With the 2024 NFL season in full swing, a new class of significant others is joining the ranks of NFL WAGs (wives and girlfriends). As rookie players take their first steps into professional football, their partners are stepping into a spotlight that extends beyond the field, joining an elite group of women who have carved out their own space in the public eye.
NFL WAGs like Taylor Swift and Simone Biles, who are dating some of the league’s biggest stars, have become household names, transcending their association with the NFL. Others, like Brittany Mahomes, Olivia Culpo, Kristin Juszczyk, and Kylie Kelce—who recently graduated from WAG status after her husband, Jason Kelce, retired—are beloved by fans for their unique personalities and impressive achievements.
As new stars rise in the NFL, let’s take a closer look at some of the standout WAGs from the 2024 rookie class who are already making their mark.
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1. Alina Thyregod – Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, made headlines not only for his skills on the field but also for his public debut with girlfriend Alina Thyregod. The couple made their first public appearance together at the NFL Draft in April, as Williams was selected by the Chicago Bears. While they’ve kept much of their relationship private, Thyregod shared a playful TikTok in January, confirming their romance. In the video, Williams jumped onto her back as they both laughed, showing their fun-loving dynamic. Expect to see Thyregod cheering on Williams as he begins his NFL career in the Windy City.
2. Katya Kuropas – Minnesota Vikings
JJ McCarthy, the Michigan quarterback who led his team to a national championship, was picked 10th overall by the Minnesota Vikings. Alongside him is his high school sweetheart, Katya Kuropas, with whom he has been in a relationship for over five years. Both hailing from Nazareth Academy in Illinois, the couple has weathered the ups and downs of a long-term relationship. In January, McCarthy proposed, and the two are now engaged. Kuropas, who was a familiar face at McCarthy’s games during his time with the Wolverines, will undoubtedly continue to support him through the cold Minnesota winters as he embarks on his NFL journey.
3. Izzy Smoke Nix – Denver Broncos
Bo Nix, a highly-touted quarterback from Oregon, was drafted 12th overall by the Denver Broncos. His wife, Izzy Smoke Nix, has been by his side since his days at Auburn, where they met during his three-year stint with the Tigers. Izzy, a former Auburn cheerleader, and Bo tied the knot in July 2022. While Izzy stayed in Alabama during Bo’s transfer to Oregon, the couple is now united in Denver, where she will be one of the most recognizable faces in the stands.
4. Ann Michael Hudson – New England Patriots
Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, is now a member of the New England Patriots. His journey from high school standout to college star was accompanied by his longtime girlfriend, Ann Michael Hudson. The couple, who met at William A. Hough High School, share a love for football, with Hudson’s father having played the sport at Wofford. Currently a business school student at the University of North Carolina, Hudson has a bright future ahead of her, but she’ll also be a familiar presence in Foxborough as Maye takes the reins for the Patriots.
5. Cameron Rose Newell – Las Vegas Raiders
Brock Bowers, the star tight end from Georgia, was selected 13th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. By his side is girlfriend Cameron Rose Newell, who is a student at the University of Tennessee. Despite attending different schools, the couple began dating in 2021 and have managed a long-distance relationship while balancing their respective commitments. Newell, who is actively involved in UT’s Greek life, is also working as an administrative assistant for her family’s business. Expect to see her cheering on Bowers as he makes his mark in the NFL.
6. Makiah Shipp – Los Angeles Rams
Blake Corum, the standout running back from Michigan, was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the draft. His girlfriend, Makiah Shipp, is an inspiring figure in her own right. A public policy analysis student at Michigan, Shipp has earned recognition for her academic achievements and was featured on “Black Girl Speak” for her work amplifying marginalized voices. With a degree on the horizon, Shipp will become the first college graduate in her family. While she and Corum have kept their relationship mostly private, her presence as a strong, accomplished partner will be felt in the Rams’ fanbase.
7. Victoria Moraga – San Francisco 49ers
Ricky Pearsall, a wide receiver out of Florida, was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the second-to-last pick in the first round. Just days before his NFL debut, Pearsall was involved in a shooting incident in San Francisco, which left him hospitalized but fortunately able to recover quickly. His girlfriend, Victoria Moraga, has been a constant support through the ordeal. A former dancer for the Florida Gators, Moraga has since worked as a Social Media Coordinator at Modern International Realty. The couple met while both attending the University of Florida, and Moraga will now stand by Pearsall as he begins his NFL career.
As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, these women will undoubtedly become familiar faces to fans, whether through their support in the stands or their own personal accomplishments.
With influential figures like Taylor Swift and Simone Biles leading the charge, the new generation of NFL WAGs is ready to make their mark both on and off the field.
