Since I’ve known my husband, I’ve always known his ultimate goal was to play in the National Football League. Coming from a small school, it was a BIG dream with small probability. I mean I’m talking a less than 1% chance. But long story short and by the grace of God, he’s in his 6th year and grinding everyday so he can possibly (keyword: ‘possibly’) have a job. (Currently unemployed — say a pray for us!)

From the outside looking in, the NFL life is a dream. The stereotype includes but is not limited to: huge pay checks, designer purses and fancy cars. But after living in this world, being on the other side looks a lot different. Especially for us wives and girlfriends who pretty much hold it all together. Throughout the years, I’ve met some of the strongest women and greatest friends. Here are some straight up WAGS (wives & girlfriends in sports) truth:

1. WAGS are goal focused, career driven women. Since we live in two or three different cities throughout the year, we find ourselves balancing the moves from state to state, the single parent weekends and the packing and unpacking (x4) … With all that, dreams sometimes get put on the backburner. But let’s be clear, WAGS are lawyers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, dietitians, models — I could go on and on. We make it work, work, work, work, work (cue Rihanna).
2. WAGS are friendly and inclusive. The NFL is a revolving door. I have a friend whose husband has been on six teams in six years.  But regardless of moving three times in six months at one point; she has created lifelong friendships on each team. WAGS are welcoming because we’ve all been the ‘new girl’.
3. WAGS are good to our men. Job security really doesn’t exist in the NFL. One bad snap, one missed tackle, one dropped ball can cost you your job. We recognize the stress our men go through, and WAGS do everything we can to be their support system.
4. WAGS support each other. During the season, our husbands are working, and we live miles away from our family. If it wasn’t for my girlfriends, I would have spent last year’s Thanksgiving and Christmas alone. All we’ve got is each other. WAGS are family.

Shout out to all my WAGS. These past 6 years have been amazing … all because of the friendships we’ve made and the memories we have created. This life isn’t so glamorous sometimes, but you all have made it such a fun ride! So much love.