On the football field, Ryan Russell might have made a tackle. However, that particular play ended up altering his life irrevocably, like a swift stroke of a pen.
Three months prior to the ex-Dallas Cowboys defensive end publicly revealing his bisexuality in May 2019, he connected with Corey O’Brien on a dating app.
In his 2023 memoir, The Yards Between Us, Russell admits that he navigated to O’Brien’s Direct Messages, drawn by the enigmatic nature of the dancer’s profile and the brief, intriguing Instagram posts he had written.
“Even with my growing comfort with myself,” Russell wrote, “this felt like a big step.”
The relationship developed to the point where they started texting each other, and there were no signs of trouble when they eventually gathered at a café in Los Angeles.
In 2020, when I shared my thoughts with Jejune Magazine, I expressed that it didn’t seem like we were both seeking a relationship during that particular phase. However, things unfolded quite naturally and effortlessly between us.
Russell commented, ‘Since our initial coffee encounter, during which we engaged in a lengthy discussion on topics such as sobriety, dating in Los Angeles, coming out, professional sports, dancing, and family, it wasn’t long before we seldom spent time apart.’
Romantic story short, they’ve been together ever since.
Indeed, that’s me you see, puzzled as to why this picture is gaining popularity once more after six years. It’s me, in a loving relationship with the first NFL player to openly identify as bisexual, Russell, whom I mentioned in a recent TikTok post. As for football, I must admit, I still don’t understand much about it other than the fact that he often playfully tackles me.
Although this appears to be a typical candid shot of a celebrity couple, it was captured merely two weeks following Russell’s public coming out announcement, offering an intriguing perspective on their life post-revelation.
Up until not too long ago, I hadn’t had the self-love necessary to live authentically and truthfully,” he penned for ESPN.com in August 2019. “I felt embarrassed about my identity.
Initially, when the photographer hurried over to snap a photo of both O’Brien and him, Russell mentioned in his writings that his automatic response might have been to let go of his date’s hand and attempt to obstruct the camera from capturing the moment.
However, according to what the athlete penned in his essay, he harbored two ambitions: Aiming to return to the NFL following a shoulder injury that kept him out during the 2018 season, and leading an open life.
As a proud alumnus of Purdue, I was fortunate enough to be drafted by the Cowboys in 2015, but my journey didn’t turn out as planned. After spending one season with Dallas, I moved on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where I played for two seasons. However, despite these experiences, my career trajectory did not ultimately unfold as I had hoped.
But Russell went on to find his calling as a poet, author and activist, with O’Brien by his side.
Raised in a small-town rural Texas environment, being anything other than straight was simply unimaginable, and even more so in sports, as Russell shared during his acceptance speech for the Gay Times’ Sporting Hero Award in London in December 2019. He emphasized that faith, family, and football were deeply rooted values in him.
Reflecting on the many individuals who attend church each weekend but also enjoy football, he expressed, “It’s wonderful to imagine these households catching a glimpse of an openly LGBTQ+ athlete on their screens during their usual Sunday routine. I believe this was exactly what the world required.
Simultaneously, Russell (age 33) has proven to be a solid teammate for O’Brien (age 34), who celebrated his 11th year of sobriety in the year 2023.
Approximately two or three months following our encounter, he chose to experience life without alcohol, as he shared with Out Front Magazine, explaining that he wished to offer moral support during my sobriety journey.
And Russell knew after meeting O’Brien that the time was ASAP to tell his story.
In reflecting to Jejune, he expressed that his decision to come out was about much more than just his career. It was primarily about his happiness, and he couldn’t let the fear of potential backlash prevent him from living authentically. Ultimately, he had two options: a life filled with half-truths, half-lies, and an empty existence, or a life brimming with truth and love. He chose the latter.
Read on to see the NFL quarterbacks who’ve been this lucky in love:
If Hailee Steinfeld prefers men with determination, she might not have made a poor choice by marrying a three-time Pro Bowl selection from the Buffalo Bills.
After over a year of quiet courting, Josh made his debut on Hailee’s Instagram with a heartfelt waterfront proposal captured on camera as he got down on one knee.
In an interview back in June, as a faithful follower, I shared that she simplifies everything around me, leaving less for me to worry about other matters. The choice I made to be with her, I believe, is the most significant decision of my life, and I can confidently say it was the best one I’ve ever made.
