The Long Game
Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek have been going strong since 2015, and honestly, they’re still figuring out the whole wedding thing. But Kostek? She’s been his biggest cheerleader—literally, because she was a pro cheerleader herself. And just when things were getting serious, Gronkowski decided to step away from football in 2019 for his mental health, only to come back a year later with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Long Game
A Crush That Waited Eight Years
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills had been crushing on Brittany Williams since they were eight years old. Yep, childhood friends who didn’t realize they were perfect for each other until college hit in 2017. She was cheering for Fresno State, but now she only cheers for him—and she’s absolutely magnetic in those stadium seats before games.
A Crush That Waited Eight Years
When Soccer Met Football
Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Matthews literally met where sports happen. She played pro soccer in Iceland, and he was already a quarterback on the rise when they started dating in high school. They’ve got memories from prom that got nearly 10,000 likes on Instagram, and now they’re married with two kids and co-owning sports teams together.
When Soccer Met Football
When Two Superstars Collide
Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos quarterback, and Ciara the singer basically created a supernova when they met in 2015. They went from dating to married in 2016 and had a kid by 2017, which is basically the definition of not wasting time when you know something’s right. Between her rum brand, spokesperson gigs, and his Nike and Pepsi deals, plus a master’s degree, these two are basically unstoppable.
When Two Superstars Collide
When Sports and Pop Collide
Eric Johnson, former NFL tight end, and singer Jessica Simpson have been married since 2014, and they’re proof that the sports world and pop music are a match made in heaven. When Simpson released her memoir “Open Book” in 2020, it became a global bestseller, and Johnson made sure everyone knew he was her number one fan. Though there was that time he forgot her actual age on Instagram—fans had to remind him she was 41, not 39.
When Sports And Pop Collide
Love That Stands the Test of Time
Brady Quinn and Olympic silver medalist Alicia Sacramone started dating way back in 2009 and finally tied the knot in 2014. These two know how to do the long game—they’ve raised three daughters together while building impressive careers outside the spotlight. Sacramone became a certified fitness trainer, and Quinn moved into broadcasting and founded a foundation, proving that life after sports can be even more fulfilling.
Love That Stands The Test Of Time
A Champion’s Heart
Curtis Conway, a former wide receiver, got completely knocked out by love when he met boxer Laila Ali—yes, Muhammad Ali’s daughter. They got married in July 2007, just four months after she hung up her boxing gloves for good. When their two kids aren’t keeping them busy, Laila runs her lifestyle website and Curtis co-hosts for the NFL Network, living proof that true love is the ultimate championship.
A Champion’s Heart
From Player to Partner
Reggie Bush had a reputation as a player—both on and off the field, with exes including Jessie James Decker and Kim Kardashian. Then he met Lilit Avagyan, a dancer and choreographer who even appeared on “Dancing With the Stars,” and suddenly his whole game changed. They married in 2014 in San Diego and now have two kids, proving that sometimes the right person can completely rewrite your story.
From Player To Partner
The Sisterhood Effect
J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has his sister to thank for introducing him to soccer player Kealia Ohai. That single introduction changed everything—three years into their relationship, he proposed in 2019, and they said “I do” at the Ocean Club in the Bahamas in 2020. Fast forward to 2022, and they became parents, creating a love story that started with a sister’s perfect setup.
The Sisterhood Effect
Love at First Commercial
Joe Montana, the legendary 49ers quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, was instantly smitten the moment he saw Jennifer Wallace during a Schick commercial shoot. She had no idea who he was, and he loved that—he was just this charming, shy guy who asked her out and had her saying yes within six months. They got married in 1985, settled in San Francisco, and built a family of four, proving that sometimes the best love stories start in the most unexpected places.
Love At First Commercial
Patience Pays Off
Jerry Rice and Latisha Pelayo took their sweet time before making things official—no rushing into anything for these two. He finally proposed to his long-time girlfriend in 2018, and they tied the knot a year later in Napa Valley in a beautiful ceremony. Since hanging up his cleats, Rice has been busy co-authoring books, appearing in video games, and even doing “Dancing With the Stars,” all while building a strong marriage.
