Love in the League: These NFL Power Couples Scored More Than A Touchdown With Each Other
Jack Cichy and Mekenzie Steffen
Here’s a couple who likes to keep their relationship on the down low: Jack Cichy and Mekenzie Steffen. Though they are active on social media, the photos they share mostly revolve around sports and some of their friends.
So here’s what’s known: Cichy was a former linebacker for the Buccaneers before becoming a football coach, while Steffen played college hockey and was a member of Team USA at one point. Their romance began when they were studying in Wisconsin.
Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Matthews
Sports brought together quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Matthews, who played pro soccer for a women’s team in Iceland. They started dating in high school. In fact, a throwback photo from their prom shared by Mahomes with his Instagram followers garnered close to 10,000 likes.
Married since 2022, the couple has two little children. They are also co-owners of sports teams: the baseball team Kansas City Royals for him and the Kansas City Current women’s soccer team for her.
Scotty Miller and Jenna Miller
Here’s another romance with a football player and a gymnast: Scotty Miller and his wife, Jenna. They met in tertiary school at Bowling Green State University during Halloween. But they had a long-distance romance after a while when she transferred to another institute.
Scotty lucked out on a supportive partner in Jenna. She’s been known to practice throws with him, thanks to her athletic training. In fact, Buccaneers fans and Scotty credit her with the team’s Super Bowl win in 2021.
Russell Wilson and Ciara
When two of the biggest stars in entertainment meet, a supernova romance follows. This is exactly what happened when Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and singer Ciara met in 2015. A wedding in 2016 and a kid in 2017 followed soon after.
Wilson and Ciara each have an impressive resume: she co-owns a rum brand, is a spokesperson for Revlon, and is a children’s book author; Wilson has endorsements with Nike, Pepsi, and Microsoft, plus a master’s in educational leadership and policy analysis.
Adam Thielen and Caitlin Thielen
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen and his wife Caitlin have a pregame ritual: he searches the seats for her, so she stands up to wave. Seeing her is enough encouragement for Adam.
They were college sweethearts, although prior to their marriage, Caitlin was a substitute teacher before becoming a lifestyle blogger. Supportive of each other since the early days, they have channeled this as well to the Thielen Foundation, which focuses on youth development and as well as empowerment.
Joe Montana and Jennifer Wallace
When a Super Bowl MVP and aspiring model and actress meet, fireworks are inevitable, right? Not really. Joe Montana, then a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers was instantly smitten by Jennifer Wallace, who had no idea who he was.
They met while filming a commercial for Schick. She found him charming but shy. He asked her out and six months later, they were engaged. They got married in 1985 and settled down in San Francisco. They have four children.
Jerry Rice and Latisha Pelayo
While some couples take the plunge immediately, Jerry Rice and Latisha Pelayo took their sweet time. The former wide receiver proposed to his long-time girlfriend in 2018, then tied the knot a year later in Napa Valley.
Rice’s marriage to Pelayo is his second, as he was previously married to Bernice Mitchell. Ever since having left football, he has co-authored several books, appeared in a video game with his dog Nitus, and was a contestant in “Dancing With the Stars.”
Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek
Together since 2015, Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek still have to put a ring on it as of 2022. Despite this, Kostek has always been a vocal supporter of her long-time partner—not surprising since she was a professional cheerleader.
Gronkowski initially left football in 2019, for reasons of mental health. But one season later, he signed on with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Then in 2022, he announced his retirement again, this time for good. They look forward to a fresh, new lifestyle together.
Drew Brees and Brittany Dudchenko
Former quarterback Drew Brees first took his shot with Brittany Dudchenko—but with disastrous results. But he tried again a few months later. Maybe because he was sober and used no line, she gave him another chance. They got married in 2003.
With football behind him, Brees has kept busy. Besides raising three children with his wife, he also owns restaurants and provides support for patients with cancer through the Brees Dream Foundation. He also makes regular tours with the USO.
Eric Johnson and Jessica Simpson
Married since 2014, former NFL tight end Eric Johnson and singer Jessica Simpson prove that sports and pop music go well together.
In 2020, Simpson published her memoir, “Open Book,” which became a global best-seller. Johnson never misses a chance to praise her, sometimes with hilarious results. When he tagged her in a birthday greeting on his Instagram page back in 2021, he thought she was turning 39 years old. Fans had to correct him: she was already 41.
