Josh Allen is crediting wife Hailee Steinfeld with teaching him he is “more than a football player,” the Bills quarterback said in a Jan. 12 ESPN Originals clip that also praised the actress as an “undeniable rockstar.”
**At a Glance
- Allen says Steinfeld showed him life beyond the NFL
- The couple wed in May 2025 and announced a baby on Dec. 12, 2025
- Bills beat Jacksonville 27-24 on Jan. 11; Steinfeld’s film won two Golden Globes the same night
- Why it matters: The NFL star’s rare personal reflection highlights how his high-profile marriage is shaping his identity off the field
The 29-year-old quarterback opened up about his relationship while reflecting on Steinfeld’s influence since they began dating in May 2023. In the interview, posted to Instagram by ESPN Originals, Allen called his wife “everything that I need in my life” and credited her with broadening his perspective beyond football.
“My whole dream as a kid was to be in this position and I never thought of anything outside that or beyond that,” Allen said. “Hopefully I get to still play this game for a very long time.”
The couple exchanged vows in a quiet ceremony in May 2025 and revealed their pregnancy via Steinfeld’s Substack newsletter on Dec. 12, 2025, later sharing the same video jointly on Instagram. Allen commented “I love you ❤️” on the post.
The timing of the ESPN clip amplified the moment: it arrived one day after both spouses celebrated major wins. On Jan. 11, Allen led Buffalo to a 27-24 playoff victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Steinfeld’s psychological thriller Sinners collected two Golden Globe Awards-Best Original Score and the new Cinematic and Box Office Achievement prize.
Unable to attend the ceremony, Allen showed support by posting an Instagram Story of Steinfeld’s red-carpet look. The actress, wearing Prada maternity fashion, drew a simple reaction from her husband: “🤤😍.”
Attention now shifts back to the gridiron. The Bills face the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Jan. 17, in the divisional round as Allen pursues a berth in the 2026 Super Bowl.
According to News Of Losangeles, the quarterback’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into how he balances stardom with newfound family priorities. Daniel J. Whitman reported that teammates have noticed a calmer, more grounded Allen this season-an observation that aligns with his comments about life beyond football.
Steinfeld has maintained a lower profile during awards season, choosing to communicate directly with fans through her newsletter rather than traditional press interviews. Industry observers note the couple’s coordinated announcements signal a deliberate effort to control their narrative amid intense media interest.
As the Bills continue their playoff push, Allen’s off-field evolution remains a subplot. The quarterback emphasized that while football remains his “dream,” Steinfeld’s presence has expanded his definition of success.
“She’s an unbelievable, undeniable rockstar in her work and in her life as a person,” he reiterated, crediting her with helping him see identity beyond the jersey.
Buffalo enters the Broncos matchup favored at home, but players insist focus is fixed on preparation, not headlines. Still, Allen’s comments suggest the stability of his personal life may provide an added edge under center.
With a baby on the way and a potential championship within reach, the 29-year-old finds himself navigating both playoff pressure and impending fatherhood. For now, he says, the lesson Steinfeld instilled-recognizing he is “more than a football player”-guides the journey.