Patience Pays Off
Second Time’s the Charm
Drew Brees approached Brittany Dudchenko with a line that totally bombed, so he tried again a few months later—and this time, he came sober and without any cheesy lines. She actually gave him a second chance, and they got married in 2003, creating one of football’s steadiest partnerships. Beyond raising three kids, Brees owns restaurants and runs the Brees Dream Foundation to help cancer patients, showing that his real strength is off the field too.
Second Time’s The Charm
The App That Changed Everything
Jonathan Owens, a Houston Texans safety, had absolutely no idea who Simone Biles was when they matched on Raya in 2020. The Olympic gold medalist loved that he didn’t recognize her—finally, someone who saw her as just Simone, not the legend. They went Instagram official that same year, and by February 2022, he proposed and she said yes, proving that sometimes the most authentic connections happen online.
The App That Changed Everything
Supporting from the Stands
Christian McCaffrey, the San Francisco 49ers running back, and Olivia Culpo, who was Miss Universe in 2012, started dating in 2019 and have been gushing about each other on social media ever since. Their romance is all about genuine support—she shows up to cheer him on, and he couldn’t hide his excitement when she landed the “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition” cover. They’re the kind of couple that proves true love is about celebrating each other’s wins.
Supporting From The Stands
One-Handed Catch, Whole Heart
Odell Beckham Jr. made one of the greatest one-handed touchdown catches in football history in 2014, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year—so maybe it’s not surprising he snagged the heart of Lauren Wood. They’ve been together since 2019, keeping things low-key but expressing their love constantly on Instagram. In 2021, they welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Zydn, and their little family is absolutely adorable.
One Handed Catch, Whole Heart
Finding Quiet After the Storm
Elin Nordegren had been through a very public, turbulent marriage to golfer Tiger Woods, and all she wanted was peace and quiet. Then mutual friends introduced her to Jordan Cameron, a former football tight end who retired at just 28 due to injury concerns. The couple has deliberately stayed out of the spotlight, and in October 2019, they welcomed a son, building the quiet life Elin deserved.
Finding Quiet After The Storm
High School Sweethearts Forever
Chris Godwin and Mariah DelPercio have basically written the book on lasting love—they’ve been together since high school and got married in Malibu in 2021. The wide receiver and sports dietitian share a passion for sports, but they’re also wild about helping animals through their Team Godwin Foundation. They’ve even got two adopted rescue dogs named Ghost and Ziggy, proving that their love extends to everything around them.
High School Sweethearts Forever
Love That Ages Like Wine
Daniel Sorensen and Whitney Sorensen are living proof that college sweethearts can make it work—they exchanged vows on April 26, 2013, as New Orleans Saints safety and his wife. These two are pretty active on social media, and Daniel uses his platform to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease after losing his father to it. Between posting with teammates and supporting local farmers, they’re building a legacy bigger than football while raising four beautiful kids.
Love That Ages Like Wine
College Legends
Landry Jones and Whitney Hand were so famous as a college couple that the media dubbed them “Brangelina”—Landry played football and Whitney played basketball, and they were basically celebrity status before the NFL even happened. Both got drafted into the pros, but now Jones has moved on to broadcasting, and Hand got her master’s degree and works as a performance and leadership coach. They’ve got three kids and a marriage that proves some college relationships actually do last forever.
College Legends
Long Distance, Long Love
Scotty Miller and Jenna Miller met at Bowling Green State University on Halloween—he was on the football team and she was a gymnast—and they fell hard. The thing is, she transferred schools and they had to do the long-distance thing, but Jenna stuck it out anyway. She’s been so supportive that she practices throws with him and has even been credited with helping the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl in 2021—talk about a power couple.
Long Distance, Long Love
Kicking It Since High School
Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, has been with Isabelle since high school, and they finally made it official in 2018. On their wedding day, he made sure his Instagram was absolutely flooded with ceremony highlights because he wanted the whole world to know how happy he was. Isabelle keeps things private on social media, but Harrison is constantly sharing training photos and family moments, and he’s also co-owning a beverage brand and athletic apparel company.
Kicking It Since High School
Love Without Labels
Ryan Russell, a former defensive end, came out in 2019 and revealed he was in a relationship with professional dancer Corey O’Brien. Both are active on social media and constantly share photos celebrating their love with fans. O’Brien has performed with major artists like P. Diddy and French Montana, and he’s credited Russell with introducing him to a lifestyle of sobriety, while Russell is working on his book “The Yards Between Us.”
