Tim Hasselbeck and Elisabeth Hasselbeck
When it comes to football players who gave love the old college try, Tim and Elisabeth Hasselbeck are number one on the list. Married since 2002 but sweethearts from their Boston College days, the couple has found success in love, family, and their respective careers.
Tim had eight seasons in the NFL, playing for teams such as the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens. Nowadays, he's a sports analyst for ESPN. Elisabeth was a popular competitor in "Survivor: The Australian Outback" before hosting shows like "The Look for Less," "The View," and "Fox & Friends." She retired from television in 2015.
Aaron Ross and Sanya Richards-Ross
Is a love match made in sports heaven possible? Aaron Ross and Sanya Richards-Ross say yes. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, while she is an Olympic gold medalist.
Together through career highs and lows, the couple, who'd been sweethearts since their University of Texas days, got married in 2010. Though retired from their athletic pursuits, they continue to achieve success in their careers: She is a fan-favorite among the cast of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" while he has put up a luxury chauffeur service called Ross Elite. Its fleet of cars includes limos, the Cadillac ''Esplanade,'' and a party bus.
Christian Ponder and Samantha Ponder
If you think romance is dead in the age of social media? Think again. Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder and his wife Samantha have a different answer. After all, if not for a particular platform, there would be no romance between them.
A tweet started it all for the couple, with Aaron first reaching out to Samantha on Twitter. Marriage followed shortly. The former Samantha Steele now goes by her married name on her ESPN show "Sunday NFL Countdown." While Christian retired from the NFL in 2016, becoming a passionate advocate for helping former athletes like himself pursue business. He co-founded The Post, a business community exclusive to athletes.
Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington
No " Scandal " is involved in how Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington's romance began. Reports say they first met in 2009 when he saw her in the Broadway play "Race." The former football cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers and Golden Globe Award-winning actor tied the knot on June 24, 2013.
Washington's critically-acclaimed performances in shows such as "Scandal" and "Little Fires Everywhere" is nothing short of impressive and could be why Asomugha thought to give acting a try. He didn't do too badly. Asomugha was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his role in the movie "Crown Heights."
Mitchell Trubisky and Hillary Gallagher
Mitchell Trubisky, nicknamed "The Biscuit" by a college coach who had trouble pronouncing his name, proved that football players could also be softies when it comes to love. On July 3, 2021, he married his fiancée in a ceremony held at the luxury hotel Ritz-Carlton Cleveland.
Who's the lucky girl? Meet Hillary Gallagher. The romance between the Buffalo Bills Quarterback and the private Pilates instructor began in early 2019. In May 2022, she gave birth to their first son. In a sweet photo shared on Trubisky's Instagram page where the couple holds the baby, Gallagher commented, "half of me & half of you," followed by the heart emoji.
Rodney Peete and Holly Robinson Peete
When it comes to an example of the quintessential multifaceted couple, look no further than Rodney Peete and Holly Robinson Peete. Rodney is a former quarterback who distinguished himself through stints in the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and Carolina Panthers. And we know Holly as a cast member in the popular show "21 Jump Street."
Happily married since 1995, the couple founded the HollyRod Foundation, which provides support to families with loved ones with neurological disorders. Each found success in their respective careers: Rodney was a host in "The Best Damn Sports Show Period," while Holly's children's book, "My Brother Charlie," won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.
Eric Decker and Jessie James Decker
What happens when a former NFL wide receiver and a country pop singer meet through friends? A love story for the digital age, of course. By exchanging photos through friends first, Eric Decker and Jessie James dated digitally for a month before meeting face-to-face. They got engaged in 2012 and married a year later.
Together, they starred for three seasons on the E! network reality show, "Eric & Jessie: Game On." Eric retired in 2018 but continues to keep busy. Besides raising their three children, the couple also runs a clothing line called Kittenish. They regard each other as partners in both life and life, always working as a team.
Carson Wentz and Madison Oberg
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz may have the most pass completions through his first 24 games, but he definitely did not pass on the prospect of love. He met Madison Oberg during a Mission of Hope trip to Haiti. The lovestruck duo dated for over a year before tying the knot on July 16, 2018.
While Wentz enjoys an active social media presence, Oberg keeps her life shielded from the limelight. What is known about them is they have two young daughters, born in 2020 and 2021. Besides his active football career, Wentz also keeps busy with his Audience of One Foundation.
Robert Woods and Alexandra Woods
For NFL wide receiver Robert Woods, laying eyes on Alexandra was love at first sight. She didn't quite feel the same way but still agreed to go on a date with him. Two years later, he proposed during a romantic getaway in the Turks & Caicos. They got married in California in July 2018.
Not much is known about Alexandra, although she has a personal Instagram page that's filled with photos of the couple's daughter, who was born in 2021. That was also the year Robert's season was cut short due to an ACL tear. Nevertheless, he was traded to the Tennessee Titans on March 19, 2022.
Alex Smith and Elizabeth Barry
Another NFL player who felt smitten at first sight is former quarterback Alex Smith. It was the moment he met his future wife, former Oakland Raiders cheerleader Elizabeth Barry. After a spectacular first date on St. Patrick's Day, by 2009, the pair had married.
Together, they run the Alex Smith Foundation. Through this, they provide underprivileged teenagers help in education, housing, internships, and jobs. It is also known for its Guardian Scholars Program, where deserving foster youths can earn scholarships. Elizabeth's philanthropy extends to other charitable projects as well. She famously supports Hope House, which cares for domestic violence and abuse victims.
J.J. Watt and Kealia Ohai
Game, set, love! That's almost certainly what went down when J.J. Watt and Kealia Ohai first got together in 2016. The couple exchanged "I do's" on February 15, 2020, in the Bahamas.
He is the defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals, while Ohai plays soccer for the Chicago Red Stars. However, she took a time-out beginning October 23, 2022, when she gave birth to their first child. Watt quickly posted their first family photo on his Instagram page with the caption, "Love and happiness have reached heights we never even knew existed." A-list celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Mario Lopez left heartfelt congratulatory messages for the pair.
Brian Quick and Michelle Beltran
E! Network's "WAGS" fans know who the beautiful Michelle Beltran is. But her husband, Brian Quick, deserves a second look too. After all, the former wide receiver was drafted into the NFL's St. Louis Rams right out of college. This is quite an interesting twist because Quick was a basketball player in high school until switching to football in his senior year.
Beltran is known for being a cast member of ''WAGS'' and has quite a number of fans: she has close to forty thousand followers. Married to Quick since 2015, they share two beautiful children and hope to welcome a third.
AJ McCarron and Katherine Webb
There's a new power couple in town that combines brawn and beauty: quarterback A.J. McCarron and Sports Illustrated model Katherine Webb. The pair has been together since 2012 and got married in 2014.
Webb is now retired from modeling but still knows how to tap into her creative side—through painting. She is an accomplished abstract artist, and one of her early fans is Troy Robertson of "Survivor." McCarron, signed for one year with the Atlanta Falcons, was placed on season-ending reserve due to a torn ACL. Nevertheless, in 2022, he was selected by the St. Louis BattleHawks for the professional minor football league XFL draft.
