In this episode of Superwives of the NFL, Stacey Bell-Lynn and Yolonda (Yo) Merritt discuss the unique journey of Yolonda's husband, David Merritt, Defensive Backs Coach for the Chiefs, the importance of continuity in coaching, and the excitement surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs as they head to another Super Bowl.

They also touch on family dynamics, the challenges of managing Super Bowl logistics, and the impact of Taylor Swift's relationship with Travis Kelce on the NFL. In this engaging conversation, Stacey Bell and Yo Merritt explore the unique experiences of NFL wives, touching on personal anecdotes, the significance of family and community, and the challenges of maintaining normalcy in a high-profile lifestyle. They discuss memorable moments, such as Taylor Swift's interactions with Yo and David’s daughter, the importance of Super Bowl celebrations, and the supportive network of women in the NFL. The conversation highlights the balance between personal aspirations and family commitments, emphasizing the value of being present in the moment and fostering connections within the NFL sisterhood. And of course, all the excitement leading up to the SuperBowl next week.

Takeaways

The Chiefs are aiming for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl appearance.

David Merritt has had a long and varied coaching career across multiple teams.

Continuity in coaching can lead to long-term success and stability for families.

Kansas City is a great place to raise a family, often overlooked by outsiders.

The Merritt family has a diverse range of interests and careers among their children.

Transitioning to college football can be eased by starting early in the year.

Super Bowl logistics can be overwhelming, especially with family involved.

Taylor Swift's presence has significantly impacted the NFL's media coverage.

The Merritt family enjoys a close-knit relationship despite the challenges of football life. The special connection through personal gestures like pop tarts.

Taylor Swift's desire for normalcy amidst her fame and fitting in at Chief’s celebrations.

Super Bowl parties serve as a celebration of the season.

Coaching careers often require family sacrifices.

The Off the Field Women's Association promotes sisterhood.

Future aspirations may shift after children graduate.

Being present in the moment is essential for happiness.

The NFL sisterhood provides vital support and connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Superwives of the NFL

02:57 The Journey of David Merritt: From Player to Coach

05:58 The Importance of Continuity in Coaching

08:55 Life in Kansas City: A Hidden Gem

11:47 Family Dynamics: Balancing Football and Personal Life

14:48 Super Bowl Excitement: Preparing for the Big Game

21:13 The Pop Tart Connection

22:58 Experiencing Taylor Swift's Normalcy

24:49 Super Bowl Celebrations and Traditions

25:59The Significance of Pendants

28:23Coaching Journeys and Family Dynamics

30:49Super Bowl Logistics and Family Involvement

32:25The Off the Field Women's Association

33:34Future Aspirations and Family Stability

36:17The NFL Sisterhood and Its Importance

Social Media: IG: https://www.instagram.com/staceybell4ny/

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Stacey Bell-Lynn and counselor to the LA Chargers, Tondra Gregory, discuss the unique challenges faced by NFL couples, including high divorce rates, identity crises, and the importance of communication in sustaining a viable marriage. Tondra and Stacey introduce the Gregory’s book, 'The Marriage Game Plan,' which uses sports analogies to provide strategies for marital success. This book is for all marriages, but there is a 70% divorce rate after retirement in the NFL, so Tondra and George wrote a book about ways to keep a good marriage. They are chaplain and counselor to the LA Chargers.

The conversation highlights the role of chaplains in supporting players and their families, emphasizing the need for mental toughness and adaptability in relationships. In this conversation, Tondra shares insights about the role of chaplains in the NFL, emphasizing the importance of building trust and relationships with players and their families. She discusses her journey of faith, highlighting how their not desired move to New York City ultimately led to significant opportunities in ministry. Tondra also provides valuable keys to maintaining a healthy marriage, focusing on understanding roles, flexibility, and addressing personal triggers. She reflects on the importance of community among NFL wives, highlighting how the lives of NFL wives can require a lot of stamina from moving often, raising kids by yourself for half the year, transitions when your player or coach is home again, etc.

The Marriage Game Plan is available for pre-order on Amazon, etc.

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takeaways

The Marriage Game Plan focuses on marital success strategies.

70% of NFL couples divorce after retirement.

Identity issues can arise for both players and their spouses.

Tough conversations should be planned

It's important to address issues before they escalate.

Both partners can experience an identity crisis after retirement.

Communication is key to navigating relationship changes.

Sacrifice is a fundamental aspect of marriage.

Chaplains play a crucial role in supporting NFL families.

Mental toughness is essential for women in the NFL.

Marriage requires understanding and flexibility between partners.

Recognizing and addressing personal triggers is crucial for relationship health.

Community among NFL wives fosters support and understanding.

Friendships formed in the NFL can last beyond the league.

Trusting God during difficult times is essential for faith.

Being genuine in relationships helps build trust.

Identity Challenges for NFL Couples

Social Media: IG: https://www.instagram.com/staceybell4ny/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staceybell_lynn

In this episode of Superwives of the NFL, Stacey Lynn interviews Tamela Davis, wife of NFL player DeMario Davis with the New Orleans Saints. They discuss Tamela's journey as an NFL wife, her Southern roots, the challenges of homeschooling six children, their daughter, Carly- Faith’s journey with cancer and their advocacy for childhood cancer awareness. Tamela shares insights about their F Word foundation that serves children, the importance of family dining, and how faith plays a crucial role in their lives. The conversation also touches on the NFL sisterhood and the support it provides to women in the league.