Love Without Labels
The Pageant Queen’s Score
Tim Tebow has basically done it all—philanthropist, entrepreneur, best-selling author—and somehow he also landed Miss Universe 2017, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. They’ve been together since 2017, and in 2020, they had a 30-minute wedding ceremony in South Africa. Following Tim’s lead with the Tim Tebow Foundation, Demi-Leigh created “Unbreakable,” a series of workshops designed to empower women and change lives.
The Pageant Queen’s Score
Talent Times Two
Nnamdi Asomugha, former Oakland Raiders player, and “Scandal” actress Kerry Washington are basically walking around with talent oozing out of every pore. She’s been nominated for Emmys and Golden Globes and has done Broadway, so when Asomugha got bitten by the acting bug too, nobody was surprised. He was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for his role in “Crown Heights,” and now everyone’s wondering if their two kids will follow in their footsteps.
Talent Times Two
Custom Everything
Golden Tate proposed to longtime love Elise Pollard with a custom engagement ring, so naturally she decided to go custom with her wedding gown too. When they exchanged vows during a seaside ceremony in 2017, she wore a stunning custom dress she designed herself, brought to life by dressmaker Olga Szwed. By 2022, they welcomed their third child, and their love story just keeps getting more beautiful.
Custom Everything
College Sweethearts With Purpose
Mike Evans, the Buccaneers wide receiver, and Ashli Dotson are classic college sweethearts who got married in Texas in 2016. They’re raising two kids together—well, actually three, including Evans’ daughter from a previous relationship—and the whole family is living in Tampa. Through the Mike Evans Family Foundation, they’re creating opportunities for kids to chase their dreams, hosting free football camps, and supporting women who’ve experienced domestic violence.
College Sweethearts With Purpose
The Bartender Who Said No
Tony Gonzalez, a former Atlanta tight end, saw October—a beautiful bartender—at a bar in Newport Beach and was instantly smitten. But here’s the thing: she turned him down because she was already in a relationship, so he waited. A year later, he found out she was single, drove to Orange County to see her, and the rest is absolutely history, baby.
The Bartender Who Said No
Love in 140 Characters
A.J. McCarron and model Katherine Webb met on Twitter of all places—literally 140 characters is all it took for them to find each other. They were longtime lovers before finally tying the knot in March 2014, creating a totally digital-age love story. Now they’re parents to three boys while she’s wowing everyone with her painting talent, and he’s playing professional minor league football.
Love In 140 Characters
The Dream Romance
Peyton Manning married his college sweetheart Ashley Thompson back in 2001, and they’ve been living out every new couple’s dream ever since. Beyond raising three kids together, they’re seriously committed to philanthropy—they founded the PeyBack Foundation to help underprivileged kids succeed in life. They even have a children’s hospital named after them, the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent, proving that their love has literally changed lives.
The Dream Romance
The Setup That Worked
Andrew East, a former Washington Redskins long snapper, owes everything to his brother Guy, who insisted that Olympic gold medalist gymnast Shawn Johnson meet him. Guy was relentless about it, so Shawn flew to L.A. where Guy was appearing on “Dancing With the Stars,” and the rest is romantic history. Andrew proposed in 2015 at Wrigley Field after Shawn threw the ceremonial pitch, the crowd went absolutely wild, and they married less than a year later with two kids to show for it.
The Setup That Worked
From Instagram to Forever
Eric and Jessie James Decker met when Eric, a former Denver Broncos wide receiver, was shown a photo of country singer Jessie and he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He was the one to text first, which absolutely pleased Jessie because in her memoir “Just Jessie,” she revealed she wanted to be pursued before getting into another relationship. He pursued hard, they married in 2012, and now they’re basically the couple everyone wants to be.
From Instagram To Forever
Spring Break Serendipity
Ryan and Lauren Tannehill actually attended Texas A&M University together—he was a biology major, she studied psychology—but somehow they never crossed paths until Spring Break in Florida. From that moment on, they’ve been basically inseparable, and in 2012, the Tennessee Titans quarterback made it official with marriage. They’ve got two kids and a charity foundation called ACES that helps secondary school students contribute to their communities.
Spring Break Serendipity
Written in the Stars
Kyle Van Noy and Marissa Powell are one of those couples where the stars apparently aligned to bring them together at exactly the right time. When linebacker Kyle met singer and Miss USA third runner-up Marissa, they discovered they had adoption in common—he’s adopted, and her dad and brother are too. They fell in love, got married in 2014, and now they’re raising a daughter while working to remove adoption stigma through the Van Noy Valor Foundation.
