony was scheduled to begin at approximately 3 p.m. local time, while Edmonton’s game was scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The scheduling conflict reportedly resulted from difficulties organizing the wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Edmonton placed Korte on the one-game injured list, allowing him to participate in his wedding without losing his salary.
The organization publicly congratulated the player and his bride and confirmed that he would return to practice the following week.
Although Korte’s marriage is publicly documented, his wife’s name has not been reliably established through the sports sources reviewed.
Who Is Mark Korte’s Wife?
Mark Korte’s wife maintains a relatively private public profile, and her full name has not been confirmed in reliable reporting.
However, their marriage has been mentioned in several publications.
A profile published by Edmonton charity Kids Up Front described Korte as someone who enjoys spending his free time with his wife and their pet dog, Tucker.
The couple subsequently welcomed a daughter named Emma in June 2025.
Although his wife’s identity has not been widely publicized, her role in his personal life is documented through reporting about their wedding and the birth of their daughter.
Mark Korte’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
Yes. Mark Korte has a daughter named Emma Korte.
Her birth was confirmed in a June 26, 2025, Canadian Press report discussing the Edmonton Elks’ preparations for their game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The report revealed that Korte had missed two days of practice to be with his wife during the delivery of their daughter.
Emma Korte – Mark Korte’s Daughter
Emma Korte is the publicly identified daughter of Mark Korte and his wife.
She was born in June 2025, during her father’s fourth season with the Edmonton Elks.
At the time of her birth, Edmonton was preparing to face Winnipeg in an important early-season CFL matchup.
Korte temporarily stepped away from practice to support his wife and welcome their newborn daughter.
The family milestone received attention in Canadian sports coverage because Korte was also preparing to move into the centre position following an injury to teammate David Beard.
Emma celebrated her first birthday in June 2026.
Her exact birth date has not been publicly confirmed through reliable sources.
Emma is the only child of Mark Korte whose name has been verified in the available public reporting. No additional children have been reliably identified.
Mark Korte’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Mark Korte’s parents are Brent Korte and Cheryl Korte.
His father is a former university football player and coach, while his mother is identified in Brent Korte’s professional biography published by Canadian Strategy Group.
The family’s long-standing connection to Alberta football helped shape Mark’s sporting development.
Mark Korte’s Father: Brent Korte
Brent Korte is Mark Korte’s father, a former defensive end for the University of Alberta Golden Bears, and a longtime supporter of football in Alberta.
Brent played university football during the 1980s and earned an invitation to the prestigious East-West Shrine Game in 1989.
He was also selected by Edmonton in the 1989 CFL Draft.
His football achievements became especially significant when Mark received an invitation to the 2018 East-West Shrine Game.
According to a January 2018 report published by CanadaFootballChat, Brent and Mark became the first father-son combination from the University of Alberta to participate in the event.
Brent also remained involved in football after his playing career, serving as a defensive line coach with the Golden Bears program.
His contributions extended beyond university football. A November 2007 record from the Legislative Assembly of Alberta described him as an active community member who coached minor hockey and football.
Professionally, Brent has worked in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, including government relations and business consulting.
His Canadian Strategy Group biography also identifies him as a volunteer coach for the University of Alberta football team.
In September 2023, Brent appeared on The Elks Call podcast to discuss his coaching experience, professional work, and the Edmonton Elks.
His continuing involvement in athletics demonstrates the family’s long-standing commitment to Canadian football.
Mark Korte’s Mother: Cheryl Korte
Cheryl Korte is Mark Korte’s mother.
Her name is identified in the professional biography of Brent Korte published by Canadian Strategy Group.
The biography describes Brent and Cheryl as residents of the Edmonton Capital Region and identifies them as parents of two adult sons.
It also notes that the family enjoys sports, particularly the Edmonton Elks, Edmonton Oilers, and University of Alberta Golden Bears.
Cheryl has maintained a relatively private public profile compared with her husband and sons.
Reliable sources do not provide extensive information about her occupation, education, or other personal activities.
However, her connection to the family’s football history is documented through Brent’s professional biography and family references.
Mark Korte’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Mark Korte has one publicly identified brother named Craig Korte.
Craig also played university football at the University of Alberta, continuing the family’s sporting tradition.
Canadian Strategy Group’s biography of their father, Brent, identifies two adult sons, while university athletics records document both Mark and Craig.
Craig Korte – Mark Korte’s Brother
Craig Korte is Mark Korte’s older brother and a former University of Alberta Golden Bears linebacker.
Craig grew up in Spruce Grove, Alberta, and attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School before joining the University of Alberta football program.
He was recruited by the Golden Bears in 2012, when the university announced its incoming football class.
A recruiting report published by CanadaFootballChat described Craig as a linebacker from Spruce Grove and confirmed that his father, Brent Korte, had played defensive end for Alberta during the 1980s.
Craig appeared on the Golden Bears roster between 2012 and 2015.
During his final university season, he wore jersey number 44 and was listed as a fourth-year linebacker.
He studied in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation.
Craig and Mark were teammates at the University of Alberta during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Their family connection was highlighted again during the 2018 CFL Draft.
A Canadian Press report stated that Mark came from a football family in which both his father and brother had previously played for the Alberta Golden Bears.
Although Craig’s university career is documented, reliable public information about his occupation, marriage, children, and private life after football remains limited.