Matt Schaub and Laurie Schaub
Fun fact: when Matthew was a quarterback and Laurie a cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons, they never met. Instead, they crossed paths for the first time during a charity golf tournament. By February 23, 2008, they'd tied the knot.
Nowadays, the couple has their hands full with their four children, but it hasn't stopped them from philanthropy. Together, they run the GR8 Hope Foundation, which provides medical support and other needs for sick children and their families. Matt retired from football in 2021 but keeps busy. According to some reports, he wants to be the leader of the National Football League Players Association, the sport's wealthiest union.
Wes Welker and Anna Burns Welker
The world of sports and glamor came together again, thanks to Wes Welker and Anna Burns Welker. The latter won the 2005 Miss Hooters International Pageant and appeared in its magazine and calendar a year later. By 2012, she'd married Wes.
They have three children together. Between parenting duties, Wes and Anna juggle careers: she has gone the retail route through Elanna Atelier while he still has ties with the NFL despite retiring as a wide receiver. He now coaches the Miami Dolphins. Before calling the shots, he was an assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans.
Corey Liuget and Faven
Some football players are recruited right out of college. Others, like Corey Liuget, are drafted while still more than a few units shy of a degree. He famously decided to forego his senior season for the 2011 NFL Draft.
Now he's retired and set to focus more time on the three daughters he shares with influencer and TV personality Faven. In 2022, she launched ADERA, luxury kids' wear inspired by her Ethiopian heritage. The brand offers high-quality, custom-designed clothes without compromising sustainability, thanks to its emphasis on using organic fabrics. With her hands full, perhaps Liuget can have their children teach him his wife's native language of Amharic.
Harold Landry and Danielle Landry
If anyone still has doubts about pursuing college, maybe Harold and Danielle Landry's story can be an inspiration. What's a better excuse than a chance to find the love of your life? They met at Boston College, where Harold, not surprisingly, played football. The pair got married in 2018 and have two children. Here's a cute fact: The Tennessee Titans linebacker shares a birthday with his son Grayson, who was born on June 5.
Danielle keeps much of her life private, although she regularly posts photos of her husband and children on her Instagram. However, it is known that she has a clothing business called My Dani Design, which makes custom sports apparel.
Eli Manning and Abby McGrew
Here's another love story with its roots in higher education: Eli Manning and Abby McGrew. The pair first met when they were students at the University of Mississippi. Their romance soon 'graduated' to a wedding on April 19, 2008. Nowadays, the pair has four children.
Eli is a former quarterback for the New York Giants. At the height of his career, he hosted an episode of "Saturday Night Live" and was a spokesman for brands such as Reebok and Toyota. The couple is highly passionate about helping people in need. They gifted $1 million to their university's scholarship program and raised over $2.5 million to build Eli Manning's children's clinics.
Dashon Goldson and Ashley North
Wedding bells for long-time lovebirds Dashon Goldson and Ashley North have yet to ring. Despite inquiries from fans and the media alike, the couple remains mum on any wedding date. However, they have been engaged for over a decade and have two beautiful daughters.
Dashon's days at the NFL are behind him, but he's hardly been warming the bench, or in this case, his sofa. He keeps busy with The Little Havana, a cigar lounge he founded. Ashley, on the other hand, has her days full as a celebrity wardrobe stylist. Her clients include A-lists like Usher, Justin Bieber, and Kevin Hart. She also hosts the podcast "Ask Ashley."
Larry English and Nicole Williams
"WAGS" stars Larry English and Nicole Williams met at a mutual friend's birthday party in 2011. Six years later, they exchanged "I do's" at a wedding in Laguna Beach, and by 2022, they were expecting their first child.
Nicole has modeled for Kim Kardashian's Good American brand and Rihanna's Fenty/Savage and is also the founder and designer of the clothing brand Nia Lynn. Meanwhile, Larry was an Honorary Chairman of the American Lung Association in 2011. Since retiring from the NFL, he has channeled his energies into real estate. He founded the Union Property Company, whose purpose is urban development with a strong focus on diversity among its workforce.
Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Matthews
Some people are lucky enough to meet the love of their life in high school. Just ask Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Matthews. They were both high school athletes back then but were involved in different sports. Mahomes played football and baseball while Matthews was on the soccer team.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback eventually proposed, and they married on March 12, 2020. While he is busy training, she divides her time between being a certified fitness trainer and a co-owner of Kansas City Current, a professional women's soccer team. They are blessed with two children: a daughter, Sterling Skye, and a son, born in 2022, called Patrick 'Bronze' Lavon.
Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari
A whirlwind courtship between Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari ended in divorce. The split filled the headlines until the court finalized things in June 2022. Nevertheless, Cavallari revealed in an interview that the turbulent process was the best thing she had ever done.
The pair continue to love and respect each other and have joint custody of their three children. Cutler retired from football in 2017 and continues volunteering in the "Best Buddies" program of his college alma mater, Vanderbilt University. Cavallari, a New York Times Best-Selling author, is the founder and CEO of Uncommon James Jewelry and the skincare company Uncommon Beauty.
Matthew Stafford and Kelly Stafford
What else would a Super Bowl champion and NFL Comeback Player of the Year possibly need? Why the love of his life, of course! The Los Angeles Rams quarterback Cooper Kupp married cheerleader Kelly on April 4, 2015. She hosts "The Morning After" podcast and they have four beautiful daughters.
Matthew was a pillar of support for Kelly when she needed a break to rest and recuperate in 2019. Matthew, who was with the Detroit Lions then, took time off from training camp while she regained good health. In 2021 she happily shared online that her health reports had been clean for two years.
Cooper Kupp and Anna Kupp
What's one left to do when part of
If we're talking about great NFL legacies, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp only has to show his awe-inspiring career records: Offensive Player of the Year Award, MVP of Superbowl, and a career leader in the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship. In 2022, he even ranked number four in the NFL Top 100 Player.
He met his future wife, Anna, during his senior year of high school. Online, he has been profuse with praises regarding Anna's support. That is hardly surprising since she supported him financially through college so he could pursue his dreams. It's safe to say that Cooper scored a winning touchdown with Anna.
Ryan Tannehill and Lauren Tannehill
Ryan Tannehill is another NFL quarterback who picked pro football over finishing the rest of his college days. In his junior year at Texas A&M, he was drafted into the Miami Dolphins. He was the team's primary starter for seven seasons until 2019, when he was traded to the Tennessee Titans.
Ryan's loudest cheerleader is his wife, Lauren. The pair went to the same university but didn't meet on campus. Instead, they first laid eyes on each other during Spring Break. They got married in Mexico in 2009. Here's a cute fact: they nearly have the same birthday. His is on July 27, while she celebrates hers on July 28.