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles
A gymnast would always need a safety of sorts. Just ask Simone Biles. In 2020, the Olympic gold medalist and Houston Texans safety Jonathan Owen became a couple. The romance began how relationships begin nowadays: through a dating app. Yup, the couple met on Raya.
Owens had confessed to having no idea who Biles was when they met—a fact that pleased her. They became Instagram official in 2020. In February 2022, Owens popped the question, and naturally, she said yes.
Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo
When it comes to a couple who support each other, look no further than San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo, who was Miss Universe in 2012. They show true love lasts.
Their romance began in 2019. Since then, they have continued to grow together and gush about each other on social media. Culpo absolutely loves to cheer him on, especially before games. McCaffrey, meanwhile, couldn’t hide his excitement when she landed the “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition” cover.
Odell Beckham Jr. and Lauren Wood
In 2014, Odell Beckham Jr. made a one-handed touchdown catch that not only had sports pundits proclaiming it as the greatest catch ever made but also landed him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. So is it surprising that he snared the heart of Lauren Wood?
Beckham and Wood have been together since 2019. Though low-key, they express love for each other often on their Instagram pages. In 2021, they welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Zydn.
Chris Godwin and Mariah DelPercio
Say no more when it comes to long-lasting love because Chris Goodwin and Mariah DelPercio may just as well write the book on it! The wide receiver and sports dietitian have been together since high school. They wed in Malibu in 2021.
Besides sharing a passion for sports, they also advocate pet adoption. Through the Team Godwin Foundation that they run together, they provide assistance to local shelters and animal rescue groups. They have two adopted dogs named Ghost and Ziggy.
Daniel Sorensen and Whitney Sorensen
Here’s another romance that ages like fine wine: New Orleans Saints safety Daniel Sorensen and his wife, Whitney. The college sweethearts exchanged their vows on April 26, 2013.
Daniel and Whitney are fairly active on social media. When he’s not posting photos with teammates, he drums up support for further research on Parkinson’s disease, which claimed his father, or for local farmers. She likes to share workout snaps. Occasionally, they post photos of each other or with their four children.
Landry Jones and Whitney Hand
Imagine being so famous as a college couple to be dubbed “Brangelina” by “The Oklahoman.” That’s exactly what happened to Landry Jones and Whitney Hand, who played football and basketball respectively. Being rising stars in their chosen sport, they got drafted into the pros.
Jones has his quarterback days behind him and is a father of three. Hand obtained a Master’s degree and is a certified performance/leadership coach. She focuses on development through the athletic experience and anxiety in sports.
Harrison Butker and Isabelle Butker
Guess who has been kicking it together since high school? Harrison and Isabelle Butker. Sweethearts since then, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker married her in 2018. On their big day, he made sure to fill his Instagram page with highlights from the ceremony.
Isabelle is not active on social media, unlike her husband. Harrison often shares training photos, as well as of his family. He also co-owns the beverage brand Phocus and NOVUS Clothing Company, apparel specially designed for athletes.
Ryan Russell and Corey O’Brien
Ryan Russell, a former defensive end, admitted to feeling attraction to both men and women in 2019 on ESPN and that he was in a relationship with professional dancer Corey O’Brien. Both are active on social media and often share photos of each other with fans.
O’Brien has performed with artists such as P. Diddy and French Montana. He is credited by Russell for introducing him to a lifestyle of sobriety. Russell is writing his book, “The Yards Between Us.”
Tim Tebow and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters
Philanthropist, successful entrepreneur, best-selling author, and husband to Miss Universe 2017, the South African Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters—clearly, everything is going great with Tim Tebow, right? Absolutely.
The former football and baseball player and pageant queen have been together since 2017. In 2020, they jetted off to South Africa to have a thirty-minute wedding ceremony. Taking a cue from her husband, who runs the Tim Tebow Foundation, Demi-Leigh put up Unbreakable. It is a series of workshops aimed at empowering women.
Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington
A couple that has talent in spades is former Oakland Raiders player Nnamdi Asomugha and “Scandal” actress Kerry Washington. Washington has been nominated multiple times for an Emmy and a Golden Globe award. Plus, she has also done Broadway.
It seems the acting bug got to Asomugha too. For his role as Carl King in the movie “Crown Heights,” he was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male. Will their two children act too? Time will tell.
