Drake Maye and Ann Michael Maye have a winning love story—and it dates back to their tween years.
Before he became a famous NFL quarterback and led his team, the New England Patriots, to the Super Bowl on February 8th, he was simply a young boy with a passion for football. And Ann Michael was with him throughout his journey.
Drake, 23, shared with reporters at the Super Bowl LVI Opening Night event on February 2nd that this moment felt particularly meaningful. He explained that someone special had been with him since middle school, watching his football games as a quarterback, and now, to share this experience of playing in the Super Bowl with her was a dream come true. He said he couldn’t imagine going through it with anyone else.
Drake and Ann Michael, originally from North Carolina, were middle school sweethearts and continued dating through college at the University of North Carolina. Drake was the quarterback for the university and was drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Although Drake pursued his professional football career before finishing school, Ann Michael, 22, graduated with a business degree last May.
Just a month after graduating, the couple got married at the Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville, North Carolina, in their home state.
The couple celebrated their outdoor wedding with a sweet message on Instagram: “What a night! Cheers to forever, I love you!”
Since getting hitched, Drake has been open about the perks of married life.
He shared at the event that getting married was one of the best choices he’d ever made, and he believes it’s brought positive things into his life so far.
He shared how grateful he was for Ann Michael, and how wonderful it was to come home to someone who genuinely cared about his well-being.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always said that strong relationships thrive on truly hearing your partner, not just listening. It’s about being aware of their life beyond the everyday – what’s happening in their world, what they’re accomplishing, and finding comfort in that consistency. For me, knowing my wife is doing well and staying connected to her life, even amidst my own busy schedule, is a huge source of stability and peace. It’s that constant connection that really matters.
Drake shared that marriage has been incredibly beneficial for him this year. He playfully added that his wife, Ann Michael, is in charge, and he’s now more mindful about keeping the house tidy.
The athlete shared that he always has a delicious meal waiting for him after practice. His partner, a popular TikTok creator, gained half a million followers with her daily baking series, called “Bakemas,” where she created a new dish each day for the first 25 days of December.
Drake added, “I don’t take for granted how special she is to my career and my life.”
And he even gave his teammates a (tush) push when it came to walking down the aisle.
He told reporters that while his teammates should make their own choices, he strongly recommends getting married. He described it as one of the most fulfilling experiences of his life, saying there’s nothing like the feeling of returning home to a loving and supportive wife.
He added that he understands his teammates are all going through different things in their lives. He personally chose to get married young and has no regrets about that decision.
For a look inside more sports stars’ love lives, read on…
After twelve seasons as the Detroit Lions’ quarterback, Matthew Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. This meant Matthew and his wife, Kelly, who had lived in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan for a long time, moved to L.A. Remarkably, he led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in his very first season with the team.
He actually had a hidden strength with him all along: his wife’s unwavering support.
After the Rams’ victory, Kelly revealed on TODAY that she wrote letters to her husband before each game, including leading up to the Super Bowl in February 2022. She explained that the letters were to express how much he deserved success and why she believed in him. Ultimately, she emphasized that their family’s support for one another was the most important thing.
Megan and her husband have been married since April 4, 2015, and have four daughters. They are twins Chandler and Sawyer, born March 31, 2017, Hunter Hope (born August 16, 2018), and Tyler Hall (born June 28, 2020).
The third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft arrived in Foxborough, Massachusetts, hoping to play right away. However, the 23-year-old player has reportedly never dated anyone other than his longtime girlfriend, Ann Michael Hudson, a fellow student from the University of North Carolina, with whom he’s been in a relationship for over ten years.
Ann shared on Instagram on October 30, 2024, celebrating nine years with someone special. She wrote that things continue to improve with each passing day and that she can’t picture her life without them as her best friend, expressing her deep love.
Shortly after finishing his first season playing professional football, Drake proposed to his partner. He announced their engagement on January 15, 2025, sharing, “Love doing life with you. Can’t wait to marry you!”
The endgame sweethearts tied the knot in June 2025.
Katie Hoofnagle, a University of South Carolina graduate, mentions living in North Carolina, Minnesota, and Washington in her Instagram bio. This highlights the lifestyle she’s experienced as the partner of a professional football player who frequently moves between teams.
In July 2025, before starting his career with the Seahawks, Sam proposed to his partner in his hometown of Dana Point, California.