Matt Flynn and Lacey Minchew
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn met his wife, Lacey Minchew, while they were in college at Louisiana State University. But they were not college sweethearts; they were friends first before giving romance a go. The pair tied the knot on June 22, 2013.
Minchew is a beauty queen, having clinched the title of Miss Louisiana USA in 2009. She has also acted in movies. Flynn, following his retirement, didn't spend too long on the bench, so to speak. Channeling his post-career energy, he put up MyHy. It's a hydration beverage put in water to counter dizziness, headaches, and other side effects during physically-demanding activities such as sports.
Zach Ertz and Julie Ertz
When it comes to power couples in sports, Zach and Julie Ertz are two names that always come to mind. Zach made NFL records for having the most receptions in a season by a tight end in 2018. In 2022, he plied his trade for the Arizona Cardinals.
Meanwhile, Julie is a United States women's national soccer team member and was among the country's 24 players in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. They won 2-0 against Japan, making them overall champions. Honoring their success, the squad got a Ticker tape parade in New York City. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama also saluted their efforts at the White House.
Philip Wheeler and Ashley Nicole Roberts
When "WAGS: Miami" featured an episode of Philip Wheeler shopping for an engagement ring for then-girlfriend Ashley Nicole Roberts, fans knew a wedding was in the works. The pair finally made things official on May 14, 2017, exchanging vows in a beachside Curaçao ceremony with 100 of their closest family and friends.
Wheeler is a former linebacker who's played for the Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, and Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, Roberts was a model and a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves for eight years before marriage. Nowadays, she works as a real estate agent. The couple has one child, a son named Deuce.
Baker Mayfield and Emily Wilkinson
It was love at first sight for Baker Mayfield when mutual friends introduced him to Emily Wilkinson. One would think an NFL football quarterback would have it easy with the ladies, but Wilkinson was an exception to this rule. She ignored him for months until he finally convinced her to have lunch with him one day. The couple got married in July 2019.
Wilkinson is an influencer with over 200K followers on Instagram. Before marrying Mayfield, she tried her hand at various jobs, including working at a plastic surgery clinic at one point. However, according to 2022 reports, she's been working for various local news networks.
Tony Romo and Candice Crawford
Some people are lucky to find The One while on the job. Just ask Candice Crawford. In fact, she met her husband, Tony Romo, when she was an intern for the Dallas Cowboys. The former sports journalist now runs her own company Hawk+Sloane.
Romo retired from football in 2017 but remained involved in sports as a broadcaster. Like his success in the sport, his subsequent career was also a triumph. He signed with CBS soon after announcing his retirement and is believed to have been paid between $3-4 million a season. Roman was granted a contract extension in 2020, paying him $18 million a year.
Charles Tillman and Jackie Tillman
When NFL players retire, they tend to venture into the following: put up their own companies, give the entertainment industry a try or remain in the world of sports in some capacity. The latter can choose between producing, hosting, or working as a commentator. On the other hand, Charles Tillman went an utterly unexpected route: he became an FBI agent in 2018.
When he's not working for the federal government, Charles runs a charity organization with his wife, Jackie. Called the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation, it has been providing opportunities and resources to families with children who are critically ill since 2005.
Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek
What is it with football players and cheerleaders of the same team only meeting if it happens away from the field? Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek might have an answer. In 2013, both were with the New England Patriots. But they only met for the first time during a charity event.
The couple has been together for a long time yet appears to be in no rush to get engaged or exchange vows. However, they are very supportive of each other's careers. Gronkowski celebrated Kostek's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition cover revealed in 2019. And she has been equally vocal about backing his 2022 decision to retire from football.
Tony Gonzalez and October Gonzalez
Are they married or not? Tony and October Gonzales had a commitment ceremony back in 2007. So while they are legally not married, they consider themselves as such. Legalese aside, the former NFL tight end and host of "Beat Shazam" enjoy doing things together.
The duo advocates a healthy lifestyle, with their diet mainly consisting of organic fruits and vegetables. Advocates for animal rights, they've appeared together in a PETA ad calling for an end to fur factory farms. For Tony's post-NFL career, he became a sports analyst for CBS and later Fox. In 2022, he joined Amazon as a studio analyst for "Thursday Night Football."
Drew Brees and Brittany Dudchenko
Sometimes, talent on the football field goes no further. That was undoubtedly the case when Drew Brees tried a cheesy line on his now-wife Brittany Dudchenko during his birthday party when they were students at Purdue University. He was so embarrassed he didn't speak to her for six months.
Eventually, he did and married Dudchenko in 2003. The proud parents of four also run the Brees Dream Foundation. The charity organization provides support for cancer patients. As of 2022, it had donated over $35 million to various charities worldwide. When Brees is not helping people get back on their feet, he often joins USO tours.
Kyle Van Noy and Marissa Powell
Another pair of college sweethearts have made it to our list. Kyle Van Noy and Marissa Powell met at Brigham Young University. She is known for bagging the Miss Utah USA title in 2013 and finishing third place at the Miss USA pageant. Meanwhile, he is a linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers.
In a 2021 interview, Van Noy opened up about being adopted as a baby. During one of their first dates, she asked him to share an obscure fact about himself. So he told her about his adoption. Together, they built the Van Noy Valor Foundation, which facilitates foster care and adoption.
Jared Goff and Christen Harper
If you doubt whether dating apps really work, just ask Jared Goff and Christen Harper. The pair swiped right on each other. Harper, a model featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition of 2021, admits that from their first date, she was into Goff. The duo got engaged on June 16, 2022.
Goff, who had an unsuccessful rookie season, rebounded to collect NFL Awards. The Detroit Lions quarterback has been NFC Champion and the PFWA Most Improved Player. In 2020, he donated $250K to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. And in 2022, he gifted Microsoft Surface laptops to students under the Fate Detroit Program.
AJ Feeley and Heather Mitts
Sports and love make a winning combination, as A.J. Feeley and Heather Mitts would attest. The former quarterback and three-time Olympic gold medalist have been married since February 2010. Home for them is Philadelphia, where they are raising their three children.
Feely and Mitts are retired from their respective sports, but their lives remain as busy as ever. He became an entrepreneur and founded All Directions Medical. She has been a studio soccer analyst, appearing in segments for ABC and ESPN. Mitts also runs a yearly soccer camp and is involved in the Train Like Legends app. The latter offers aspiring athletes several instructional videos.
Russell Wilson and Ciara
Getting a second chance at romance to "Level Up" one's love life doesn't happen often; singer Ciara likely agrees. Following the end of her engagement to the rapper Future, she started dating Denver Broncos Quarterback Russell Wilson. They got married on July 6, 2016. Along with Ciara's son Future Jr., they share two children.
They also have joint business ventures. In 2021 they launched a fragrance line and snagged a first-look deal with Amazon Studios. Individually, they have found success as well. Wilson founded TraceMe, a network platform that enables fans to connect with celebrities. Ciara has modeled for Verizon and Adidas and became a Global Brand Ambassador for Revlon.