Josh Allen and Brittany Williams
It’s possible to marry a crush from childhood—just ask Brittany Williams. In an Instagram post, she revealed that Josh Allen, a quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, has been a crush since they were eight years old. That’s right; they were also childhood friends.
It was not until college in 2017 that things took a romantic turn. Brittany, a former cheerleader for Fresno State, now cheers only for Josh. She is often a lively presence for her man during games.
Golden Tate and Elise Pollard
When former wide receiver Golden Tate popped the question to longtime love Elise Pollard, he did it with a custom engagement ring. It’s possible Elise charmingly copied his idea when she decided what to wear for their ceremony.
When they exchanged vows during a seaside nuptial in 2017, she wore a custom gown she had designed herself. Dreamy details of her attire for the big day were brought to life by dressmaker Olga Szwed. In 2022, they welcomed their third child.
Mike Evans and Ashli Dotson
Here’s another pair of college sweethearts: Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans and Ashli Dotson. The pair got married in 2016 in Texas. They share two children and also raise Evans’ daughter from a previous relationship. The family lives in Tampa.
The couple is committed to helping children. Through the Mike Evans Family Foundation, they create opportunities for them to achieve their dreams and host free football camps. It also provides assistance to women who have been victims of domestic violence.
Tony Gonzalez and October Gonzalez
Things were definitely shaken and stirred when former Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez met his future wife October. At a bar in Newport Beach, Cupid’s arrow struck Tony right in the heart when he saw the beautiful bartender.
He invited her out, but she turned him down as she was in a long-term relationship then. But a year after first meeting her, Tony found out she was single. He drove to Orange County to see her, and the rest is history.
A.J. McCarron and Katherine Webb
These days, a lot of romances begin thanks to dating apps. For former Atlanta Falcons quarterback A.J. McCarron and model Katherine Webb, it took 140 characters. That’s right—they met on Twitter. It’s a perfect love story for the digital age.
McCarron and Webb were longtime lovers before tying the knot in March 2014. He plays football in a professional minor league while she’s wowing old and new fans with her talent in painting. They are parents to three boys.
Peyton Manning and Ashley Thompson
Here is another love story anyone embarking on a new romance can only dream about: Peyton Manning and Ashley Thompson. The former quarterback has been married to his college sweetheart since 2001.
Besides being partners in raising three children, they are also committed philanthropists. They founded the PeyBack Foundation, whose goal is to help underprivileged and at-risk children succeed in life. Generous donors, they also have a health institution named after them, the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent.
Brady Quinn and Alicia Sacramone
There’s no shortage of long-term romances in the NFL, is there? Former quarterback Brady Quinn and Olympic silver medalist Alicia Sacramone, are examples of this. They are believed to have started dating in 2009 before tying the knot in 2014.
With their sports careers behind them, they are focused on their three daughters and various endeavors. Sacramone works as a certified fitness trainer while Quinn has embarked on a career in broadcasting. He also founded the 3rd and Goal Foundation.
Andrew East and Shawn Johnson
Former Washington Redskins long snapper Andrew East has his brother Guy to thank for his wife, Olympic gold medalist gymnast Shawn Johnson. Guy insisted that Johnson meet his little brother. The latter flew to L.A. to meet her while she was filming “Dancing With the Stars.”
East proposed in 2015 at Wrigley Field, after Johnson threw the ceremonial pitch. The crowd went wild for her enthusiastic yes. They got married in less than a year. They have two children.
Eric Decker and Jessie James Decker
Another romance and eventual marriage resulting from a mutual friend introducing them are Eric and Jessie James Decker. The former Denver Broncos wide receiver was introduced to the country singer in 2011—after Eric was shown a photo of Jessie.
He was the one to text first, which pleased Jessie. In her memoir, “Just Jessie,” she revealed that before getting into another relationship, she wanted to be pursued. No wonder Eric got her attention! They had a wedding in 2012.
Curtis Conway and Laila Ali
Someone who got TKO’d by love is former wide receiver Curtis Conway. So who delivered that romantic punch to the heart? None other than champion boxer Laila Ali, daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali.
They got married in July 2007, four months after Ali retired from boxing. When their two children don’t keep them on their toes, they concentrate on various professional endeavors. Ali has the Laila Ali Lifestyle website and Conway works as a co-host for the NFL Network.
Ryan Tannehill and Lauren Tannehill
Despite attending Texas A&M University together, Ryan and Lauren Tannehill didn’t cross paths. He was a biology major, and she studied psychology. So where did they meet? During Spring Break in Florida. Since then, they have been hardly apart.