Okay, so like, he had a birthday a month before they got engaged, and Katie posted the sweetest thing on Instagram! She basically said that even though life is crazy, being with him just fills her with peace and happiness – seriously, she used words like ‘abundance’ and ‘presence,’ it was so cute! She wrote about wanting more shared meals, music, and just being together. And then she wished him a happy 28th and told him she loves him ‘more’! I’m seriously obsessed with them, it’s the most adorable thing ever!
If Hailee Steinfeld is attracted to confident, strong men, she could have made a much worse choice than marrying the Bills player who’s been to the Pro Bowl four times.
After dating quietly for over a year, Josh proposed to Hailee by getting down on one knee in a scenic waterfront setting, and she shared the moment with a photo on her Instagram.
They tied the knot in California on May 31, 2025.
You know, when you find the right person, things just shift. That’s what happened to me with my partner. I was telling reporters a while back how she simplifies everything, and honestly, it frees me up to not sweat the small stuff. It sounds dramatic, but I truly believe choosing her was the most important decision I’ve ever made, and I feel confident I got it right. It’s about finding someone who makes life feel…easier, and allows you to focus on what really matters.
The couple announced Hailee’s pregnancy with their first baby together in December 2025.
I remember when Bo first connected with Izzy Smoke, who was an Auburn cheerleader – they instantly became close! It was amazing to see. This was actually before he even transferred to Oregon; he’d already played three seasons with the Tigers when they met, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
He got engaged in August 2021, before starting his two-year stint with the Ducks. Izzy finished college in 2022, and they were married the following July.
The couple, who now live in Denver, announced in October 2025 that they are expecting their first child.
Jarrett spent the 2025-26 season as the backup to Bo Nix. However, he became the starting quarterback for the AFC Championship Game when the Broncos’ original starter broke his ankle during the divisional round victory.
Jarrett’s wife, Kennedy Stidham (born Brown), has been his constant support, both throughout the season and since they were students together at Baylor.
They got married in 2019 and now have three children, with their newest baby arriving in October 2025.
Jarrett shared a photo of Kennedy wearing her favorite player’s jersey (number 8) and affectionately called her his ‘rock through the seasons’.
Brittany Mahomes shared with CBS News in July 2023 that she wasn’t ready for the intense attention she received after falling in love with Patrick Mahomes at their Texas high school. She explained that they were young when they fell in love and she loved him deeply, but she didn’t anticipate becoming so famous so quickly or being thrust into the public eye so soon.
Patrick proposed on September 1, 2020, at Arrowhead Stadium, while the Kansas City Chiefs were celebrating receiving their Super Bowl LIV rings. They got married on March 12, 2022.
The athlete shared with CBS that becoming a father to his children, Sterling Skye (born February 20, 2021) and Patrick “Bronze” Lavone Mahomes III (born November 28, 2022), has helped him appreciate and fully enjoy playing football.
He said he wanted his children to understand why he often had to be away. He didn’t want them to think he was simply absent, but rather that he was working hard to achieve something meaningful and build a better future. He hoped they’d appreciate his efforts when they were older.
Brittany welcomed her daughter, Golden Raye, on January 12, 2025. The name continues a theme of precious metals, coming just before the Kansas City Chiefs made their tenth consecutive playoff appearance.
Following relationships with Olivia Munn, Danica Patrick, and Shailene Woodley, Aaron Rodgers married someone a few months before joining the Steelers with a one-year contract. He briefly mentioned dating a Brittani in December 2024, but hasn’t revealed his wife’s identity publicly, even after being seen with a wedding ring at a team practice in June 2025.
He did mention having an amazing wife, telling Sports Illustrated how much he loves and appreciates her support. He explained that having her as a stable and supportive presence at home gives him the confidence to achieve anything.
The former Super Bowl champion, who played with the Packers, shared that finding the right person can instantly transform your life. He said having someone who loves and supports you without conditions is the best feeling imaginable.
Herbert and Madison Beer were first seen together in August 2025, and quickly became a couple, attending Lakers games and a World Series game that October.
They capped off the month with sailor-themed couple’s costumes for Halloween.
Although reports of them together decreased later in the season, Herbert continued to interact with the singer’s Instagram posts as recently as January 2026. It will be interesting to see what happens when the season ends.
Actor Ben Barnes, known for his role as Billy Russo in ‘The Punisher’, quietly wed model Christen Harper on June 22, 2024, at the Ojai Valley Inn in California.
Christen, the 2022 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie of the Year and star of the web series Women of the League, told Fox News Digital in 2023 that she and her now-husband first connected on the Raya dating app in 2018. She initially believed he’d messaged her first, but discovered she actually sent the initial message. She jokingly advised other women to take the initiative and send the first message, because you never know where it might lead – you have to try!