Instead of simply triumphing at the Super Bowl, wouldn’t it be more delightful to win not just one but three, thereby earning the privilege of visiting Disneyland with your cherished partner?
As a lifestyle expert, I can empathize with Brittany Mahomes when she shared with CBS News in July 2023 that she wasn’t anticipating the rapid-fire accolades and public spotlight that came from falling for QB1 at her high school in Whitehouse, Texas. At such a young age, I too was swept off my feet by our shared passion, and I poured my heart into the relationship. However, what I hadn’t foreseen was the whirlwind of events that would propel us both into the limelight so suddenly, leaving us feeling like we were tossed straight into the fire.
On September 1, 2020, which was the day when the Chiefs received their Super Bowl LIV rings at Arrowhead Stadium, Patrick made his proposal. They finally got married on March 12, 2022.
The athlete shared with CBS that fathering Sterling Skye, born on February 20, 2021, and Patrick “Bronze” Lavone Mahomes III, born on November 28, 2022, has significantly improved his ability to be fully engaged and appreciate the sport of football.
He shared that when his children become adults, he wants them to understand that he wasn’t absent without a reason. He was away, striving to achieve and build something meaningful. In this way, when they grow up, they will realize the effort he put in to his work.
On January 12, 2025, Brittany welcomed her baby girl named Golden Rae. This name choice is yet another reference to valuable metals, as it symbolizes the Kansas City Chiefs’ upcoming 10th consecutive playoff season.
In a quiet affair, the humble lion, we’ll call him here for convenience, wed Christen Harper on June 22, 2024, at the picturesque Ojai Valley Inn located in Ojai, California.
Christen, who was co-Rookie of the Year for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in 2022 and a star of the web series Women of the League, revealed to Fox News Digital in 2023 that she met her future husband on the dating app Raya in 2018. However, upon revisiting their conversation history, she realized that she was actually the one who initiated contact first. Therefore, Christen advises all you ladies out there to take the initiative and send the first message because you never know—you might just have to take a shot at love!
In a constant supportive role, the co-founder of the wellness app Planted never misses a game for No. 16. Jared was affectionately referred to by Christen as an exceptional motivator, always boosting her spirits towards her objectives.
She mentioned that it’s exciting because she gets to encourage him during his football season. However, he is not only a strong supporter but also the primary individual always standing by her side.
They’ve since added to their cheering section, welcoming daughter Romy Isabelle Goff in July 2025.
In 2023, Jalen chose not to publicize his relationship on social media. However, he openly shared with Essence magazine that he was in a committed relationship, with Bryonna “Bry” Burrows being the one he referred to as his significant other.
They were a couple during their time at the University of Alabama. Later, Jalen completed his college football career at Oklahoma and was drafted in 2020. However, he mentioned that he had known for a long time about their future together. In other words, the feelings they shared at this point in his life are irreplaceable, which, he believes, helped them reach where they are now.
By September 2024, Essence had learned about their engagement, and by the time Men’s Health released its April 22 cover story (focusing on the 2025 Super Bowl champion), Bry was already Jalen’s wife.
The 262nd pick in the 2022 NFL draft was never Mr. Irrelevant to Jenna Brandt.
Meanwhile, as the San Francisco 49ers pursue a different trophy, Brock proposed in July 2023, and the pair tied the knot in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 9, 2024.
While the 49ers are chasing a different prize, Brock made his proposal in July 2023, and they got married in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 9, 2024.
Throughout two tumultuous years, Baker’s football luck saw many ups and downs until, in 2023, the Bucs decided to take a risk and reached the playoffs. Along this rollercoaster ride, Emily Wilkinson Mayfield has been a constant companion.
As a die-hard fanatic, I can’t help but share my story about Baker, the Heisman trophy winner from Oklahoma University. In the magical year of 2017, fate brought us together, and six short months after that, I was overjoyed to accept his proposal. Since then, I’ve been by his side through every triumph and tribulation, from his historic No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL draft by the Browns, until now.
And the fairer half of the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation is certainly in it for the long haul.
On July 10, 2024, I took to Instagram to celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary with my beloved husband. Over these past few years, our journey has seen us grow exponentially, and I can’t help but feel immense pride at how far we’ve come as a couple.
