When sports and glamour collide, sparks are bound to fly. For NFL quarterback Jared Goff, who just inked a whopping 4-year, $212 million extension with the Detroit Lions this month, and his fiancée Christen Harper, a trailblazing model and body-positive advocate, their journey is a modern-day fairytale with a twist.

The news of Goff’s storybook proposal to Harper during a sun-drenched getaway in Los Cabos, Mexico, in June 2022, sent shockwaves through social media. After years of high-profile dating rumors, the Los Angeles Rams’ former No. 1 draft pick had finally “put a ring on it” with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit stunner. In a celebratory Instagram post that would make even Jerry Maguire swoon, the smitten quarterback gushed, “Can’t wait for forever with you. Luckiest guy in the world.”

Yet, beneath the fairytale moments lies a grittier narrative–one of resilience, identity crises, and the relentless juggling of careers and aspirations that would make even the most seasoned linebacker buckle. When Goff was traded from the glitz of LA to the gritty streets of Detroit in 2021, Harper didn’t just follow her man – she took a wrecking ball to her flourishing career in the City of Angels.

Uprooting her life, the model-turned-panelist on the empowering “Women of the League” web series bared her soul, admitting, “That was a huge sacrifice for me, I was giving up a career. It really affected my identity and kind of who I was. I had a hard time at first.”

As Goff’s star continued to rise, leading the Lions to their first playoff berth in over three decades, Harper seamlessly transitioned into the role of the ultimate WAG (Wife and Girlfriend). From sideline moments captured on camera to raucous locker room celebrations, this dynamic duo has mastered the art of balancing life’s many roles without missing a beat.

With wedding bells on the horizon, Goff revealed in April 2024 that the couple plans to tie the knot in California during the summer of 2024, surrounded by friends, family, and their deep-rooted roots in the Golden State. “It’ll be a big party and something we’ll remember forever,” the quarterback quipped to PEOPLE, no doubt envisioning a reception worthy of a touchdown dance.

Christen Harper’s evolution from model to Jared Goff’s partner

Harper’s journey has been one of self-discovery, advocacy, and shattering stereotypes. Long before becoming the fiancée of a franchise QB, this California native was determined to blaze her trail in the cutthroat modeling world, rejecting industry demands to shrink herself down.

At just 20 years old, the Valencia-born beauty defied norms by embracing her curves and rejecting the pressure to conform to standard sizing. This bold stance on body positivity not only landed her in the glossy pages of Sports Illustrated but also cemented her as a role model for young women everywhere.

Harper’s game-changing moment came in 2021 when she was named a co-winner of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search, earning her the coveted title of Rookie of the Year alongside Katie Austin in the 2022 issue. “I am so inspired by these women every single day. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to connect with so many different people across the country,” she gushed.

As the world watched Goff’s star ascend from LA to Detroit, Harper’s metamorphosis was just beginning. She swapped runway strutting for sideline cheering, red carpet glamour for locker room adrenaline – all while using her newfound platform to champion causes close to her heart.

From mentoring girls in Detroit and Los Angeles through organizations like Girls Inc. to addressing the harsh realities of online trolls and even death threats from disgruntled fans, Harper has embraced the multifaceted role of the modern WAG with grace and resilience.

But don’t mistake Harper for just another pretty face – she is also an eco-warrior and sustainability crusader, recently co-founding the online lifestyle platform “Planted” to promote ethical living and environmental conservation. With her roots firmly planted in giving back, it’s clear that Harper’s narrative is one of boundless growth, resilience, and using her influence as a force for positive change.

So, while the world may know her as Jared Goff’s leading lady, Christen Harper’s journey is a touchdown tale of a woman who has covered all the bases.