Christen, the co-founder of the wellness app Planted, says her partner, Jared, is a fantastic supporter of her ambitions, always cheering her on just like he does from the sidelines at her games.
She said she loves being able to support him during football season, but he’s always been her biggest champion and most loyal supporter.
They’ve since added to their cheering section, welcoming daughter Romy Isabelle Goff in July 2025.
Jalen generally keeps his personal life private, but in 2023 he told Essence magazine that he was in a relationship with Bryonna “Bry” Burrows, who works as an IT specialist.
Jalen and his partner began dating while students at the University of Alabama. He completed his college football career at Oklahoma and was drafted in 2020, but he says he knew they had a future together for a long time. He described the feeling they shared as irreplaceable, and believes it’s what helped them build the strong relationship they have today.
In September 2024, Essence magazine first reported their engagement. By the time Men’s Health featured the 2025 Super Bowl winner on its April 22nd cover, Jalen was already married to Bry.
The 262nd pick in the 2022 NFL draft was never Mr. Irrelevant to Jenna Brandt.
Although the 49ers are focused on winning a championship, Brock Purdy proposed to his now-wife in July 2023, and they were married in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 9, 2024.
On July 28, 2025, the couple happily announced the birth of their daughter, Millie Joleen Purdy, sharing that “Life just became a whole lot sweeter.”
Baker Mayfield’s football career had its ups and downs for a while, but the Buccaneers gave him an opportunity in 2023 that led to a playoff appearance. Through it all, his wife, Emily Wilkinson Mayfield, has been a constant source of support.
Baker Mayfield, the former University of Oklahoma Heisman Trophy winner, met his wife, Emily, in 2017 and proposed shortly after. She’s supported him through everything, from being the first pick in the 2018 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns to all the challenges and successes that followed.
And the fairer half of the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation is certainly in it for the long haul.
Emily shared on Instagram on July 10, 2024, celebrating four years of marriage with her husband. She expressed how much they’ve both grown together and how happy she is with their relationship.
2024 and 2025 were big years for the couple! They welcomed their daughter, Kova Jade Mayfield, in April 2024, and announced in November 2025 that they are expecting another baby in April 2026.
Professional volleyball player Ronika Stone, whose father is former Super Bowl champion Ron Stone, is a proud supporter of the Packers. During a 2021 away game against the Kansas City Chiefs, she and her future mother-in-law, Anna Love, didn’t receive special treatment at Arrowhead Stadium, but Ronika handled the situation with poise and a good sense of humor.
Ronika shared on Instagram that she always dreamed of appearing on Sportscenter, but imagined it would be because of volleyball. Her post came after a photo of her and Jordan’s mom, sitting in the very top row of seats, unexpectedly went viral.
Recognizing his perfect partner, Love proposed to them during a trip to Italy in June 2024.
“First step to forever,” they posted on Instagram June 23. They tied the knot a year later.
Adding to their good news, the couple announced on January 1, 2026, that Ronika is expecting their first child.
The Cleveland Browns’ hopes for making the 2023-24 playoffs received an unlikely boost from Joe Flacco, a Super Bowl champion who previously played for the Ravens. He was actually enjoying time at home with his wife, Dana Grady Flacco, and their five children when he received the call to potentially rejoin the league.
Dana shared with Cleveland.com before the 2024 playoffs that Joe is a very active person. “He’s always asking what he can do to help,” Dana said, jokingly adding, “I think I was drinking seven coffees a day because he kept offering to get me one!”
The couple met in high school at Audubon in New Jersey and married on June 25, 2011. They have five children: Stephen, born in June 2012; Daniel, born in September 2013; Francis, born in January 2015; Evelyn, born in September 2016; and Thomas, born in April 2018.
Joe explained in a Ravens video that having children has completely changed how he spends his time when he’s not playing football. He and his wife often reflect on what their lives were like before their kids, because they’re now fully focused on their family.
Joe wasn’t finished playing football yet. In 2024, he signed a one-year contract with the Colts to serve as a backup to quarterback Anthony Richardson. He then agreed to play another season with the Browns for $4 million in 2025, but was traded to the Bengals just five weeks into that season.
Ciara, who married Russell Wilson in 2016, told Sports Illustrated in 2022 that she and her husband share a common goal for their children, which she believes is crucial. She explained that because their kids will have more opportunities than they did growing up, it’s important to teach them humility and responsibility – things like cleaning up after themselves and understanding that success requires effort.