Written In The Stars
The One Earring
Derek Carr, the Oakland Raiders quarterback, met Heather Neel at a restaurant where she was waitressing, and his approach was absolutely charming—he pointed out she was wearing only one earring. They’ve been together since high school, married in 2012, and have four kids now. Derek is all over social media with training photos during football season while Heather shares tons of family moments, and they’re basically the transparent couple everyone relates to.
The One Earring
Forever Sweethearts
Eli Manning and Abby McGrew have been together since their Ole Miss days, living proof that high school and college romances can absolutely last forever. They got married in a private ceremony in Mexico on April 19, 2008, and have four beautiful children who are lucky enough to have parents who still look at each other the way they do. Manning hung up his cleats in 2020, McGrew works as a full-time mom after her fashion career, and they’re known for their massive philanthropic donations to hospitals and children’s charities.
Forever Sweethearts
Keeping It Private
Jack Cichy and Mekenzie Steffen are the couple who like to keep things low-key and under the radar, even though they’re active on social media. Jack was a linebacker for the Buccaneers before becoming a football coach, while Steffen played college hockey and represented Team USA at one point. Their romance started in Wisconsin while they were studying, and they’ve managed to maintain privacy while still connecting with fans.
Keeping It Private
Two Athletes, One Heart
Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and Madalynn Tucker bonded over their love for sports right from the start, and they’re both Idaho natives who started dating in college. On July 5, 2018, Esch proposed to her, and while his football career might be making headlines, Madalynn is a professional rodeo rider in her own right. They don’t have kids yet, but they’re absolutely spoiling their two dogs rotten.
Two Athletes, One Heart
From Facebook Messages to Forever
A.J. Green, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, and “Hater” singer Miranda Brooke met on Facebook and exchanged messages for six months before actually dating—talk about taking things slow. They’ve been married since 2015 and have two boys now, and they’re making serious waves through their philanthropic efforts in education. They’re funding scholarships for needs-based students at the University of Georgia and donating to elementary school teachers in Green’s hometown, creating real change.
From Facebook Messages To Forever
The Longest Marriage in Football
Philip Rivers is hailed as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play, but his real legacy might be his marriage to Tiffany Rivers, his junior high sweetheart, since 2001. They’ve got seven kids and one of the longest-lasting marriages in the entire NFL, which says something in this world. Rivers is known for living incredibly modestly despite his 200 million dollar net worth—he doesn’t drive flashy cars and now works as a high school football coach, just like his father did.
The Longest Marriage In Football
No Rush to the Altar
Saquon Barkley, the New York Giants running back and Heisman Trophy winner, and model Anna Congdon are deeply in love but in absolutely no hurry to get married. They met at Penn State and have been together ever since, and Anna was only nineteen when she gave birth to their little girl in 2018. They’re a perfect example of couples who are committed without needing the formality, and their daughter is basically the coolest kid ever.
No Rush To The Altar
Persistent Love
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions quarterback, and “Sports Illustrated” model Christen Harper met through a dating app, and he was absolutely relentless about getting her to go on a date with him. It took a while for her to agree, but once she did, they never looked back—they got engaged in 2022. Between planning their future, Harper volunteers with Girls Inc. of L.A., and Goff donated 250K to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, proving they’re serious about giving back.
Persistent Love
Finding Her in the Stands
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen and his wife Caitlin have a adorable pregame ritual where he literally searches the stands for her so she can stand up and wave at him. Before she became a lifestyle blogger, Caitlin was a substitute teacher, and they were college sweethearts who’ve been supporting each other since day one. That support has extended to the Thielen Foundation, which focuses on youth development and empowerment, making real differences in young lives.
Finding Her In The Stands
The Real MVP
Alex Smith, former quarterback, had the ultimate cheerleader in his wife Elizabeth Barry when a devastating injury threatened everything—and she was literally a former cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders. Married since 2009, Barry stood by his side through a catastrophic injury that nearly led to amputation and two years of grueling therapy that sidelined him completely. When he was cleared in 2020, he was named Comeback Player of the Year, but really, Elizabeth was his MVP.
