Bursting into his college career, offensive guard John Simpson picked Clemson Tigers over offers from LSU, Alabama and South Carolina. And he quickly became a household name for the Clemson’s, as he played 300 snaps in his sophomore year. Proving himself as a key reserve player from the bench, Simpson propelled the Tigers to secure the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship. Well, this helped him land his first-team All-ACC and Consensus All-American accolades within that year.
However, playing college football for the Clemson’s wasn’t the only thing that changed Simpson’s life. As he met his future wife, Aliyah Caroline Simpson, in 2017. The couple bumped into each other while attending an African-American theatre class at college. While Aliyah graduated from Clemson in May 2019, Simpson was only starting to get recognized in college. In 2019, he started all 15 games for the Tigers, thereby making a name for himself in their offensive line.
Although Caroline moved on from their journey in Clemson, she and Simpson continued their commitment towards a long-distance relationship. She even posted a photo on her Instagram in her graduating year where Aliyah can be found kissing her future husband with the caption, “My absolute favorite person to support.” Soon after, she posted a celebratory picture standing in front of The Medical University of South Carolina with the caption, “All praise goes to God he can do ALL things. #MDLoading #DrSimmons.”
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While she continues on her journey to become a doctor, Aliyah has played the role of a supporting partner like none other. Going through her Instagram, you can often find her posting Simpson while showcasing their bond. When John Simpson got selected by the Raiders as their fourth-round 109th overall, she took to her Instagram to cheer him up. “So proud of you, baby,” with a red heart emoji and #vegasbaby. However, their new chapter was only getting started as the couple soon announced their engagement in 2020.
When did John Simpson and Aliyah Caroline Simpson get married?
After fulfilling his NFL dream by signing with the Raiders, Simpson went down on his knee to propose to his long-time girlfriend Aliyah. Well, Caroline shared a few snapshots on her Instagram where the then-Raiders offensive guard can be seen holding a ring. While Aliyah showed off her engagement ring, she put the caption, “I can’t wait to spend forever with you!” And the couple didn’t stop there, as they soon tied the knot, thereby pronouncing them as Mr and Mrs Simpson.
Taking to her Instagram, like always, Aliyah posted a collection of photos of them getting married in 2021. Well, she also added the caption sharing a small incident from the ceremony: “Couldn’t have asked for a better day even though John got stuck in an elevator right before the ceremony.” As Aliyah continued to post pictures from her wedding, the couple’s life changed when they welcomed their first baby in 2023.
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This time, sharing a photo together, Aliyah and John announced, “On September 16, 2023 this beautiful, blonde-haired boy entered our life 3 weeks earlier than expected. Everyone meet John Lucas “JL” Simpson.” With them becoming mom and dad, Simpson soon entered a new chapter in his NFL career. Joining the Jets in 2024, his NFL legacy is set to take a new turn in New York.
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Is John Simpson's NFL journey more inspiring because of his strong personal life with Aliyah?
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While we continue to look at John Simpon and his wife Aliyah Caroline Simpson’s happy married life. Do check out our latest Think Tank exclusive interview with Emily and Erin Griffin as they continue to shape the NFL globally.
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Is John Simpson's NFL journey more inspiring because of his strong personal life with Aliyah?