Russell Wilson came to the Broncos in 2022 after playing for Seattle for ten years. His family also grew in December 2023 with the birth of his daughter, Amora Princess Wilson. He and Ciara are now parents to five children: Amora, Future (born May 2019), Sienna (born April 2017), Win (born July 2020), and Future’s son from a previous relationship.
Following two disappointing seasons with the Broncos, Russell Wilson revitalized his career and played at a high level with the Steelers. However, when the Steelers signed Justin Fields in 2024, Wilson became a free agent and signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants in 2025.
Rumors began circulating in September 2023 that the team’s quarterback was dating Sarah Jane Ramos. This followed Ramos posting pictures of herself at 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, and Dak scored the winning touchdown in October.
He announced their engagement on October 18th with a photo and the caption, “Mine forever!!!!” He went on to express his love, calling her his best friend, partner, teammate, mother, and now, his fiancé, and thanking God for their relationship and family.
The couple welcomed their second daughter, Aurora Rayne, on May 22, 2025.
Sure, offensive lines are great, but it’s Julie Hampton Cousins who really has Kirk’s back.
The elementary school teacher, who married Kirk in 2014, told People magazine that she loves supporting her husband. She enjoys taking care of things at home – like hosting game nights, cooking, and planning meals and snacks. She also manages Kirk’s appointments, makes sure everyone gets enough sleep, and prioritizes family time. She described it as a special job that she truly enjoys.
At 37, Kirk is nearing the end of his athletic career, but he was thrilled to play while his sons, Cooper (born September 29, 2017) and Turner (born March 10, 2019), were old enough to truly remember and appreciate the experience.
I’ve been a huge supporter of Trevor since we were kids at Cartersville High School! I cherish all our memories together – from prom night to our wedding on April 10th, 2021, and even watching him become the number one draft pick for the Jaguars just weeks later. And of course, we’ve enjoyed some amazing tropical getaways since then – it’s been an incredible journey!
Trevor celebrated his second anniversary with Marissa Lawrence in 2023, sharing a heartfelt message: ‘Every year with you is better than the last. We’ve already made so many incredible memories together, and I can’t wait for all the years to come. I love you more than words can say.’
He truly meant it when he said things would get sweeter! In June 2024, the couple announced they were expecting a baby, and on January 4, 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Shae Lynn Lawrence.
Kenny Pickett, the first quarterback chosen in the 2022 NFL draft, arrived at Steelers training camp in 2023 as a married man. He and Amy Paternoster, a former soccer player at Princeton University, were married on June 24th.
The couple, who started dating in 2021, honeymooned in Puerto Rico.
On February 13, 2023, Amy turned 22, and Kenny shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. He wrote that he was incredibly thankful for her and that he’d be honored to spend the rest of his life with her.
They celebrated their first wedding anniversary with a trip to Napa Valley, California, before Kenny joined the Philadelphia Eagles as Jalen Hurts’ backup quarterback.
Kenny celebrated a Super Bowl victory with the Eagles in 2025, then was traded to the Browns. However, he ultimately joined the Raiders just before the start of the 2025-26 season.
In March 2023, after the Dolphins decided to extend his contract for another year, Tua Tagovailoa revealed he had thought about retiring following the difficult 2022 season where he suffered several injuries.
And not least because he had so many wonderful things to stay home for.
Tua Tagovailoa rarely shares details about his personal life, but he made an exception to celebrate a special occasion. On July 17, 2023, he posted a rare photo with his wife, Annah Tagovailoa, to mark their first wedding anniversary, writing, ‘Happy 1 Year Anniversary to my beautiful wife. I love you.’
In November 2022, Tua Tagovailoa shared a personal update with reporters, expressing gratitude for his wife and their newborn son, Ace, who was born in August 2022. Ace was publicly introduced at a charity event benefiting the Tua Foundation the following April.
Tua shared that becoming a parent has completely changed his perspective on life. He described it as unlike anything he’s ever known. ‘There’s no guide for this,’ he explained, ‘because every parent’s journey is unique, whether they have a son or a daughter first.’
You know, as a dad myself, I totally get where he’s coming from. He was saying how grateful he is to have had a son first, and honestly, it resonated with me. He admitted he’d feel a little lost with a daughter, just because the experience would be so new and different. It’s funny how we all have our little anxieties about parenting, right? He just voiced what a lot of dads probably think – that navigating the father-daughter relationship feels a bit more uncharted territory.
Tua and Anna have since welcomed daughter Maisey.
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2026-02-08 14:20