Tamela Davis Social Media: If you want to learn more about Cancer Awareness, the Carly-Faith foundation, and the Davis’ foundation The F Word.

https://www.instagram.com/tamelagilldavis/

takeaways

Tamela reflects on the unexpected longevity of DeMario's NFL career.

The importance of Southern values in shaping their family.

Homeschooling has been a fulfilling choice for their six children.

Tamela shares the emotional journey of their daughter Charlie's cancer diagnosis.

The Devoted Dreamers Foundation focuses on empowering inner-city youth.

Tamela Tailgate Treats was born from her love of cooking and family.

Family dining is essential for bonding and communication.

Faith is a cornerstone of their family life and decision-making.

The NFL lifestyle comes with unique challenges that are often overlooked.

The NFL sisterhood provides invaluable support and community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tamela Davis and NFL Journey

03:00 Southern Roots and Family Values

05:52 Homeschooling Six Kids

08:55 Cancer Awareness and Charlie Faith's Journey

11:59 Devoted Dreamers Foundation and Community Impact

14:54 Tamela Tailgate Treats: A Culinary Passion

17:57 The Importance of Family Dining and Etiquette

20:55 Faith as a Foundation

23:57 Navigating NFL Life and Challenges

26:48 The NFL Sisterhood and Support

29:51 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

In this episode of Superwives of the NFL, Dr. Camille Phillips shares her journey as an NFL wife of Adrian Phillips (a free agent this year/Safety), a mom, and she is a pediatrician. She discusses the challenges and joys of balancing family life with her medical career, the importance of community support, and her advocacy for women's health issues, particularly in the context of motherhood. Camille also highlights the significance of her and Adrian’s The L.A.K.E. foundation , which aims to give back to the community. Camille reflects on the strong bonds formed within the NFL sisterhood. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Camille Phillips shares her experiences as a wife of an NFL player, discussing the challenges of advocating for oneself in healthcare, especially brown and black women, the importance of friendships that transcend geographical boundaries, and the emotional toll of being part of the NFL community. She reflects on the joys of family time, the struggle of identity beyond football, and the significance of mental health in navigating life after the game. The discussion highlights the strong bonds formed within the NFL sisterhood and the support they provide to one another.

Takeaways: *Camille enjoys having her husband home after years of moving.

She recently passed her pediatric board exam after a long journey.

Taking time off from medicine can be beneficial for family life.

Women should support each other in their career choices.

Camille serves as a medical resource for other NFL wives.

She had a scary moment on the field when Adrian got hurt.

The Lake Foundation focuses on community service and education.

The NFL wives community fosters strong friendships and support.

Camille advocates for mental health awareness and postpartum issues.

Listening to one's body is crucial in healthcare. Advocating for yourself in healthcare is crucial.

Friendships can thrive despite geographical distances.

Long-distance relationships can be challenging in the NFL.

NFL families face unique emotional struggles.

Watching loved ones play can be emotionally taxing.

Cherishing family time is invaluable.

Transitioning from football can impact identity.

Mental health is essential for former athletes.

Self-discovery is a journey after sports.

The NFL sisterhood offers vital support and solidarity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Camille Phillips and NFL Life

06:30 Support and Criticism in the Medical Community

11:38 The Lake Foundation: Giving Back to the Community

18:13 Advocating for Postpartum Health

24:09 Navigating Long-Distance Relationships in the NFL

30:25 Mental Health Matters: Finding Worth Beyond the Game

35:38 The NFL Sisterhood: Support and Solidarity

Social Media: IG: https://www.instagram.com/staceybell4ny/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staceybell_lynn

In this engaging conversation, Adrienne Perry, wife of coach Dustin Perry of the SF 49ers, shares her journey from being a collegiate athlete to becoming an actress, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. She and Stacey discuss the realities of being an NFL wife (Dustin is the Strength and Conditioning Coach and now also the Head of Player Development), the pressures of game day, and the fun and importance of fashion and identity to Adrienne in representing her husband and team. Stacey and Adrienne emphasize the value of strong connections within the NFL sisterhood, the impact of kindness from role models, and the complexities of fan interactions. The conversation concludes with reflections on friendships and the aspirations and resilience of NFL wives.

Takeaways

Adrienne transitioned from a corporate career to acting with her husband's support.

She emphasizes the importance of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) for athletes.

Adrienne's husband, Dustin, quickly rose in his coaching career, allowing her to pursue acting.

She values the supportive environment of the 49ers organization.

Game day is stressful for NFL wives, not just glamorous as perceived.

Fashion is a way for Adrienne to express herself and support her husband.

She believes in the power of kindness and how it impacts others.

Fan interactions can be challenging, especially when expectations are high.

Adrienne values quality friendships over quantity in her life.

She hopes her daughter will build lifelong friendships within the NFL community.