AJ Green and Miranda Brooke
College sweethearts A.J. Green and Miranda Brooke married on March 21, 2015. Green, a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, and Brooke, a fashionista and rapper, are parents to two boys. While both have Instagram pages and regularly post updates featuring their children, the couple somehow manages to maintain their privacy.
Though it is widely known that Green has endowed scholarships for students of his alma mater, the University of Georgia, little is known about Brooke. What we do know about her besides being an actress is her 2011 single. Titled "Hater," its music video garnered over a million views as soon as she uploaded it online.
Julius Peppers and Claudia Sampedro
Here's another couple who have been together for a long time and are in no rush to get married: Julius Peppers and Claudia Sampedro. The pair started dating in 2014 and became engaged in 2016. Interestingly, it was their relationship that put Sampedro in the cast of "WAGS Miami."
She has over a million followers on her Instagram page and is the founder of the exercise program She by Claudia. Peppers, who played for the Carolina Panthers, announced his retirement in 2019. Since then, the four-time NFC Player of the Month has concentrated on charitable efforts while keeping busy as a family man.
Mason Cole and Madison Davis
Sometimes, when Cupid's arrow strikes as early as middle school, it takes a while to get the gears of love and romance going. That is pretty much how things went down with Mason Cole and Madison Davis. The couple has been together for a long time but admitted they had the habit of breaking up every week in their youth. In 2020, they exchanged wedding vows.
Cole is a football center. His professional career began with the Arizona Cardinals, where he signed a four-year contract worth $3.32 million. He was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 before signing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Nick Foles and Tori Foles
Love and sports do make a perfect combination, don't they? Just ask Nick and Tori Foles. Nick is a quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, while Tori played volleyball for the University of Arizona. The pair have been together since college and got married in 2014; they have two children.
While most players have yet to contemplate retirement, Nick already has a plan. In 2018, he started online graduate studies through Liberty University, majoring in divinity. He intends to be a pastor after football. He also wrote the autobiography, "Believe It: My Journey of Success, Failure, and Overcoming the Odds." He donated the proceeds from the book to charity.
Jordan Poyer and Rachel Bush
Here's another romance success story in the age of social media: Jordan Poyer and Rachel Bush. The celebrated Buffalo Bills' strong safety and bikini model met on Twitter. They started dating in 2015 before marrying in Jamaica on February 17, 2018.
Though Poyer earns $10 million a year, Bush has embarked on her own entrepreneurial endeavors. Besides modeling, she also has an OnlyFans account, plus a skincare line called LeaLa Natural Skin Care. Her Instagram page, where she regularly posts photos of herself in bikinis, has 4.2 million followers. Despite being busy with their careers, they devote plenty of time to raising their daughter Aliyah.
Donald Penn and Dominique Penn
Donald Penn and his wife Dominique are no strangers when it comes to drama. Each has filed a divorce suit against the other but did not push through with it. Fans hope for the best with these two, who have three children: Donald III, Dominick, and Demi Jolie.
Donald, a former offensive tackle, has admitted to still having the urge to play football. Only time can tell if he will return. Meanwhile, Dominique keeps busy with her businesses. She is involved with an app called Discreezips, which tracks ovulation, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. She is also a successful author of "The Many Adventures of Donald."
Joe Burrow and Olivia Holzmacher
While it may be a while before Joe Burrow and Olivia Holzmacher exchange "I do's," the couple is in for the long haul. They have been college sweethearts since their University of Ohio days. Burrow transferred to Louisiana State University, but it did not deter their romance. Now, he's a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Burrow comes from quite a sporty lineage. His father played football and was a coach for over 40 years, while both his grandparents played basketball. That's not all; his uncle and two older brothers played collegiate football. When he's not in training, Burrow reportedly likes listening to music by Kid Cudi and playing chess.
Cam Newton and Kia Proctor
It's a sad fact of life that things can often not work out despite so much love. Cam Newton and Kia Proctor know this all too well. They started dating in 2013 but broke up early in 2020. Newton, a quarterback, was reportedly the one to pull the plug. He revealed in an interview that while she was ready to get married, he felt he wasn't cut out to be a husband.
Procter, meanwhile, is forging ahead while co-parenting her four children with Newton. The social media influencer is a businesswoman and a model. She also has a YouTube channel called "Shades of Kia."
Golden Tate and Elise Tate
It's common for people to play two different sports at the same time but to do so at the professional level? Well, Golden Tate knows exactly how that goes. The former wide receiver for the NFL is a center fielder for the Port Angeles Lefties. He signed with them in 2022.
In March 2017, he tied the knot with Elise. She is raising three gorgeous children with Golden in between pursuing her business interests. Besides her involvement with Gerber Children's Wear, she is also a successful author. In 2018, she wrote the children's book "Sign Me Up for A Happy Home."
Travis Kelce and Zuri Hall
Travis Kelce got drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 and is now considered one of the top tight ends ever. As a tight end, he holds the record for receiving yards in a single season.
Kelce may be an eight-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro selection, but football is not the only thing bringing joy to his life these days. After breaking up with Kayla Nicole in 2022, he's said to have found love again with Zuri Hall a year later. Zuri is an entertainment reporter and two-time host of "Miss USA." Still, neither party has confirmed or denied the dating rumors.
Trevor Lawrence And Marissa Mowry
Trevor Lawrence, the Jacksonville Jaguars' star quarterback, wedded his long-time sweetheart, Marissa Mowry, in 2021. Their love story began way back in May 2016 when they were just high school sweethearts, and as destiny would have it, they embarked on parallel paths of success. While Trevor carved his name in football history, Marissa showcased her prowess on the soccer field.
Once a college soccer player at Anderson University in South Carolina, she has since transformed into an event-planning extraordinaire. Their journey reached a pinnacle of romance when they got engaged at the iconic Clemson University stadium in 2020, culminating in a joyous wedding ceremony the following year.
Howie Long And Diane Addonizio
Howie Long and Diane Addonizio, both students at Villanova University, met and swiftly fell in love. Howie invited Diane to a football game for their first date, and their connection was instant, leading them to a love story that still holds today.
In a short time, they got engaged, and in June 1982, they officially tied the knot, starting their marital journey. Three years later, they welcomed their first child, and their family expanded with two more children over time. Following a successful 13-year career in the NFL, Howie decided to venture into broadcasting and is currently a prominent studio analyst for Fox Sports' NFL coverage.
Nelson Agholor and Viviana Volpicelli
Nigerian-born Nelson Agholor moved to the United States when he was five. In prep school, where he started playing football, he was rated as a five-star recruit and was swamped with offers from universities such as Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Florida State, and Alabama. In the end, he picked the University of Southern California.
The New England Patriots wide receiver is a Super Bowl champion and is scoring touchdowns in the romance department too. He met his girlfriend, Viviana Volpicelli, while they were in college. The pair began dating in 2017. Volpicelli has her own website where she dispenses advice on skincare, fashion, and beauty, among other things.