The Real MVP
The Interview That Changed Everything
Candice Crawford was just an aspiring broadcaster doing an internship when she was assigned to interview football players, including former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. One date later, they were basically a thing, and in 2011, they got married in front of 600 guests in what became legendary. While Romo is busy raising three boys with Candice and playing amateur golf, he never misses a moment to praise her in the most hilarious and adorable ways.
The Interview That Changed Everything
Absolutely Crazy for Each Other
Orlando Brown Jr., Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle, and social media personality Holly Luyah are completely open about how obsessed they are with each other. Their Instagram pages are basically flooded with photos where they’re looking absolutely wild for one another, and fans absolutely love their unfiltered affection. Luyah, who was on Forbes’ list of Top 10 Fashion influencers, has over three million followers who love that she stands for body positivity and real talk about life.
Absolutely Crazy For Each Other
From the Court to Forever
George Kittle and his wife Claire have been together since their University of Iowa days when George was on the football team and Claire played basketball. They got married in 2019 and don’t have kids yet, which means they’re probably enjoying their time together without little ones running around. While raising a family in the future, George hosts the “Hidden Pearls Podcast” and Claire shares lifestyle tips on her blog “Lettey Set Go,” keeping their individual identities alive.
From The Court To Forever
Homegrown Love
Brandin Cooks, a football player, and Briannon Lepman, a cheerleader, are basically living out the classic romance story that we all dream about. They met at Oregon State University, fell in love, and decided to get married in 2018 at their Portland estate in front of family and friends. Instead of some exotic, fancy location, they chose home, and their dog was so excited about the wedding that it literally jumped into the pool—that’s the kind of authentic, joyful love story that matters.
Homegrown Love
The Power Couple Playbook
Zach Ertz, Arizona Cardinals tight end, and Julie Ertz, U.S. national team soccer player, are basically the definition of a power couple who actually has their game on. They met through mutual friends in college and got married in 2017, and they’re constantly doing amazing things together like appearing in ESPN’s The Body Issue. They even founded the Ertz Family Foundation after Zach went on a charity trip to Haiti that changed his entire perspective on giving back.
The Power Couple Playbook
Engineers of Love
Andrew Luck and Nicole Pechanec met as architectural design students at Stanford’s School of Engineering—he was a football player, she was a gymnast competing at the NCAA level. Their romance was built on shared intelligence and athletic passion, creating a foundation that seemed unshakeable. Luck’s NFL career was remarkably short at just seven seasons, and he revealed that the toll on his mental and physical health made retirement the only option, showing that some people prioritize what matters most.
Engineers Of Love
Activism and Love
Colin Kaepernick, former 49ers quarterback, and women’s rights advocate Nessa Diab aren’t in any rush to walk down the aisle, but they’re absolutely committed to each other and the causes they believe in. They were linked in 2015 but didn’t confirm their relationship until a year later, keeping things private while being vocal about social justice. Kaepernick’s book “I Color Myself Different,” based on his childhood, became a New York Times Bestseller, and together they’re making real change in the world.
Activism And Love
Love Through Surgery
Matthew Stafford, a football player, and Kelly Hall, a cheerleader, seem like a textbook sports romance—until you dig deeper and realize their real story is about strength and devotion. They met in college at the University of Georgia, got married in 2015, and then Kelly was diagnosed with a brain tumor that required a twelve-hour surgery. Matthew didn’t leave her side for a single moment during recovery, proving that real love shows up when things get hard.
Love Through Surgery
Love Through Service
Carson Wentz, a three-time Rookie of the Year, and Madison Oberg are the couple who managed to keep their relationship incredibly private despite being all over social media. They’re believed to have met during a charity mission to Haiti in 2017, and they exchanged vows just one year later, moving at lightning speed. They’ve got two girls and are constantly working to make the world better through The Audience of One Foundation, helping children with life-threatening diseases and providing free meals.
Love Through Service
Twitter to the Courthouse
Christian Ponder, former Vikings quarterback, literally messaged Samantha on Twitter, and it didn’t take long for them to turn into an actual couple—two months later, they got married in the most unexpected way possible. They drove to Hudson, Wisconsin, hit up the courthouse in 2012, got married, celebrated with a meal at Arby’s of all places, and then had a formal wedding ceremony in April. That’s the kind of authentic, no-pretense love that actually lasts forever.
Twitter To The Courthouse