Does Mark Korte Have a Sister?
There is no verified public information identifying a sister of Mark Korte.
His father’s professional biography describes the family as having two adult sons, and available football reporting identifies Craig as Mark’s brother.
No sisters have been identified through these reliable sources.
Mark Korte’s Early Life and Family Background
Mark Korte was born on August 2, 1996, in Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada.
He grew up in a family already familiar with university and professional football.
His father, Brent, had played defensive end for Alberta, while his older brother, Craig, subsequently became a Golden Bears linebacker.
Mark attended St. Peter the Apostle Catholic High School in Spruce Grove, where he developed into a talented offensive lineman.
Growing up near Edmonton, he regularly followed the city’s CFL franchise.
In a November 2026 interview reported by CBC News, Korte recalled attending games at Commonwealth Stadium with his father and brother during childhood.
Those experiences helped establish his enthusiasm for Canadian football and his ambition to compete professionally.
After high school, Mark joined the University of Alberta Golden Bears in 2014.
The decision allowed him to continue the family’s football tradition while studying business.
Mark Korte’s University Football Career
Mark Korte represented the University of Alberta Golden Bears from 2014 through 2017.
He developed into one of the country’s leading university offensive linemen.
During the 2017 season, he helped Alberta establish the top-ranked rushing offense in U SPORTS.
His performances contributed to the Golden Bears reaching the Canada West playoffs for the first time since 2010.
He was named Canada West’s Most Outstanding Lineman in 2017 and earned First Team U SPORTS All-Canadian recognition.
He was also nominated for the J.P. Metras Trophy, awarded to Canada’s outstanding university down lineman.
His success led to an invitation to participate in the 2018 East-West Shrine Game, following in his father’s footsteps.
The achievement attracted attention from professional scouts ahead of the 2018 CFL Draft.
Mark Korte’s Professional CFL Career
Mark Korte was selected by the Ottawa Redblacks in the first round of the 2018 CFL Draft, fourth overall.
He began his professional career with Ottawa and appeared in the 2018 Grey Cup championship game, where the Redblacks lost to the Calgary Stampeders.
Korte remained with Ottawa through the 2021 CFL season, establishing himself as a reliable offensive lineman.
In February 2022, he signed with the Edmonton Elks, allowing him to return to the region where he grew up.
During his first season with Edmonton, he received the team’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman nomination.
His performances helped establish him as one of the organization’s important offensive players.
In 2024, Korte earned West Division All-CFL recognition after contributing to an Edmonton offensive line that led the league in several important statistical categories.
Those achievements included a league-leading 2,365 rushing yards and the fewest sacks allowed.
On May 13, 2025, the Edmonton Elks announced a two-year contract extension keeping Korte with the team through the 2027 season.
The agreement demonstrated the organization’s confidence in his ability and leadership.
During the 2026 season, Korte continued playing an important role as Edmonton returned to the CFL playoffs.
How Mark Korte Balances Football and Family
Mark Korte’s professional career has featured several important family milestones.
In June 2022, he prioritized his wedding over Edmonton’s home-opening game, attracting widespread attention from Canadian football fans and commentators.
Three years later, he temporarily stepped away from practice for the birth of his daughter Emma.
His connections to Alberta also remain important.
Both his father and brother played university football in Edmonton, and Korte eventually returned to represent the local CFL team.
In his May 2025 contract extension announcement, he expressed pride in playing for the organization he had supported during childhood.
Beyond football, Korte has participated in charitable and community initiatives associated with the Edmonton Elks.
His family life and involvement in the Edmonton community remain meaningful parts of his identity outside professional football.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark Korte’s Family
Who is Mark Korte’s girlfriend?
Mark Korte is married. He celebrated his wedding on June 18, 2022, in Stony Plain, Alberta.
Who is Mark Korte’s wife?
Mark Korte’s marriage is publicly confirmed, but his wife’s name has not been reliably established through the sports sources reviewed.
When did Mark Korte get married?
Mark Korte married on June 18, 2022. His wedding took place on the same day as Edmonton’s home-opening game against Saskatchewan.
Does Mark Korte have children?
Yes. Mark Korte has a daughter named Emma Korte, who was born in June 2025.
Who is Mark Korte’s daughter?
His daughter is Emma Korte. Her birth was confirmed in a June 26, 2025, Canadian Press report.
Who is Mark Korte’s father?
His father is Brent Korte, a former University of Alberta defensive end who was selected by Edmonton in the 1989 CFL Draft and later coached football.
Who is Mark Korte’s mother?
His mother is Cheryl Korte, who is identified in Brent Korte’s professional biography published by Canadian Strategy Group.
Does Mark Korte have siblings?
Yes. Mark Korte has a brother named Craig Korte, who also played football at the University of Alberta.
Who is Craig Korte?
Craig Korte is Mark’s older brother and a former Alberta Golden Bears linebacker who played university football from 2012 to 2015.
Did Mark Korte’s father play professional football?
Brent Korte played university football for Alberta and was selected by Edmonton in the 1989 CFL Draft. His professional regular-season playing record has not been established in the sources reviewed.
Where was Mark Korte born?
Mark Korte was born in Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada, on August 2, 1996.
Which CFL team does Mark Korte play for?
Mark Korte plays offensive line for the Edmonton Elks. He joined the organization in February 2022 after beginning his professional career with the Ottawa Redblacks.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