Tim Hasselbeck and Elisabeth Hasselbeck
When it comes to football players who gave love the old college try, Tim and Elisabeth Hasselbeck are number one on the list. Married since 2002 but sweethearts from their Boston College days, the couple has found success in love, family, and their respective careers.
Tim had eight seasons in the NFL, playing for teams such as the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens. Nowadays, he's a sports analyst for ESPN. Elisabeth was a popular competitor in "Survivor: The Australian Outback" before hosting shows like "The Look for Less," "The View," and "Fox & Friends." She retired from television in 2015.
Aaron Ross and Sanya Richards-Ross
Is a love match made in sports heaven possible? Aaron Ross and Sanya Richards-Ross say yes. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, while she is an Olympic gold medalist.
Together through career highs and lows, the couple, who'd been sweethearts since their University of Texas days, got married in 2010. Though retired from their athletic pursuits, they continue to achieve success in their careers: She is a fan-favorite among the cast of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" while he has put up a luxury chauffeur service called Ross Elite. Its fleet of cars includes limos, the Cadillac ''Esplanade,'' and a party bus.
Christian Ponder and Samantha Ponder
If you think romance is dead in the age of social media? Think again. Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder and his wife Samantha have a different answer. After all, if not for a particular platform, there would be no romance between them.
A tweet started it all for the couple, with Aaron first reaching out to Samantha on Twitter. Marriage followed shortly. The former Samantha Steele now goes by her married name on her ESPN show "Sunday NFL Countdown." While Christian retired from the NFL in 2016, becoming a passionate advocate for helping former athletes like himself pursue business. He co-founded The Post, a business community exclusive to athletes.
Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington
No " Scandal " is involved in how Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington's romance began. Reports say they first met in 2009 when he saw her in the Broadway play "Race." The former football cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers and Golden Globe Award-winning actor tied the knot on June 24, 2013.
Washington's critically-acclaimed performances in shows such as "Scandal" and "Little Fires Everywhere" is nothing short of impressive and could be why Asomugha thought to give acting a try. He didn't do too badly. Asomugha was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his role in the movie "Crown Heights."
Mitchell Trubisky and Hillary Gallagher
Mitchell Trubisky, nicknamed "The Biscuit" by a college coach who had trouble pronouncing his name, proved that football players could also be softies when it comes to love. On July 3, 2021, he married his fiancée in a ceremony held at the luxury hotel Ritz-Carlton Cleveland.
Who's the lucky girl? Meet Hillary Gallagher. The romance between the Buffalo Bills Quarterback and the private Pilates instructor began in early 2019. In May 2022, she gave birth to their first son. In a sweet photo shared on Trubisky's Instagram page where the couple holds the baby, Gallagher commented, "half of me & half of you," followed by the heart emoji.
Rodney Peete and Holly Robinson Peete
When it comes to an example of the quintessential multifaceted couple, look no further than Rodney Peete and Holly Robinson Peete. Rodney is a former quarterback who distinguished himself through stints in the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and Carolina Panthers. And we know Holly as a cast member in the popular show "21 Jump Street."
Happily married since 1995, the couple founded the HollyRod Foundation, which provides support to families with loved ones with neurological disorders. Each found success in their respective careers: Rodney was a host in "The Best Damn Sports Show Period," while Holly's children's book, "My Brother Charlie," won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.
Eric Decker and Jessie James Decker
What happens when a former NFL wide receiver and a country pop singer meet through friends? A love story for the digital age, of course. By exchanging photos through friends first, Eric Decker and Jessie James dated digitally for a month before meeting face-to-face. They got engaged in 2012 and married a year later.
Together, they starred for three seasons on the E! network reality show, "Eric & Jessie: Game On." Eric retired in 2018 but continues to keep busy. Besides raising their three children, the couple also runs a clothing line called Kittenish. They regard each other as partners in both life and life, always working as a team.
Carson Wentz and Madison Oberg
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz may have the most pass completions through his first 24 games, but he definitely did not pass on the prospect of love. He met Madison Oberg during a Mission of Hope trip to Haiti. The lovestruck duo dated for over a year before tying the knot on July 16, 2018.
While Wentz enjoys an active social media presence, Oberg keeps her life shielded from the limelight. What is known about them is they have two young daughters, born in 2020 and 2021. Besides his active football career, Wentz also keeps busy with his Audience of One Foundation.
Robert Woods and Alexandra Woods
For NFL wide receiver Robert Woods, laying eyes on Alexandra was love at first sight. She didn't quite feel the same way but still agreed to go on a date with him. Two years later, he proposed during a romantic getaway in the Turks & Caicos. They got married in California in July 2018.
Not much is known about Alexandra, although she has a personal Instagram page that's filled with photos of the couple's daughter, who was born in 2021. That was also the year Robert's season was cut short due to an ACL tear. Nevertheless, he was traded to the Tennessee Titans on March 19, 2022.
Alex Smith and Elizabeth Barry
Another NFL player who felt smitten at first sight is former quarterback Alex Smith. It was the moment he met his future wife, former Oakland Raiders cheerleader Elizabeth Barry. After a spectacular first date on St. Patrick's Day, by 2009, the pair had married.
Together, they run the Alex Smith Foundation. Through this, they provide underprivileged teenagers help in education, housing, internships, and jobs. It is also known for its Guardian Scholars Program, where deserving foster youths can earn scholarships. Elizabeth's philanthropy extends to other charitable projects as well. She famously supports Hope House, which cares for domestic violence and abuse victims.
J.J. Watt and Kealia Ohai
Game, set, love! That's almost certainly what went down when J.J. Watt and Kealia Ohai first got together in 2016. The couple exchanged "I do's" on February 15, 2020, in the Bahamas.
He is the defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals, while Ohai plays soccer for the Chicago Red Stars. However, she took a time-out beginning October 23, 2022, when she gave birth to their first child. Watt quickly posted their first family photo on his Instagram page with the caption, "Love and happiness have reached heights we never even knew existed." A-list celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Mario Lopez left heartfelt congratulatory messages for the pair.
Brian Quick and Michelle Beltran
E! Network's "WAGS" fans know who the beautiful Michelle Beltran is. But her husband, Brian Quick, deserves a second look too. After all, the former wide receiver was drafted into the NFL's St. Louis Rams right out of college. This is quite an interesting twist because Quick was a basketball player in high school until switching to football in his senior year.
Beltran is known for being a cast member of ''WAGS'' and has quite a number of fans: she has close to forty thousand followers. Married to Quick since 2015, they share two beautiful children and hope to welcome a third.
AJ McCarron and Katherine Webb
There's a new power couple in town that combines brawn and beauty: quarterback A.J. McCarron and Sports Illustrated model Katherine Webb. The pair has been together since 2012 and got married in 2014.
Webb is now retired from modeling but still knows how to tap into her creative side—through painting. She is an accomplished abstract artist, and one of her early fans is Troy Robertson of "Survivor." McCarron, signed for one year with the Atlanta Falcons, was placed on season-ending reserve due to a torn ACL. Nevertheless, in 2022, he was selected by the St. Louis BattleHawks for the professional minor football league XFL draft.