2024 saw a significant period of reconstruction for them: A precious daughter named Kova Jade Mayfield joined their family on April 9.
In Green Bay, he inherits the big shoes once worn by Aaron Rodgers, yet his fiancée, Ronika Stone, is confident that Jordan can rise to the occasion and meet the challenge.
Ronika, a skilled volleyball player who is also the daughter of the former Super Bowl champion, Ron Stone, openly displays her support for the Packers with pride. Even when she and her future mother-in-law, Anna Love, did not receive special treatment during an away game at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, she maintained her composure and responded with dignity and humor.
Ronika shared on Instagram, “I’ve always dreamt about making it onto Sportscenter, but I thought it would be for volleyball instead.” This post was made following a popular picture of her and Jordan’s mom, seated high up in the stands.
In June 2024, while they were vacationing in Italy, Love realized he had found a loyal companion for life and proposed the big question to her.
“First step to forever,” they posted on Instagram June 23.
As an ardent Browns fan, little did I expect that the unsung hero of our 2023-24 playoff bid would be none other than Joe, the Super Bowl champion (with the Ravens). Amid his bustling role as a stay-at-home dad to his five adorable kids with Dana Grady Flacco, he received an unexpected call.
In an interview with Cleveland.com before the playoffs, Dana shared that Joe is not the type to idle around. Instead, he’d frequently ask, “What can I do for you?” and end up bringing her about seven cups of coffee each day.
The pair, who had been together since their senior year at Audubon High School in New Jersey, tied the knot on June 25, 2011. They then went on to have five children: Stephen arrived in June 2012, Daniel followed in September 2013, Francis was born in January 2015, Evelyn joined the family in September 2016, and Thomas completed their brood in April 2018.
In a Ravens promotional video, Joe stated, “It’s undeniably altered the way I utilize my off-season. My wife and I often ponder our past since we can’t seem to detach ourselves from those players now, as we are engrossed by them.
Instead of retiring immediately, Joe decided to continue his career by signing a one-year contract with the Colts as a backup to second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson in 2024. Furthermore, he agreed to another season with the Browns for $4 million in 2025.
Following 12 seasons as the Lions’ offensive leader, the team made a change at quarterback with the Rams in 2021, resulting in longtime residents of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Matt and Kelly Stafford moving to Los Angeles. In his debut season with the new team, he went on to win a Super Bowl.
It transpired that he carried an unexpected advantage on him – his wife’s unwavering encouragement.
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but share my excitement after Kelly openly discussed her heartfelt ritual ahead of the Rams’ historic victory in February 2022, as she did on TODAY. In the lead-up to that pivotal game, I found myself penning letters to my cherished husband. Each one was a testament to how deeply I believed he deserved this triumph and why it was his due. As Kelly so eloquently put it, “It’s all about recognizing how much we have each other at the end of the day.
The Staffords have been married since April 4, 2015, and they are proud parents of four daughters. Their twins Chandler and Sawyer were born on March 31, 2017, followed by Hunter Hope in August 2018, and Tyler Hall joined the family on June 28, 2020.
In a 2022 interview with Sports Illustrated, Ciara, who married Russ in 2016, expressed that their shared vision for their children significantly impacts their parenting journey. She emphasized the importance of instilling humility in their kids, as they have greater access to resources than previous generations. This includes teaching them responsibilities like cleaning up after themselves and ensuring they understand that success won’t be handed to them easily.
In 2022, Russ switched to the Broncos team following a decade with Seattle. Interestingly, he welcomed a fresh addition to his squad off the field too – his daughter Amora Princess Wilson was born in December 2023. She joined her siblings, Future Zahir (born May 2019, Ciara’s son with rapper Future), Sienna (April 2017), and Win (July 2020), to complete the family roster.
Following two underwhelming seasons in Denver, he demonstrated comeback-player-of-the-year caliber with the Steelers. However, they brought in former Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields in 2024, which led to Wilson moving on and signing a one-year contract with the New York Giants in 2025.
In September 2023, whispers of a romantic relationship between the team’s quarterback and Sarah Jane Ramos began, as she posted pictures showing her attending a Cowboys game with his sister-in-law, Holly Prescott.
In November 2023, Sarah and Dak announced on Instagram that they were expecting their first child.
