Worlds Collide: 29+ Professional Athletes Who Fell for Hollywood Icons

Athletes and Hollywood stars may not have the same skillset, but they have one thing in common; A life in the spotlight. Find out which of your favorite athletes fell for Hollywood icons and how their relationships played out.

Eric Decker and Jessie James

Country singer Jessie James first met her husband, Eric Decker, wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, through a mutual friend in 2011. After months of chatting online, Eric flew to Nashville to see Jessie, and sparks were flying.

The following year, Decker popped the question, and he married the woman of his dreams in June of 2013. The loveable couple even got their own reality show, which documented their life together, as they later raised three beautiful children.

A-Rod and J.Lo

Long before Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez went on a date, the New York Yankees legend was asked, "What would a dream date with Alex Rodriguez be?" And he responded with, "Jennifer Lopez. Hopefully, you can find me a date with her." In 2005, A-Rod and J.Lo met at a Yankees game, but they were both married to other people.

12 years later, they ran into each other and quickly started dating. They realized that they have a lot in common, "We're both Leos; we're both from New York; we're both Latino and about 20 other things," Alex revealed. They're currently engaged and living an incredibly happy life alongside A-Rod's two daughters and J.Lo's twins.

Justin Verlander and Kate Upton

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander first met his wife, model Kate Upton, while shooting a video game commercial in 2012. They took things slow until one day when they found a much deeper connection; That's when everything changed. "It felt like the first time we really got to know the other person," Upton revealed.

"It felt… like finding a friend. A real friend." However, the couple broke up in 2013 but got back together the following year, and Verlander proposed in 2016. Justin and Kate have been happily married since 2017 and are now parents of a beautiful little girl.

Brooks Laich and Julianne Hough

Canadian hockey player Brooks Laich first laid eyes on actress Julianne Hough in 2013. "I mean, I've never really been the person to think about 'When you know you know,' but it was just kind of like that," Hough revealed. "When we first met each other, we were like, And we're done.'"

"She puts so much great out into the world. I'm a pretty lucky guy," said Laich. Two years later, Brooks popped the question, followed by a beautiful lakeside wedding in 2017. "It's just the greatest thing ever to marry your best friend," Laich told People. However, the couple recently separated, claiming it was a mutual decision. 

Victor Cruz and Karrueche Tran

Former New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz started dating actress Karrueche Tran back in 2017. "We just started like hanging out and getting to know each other," Tran explained. "And it's just very, like, genuine and real. We have a good time together… And that's all that matters."

After spending some extra quality time together during quarantine, the couple's even starting discussing kids and plan on sharing the rest of their lives together. "She's very much the one for me. I love her very much," Cruz said. "We're still growing and learning things about each other as we're going along."

Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood

Former hockey player Mike Fisher's life changed after he was set up with country artist Carrie Underwood in 2008. Their chemistry was undeniable, but they lived in two different countries, so the relationship wasn't exactly easy. Mike and Carrie tied the knot in 2010 and have been head over heels in love ever since.

"My husband is as wonderful as he is hot, and I feel like that's rare," Underwood revealed. The couple split their time between Nashville and Ontario until Fisher was drafted by the Nashville Predators. Today, Mike and Carrie are living happily in Tennessee with their two beautiful boys.

Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union

It wasn't exactly love at first sight for NBA legend Dwayne Wade and actress Gabrielle Union. Gabrielle wasn't interested in Dwayne when they first met in 2007 while co-hosting a Superbowl party. "Then, after I had a heart-crushing breakup with yet another immature jerk, I thought… Let's just see what happens," Union explained.

So, they began dating but broke up in 2013 and got back together later that year, officially tying the knot shortly after. Gabrielle helped raise Dwayne's sons from a previous marriage, and in 2018, the couple welcomed their first child together into the world. And from that point on, they've lived as one big happy family.

Ryan Sweeting and Kaley Cuoco

Professional tennis player Ryan Sweeting and Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco got married after knowing each other for only six months. It all started when "We actually met on a blind date," Kaley revealed. "I had never met him, and he had never really met me. He still tells me he had never seen the show; He didn't know who I was."