Matt Schaub and Laurie Schaub
Fun fact: when Matthew was a quarterback and Laurie a cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons, they never met. Instead, they crossed paths for the first time during a charity golf tournament. By February 23, 2008, they'd tied the knot.
Nowadays, the couple has their hands full with their four children, but it hasn't stopped them from philanthropy. Together, they run the GR8 Hope Foundation, which provides medical support and other needs for sick children and their families. Matt retired from football in 2021 but keeps busy. According to some reports, he wants to be the leader of the National Football League Players Association, the sport's wealthiest union.
Wes Welker and Anna Burns Welker
The world of sports and glamor came together again, thanks to Wes Welker and Anna Burns Welker. The latter won the 2005 Miss Hooters International Pageant and appeared in its magazine and calendar a year later. By 2012, she'd married Wes.
They have three children together. Between parenting duties, Wes and Anna juggle careers: she has gone the retail route through Elanna Atelier while he still has ties with the NFL despite retiring as a wide receiver. He now coaches the Miami Dolphins. Before calling the shots, he was an assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans.
Corey Liuget and Faven
Some football players are recruited right out of college. Others, like Corey Liuget, are drafted while still more than a few units shy of a degree. He famously decided to forego his senior season for the 2011 NFL Draft.
Now he's retired and set to focus more time on the three daughters he shares with influencer and TV personality Faven. In 2022, she launched ADERA, luxury kids' wear inspired by her Ethiopian heritage. The brand offers high-quality, custom-designed clothes without compromising sustainability, thanks to its emphasis on using organic fabrics. With her hands full, perhaps Liuget can have their children teach him his wife's native language of Amharic.
Harold Landry and Danielle Landry
If anyone still has doubts about pursuing college, maybe Harold and Danielle Landry's story can be an inspiration. What's a better excuse than a chance to find the love of your life? They met at Boston College, where Harold, not surprisingly, played football. The pair got married in 2018 and have two children. Here's a cute fact: The Tennessee Titans linebacker shares a birthday with his son Grayson, who was born on June 5.
Danielle keeps much of her life private, although she regularly posts photos of her husband and children on her Instagram. However, it is known that she has a clothing business called My Dani Design, which makes custom sports apparel.
Eli Manning and Abby McGrew
Here's another love story with its roots in higher education: Eli Manning and Abby McGrew. The pair first met when they were students at the University of Mississippi. Their romance soon 'graduated' to a wedding on April 19, 2008. Nowadays, the pair has four children.
Eli is a former quarterback for the New York Giants. At the height of his career, he hosted an episode of "Saturday Night Live" and was a spokesman for brands such as Reebok and Toyota. The couple is highly passionate about helping people in need. They gifted $1 million to their university's scholarship program and raised over $2.5 million to build Eli Manning's children's clinics.
Dashon Goldson and Ashley North
Wedding bells for long-time lovebirds Dashon Goldson and Ashley North have yet to ring. Despite inquiries from fans and the media alike, the couple remains mum on any wedding date. However, they have been engaged for over a decade and have two beautiful daughters.
Dashon's days at the NFL are behind him, but he's hardly been warming the bench, or in this case, his sofa. He keeps busy with The Little Havana, a cigar lounge he founded. Ashley, on the other hand, has her days full as a celebrity wardrobe stylist. Her clients include A-lists like Usher, Justin Bieber, and Kevin Hart. She also hosts the podcast "Ask Ashley."
Larry English and Nicole Williams
"WAGS" stars Larry English and Nicole Williams met at a mutual friend's birthday party in 2011. Six years later, they exchanged "I do's" at a wedding in Laguna Beach, and by 2022, they were expecting their first child.
Nicole has modeled for Kim Kardashian's Good American brand and Rihanna's Fenty/Savage and is also the founder and designer of the clothing brand Nia Lynn. Meanwhile, Larry was an Honorary Chairman of the American Lung Association in 2011. Since retiring from the NFL, he has channeled his energies into real estate. He founded the Union Property Company, whose purpose is urban development with a strong focus on diversity among its workforce.
Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Matthews
Some people are lucky enough to meet the love of their life in high school. Just ask Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Matthews. They were both high school athletes back then but were involved in different sports. Mahomes played football and baseball while Matthews was on the soccer team.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback eventually proposed, and they married on March 12, 2020. While he is busy training, she divides her time between being a certified fitness trainer and a co-owner of Kansas City Current, a professional women's soccer team. They are blessed with two children: a daughter, Sterling Skye, and a son, born in 2022, called Patrick 'Bronze' Lavon.
Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari
A whirlwind courtship between Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari ended in divorce. The split filled the headlines until the court finalized things in June 2022. Nevertheless, Cavallari revealed in an interview that the turbulent process was the best thing she had ever done.
The pair continue to love and respect each other and have joint custody of their three children. Cutler retired from football in 2017 and continues volunteering in the "Best Buddies" program of his college alma mater, Vanderbilt University. Cavallari, a New York Times Best-Selling author, is the founder and CEO of Uncommon James Jewelry and the skincare company Uncommon Beauty.
Matthew Stafford and Kelly Stafford
What else would a Super Bowl champion and NFL Comeback Player of the Year possibly need? Why the love of his life, of course! The Los Angeles Rams quarterback Cooper Kupp married cheerleader Kelly on April 4, 2015. She hosts "The Morning After" podcast and they have four beautiful daughters.
Matthew was a pillar of support for Kelly when she needed a break to rest and recuperate in 2019. Matthew, who was with the Detroit Lions then, took time off from training camp while she regained good health. In 2021 she happily shared online that her health reports had been clean for two years.
Cooper Kupp and Anna Kupp
What's one left to do when part of
If we're talking about great NFL legacies, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp only has to show his awe-inspiring career records: Offensive Player of the Year Award, MVP of Superbowl, and a career leader in the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship. In 2022, he even ranked number four in the NFL Top 100 Player.
He met his future wife, Anna, during his senior year of high school. Online, he has been profuse with praises regarding Anna's support. That is hardly surprising since she supported him financially through college so he could pursue his dreams. It's safe to say that Cooper scored a winning touchdown with Anna.
Ryan Tannehill and Lauren Tannehill
Ryan Tannehill is another NFL quarterback who picked pro football over finishing the rest of his college days. In his junior year at Texas A&M, he was drafted into the Miami Dolphins. He was the team's primary starter for seven seasons until 2019, when he was traded to the Tennessee Titans.
Ryan's loudest cheerleader is his wife, Lauren. The pair went to the same university but didn't meet on campus. Instead, they first laid eyes on each other during Spring Break. They got married in Mexico in 2009. Here's a cute fact: they nearly have the same birthday. His is on July 27, while she celebrates hers on July 28.
