Behind the Scenes: The Hidden Struggles of NFL Wives

The Glamour and the Pressure

Life as an NFL wife might seem glamorous, but it's not all fame and fortune. Jasmatia, a former NFL wife, shares her story of the ups and downs she faced during her time in the spotlight and after her husband's retirement.

"It was like high school all over again, with groups and labels."

She enjoyed the perks of meeting famous people and networking, but she also felt the pressure of fitting into a cliquey culture.

The Challenges After Retirement

Retirement brought a different kind of struggle. Jasmatia felt like she lost her identity as an NFL wife and had to figure out who she was outside of that role. Her husband's health also took a turn for the worse.

• Diagnosis: Brain damage and early signs of CTE, a condition caused by repeated head injuries.
• Role Change: Jasmatia became his caretaker, learning everything she could about his condition and how to manage it.
• Family Support: She held family meetings to educate her kids about their father's health.

The Journey to Recovery

With the right treatment, her ex-husband's condition improved, but it was a long and difficult journey. Jasmatia filed for divorce in 2024 after nearly two decades of marriage.

Moving Forward

• Career: She now works at a communications company and is going back to school to become a product manager.
• Advocacy: She wants to raise awareness about the realities of the NFL wife lifestyle and the financial and health struggles that many players and their families face after retirement.

Advice to Current NFL Wives

Jasmatia advises current NFL wives to start planning for their future early.

"Start your financial planning now. Be careful who you trust with your finances."

She also encourages them to pursue their own careers and not lose sight of themselves.

"Go to school, build a career. Do not forget yourself at all."