The initial date took place in 2013, right after Sweeting finished playing in a national tennis tour. "Dinner was great," said Cuoco. "And then he moved in the next day." The newlyweds were happily married for a couple years but eventually divorced in May of 2016.

Eric Johnson and Jessica Simpson

Former San Francisco 49ers legend, Eric Johnson, met his wife, singe, Jessica Simpson, at a party in 2010. "We connected on all levels," said Simpson. So, the happy couple said "I do" in July of 2014, and they're now proud parents of three beautiful children.

Eric and Jesica celebrated their 10 year anniversary this past May, and Jessica shared, "I fell head over slippers in love with this perfect man 10 YEARS ago today!" By chance, he knocked on my dreamy cottage door," she revealed. "I let him in and never let him leave. He is mine, I am his... forever."

Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen

New England Patriots icon Tom Brady met his stunning wife, Brazilian model, Gisele Bündchen in 2006, and they've been together ever since. "It was a 'blind date' - although it wasn't blind because I knew what she looked like," Tom explained. "When she walked in, I just thought she was the most beautiful woman I've seen in my life."

"I knew right away - the first time I saw him," said Gisele. At the beginning of their relationship, Tom discovered that his former girlfriend was pregnant with his child, and without hesitation, Gisele stuck by his side. Today, the couple is happily married with two children of their own, and three including Tom's son.

Derek Jeter and Hannah Davis

Towards the end of his 20-year long career on the New York Yankees, Derek Jeter was first spotted with his now-wife, Sports Illustrated model Hannah Davis. "Derek and I met during the off-season, and I think that was a lucky break," Hannah explained. "I didn't have any preconceptions about who he was."

"I had met the nicest guy, and I wanted to get to know him on my own terms. We met at the right time," Davis continued. "And right from the start, I could tell that the timing of Derek's life and mine were aligned." Derek and Hannah said "I do" in July of 2016 and later had two children together.

Carmelo and LaLa Anthony

Portland Trail Blazers star Carmelo Anthony first met TV personality LaLa Anthony in 2003 through a mutual friend, while LaLa was hosting a show on MTV. "It started off as a friendship which evolved over time into something more," LaLa explained. They hit it off immediately, and Carmelo proposed the following year.

Shortly after the engagement, Lala gave birth to her and Carmelo's first child and officially married in 2010. Over the years, rumors sparked about possible cheating scandals, and the couple announced that they had split up in 2015. However, LaLa claimed that they're on good terms, and both prioritize their son's happiness.

Hank Baskett and Kendra Wilkinson

Former NFL wide receiver Hank Baskett first laid eyes on TV personality Kendra Wilkinson in 2007, while she was filming The Girls Next Door. "We met that day out on the golf course and knew he was mine," Kendra explained. They hit it off immediately and got married in June of 2009.

Hank and Kendra became parents to two children and eventually landed their own reality show, Kendra on Top, which ultimately exposed their personal lives to the world. Over time, rumors of divorce began to surface, and in 2018, Kendra revealed that she and Hank were no longer together. 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez

Legendary Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo first caught his girlfriend's attention, Argentinian model Georgina Rodriguez, in a Gucci store in Madrid, where she was working at the time. "His height, his body, his beauty caught my attention," said Georgina. "I was trembling in front of him, but a spark ignited."

Rodriguez struggled with the constant spotlight at first, dating the world's biggest sports star. "People were chasing me… Reporters came to the boutique pretending to be customers," she explained. Today, Ronaldo and Rodriguez are madly in love, raising their daughter and Ronaldo's three kids from previous relationships.

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto

NBA legend Michael Jordan's life changed for the better in 2007, when he met the beautiful Cuban-American model, Yvette Prieto, at a nightclub. The two had undeniable chemistry and have been together ever since. Michael got down on one knee and asked Yvette to marry him in 2011.

They officially became husband and wife in 2013 with an extravagant wedding, and love was certainly in the air. Less than a year later, Yvette gave birth to twin girls, and this beautiful family of four has been living a relatively private life ever since.

Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari

Former Chicago Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler first pursued reality TV star Kristin Cavallari in 2009, but she wasn't interested in him at first. "I got a call from my publicist that Jay wanted to fly me out to Chicago and take me out. I didn't even know who he was!" Kristin revealed.

"I was in the middle of filming The Hills, so I was like, 'I don't want a boyfriend in Chicago.'" But, a year later, Kristin wound up in Chicago and finally gave Jay a chance. They fell in love, and had their first child in 2012, then married in 2013. They recently divorced but are still co-parenting their three children. 

David and Victoria Beckham

Former professional footballer David Beckham first laid eyes on Posh Spice while playing for Manchester United in 1997, and they haven't left each other's side since. "And yes, love, at first sight, does exist," said Victoria. "It will happen to you in the Manchester United players' lounge."

Less than a year later, David and Victoria got engaged, and then had their first child four months before they were set to say "I do." They married in Dublin that summer and later had three more children. The Beckhams celebrated their 20th-anniversary last year, alongside their living children, and appear to be as happy as ever.

Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek

NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski met Sports Illustrated model Camille Kostek while playing for the New England Patriots, as she had previously been a cheerleader for the team. "We first got in touch once I resigned from the teach," said Camille. "I always knew who he was before I was even a cheerleader."

Rob claimed that he first asked Camille out "through a piece of paper." In the summer of 2015, Gronk began making appearances in Kostek's Instagram photos, so fans were convinced they were a couple. They were on and off for a few years, but today they're more in love than ever.

Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington

Former NFL cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha married actress Kerry Washington in 2013 during a private and intimate ceremony. They had their first child together in 2014 and welcomed their second into the world in 2016. Kerry considers herself "a mother of three," as she's also stepmom to Nnamdi's daughter from a previous relationship.

Since retiring from football in 2013, Asomugha followed in Washington's footsteps and got into acting as well. Not only has he been named Best Raider of the Past Decade after his successful NFL career, but he eventually received a Golden Globe nomination, as well as a few other awards.

Russel Wilson and Ciara

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson began his relationship with singer and songwriter Ciara in 2015 after both getting out of serious relationships. "She was on tour, she was traveling, and I was looking at her in the mirror… and God spoke to me and said, 'I need you to lead her,'" Russell revealed.

In March of 2016, Wilson proposed, and they married later that year. Ciara gave birth to their first child in April of 2017, and Wilson shared, "You're an inspiration to so many ladies around the world." Today, they're proud parents of three incredible children, and last year, Russell was named the highest-paid NFL player.

Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker

Andy Roddick, a World-renowned American tennis player, first noticed actress and model Brooklyn Decker when hosting a show for Sports Illustrated. "He watched it every week, and he got his attorney to call my agent at the time, and I thought it was very shady," Brooklyn revealed. 

Five months later, she gave him a shot, and they got married in 2009. "I was 22, he was 27, we were both earnest, and I think naive and optimistic and us against the world," Brooklyn explained. "We were just infatuated with each other," she added. They're now parents to two children and are enjoying life as a family of four.

Gerard Piqué and Shakira

Spanish football star Gerard Piqué first met Columbian singer Shakira on the set for her Waka Waka music video, right before the 2010 World Cup. "I wasn't a soccer fan, so I didn't know who he was," Shakira revealed. "When I saw the video, I was like, 'Hmm, that one's kind of cute.' And then someone decided to introduce us."

"It all started when we were in South Africa, and I wrote to her," said Gerard. "She was already there because she sang in the opening ceremony and I asked her what the weather was like. It was the typical stupid question." Evidently, his trick worked, as they started dating and later had two children, but don't plan to get married.

Mike Comrie and Hilary Duff

Former Canadian hockey player Mike Comrie started dating actress and singer Hilary Duff in 2009. The couple was madly in love, so they tied the knot in 2010. Two years later, they had their first child together, but in 2014, there were speculations that Mike and Hilary were no longer together.