Matt Flynn and Lacey Minchew
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn met his wife, Lacey Minchew, while they were in college at Louisiana State University. But they were not college sweethearts; they were friends first before giving romance a go. The pair tied the knot on June 22, 2013.
Minchew is a beauty queen, having clinched the title of Miss Louisiana USA in 2009. She has also acted in movies. Flynn, following his retirement, didn't spend too long on the bench, so to speak. Channeling his post-career energy, he put up MyHy. It's a hydration beverage put in water to counter dizziness, headaches, and other side effects during physically-demanding activities such as sports.
Zach Ertz and Julie Ertz
When it comes to power couples in sports, Zach and Julie Ertz are two names that always come to mind. Zach made NFL records for having the most receptions in a season by a tight end in 2018. In 2022, he plied his trade for the Arizona Cardinals.
Meanwhile, Julie is a United States women's national soccer team member and was among the country's 24 players in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. They won 2-0 against Japan, making them overall champions. Honoring their success, the squad got a Ticker tape parade in New York City. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama also saluted their efforts at the White House.
Philip Wheeler and Ashley Nicole Roberts
When "WAGS: Miami" featured an episode of Philip Wheeler shopping for an engagement ring for then-girlfriend Ashley Nicole Roberts, fans knew a wedding was in the works. The pair finally made things official on May 14, 2017, exchanging vows in a beachside Curaçao ceremony with 100 of their closest family and friends.
Wheeler is a former linebacker who's played for the Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, and Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, Roberts was a model and a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves for eight years before marriage. Nowadays, she works as a real estate agent. The couple has one child, a son named Deuce.
Baker Mayfield and Emily Wilkinson
It was love at first sight for Baker Mayfield when mutual friends introduced him to Emily Wilkinson. One would think an NFL football quarterback would have it easy with the ladies, but Wilkinson was an exception to this rule. She ignored him for months until he finally convinced her to have lunch with him one day. The couple got married in July 2019.
Wilkinson is an influencer with over 200K followers on Instagram. Before marrying Mayfield, she tried her hand at various jobs, including working at a plastic surgery clinic at one point. However, according to 2022 reports, she's been working for various local news networks.
Tony Romo and Candice Crawford
Some people are lucky to find The One while on the job. Just ask Candice Crawford. In fact, she met her husband, Tony Romo, when she was an intern for the Dallas Cowboys. The former sports journalist now runs her own company Hawk+Sloane.
Romo retired from football in 2017 but remained involved in sports as a broadcaster. Like his success in the sport, his subsequent career was also a triumph. He signed with CBS soon after announcing his retirement and is believed to have been paid between $3-4 million a season. Roman was granted a contract extension in 2020, paying him $18 million a year.
Charles Tillman and Jackie Tillman
When NFL players retire, they tend to venture into the following: put up their own companies, give the entertainment industry a try or remain in the world of sports in some capacity. The latter can choose between producing, hosting, or working as a commentator. On the other hand, Charles Tillman went an utterly unexpected route: he became an FBI agent in 2018.
When he's not working for the federal government, Charles runs a charity organization with his wife, Jackie. Called the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation, it has been providing opportunities and resources to families with children who are critically ill since 2005.
Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek
What is it with football players and cheerleaders of the same team only meeting if it happens away from the field? Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek might have an answer. In 2013, both were with the New England Patriots. But they only met for the first time during a charity event.
The couple has been together for a long time yet appears to be in no rush to get engaged or exchange vows. However, they are very supportive of each other's careers. Gronkowski celebrated Kostek's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition cover revealed in 2019. And she has been equally vocal about backing his 2022 decision to retire from football.
Tony Gonzalez and October Gonzalez
Are they married or not? Tony and October Gonzales had a commitment ceremony back in 2007. So while they are legally not married, they consider themselves as such. Legalese aside, the former NFL tight end and host of "Beat Shazam" enjoy doing things together.
The duo advocates a healthy lifestyle, with their diet mainly consisting of organic fruits and vegetables. Advocates for animal rights, they've appeared together in a PETA ad calling for an end to fur factory farms. For Tony's post-NFL career, he became a sports analyst for CBS and later Fox. In 2022, he joined Amazon as a studio analyst for "Thursday Night Football."
Drew Brees and Brittany Dudchenko
Sometimes, talent on the football field goes no further. That was undoubtedly the case when Drew Brees tried a cheesy line on his now-wife Brittany Dudchenko during his birthday party when they were students at Purdue University. He was so embarrassed he didn't speak to her for six months.
Eventually, he did and married Dudchenko in 2003. The proud parents of four also run the Brees Dream Foundation. The charity organization provides support for cancer patients. As of 2022, it had donated over $35 million to various charities worldwide. When Brees is not helping people get back on their feet, he often joins USO tours.
Kyle Van Noy and Marissa Powell
Another pair of college sweethearts have made it to our list. Kyle Van Noy and Marissa Powell met at Brigham Young University. She is known for bagging the Miss Utah USA title in 2013 and finishing third place at the Miss USA pageant. Meanwhile, he is a linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers.
In a 2021 interview, Van Noy opened up about being adopted as a baby. During one of their first dates, she asked him to share an obscure fact about himself. So he told her about his adoption. Together, they built the Van Noy Valor Foundation, which facilitates foster care and adoption.
Jared Goff and Christen Harper
If you doubt whether dating apps really work, just ask Jared Goff and Christen Harper. The pair swiped right on each other. Harper, a model featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition of 2021, admits that from their first date, she was into Goff. The duo got engaged on June 16, 2022.
Goff, who had an unsuccessful rookie season, rebounded to collect NFL Awards. The Detroit Lions quarterback has been NFC Champion and the PFWA Most Improved Player. In 2020, he donated $250K to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. And in 2022, he gifted Microsoft Surface laptops to students under the Fate Detroit Program.
AJ Feeley and Heather Mitts
Sports and love make a winning combination, as A.J. Feeley and Heather Mitts would attest. The former quarterback and three-time Olympic gold medalist have been married since February 2010. Home for them is Philadelphia, where they are raising their three children.
Feely and Mitts are retired from their respective sports, but their lives remain as busy as ever. He became an entrepreneur and founded All Directions Medical. She has been a studio soccer analyst, appearing in segments for ABC and ESPN. Mitts also runs a yearly soccer camp and is involved in the Train Like Legends app. The latter offers aspiring athletes several instructional videos.
Russell Wilson and Ciara
Getting a second chance at romance to "Level Up" one's love life doesn't happen often; singer Ciara likely agrees. Following the end of her engagement to the rapper Future, she started dating Denver Broncos Quarterback Russell Wilson. They got married on July 6, 2016. Along with Ciara's son Future Jr., they share two children.
They also have joint business ventures. In 2021 they launched a fragrance line and snagged a first-look deal with Amazon Studios. Individually, they have found success as well. Wilson founded TraceMe, a network platform that enables fans to connect with celebrities. Ciara has modeled for Verizon and Adidas and became a Global Brand Ambassador for Revlon.
