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5 Surprising Facts About Lukas Van Ness's Girlfriend, Frankie Kmet, And Their Packers-Bears Family Rivalry

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The dating life of professional athletes often sparks intense curiosity, and for Green Bay Packers standout Lukas Van Ness, his relationship is one of the most talked-about topics in the NFL today. As of late 2025, Van Ness is in a committed relationship with his college sweetheart, Frankie Kmet, a dynamic that has created a unique and highly publicized rivalry right in the heart of his family. The couple’s story is a blend of young love, professional football, and a viral moment at the NFL Draft that captivated millions.

The relationship between Lukas Van Ness and Frankie Kmet is not just a personal matter; it’s a compelling narrative that intertwines two of the NFL’s most storied and bitter rivals: the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. Frankie is the sister of Bears tight end Cole Kmet, meaning Van Ness's biggest professional rival is also his future brother-in-law. This article dives deep into the couple's background, the family dynamics, and the viral moments that have made their relationship a fan favorite.

Lukas Van Ness: Complete Player Profile and Biography

Lukas Van Ness, often referred to by his initials LVN, is a rising star in the National Football League, known for his ferocious pass-rushing ability and versatility on the defensive line. His journey from a small-town athlete to a first-round NFL Draft pick is a testament to his dedication and raw talent.

  • Full Name: Lukas Van Ness
  • Date of Birth: July 6, 2001
  • Age (as of December 2025): 24
  • Hometown: Barrington, Illinois
  • Height: 6’ 5” (1.96 m)
  • Weight: 272 lbs (123 kg)
  • College: University of Iowa (Iowa Hawkeyes)
  • NFL Draft: 2023, Round 1, Pick 13 (Green Bay Packers)
  • NFL Team: Green Bay Packers
  • Position: Outside Linebacker (OLB) / Defensive End (DE)
  • Early Career Highlight: Named Second-team All-Big Ten in 2022 despite never officially starting a game for the Hawkeyes.

The College Sweethearts: Who is Frankie Kmet?

Lukas Van Ness’s girlfriend, Frankie Kmet, is a former college student from the University of Iowa who has gained significant public attention since Van Ness was drafted into the NFL. Their relationship is a classic college romance that transitioned into the high-stakes world of professional sports.

1. They Met While Attending the University of Iowa

Frankie Kmet and Lukas Van Ness are genuine college sweethearts. They began dating during their time at the University of Iowa, where Van Ness was dominating as a defensive lineman for the Iowa Hawkeyes. While the exact year of their first encounter is not widely publicized, their relationship became public knowledge around 2022. The foundation of their relationship was built away from the NFL spotlight, giving it a solid, authentic feel that fans appreciate.

2. She is the Sister of a Major NFL Rival

This is arguably the most fascinating detail of their relationship and a major source of topical authority. Frankie Kmet is the sister of Chicago Bears tight end, Cole Kmet. This connection creates an incredible dynamic, as Lukas Van Ness, a Green Bay Packer, is dating the sister of a key player on the team's most bitter rival. The Packers-Bears rivalry is one of the oldest and most intense in all of American professional sports, making this family tie a constant source of playful banter and media attention. Frankie, who grew up in the Chicago suburbs, was naturally a Bears fan, but now she has to split her loyalties between her brother and her boyfriend.

3. Frankie Kmet Was Part of a Viral NFL Draft Moment

Frankie Kmet was thrust into the national spotlight during the 2023 NFL Draft, not just for being the girlfriend of a first-round pick, but for an awkward, viral moment. After Van Ness was selected No. 13 overall by the Packers, his father, Jason Van Ness, was caught on camera enthusiastically patting Frankie on the backside—twice. The clip immediately went viral, sparking widespread discussion on social media and news outlets. While the moment was controversial and raised a few eyebrows, Frankie Kmet handled the unexpected attention with grace, and the family later downplayed the incident, suggesting it was simply a celebratory, albeit awkward, family gesture.

4. The Relationship Creates a Unique Family-Rivalry Dynamic

The relationship between Lukas Van Ness and Frankie Kmet ensures the Packers vs. Bears rivalry extends far beyond the football field and into family holiday gatherings. Imagine the tension at Thanksgiving dinner when the two teams have just faced off! This unique dynamic is a goldmine for NFL media and fans, who often joke about the family divided. For Frankie, it means balancing the pride of watching her boyfriend excel for the Packers with the loyalty she holds for her brother, Cole Kmet, a key offensive weapon for the Bears. This dual loyalty is a constant, lighthearted struggle she has openly acknowledged.

5. She is a Strong Supporter of LVN's Career

Despite the family rivalry, Frankie Kmet is one of Lukas Van Ness’s most ardent supporters. She has been by his side through the intense NFL Draft process, the transition to professional football, and his rookie season. Her presence at games, often wearing Green Bay gear, demonstrates her commitment to him and his career, even if it means cheering against her childhood team. This unwavering support is a stabilizing force for Van Ness as he navigates the demanding life of an NFL player, proving that their bond is stronger than any divisional rivalry.

Topical Authority: The Kmet Family’s Football Legacy

The Kmet family’s connection to professional football is deep, which makes Frankie’s relationship with Lukas Van Ness all the more significant. Her brother, Cole Kmet, is a prominent tight end for the Chicago Bears, drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Furthermore, Cole and Frankie's father, Frank Kmet, was also a former NFL defensive end. Frank Kmet played college football at Purdue and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1992, giving the Kmet family a long, storied history with the Bears franchise. This multi-generational NFL lineage adds significant weight to the narrative of Frankie Kmet and Lukas Van Ness, cementing their status as one of the NFL’s current power couples.

Lukas Van Ness and Frankie Kmet represent a modern NFL couple facing a unique challenge: a professional rivalry that is deeply personal. Their relationship, built on a foundation of college love and mutual support, has weathered viral fame and the intense scrutiny that comes with being an NFL star. As Van Ness continues to grow into a defensive force for the Green Bay Packers, Frankie Kmet remains his most dedicated fan, proving that love, sometimes, can conquer even the most bitter of football rivalries.

5 Surprising Facts About Lukas Van Ness's Girlfriend, Frankie Kmet, and Their Packers-Bears Family Rivalry
lukas van ness girlfriend
lukas van ness girlfriend

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