As football season comes to an end and your favorite players enter the off-season, there’s another team of supporters whose work never really stops. Behind every pre-game outfit, sideline hug, touchdown scored, and post-game meal is a partner that has been there every step of the way – now widely known by their viral name WAGs: the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes.
Oftentimes, the glory of big wins and career-defining opportunities is credited to God, teammates, and family. But there’s an unspoken constant behind it all, players’ wives or partners, offering support that often goes unrecognized. However, with the rise of WAGs, the narrative has totally changed.
The term WAG first emerged in the early 2000s, when British tabloids began spotlighting the wives and girlfriends of soccer players. One of the most iconic figures to step in as a WAG was Victoria Beckham, wife of David Beckham. Today, the spotlight has shifted, moving from fútbol to football, as NFL WAGs redefine what it means to stand behind the game while building identities of their own.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s wife, Ann Micheal Maye, was definitely one of the most viral WAGs this 2025 football season. It all started when she started a series called Bakemas that caught the attention of millions, Patriots fans or not. From baking different cookies every day, all the way until Christmas, during peak football season, led to Maye making a name for herself. She now has several deals with big-time companies like NBC Sports Boston, DoorDash, and JetBlue.
When asked about his wife, Patriots quarterback Maye says, “She’s got her own little journey that’s been awesome. Being herself, that’s the best thing about her and what I love her for.”
While all the viral moments are exciting, there lies a deeper meaning behind the power of a wife in the NFL. Big partnerships, little moments of emotion, celebration, and everyday life are shared, which really connects all NFL fans to their players on a deeper level.
Another key WAG who has made a name for herself is Kristin Juszczyk. Not only is she the wife of 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, but she is also the designer of the brand Off Season, which is licensed by the NFL. She creates anything from puffer jackets, corsets, sweatshorts, and sweatpants; her creative mind never runs out of ideas.
When one of her first pieces went viral, the 49ers fullback said “[It was] just pure joy,” Kyle said. “Just to see her get that recognition. She’s been grinding for years now, working so hard. So, I was so happy to see her get her stuff out there, everybody sees it, and people recognize that it was hers.”
Each piece she creates reflects more than style; it’s an expression of her support for the league and her husband’s career, blending personal pride with professional ambition.
Lastly, another 49ers WAG who is making waves is Claire Kittle, the wife of 49ers tight end George Kittle. Claire has made a ton of impact not only by being supportive of her husband but also by many fans. Both Claire and George host military veterans at the sidelines of home games. Over the past 6 years, 400 tickets have been donated by them to support those who serve/served. They also launched a free mental health resource app that includes the same meditative practice George uses while playing.
Without Claire, George wouldn’t have the support and love to help others and get through the challenges football often causes, he says in one of her recent Instagram posts, “You’re the best teammate for this journey.” Without his wife, none of what he does would be possible.
As the role of WAGs continues to grow, it is clear that they are more than supporters on the sidelines. Through creativity, business ventures, and genuine connection with fans, they are shaping NFL culture in meaningful ways. These are just three WAGs who are making an impact, so many more are also cultivating this culture and making changes on and off the field.