They divorced in February of 2015 but have remained close friends for the sake of their son. "Mike's amazing. We're so ingrained in each other's lives," Hilary shared. "I wouldn't choose anyone else to co-parent with. We really are good friends and care a lot about each other."

Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian

Cleveland Cavaliers icon, Tristan Thompson, began dating reality TV star Khloe Kardashian in 2016 when they were set up by a mutual friend. "I was at the Bel-Air Hotel... I didn't want to go on a blind date, so Brandon [their mutual friend] kind of ambushed the date... And we just connected," Khloe explained.

They instantly fell for one other, and went public about their relationship later that year. Khloe split her time between L.A. and Cleveland, and in April of 2018, they welcomed their adorable daughter into the world. Due to a scandal, Tristan and Khloe broke up hat same year but have remained a part of each other's lives.

Nick Swisher and JoAnna Garcia

Former MLB player Nick Swisher was introduced to actress JoAnna Garcia by a mutual friend, but JoAnna wasn't so sure about him at first. "It certainly wasn't the first type of profession for a guy that I wanted to date," she revealed. "But the second I met him... I thought, 'Wow, he's just really refreshing and, he's really kind."

"He was really consistent, and he was very willing to prove himself," JoAnna added. "He's like, 'I don't want you to think that I'm some stereotypical athlete… And that just really struck me like he's in it to win it." So, the couple got married in 2010, and they're now parents of two beautiful daughters.

Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias

Former professional tennis player Anna Kournikova first met Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias while filming his Escape music video back in 2001. "I've never met her before, but I'm a big fan," Iglesias admitted at first glance. "She's beautiful, talented, great tennis player." 

"It doesn't take a good actor to kiss Anna and try to make it believable." After their first onscreen kiss, it was clear that Anna and Enrique had undeniable chemistry. The couple never felt the urge to get married, but they're still going strong and are the proud parents of three children together.

Rick Fox and Eliza Dushku

Retired Canadian basketball player Rick Fox began dating actress Eliza Dushku in 2009 and appeared to be quite the power couple. They enjoyed five years as a couple until they both realized that they couldn't agree on some significant life decisions.

In 2014, Rick and Eliza decided it would be best to go their separate ways. "Rick's an L.A. guy, and I'm a Boston girl," Eliza revealed. She wasn't willing to continue living on the West Coast, while Rick had no interest in giving the East Coast a try.

Sean Avery and Hilary Rhoda

Former NHL left wing Sean Avery, and supermodel Hilary Rhoda experienced love at first sight when they met at a New York City bar in 2009. "I can say I'm part of the age-old story: girl walks into a bar and guy says to his buddy, 'That's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen, and I'm going to marry her,'" Sean explained.

They began dating shortly after, "We clicked and had fun that summer," said Hilary. "Sean was in hockey-off season, so I had time to get to know him. He was always up for a new adventure." They tied the knot with an intimate ceremony in October of 2015, and five years later, proudly welcomed their first child into the world.

Jarret Stoll and Erin Andrews

Former professional hockey player Jarret Stoll met TV personality and actress Erin Andrews through their mutual friend, Michael Strahan, another former athlete. Jarret asked Michael to set him up with Erin in 2012, but she told Michael she wasn't interested. However, Stoll wouldn't take no as an answer.

So, Jarret managed to sneak past the security guards at a baseball game in San Francisco to get to Erin, and she finally decided to give him a chance. Four years later, after falling madly in love with one another, Stoll popped the question, and the couple tied the knot in June of 2017.

Reggie Bush and Kim Kardashian

Former New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush caught feelings for reality star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian at the 2007 ESPY Awards. "I'd never seen Kim before the ESPY Awards," said Reggie. "After that, I started inquiring... I was a friend to her when she needed one, and we ended up talking, and everything worked out."

In 2009, Reggie and Kim briefly broke up but found their way back to one another just a few months later. The following year, though, they parted ways for good, as Reggie could no longer keep up with Kim's increasing fame, as she was frequently traveling the globe and couldn't stay out of the spotlight.