Margaret Jane Rose Prescott was born on February 22, 2024, while Dak scored the winning goal in October.
He titled his October 18 proposal photo as ‘Mine Forever!’ He wrote, ‘I could not ask or hope for a better best friend, partner, teammate, mother, and now fiancé! Thank you, God, for this blessing and family. I love you.’
What a question! It’s none other than Heather Carr, who has just recently moved to NOLA (New Orleans) since her husband secured a contract with the Saints in 2023, having spent nine seasons previously with the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders.
At the time, they both attended Fresno State. Derick was making every effort to catch the eye of an attractive server there.
Heather explained to Fresno’s ABC 30, “I reacted much the same way as if I had said, ‘Oh, I have no interest in that at all.'” In her mind, he was just a typical football enthusiast.
When she intentionally provided him with an incorrect phone number, I felt compelled to return to the restaurant and offer mine instead, along with a hint that whenever she was prepared, I would be there to answer her call. Some time afterward, it turned out that Derick wasn’t your average guy.
They tied the knot June 29, 2012.
Sometimes when he returns home, he appears quiet and tired. She thought about her star quarterback. “I just want to make sure you know I’m here for you, to cheer you on and provide support,” she said, wondering if there was anything specific she could do for him.
In preparation for their cross-country relocation, she made sure to gather New Orleans Saints merchandise in various sizes for her sons Dallas (born August 5, 2013), Deker (March 16, 2016), Deakon (May 16, 2019), and daughter Brooklyn (November 30, 2020).
Sure, offensive lines are great, but it’s Julie Hampton Cousins who really has Kirk’s back.
The teacher at the elementary school, who tied the knot with Kirk in 2014, expressed to People magazine that she flourishes in her role of nurturing her spouse. “I revel in entertaining guests for games, whipping up meals and arranging snacks and meals,” she said. “I’m also keen on managing various aspects of Kirk’s life off the field, such as his bodywork, ensuring we all have restful sleep, and spending quality time with our sons. It’s a distinct occupation, but I’m incredibly content in it.
Even though Kirk finds himself nearing the twilight of his career at the age of 36, he expresses a heartfelt desire to continue playing until my sons Cooper (born September 29, 2017) and Turner (born March 10, 2019) can truly remember it all and have cherished their part in it.
Marissa Lawrence has been supporting her husband through his journey since their days at Cartersville High School in Georgia. Their album is filled with memories of significant moments, ranging from their senior prom to their wedding on April 10, 2021, to Trevor reaching the No.1 spot with the Jaguards only a few weeks later, and numerous tropical getaways since then.
In the year 2023, as they celebrated another anniversary, Trevor penned: “Each passing year grows even sweeter with you, @marissa_lawrence. Two years gone by, and yet we’ve created countless cherished memories and shared so many experiences. I eagerly look forward to the future years. My affection for you is boundless.
He wasn’t joking about the sweetness of the years getting better: In June 2024, the couple announced that a new member, baby Lawrence, was coming soon, and their little girl, Shae Lynn Lawrence, was born on January 4th.
In the year 2017, Joe crossed paths with Olivia Holzmacher at Ohio State. Afterward, when he moved to Louisiana State, he not only held on but excelled, eventually winning a national championship and the Heisman trophy with the Tigers in 2020.
As a devoted supporter, I expressed my gratitude when you were selected by the Bengals in the NFL draft, saying, “Thrilled to stand by your side, Joe… eagerly anticipating the adventures the future has in store for us.
2023 saw former Bengals player “Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones” declare that he was in a relationship, yet no proof was presented. As the 2024 NFL season commenced, the last time his partner appeared on Joe’s Instagram was January 31st.
It has been recently speculated that the athlete is connected to model Olivia Ponton following an incident on December 9, 2024, where she contacted emergency services to report a burglary at Joe’s residence in Ohio, with him being absent as he was competing in Dallas at the time.
A few days after the incident, Joe expressed his feelings to the press, stating, “It certainly feels as though my privacy has been invaded in multiple instances. More information about me is circulating than I’m comfortable with, and that’s really all I want to discuss on this topic.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the third overall selection arrived in Foxborough, Massachusetts, eager to take the field, yet it appears he may have never played on a field before due to his nearly decade-long relationship with fellow North Carolina Tar Heel, Ann Michael Hudson.
