More Than WAGs: The Unseen Power of NFL Partners
- Marisol Perez-Villaflores
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
They don't sprint onto the field on Sundays, dodge tackles, or celebrate in the end zone. But make no mistake: without the women behind NFL stars, many of those game-day heroics wouldn't happen. In 2025, partners like Brittany Mahomes and Simone Biles are redefining what it means to be an NFL spouse, shattering the outdated "WAG" stereotype with their own careers, advocacy, and emotional strength. These women aren't just sideline cheerleaders, they're dynamic leaders, business moguls, and emotional anchors who hold it all together through the chaos of an NFL season. Their contributions aren't just part of the story, they're the foundation that lets icons soar.
Brittany Mahomes: A Multifaceted Powerhouse
Take Brittany Mahomes, married to Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes. She's far more than a familiar face in the stands. As co-founder of the Kansas City Current, a National Women's Soccer League team, Brittany is a powerhouse entrepreneur, overseeing multimillion-dollar operations while raising three young children. Her Instagram, with 2.5 million followers, showcases her balancing act: one day she's at a team board meeting, the next she's cheering Patrick at Arrowhead Stadium or designing custom game-day fits with Kristin Juszczyk. Brittany's role extends beyond logistics; she's Patrick's emotional anchor, helping him navigate the pressure of being a two-time MVP. As she told ESPN in 2025, "I'm his safe space, win or lose." Her work ensures Patrick can focus on the field, knowing his family and legacy are in steady hands.
Simone Biles: A Gymnastics Legend with Influence
Simone Biles, married to Bears' safety Jonathan Owens, is another game-changer. A gymnastics legend with 11 Olympic medals, Biles balances her own iconic career while supporting Owens through the NFL's relentless grind. When Owens signed with Chicago in 2024, Biles relocated, adjusting her training schedule to be present for his games. Her presence isn't just symbolic, it's grounding. After a tough loss in Week 2, Owens credited Biles on X, saying, "She keeps me centered, reminds me who I am." Biles also uses her platform to advocate for mental health, partnering with organizations like BetterHelp to destigmatize therapy for athletes. Her influence helps Owens and his teammates prioritize well-being, making her a leader in and out of the stadium.
Ciara and Russell Wilson: A Unified Front
These women do the unseen work that fuels NFL success. They manage the chaos of constant relocations, like when Aiyda Cobb moved with Giants' linebacker Isaiah Simmons to New York, coordinating everything from housing to schools while maintaining her career as a pediatric nurse. They provide emotional stability during high-pressure weeks, like when Ciara, married to Russell Wilson, shared on TikTok how she helps him decompress with family game nights before playoff matches. They navigate injuries, like when Gisele Bündchen supported Tom Brady through his 2024 recovery, quietly organizing physical therapy schedules while shielding their kids from media frenzy. These aren't small tasks, they're the glue that keeps players grounded.
Reshaping WAG Narratives
Beyond logistics, these women are reshaping narratives. They're not silent supporters, they're vocal advocates. Brittany Mahomes uses her platform to champion women's sports, raising $10 million for the Current's new stadium in 2025. Simone Biles pushes for athlete mental health, inspiring players like Jalen Hurts to speak openly about therapy. Even TikTok popular partners, like Allison Kuch, wife of Isaac Rochell, use their social media reach to highlight family life and philanthropy, raising $50,000 for foster care programs last year. Their voices amplify causes, showing that their influence extends far beyond their husbands' careers.
The Emotional Labor
The emotional labor is immense but often invisible. These women calm pre-game nerves, like when Kayla Nicole, formerly with Travis Kelce, shared how she'd hype him up with playlists before big games. They keep family life stable through 17-game seasons, trade rumors, and cross-country moves. They remind the world that beneath the helmets are men who need love, vulnerability, and support. As Simone Biles told Vogue, "Jonathan's a warrior out there, but at home, he's human. I'm his soft place to land."