As the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots gear up for one of the most anticipated showdowns in recent NFL history, there’s a whole other team standing strong behind the scenes: the wives, fiancées, and girlfriends who have become the unsung MVPs of Super Bowl 2026. With Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, set to host the big game on February 8, 2026, the spotlight is shining not just on the gridiron stars, but also on the vibrant community supporting them every step of the way.
For the Seahawks, this Super Bowl marks their first faceoff against the Patriots since the unforgettable 2015 title game. The stakes are sky-high, and so are the emotions among players’ families. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams’ wife, Hailey Louise Williams, summed up the sentiment perfectly ahead of the championship: “I trust whatever God has planned for us, and I feel really excited to be able to watch my husband just do what he loves and have fun,” she shared with People in January 2026. “No matter what, it’s such a blessing to be in this position and being at this game, I think it’s just gonna be one of those moments we’ll never forget, of ‘You are actually in this championship, and we’re here.’”
Quarterback Sam Darnold’s journey has been nothing short of a whirlwind, and his fiancée, Katie Hoofnagle, has been by his side through every twist. The couple, who made their relationship public in 2023, celebrated their engagement in July 2025. Hoofnagle, a University of South Carolina alum, has cheered Darnold on through his stints with the 49ers, Vikings, and now the Seahawks. When Seattle clinched their NFC Championship berth, she posted, “WE’RE NOT DONE YET!!!” on Instagram, capturing the infectious energy surrounding the team.
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp and his wife, Anna Marie Kupp, are no strangers to the Super Bowl spotlight. Married since 2015, the high school sweethearts have navigated Kupp’s career from Los Angeles to Seattle. Now a Seahawk, Kupp is looking to recapture the magic that made him a Super Bowl MVP with the Rams. Anna Marie, often seen on the sidelines with their three sons, has been a steadfast presence throughout his journey. “I knew that she was the one that I wanted to marry when we had first met back in high school,” Kupp told ESPN in 2022.
Family milestones abound for the Seahawks’ roster. Leonard Williams and Hailey Louise Williams, who tied the knot in April 2025, are preparing for the birth of their first child in March. “Everything is prepared for the baby,” Hailey said, highlighting the couple’s readiness to embrace both parenthood and football’s biggest stage. Fellow defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who joined the Seahawks in 2025 after 11 seasons with the Cowboys, has his wife Sasha and their five children rooting for him. Sasha’s Instagram post after Seattle’s NFC title win radiated gratitude: “Year 12, new chapter, same purpose 🙌 … It’s ALWAYS glory to Jesus Christ for His faithfulness and guidance.”
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon and girlfriend Nijeria McClain have shared a journey from high school sweethearts in Florida to the NFL’s grandest platform. McClain, reflecting on Witherspoon’s rise, told People, “Just being able to know him before football and just see him prosper and take it pro, it was actually insane.” She called Seattle’s Super Bowl run “magical,” and her support extends to the entire Seahawks family: “Congratulations to our players and coaches for taking a magical season and maximizing on just that! Hard work pays off!!”
Other Seahawks families are also in the midst of life-changing moments. Safety Julian Love and his wife, Julia, married since June 2022, are expecting their second child after welcoming son Noah in December 2023. “My cheeks hurt from smiling! Super Bowl LX here we come!!!” Julia exclaimed after the NFC Championship win. Offensive tackle Charles Cross and LaSarah Hargrove, tight end Elijah Arroyo and girlfriend Ava Carney, linebacker Ernest Jones IV and wife Tyra, and defensive tackle Byron Murphy II and fiancée Maya Hurd — who navigated the challenges of welcoming a premature daughter during the season — all bring their own stories of resilience and joy to the Seahawks’ Super Bowl voyage.
On the Patriots’ side, the cast of supporters is just as compelling. Quarterback Drake Maye’s wife, Ann Michael Maye, has been his partner since childhood. Their relationship, which began when they were just 12, blossomed through their college years at UNC and culminated in marriage in June 2025. Ann Michael’s viral baking videos even landed her an NBC Sports Boston show, “Beyond Bakemas,” in January 2026, making her a fan favorite in Foxborough.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ high-profile relationship with Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has also captured headlines. The couple made things Instagram official in June 2025 and welcomed a son in November. Cardi B, already a mother of three with estranged husband Offset, has become a prominent supporter at Patriots games, bringing her signature flair to the stands.
Tight end Hunter Henry and wife Parker Henry are expecting their third child, while linebacker Robert Spillane and wife Shelby have grown their family with two daughters since their 2023 wedding. Left tackle Will Campbell’s girlfriend, Ashlynn Nussmeier, comes from a football dynasty — her father is a former NFL player and current Saints offensive coordinator, while her brother plays quarterback for LSU. Victoria Gibson, wife of running back Antonio Gibson, is expecting their fourth child and has become a social media sensation in her own right, proudly calling herself the “Bostonian princess.”
The Patriots’ support squad also includes Imani Matthews, girlfriend of All-Pro cornerback Marcus Jones, who has inspired his off-field creative pursuits, and many more significant others who have played crucial roles in the players’ off-field lives.
For both franchises, the Super Bowl is more than just a game. It’s a celebration of the journeys, sacrifices, and shared dreams that have brought these families together. The stories of love, perseverance, and support echo throughout Levi’s Stadium, reminding fans that behind every touchdown and tackle stands a network of unwavering encouragement.
As the action unfolds on the field, the excitement, nerves, and pride in the stands are palpable. Whether it’s the Seahawks’ magical run or the Patriots’ determined return, the 2026 Super Bowl is already delivering unforgettable memories for players and their loved ones alike. No matter who lifts the Lombardi Trophy, the bonds forged off the field will be cherished long after the confetti falls.