For the past nine years, things just keep improving, and I’m grateful every day for your presence in my life. I can’t picture my life without you by my side as my dearest friend. My love for you is beyond what words can express!
Following the completion of his first year in the NFL, Drake proposed, writing on their January 15, 2015 engagement announcement, “I love living life with you. I can’t wait to marry you!” (in a more casual and conversational tone)
The player chosen by the Falcons in the third round of the 2022 draft, who later started as a rookie towards the end of the season, possesses a keen understanding of statistics.
In 2020, Desmond shared a heartfelt message about his fiancé Claire Cornett, saying, “Four years, 1460 days, 2,102,400 minutes together have been an incredible voyage. We’ve experienced our highs and lows, but in the end, we’ve grown stronger because of it.” He eagerly looked forward to spending eternity with her.
The loving couple from the University of Cincinnati welcomed their daughter Leighton Elizabeth Ridder into the world on April 21, 2021, and they later got married on July 15, 2022. Notably, Bearcat-themed onesies are available in that size as well.
Son Kyland Jett arrived on Feb. 20, 2024.
On their second anniversary, Desmond penned to Claire, “I want to express my gratitude for your unwavering love, which has seen us through trials and tribulations, and always finds a way to make me smile. You are simply the finest spouse, parent, and friend one could hope for.
Desmond arrived at training camp prepared to play as backup quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, whom he joined in 2024. After signing him initially to serve as Kyler Murray’s backup, they released him, only to re-sign him for their practice squad. At that time, he was still with the practice squad when the Raiders signed him in October.
It was only right that he should visit Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., since Sophie Scott often went there for him. So, when the Eras Tour arrived, it was his turn to go there for her.
In 2021, when Mac got drafted by the New England Patriots, the longtime lovers from the University of Alabama decided to relocate as one to Boston.
By 2024, Mac might find himself in a new environment as he joined the Jaguars to support Trevor Lawrence. However, one thing remains constant – the essence of the company he represents.
On September 1st, 2024, Mac sent: ‘Happy Birthday, SophieScott9! You’re looking fabulous at 25! Can’t wait for more shared journeys with you, my sweet friend.’
2022’s sole first-round NFL draft pick, your humble narrator, graced the Steelers’ training camp in 2023 as a blissful husband. On June 24th, I exchanged vows with the radiant Amy Paternoster, a former Princeton soccer player, making our love story official and adding another chapter to my football journey.
The couple, who started dating in 2021, honeymooned in Puerto Rico.
On February 13th, 2023, which was Amy’s 22nd birthday, Kenny expressed his gratitude on Instagram by saying, “I am extremely thankful for you each day, and it would be the highest honor to spend the rest of my life with you.
During their first wedding anniversary, they spent their time vacationing in Napa, California. Later, Kenny had to report for work with the Philadelphia Eagles as a backup for Jalen Hurts.
After sharing in the Eagles’ 2025 Super Bowl win, Kenny was traded to the Browns.
Following the Dolphins’ decision to exercise their contract extension for him in March 2023, Tua openly shared with journalists that he had contemplated retirement after the difficult 2022 season marked by injuries.
And not least because he had so many wonderful things to stay home for.
On July 17, 2023, Tua posted the following message: “I usually keep my personal life private, but this moment called for a special exception.” He then shared an exclusive photo of his beloved partner, Annah Tagovailoa, to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. “Happy anniversary to my stunning wife,” he wrote, “I am deeply in love with you.
Providing a seldom-seen glimpse into his personal life, Tua shared with reporters in November 2022 that he felt deeply grateful for his wife and their newborn (son Ace, born in August 2022, who made his public debut at a charity event held by the Tua Foundation luau benefit in April 2023).
Tua mentioned that the perspective on life changes significantly when one becomes a parent. He likened it to something he hadn’t encountered before. Since each person’s journey is unique, there isn’t a set guide for this experience, whether it’s your first son or daughter.
He continued by expressing gratitude towards his higher power for having a son first. He admitted he wasn’t sure how he would handle things if he had a daughter instead, as it might be more challenging due to not being fully prepared on what to do specifically.
Tua and Anna have since welcomed daughter Maisey.
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2025-07-26 13:18