Ladies and gentlemen, have you ever noticed how the world of football has evolved over the years? Now, I’m not just talking about the game itself or the jaw-dropping athleticism on display. No, no, no—today, we’re diving into the fascinating realm of NFL WAGs, or “wives and girlfriends,” who have transformed their roles from supportive sideline partners to bona fide business powerhouses.
You might remember the iconic image of Gisele Bündchen, the ultimate NFL wife, gracefully embracing Tom Brady after his many Super Bowl victories. Well, the game has changed, and today’s WAGs are redefining what it means to stand by their superstar partners.
Let’s rewind a bit to when Gisele was the queen of the NFL scene. Back then, she wasn’t just cheering from the sidelines—she was actively shaping Brady’s public image. From co-chairing the Met Gala to starring in campaigns for Under Armour, Bündchen perfectly balanced her role as a supermodel with that of a supportive wife.
Even though she once admitted that she found football “the most boring thing” she’d ever seen, her influence was undeniable. She defended Brady during controversies, famously quipping that her husband couldn’t “f—ing throw and catch the ball at the same time.” With her support, Brady became the face of the NFL.
Fast forward to today, and the WAGs are no longer just cheering—they’re building empires. Take Kristin Juszczyk, for instance, who’s taken the idea of a fan jersey and turned it into a fashion statement with her trendy puffer jackets and corsets. Or how about Simone Biles, the Olympic legend married to Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, who’s bringing her own superstar status to the NFL world?
But the biggest name on everyone’s lips? Taylor Swift. Yes, the pop icon herself has entered the NFL scene, dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Swift’s presence at games has done more than just bring attention to her relationship—it’s ignited a surge of female fans tuning into the NFL.
The league, which once tried to engage women with pink jerseys and cringeworthy gimmicks, finally got smart. They started tweeting Swift lyrics, sharing her photos, and recognizing that she was drawing in millions of new fans. In fact, Super Bowl LVIII saw a record 98 million women tune in, a testament to the “Swift effect.”
The influence of these WAGs extends beyond the game. We’re talking about brand deals, social media campaigns, and even reality TV. Erin Andrews, the veteran NFL reporter, knows this power all too well. Her fan-gear brand, Wear, took off after gifting pieces to players’ wives and girlfriends, including Swift, who sported a red bomber jacket from the line during the Super Bowl, causing sales to skyrocket.
These days, NFL WAGs aren’t just enhancing their partners’ careers—they’re creating their own legacies. Weddings and pregnancies have become branding opportunities, with partnerships ranging from jewelers to maternity wear. Just look at the summer’s most talked-about wedding between Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey, which landed them a coveted feature in Vogue, despite some backlash over Culpo’s conservative gown.
As we head into another NFL season, one thing is clear: the WAGs are here to stay, and they’re more influential than ever. Whether it’s on the sidelines, in fashion, or on social media, these women are proving that “football is for the girls,” and they’re making sure everyone knows it.
