“It has negative connotations”: The WAG debate heats up as NFL players' partners reveal why the label feels insulting
In NFL culture , the term “WAG” — short for “wives and girlfriends” — has become a widely recognized way to describe the women who stand beside professional athletes. From superstar singers like Taylor Swift, who dates Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, to Hollywood actress Hailee Steinfeld, who is linked to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the acronym is no longer reserved for anonymous partners on the sidelines. Yet, while the phrase has gained mainstream traction, its reception among the women themselves remains complicated.
Some NFL partners reject the label and its stereotypes
Isabelle Sewell, wife of Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, admitted the word carries baggage she’s not entirely comfortable with. "It's not my favorite term," Isabelle tells PEOPLE. "I just feel like it has negative connotations, so I don't really like to call myself a WAG.”
Daisy Foko Granson, wife of Philadelphia Eagles tight end Kylen Granson, echoed that sentiment, acknowledging that for women with established careers, being reduced to a WAG can feel dismissive. “I completely see where they’re coming from, where they don’t like being accessorized in that way to their husband,” she said.
Others, like Savanna Jackson, fiancé of rookie Malaki Starks view the label as trendy but ultimately not defining. She embraces the sense of community it fosters, describing how veteran WAGs often support newcomers navigating life in the NFL spotlight.
Others embrace WAG culture as part of their NFL lives
On the other side of the debate are women like Rachel Bush, the influencer wife of Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer, takes pride in the title, so long as it doesn’t eclipse her identity. “If someone says WAG Rachel Bush , I’m not offended by it at all,” she explained, adding that the key is having more to one’s life than just the association. “You’re that and what, though? And more.”
Skyler Skoglund, dating Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard , initially had to Google what the word meant when fans first called her one. Now, she sees it as a simple shorthand — and even as recognition of the emotional support partners provide behind the scenes.
Also Read: Dua Lipa brings NFL spirit to the stage with Cowboys Cheerleaders in dazzling Dallas performance
What these perspectives highlight is that “WAG” means different things depending on who you ask. For some, it feels reductive; for others, it’s a badge of pride. What’s clear is that the women who fall under this umbrella bring far more to NFL culture than a three-letter label suggests — as professionals, partners, mothers, and role models.
Some NFL partners reject the label and its stereotypes
Isabelle Sewell, wife of Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, admitted the word carries baggage she’s not entirely comfortable with. "It's not my favorite term," Isabelle tells PEOPLE. "I just feel like it has negative connotations, so I don't really like to call myself a WAG.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DL-AWxrOKu0/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DL-AWxrOKu0/
Daisy Foko Granson, wife of Philadelphia Eagles tight end Kylen Granson, echoed that sentiment, acknowledging that for women with established careers, being reduced to a WAG can feel dismissive. “I completely see where they’re coming from, where they don’t like being accessorized in that way to their husband,” she said.
Others, like Savanna Jackson, fiancé of rookie Malaki Starks view the label as trendy but ultimately not defining. She embraces the sense of community it fosters, describing how veteran WAGs often support newcomers navigating life in the NFL spotlight.
Others embrace WAG culture as part of their NFL lives
On the other side of the debate are women like Rachel Bush, the influencer wife of Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer, takes pride in the title, so long as it doesn’t eclipse her identity. “If someone says WAG Rachel Bush , I’m not offended by it at all,” she explained, adding that the key is having more to one’s life than just the association. “You’re that and what, though? And more.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/COG0C8wrnbp/ https://www.instagram.com/p/COG0C8wrnbp/
Skyler Skoglund, dating Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard , initially had to Google what the word meant when fans first called her one. Now, she sees it as a simple shorthand — and even as recognition of the emotional support partners provide behind the scenes.
Also Read: Dua Lipa brings NFL spirit to the stage with Cowboys Cheerleaders in dazzling Dallas performance
What these perspectives highlight is that “WAG” means different things depending on who you ask. For some, it feels reductive; for others, it’s a badge of pride. What’s clear is that the women who fall under this umbrella bring far more to NFL culture than a three-letter label suggests — as professionals, partners, mothers, and role models.
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