Chapters

00:00 From Athlete to Actress: Adrienne's Journey

03:00 Life as an NFL Wife: The Reality Behind the Glamour

06:01 Game Day: The Pressure and Expectations

08:53 Fashion and Identity: Representing the Team

12:02 The NFL Sisterhood: Building Strong Connections

14:59 Navigating Fan Interactions: The Good and the Bad

18:10 Role Models and Kindness: The Impact of Support

21:03 Friendships in the NFL: Quality Over Quantity

23:59 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Family

In this episode of Superwives of the NFL, Stacey Bell interviews Melanie Wilking Ekeler, a prominent TikTok influencer and wife of NFL and Commanders player Austin Ekeler. They discuss Melanie's journey in carving out her own identity while being part of the NFL community, her modern love story with Austin, and the challenges and joys of navigating life as an NFL wife. Melanie shares insights on the importance of community among NFL wives, her passion for dance and fashion, and her new fitness platform, Move With Mel. She talks about her love of dancing since she was young. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media, the significance of family support, and reflections on the unique lifestyle that comes with being married to a professional athlete.

You can find Melanie on IG and Tik Tok @MelanieWilking

takeaways

Melanie emphasizes the importance of maintaining her own identity as an influencer.

She describes her relationship with Austin as a modern love story that began on social media.

Melanie had to learn about the NFL lifestyle quickly after dating Austin.

She highlights the supportive community among NFL wives and the friendships formed.

Melanie's passion for dance has been a lifelong pursuit and remains a core part of her identity.

She has launched a fitness platform called Move With Mel, focusing on her love for fitness.

The conversation reflects on the importance of family support in navigating the challenges of NFL life.

Melanie discusses the significance of game day fashion and her collaborations with brands.

She shares her experiences of adjusting to a new city and team culture after moving with Austin to play with the Commanders.

The episode concludes with reflections on the unique experiences and memories created in the NFL.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Melanie Wilking Ekeler

06:52 Adjusting to the NFL Lifestyle

12:52 The Influence of Social Media

20:27 Future Aspirations and Projects

28:40 Reflections on NFL Life

Social Media: IG: https://www.instagram.com/staceybell4ny/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staceybell_lynn

In this episode of Superwives of the NFL, Stacey Bell-Lynn interviews Hayley Williams Pepper, wife of NFL long snapper Tabor Pepper. They discuss Hayley's journey from high school friends to NFL wife, the challenges of navigating life in the NFL, the importance of friendships among NFL wives, and the impact of politics on their lives. Hayley shares her experiences with sustainable fashion, motherhood, and the support she receives from the 49ers organization. The conversation highlights the balance between personal beliefs and professional life in the NFL. In this engaging conversation, Haley Williams Pepper shares her journey as a mother, doula, and wife of an NFL player. She discusses the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs, the challenges of motherhood, giving back and the need for personal fulfillment outside of family roles. Haley emphasizes the significance of community and support among NFL wives, the legacy they wish to leave, and the joy of building lifelong friendships within the sisterhood of the NFL.

Takeaways:

Hayley and Tabor reconnected after college and married in 2021.

The 49ers organization provides incredible support for families.

Hayley emphasizes the importance of friendships among NFL wives.

Sustainable fashion is a passion for Hayley, focusing on renting and consignment.

Friendship should take precedence over team rivalries.

Injuries are a significant challenge in the NFL, affecting expectations.

Hayley believes in using their platform for political advocacy.

Privacy for their children is a priority for Hayley and Tabor.

Hayley values open conversations about politics without ending friendships. You stand firm in your beliefs despite backlash.

Finding humor helps in dealing with challenges.

Becoming a doula was inspired by personal experiences.

It's important to have passions outside of motherhood.

Isolation can be a significant struggle for new moms.

Building a community is essential for support.

Embrace friendships with other NFL wives.

Leaving a positive legacy is important in the NFL.

Childhood experiences in the NFL are unique and special.

The NFL sisterhood provides invaluable support and understanding.

Social Media: IG: https://www.instagram.com/staceybell4ny/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staceybell_lynn

In this conversation, Stacey Lynn and Michaela Bradley (her husband is Gus Bradley-Defensive Coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts) discuss their experiences as NFL coaches' wives and the challenges and the joys they face in managing their families and personal lives. They talk about the importance of maintaining independence and finding fulfillment outside of their husbands' careers. They also touch on the topic of firings and how they navigate the ups and downs of the coaching profession. They also talk about after the season “re-entry” back home and figuring that out. The conversation highlights the importance of the women’s relationships and the support they provide within the NFL sisterhood.

Takeaways

Maintaining independence and finding fulfillment outside of their husbands' careers is crucial for coaches' wives.

Firings are a part of the coaching profession, and it's important to maintain relationships and not take them personally.

The NFL sisterhood provides a network of women who understand the unique challenges and experiences of being coaches' wives.

Support and relationships within the NFL sisterhood are invaluable and can last a lifetime.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:48 Challenges of Being Coaches' Wives

07:58 Independence and Fulfillment

10:54 Dealing with Firings

16:05 The Power of the NFL Sisterhood

20:57 Final Thoughts and Goodbyes