It seems the NFL’s always been big on power couples. It’s not just the audience that loves them, past a point it’s just the way things have to be. Especially If you didn’t stick it out with your high school or college sweetheart as an NFL player. How do you find someone who can relate to your life experiences? The most exciting pairings in the NFL right now are probably Kelce-Swift or Allen-Steinfeld, but Russell Wilson and Ciara have been adorable for nearly a decade together now.

Ciara first topped the charts 20 years ago, with her album Goodies, and went on to have multiple hit albums afterwards. Her most recent album, Beauty Marks, was released in 2019 on her own label, also named Beauty Marks, though she has since released a number of singles. But that’s not what’s important now. Her platinum single, Ride, released in 2010, featuring Ludacris, has recently become the talk of the town again.

Travis Kelce’s ex, Kayla Nicole, recently showed off her Halloween fit on Instagram, a meticulous recreation of Ciara’s iconic outfits from the music video for Ride. Less than 9 hours afterwards, Ciara had a post herself, resplendent in the iconic outfit and posing with her “ride.”

Ride was massive when it was released, a collab between two artists at the top of their game. It’s no wonder it climbed to the top ten on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. She reps her Atlanta roots with an Atlanta Braves cap in the video. And you know, Kayla Nicole nailed that part of the outfit, too. The very moves that made the UK ban the music video on television feature in Nicole’s shoot, too. Of course, Ciara’s toned down her vibe since then a bit, she’s married after all!

She first met Russell Wilson in March of 2015, at a basketball game at the University of Wisconsin. The two hit it off pretty much immediately and were soon making public appearances at events at places like the White House and the BET awards. Rather controversially, they revealed they were remaining celibate till marriage.

This was both a touching indicator they were in it for the long run and a little puzzling. Ciara’s whole brand was raw s–uality, but for Wilson, it seems she was willing to change. Wilson proposed in March 2016 at a beautiful resort in the Seychelles, and they were married by July. It was a lavish ceremony at a mid-19th century castle in Cheshire, England.

In the 8 years since then, they’ve had 3 kids, and seem to have found happiness in each other.

Is Russell Wilson going to find the success on-field that he’s found off-field?

Russell Wilson is a veteran quarterback by any definition, at age 35 and playing his 13th season. He’s been hit injuries through his career, but he still has that hunger to play on. With an estimated net worth of somewhere around $165 million, he could retire and live in unimaginable luxury. But he’s putting his body on the line, because of that same hunger to play he’s always had. When the Denver Broncos benched him last year, he just couldn’t take it.

And then with that training camp injury with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this year, it seemed like fate was conspiring against him. Justin Fields’ success in the initial 3 games also made his return seem doubtful, but now we’re past that hump. Wilson’s started in 2 games, and he’s won both, convincingly. Granted, they were against the two New York teams, who’ve been dreadful this year, but it’s not nothing!

3 touchdowns in just 2 games with 250+ yards each game is a stellar start, especially when he’s just come in. With the potential for play he’s shown, Wilson definitely has a chance at supplanting Justin Fields as the quarterback to pick this season. Whether he’s the better choice in the long term is a different question, we’ll just have to see.

If you’re interested in the NFL’s global growth and would like to hear more about it, be sure to check out our latest Think Tank Exclusive, featuring Emily and Erin Griffin.