NFL Wives and Girlfriends Grace Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Digital Edition
Some of the most prominent stars in the National Football League are celebrating their partners as the wives and girlfriends of America's premier sports league appear in the digital pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. This special feature highlights these women not just as companions to athletes but as influential figures in their own right.
Launch Party Highlights During Super Bowl Week
During a glamorous launch party, several NFL couples enjoyed a date night in San Francisco as part of Super Bowl week festivities. The event was headlined by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany Mahomes, who is one of the cover stars for the February digital issue.
The bash, hosted by Authentic House at the three Michelin-starred restaurant Quince, saw Brittany stepping out in a stylish grey strapless dress. She showcased a new tattoo on her right forearm, which appears to be a tribute to her three children. Meanwhile, Patrick opted for a casual look with a black jacket over a white t-shirt, paired with black jeans and silver accessories.
The couple remained close throughout the evening, holding hands and staying by each other's side during a photo shoot, embodying a strong partnership both on and off the field.
Brittany Mahomes and Other WAGs Featured
Brittany Mahomes is not the only NFL significant other to grace the digital cover of this iconic magazine. Other notable stars include:
- Haley Cavinder, fiancée of Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson
- Christen Goff, wife of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff
- Claire Kittle, wife of San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle
- Ronika Love, wife of Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love
- Normani, fiancée of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf
The magazine emphasized that these covers celebrate women who transcend the outdated 'wives and girlfriends' label, recognizing them as entrepreneurs, athletes, creatives, activists, tastemakers, and powerhouses who shape culture far beyond the football sidelines.
Insights from Brittany Mahomes
Brittany, who married Patrick in March 2022 after dating since their teenage years, shared a candid perspective on the life of an NFL partner. She told the magazine, "I think being the significant other to an NFL player is an incredibly hard role, and we take on a lot of important stuff behind the scenes that people don't get to see. But we also get to enjoy life and do things that we love, too."
This statement underscores the dual nature of their roles, balancing support for their partners with personal pursuits and public appearances.
Context and Background
Patrick Mahomes' appearance at the event comes after he underwent surgery on his knee for a torn ACL, which ended his 2025 season prematurely and may impact his availability for the 2026 season. Despite this, he joined Brittany to celebrate her feature, highlighting their united front.
The digital edition of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit continues to evolve, focusing on empowerment and diversity, with this issue particularly spotlighting the multifaceted lives of NFL WAGs. By featuring these women, the magazine aims to challenge stereotypes and showcase their contributions beyond the realm of sports.