The Tennessee Titans quarterback married his love in 2012. When the pair are not busy with their two children, they are busy with their charity foundation: Achieving Community and Education Success (ACES). They help secondary school students contribute to their communities.
Kyle Van Noy and Marissa Powell
Sometimes, a pairing is so right that one thinks the stars did align to put them together: Kyle Van Noy and Marissa Powell. When the linebacker met the singer and Miss USA third runner-up, he revealed that he was adopted. She then said her dad and brother are also adopted.
With this common ground, they fell in love and got married in 2014. While raising a daughter, they also work to remove adoption stigma through the Van Noy Valor Foundation.
Reggie Bush and Lilit Avagyan
During the heyday of his NFL career, former running back Reggie Bush was known for being a player on the field and off. His string of exes includes singer Jessie James Decker and reality star Kim Kardashian West. And then he met Lilit Avagyan.
Avagyan is a dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher who guested on “Dancing With the Stars.” She married the Heisman Trophy winner in 2014 in a ceremony in San Diego, California. They are parents to two children.
Derek Carr and Heather Neel
Here’s another pair who have been in love since high school—quarterback Derek Carr and influencer Heather Neel. They actually met at a restaurant where Neel was waitressing. Carr got her attention by pointing out she was wearing only one earring.
The pair got married in 2012 and are parents to four children. They are quite active on social media, although Carr posts more about training and working during football season, while Neel shares lots of photos of their family.
Eli Manning and Abby McGrew
Another couple whose love has stood the test of time is Eli Manning and Abby McGrew. Sweethearts since their Ole Miss days, they wed in a private ceremony in Mexico on April 19, 2008. They have four beautiful children.
Manning hung up his cleats for good in 2020. McGrew, who worked in fashion after college, is a full-time mom. The couple is known for their philanthropy, and have made multi-million dollar donations to St. Vincent’s Hospital and Children’s of Mississippi.
Jack Cichy and Mekenzie Steffen
Here’s a couple who likes to keep their relationship on the down low: Jack Cichy and Mekenzie Steffen. Though they are active on social media, the photos they share mostly revolve around sports and some of their friends.
So here’s what’s known: Cichy was a former linebacker for the Buccaneers before becoming a football coach, while Steffen played college hockey and was a member of Team USA at one point. Their romance began when they were studying in Wisconsin.
Leighton Vander Esch and Madalynn Tucker
Another couple who bonded over a love for sports is Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and Madalynn Tucker. They are Idaho natives and started dating in college. Tucker was on the basketball team. On July 5, 2018, Esch proposed to her.
While he’s popular due to football, she has her own following too. Marriage to Esch did make her more known but she’s also a professional rodeo rider. The couple doesn’t have children but has pampered two dogs.
J.J. Watt and Kealia Ohai
Sometimes, it pays to listen to your sister. Soccer player Kealia Ohai is one example of how doing this pays off. After all, if not for her sister introducing her to J.J. Watt, things would be very different in the love department.
In 2019, three years after their relationship began, she became engaged to the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the year. Wedding bells rang for them at the Bahamas’ famous Ocean Club in 2020. They became parents in 2022.
A. J. Green and Miranda Brooke
Another romance for the digital age is the story of A.J. Green and Miranda Brooke. The Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Green met the “Hater” singer over Facebook. They exchanged messages through the social media platform for six months before dating.
Married since 2015, they have since become parents to two boys. The couple is known for their philanthropic efforts in education: scholarships for needs-based students at the University of Georgia and donations to elementary school teachers in Green’s hometown.
Philip Rivers and Tiffany Rivers
Philip Rivers is hailed as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but he’s also part of an enduring love story. Married to his junior high sweetheart Tiffany Rivers since 2001, theirs is one of the longest marriages in the NFL. They have seven children.
Rivers is known to live modestly. Despite a net worth of $200 million, he doesn’t drive flashy cars or own one. He works as a high school football coach, just like his father did.
Saquon Barkley and Anna Congdon
Here’s a couple who are so in love with each other yet in no rush to marry: New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and model Anna Congdon. They have been dating since their days at Penn State. In fact, Congdon was only nineteen when she gave birth to their little girl in 2018.
Barkley, a Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, has March 14 as “Saquon Barkley Day” thanks to the Government of Pennsylvania.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login