AJ Green and Miranda Brooke
College sweethearts A.J. Green and Miranda Brooke married on March 21, 2015. Green, a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, and Brooke, a fashionista and rapper, are parents to two boys. While both have Instagram pages and regularly post updates featuring their children, the couple somehow manages to maintain their privacy.
Though it is widely known that Green has endowed scholarships for students of his alma mater, the University of Georgia, little is known about Brooke. What we do know about her besides being an actress is her 2011 single. Titled "Hater," its music video garnered over a million views as soon as she uploaded it online.
Julius Peppers and Claudia Sampedro
Here's another couple who have been together for a long time and are in no rush to get married: Julius Peppers and Claudia Sampedro. The pair started dating in 2014 and became engaged in 2016. Interestingly, it was their relationship that put Sampedro in the cast of "WAGS Miami."
She has over a million followers on her Instagram page and is the founder of the exercise program She by Claudia. Peppers, who played for the Carolina Panthers, announced his retirement in 2019. Since then, the four-time NFC Player of the Month has concentrated on charitable efforts while keeping busy as a family man.
Mason Cole and Madison Davis
Sometimes, when Cupid's arrow strikes as early as middle school, it takes a while to get the gears of love and romance going. That is pretty much how things went down with Mason Cole and Madison Davis. The couple has been together for a long time but admitted they had the habit of breaking up every week in their youth. In 2020, they exchanged wedding vows.
Cole is a football center. His professional career began with the Arizona Cardinals, where he signed a four-year contract worth $3.32 million. He was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 before signing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Nick Foles and Tori Foles
Love and sports do make a perfect combination, don't they? Just ask Nick and Tori Foles. Nick is a quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, while Tori played volleyball for the University of Arizona. The pair have been together since college and got married in 2014; they have two children.
While most players have yet to contemplate retirement, Nick already has a plan. In 2018, he started online graduate studies through Liberty University, majoring in divinity. He intends to be a pastor after football. He also wrote the autobiography, "Believe It: My Journey of Success, Failure, and Overcoming the Odds." He donated the proceeds from the book to charity.
Jordan Poyer and Rachel Bush
Here's another romance success story in the age of social media: Jordan Poyer and Rachel Bush. The celebrated Buffalo Bills' strong safety and bikini model met on Twitter. They started dating in 2015 before marrying in Jamaica on February 17, 2018.
Though Poyer earns $10 million a year, Bush has embarked on her own entrepreneurial endeavors. Besides modeling, she also has an OnlyFans account, plus a skincare line called LeaLa Natural Skin Care. Her Instagram page, where she regularly posts photos of herself in bikinis, has 4.2 million followers. Despite being busy with their careers, they devote plenty of time to raising their daughter Aliyah.
Donald Penn and Dominique Penn
Donald Penn and his wife Dominique are no strangers when it comes to drama. Each has filed a divorce suit against the other but did not push through with it. Fans hope for the best with these two, who have three children: Donald III, Dominick, and Demi Jolie.
Donald, a former offensive tackle, has admitted to still having the urge to play football. Only time can tell if he will return. Meanwhile, Dominique keeps busy with her businesses. She is involved with an app called Discreezips, which tracks ovulation, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. She is also a successful author of "The Many Adventures of Donald."
Joe Burrow and Olivia Holzmacher
While it may be a while before Joe Burrow and Olivia Holzmacher exchange "I do's," the couple is in for the long haul. They have been college sweethearts since their University of Ohio days. Burrow transferred to Louisiana State University, but it did not deter their romance. Now, he's a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Burrow comes from quite a sporty lineage. His father played football and was a coach for over 40 years, while both his grandparents played basketball. That's not all; his uncle and two older brothers played collegiate football. When he's not in training, Burrow reportedly likes listening to music by Kid Cudi and playing chess.
Cam Newton and Kia Proctor
It's a sad fact of life that things can often not work out despite so much love. Cam Newton and Kia Proctor know this all too well. They started dating in 2013 but broke up early in 2020. Newton, a quarterback, was reportedly the one to pull the plug. He revealed in an interview that while she was ready to get married, he felt he wasn't cut out to be a husband.
Procter, meanwhile, is forging ahead while co-parenting her four children with Newton. The social media influencer is a businesswoman and a model. She also has a YouTube channel called "Shades of Kia."
Golden Tate and Elise Tate
It's common for people to play two different sports at the same time but to do so at the professional level? Well, Golden Tate knows exactly how that goes. The former wide receiver for the NFL is a center fielder for the Port Angeles Lefties. He signed with them in 2022.
In March 2017, he tied the knot with Elise. She is raising three gorgeous children with Golden in between pursuing her business interests. Besides her involvement with Gerber Children's Wear, she is also a successful author. In 2018, she wrote the children's book "Sign Me Up for A Happy Home."
Travis Kelce and Zuri Hall
Travis Kelce got drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 and is now considered one of the top tight ends ever. As a tight end, he holds the record for receiving yards in a single season.
Kelce may be an eight-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro selection, but football is not the only thing bringing joy to his life these days. After breaking up with Kayla Nicole in 2022, he's said to have found love again with Zuri Hall a year later. Zuri is an entertainment reporter and two-time host of "Miss USA." Still, neither party has confirmed or denied the dating rumors.
Trevor Lawrence And Marissa Mowry
Trevor Lawrence, the Jacksonville Jaguars' star quarterback, wedded his long-time sweetheart, Marissa Mowry, in 2021. Their love story began way back in May 2016 when they were just high school sweethearts, and as destiny would have it, they embarked on parallel paths of success. While Trevor carved his name in football history, Marissa showcased her prowess on the soccer field.
Once a college soccer player at Anderson University in South Carolina, she has since transformed into an event-planning extraordinaire. Their journey reached a pinnacle of romance when they got engaged at the iconic Clemson University stadium in 2020, culminating in a joyous wedding ceremony the following year.
Howie Long And Diane Addonizio
Howie Long and Diane Addonizio, both students at Villanova University, met and swiftly fell in love. Howie invited Diane to a football game for their first date, and their connection was instant, leading them to a love story that still holds today.
In a short time, they got engaged, and in June 1982, they officially tied the knot, starting their marital journey. Three years later, they welcomed their first child, and their family expanded with two more children over time. Following a successful 13-year career in the NFL, Howie decided to venture into broadcasting and is currently a prominent studio analyst for Fox Sports' NFL coverage.
Nelson Agholor and Viviana Volpicelli
Nigerian-born Nelson Agholor moved to the United States when he was five. In prep school, where he started playing football, he was rated as a five-star recruit and was swamped with offers from universities such as Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Florida State, and Alabama. In the end, he picked the University of Southern California.
The New England Patriots wide receiver is a Super Bowl champion and is scoring touchdowns in the romance department too. He met his girlfriend, Viviana Volpicelli, while they were in college. The pair began dating in 2017. Volpicelli has her own website where she dispenses advice on skincare, fashion, and beauty, among other things.