Athletes’ Secret Partners: Meet the Men and Women Who Have Stolen Their Hearts
Brittney Griner and Cherelle Watson
Brittney Griner, a WNBA star for the Phoenix Mercury, met Cherelle Watson while attending Baylor University. Their love story from law school to the basketball court is inspiring. After reconnecting in 2017, they began dating. Their relationship blossomed, leading to their engagement in 2018 and marriage the following year.
Cherelle, who now goes by Cherelle Griner, has been a steadfast supporter, especially during Brittney’s challenging times, including her detainment in Russia in 2022. The couple does not have children, but their bond remains strong. They often share moments of their lives and love on social media, demonstrating their unwavering support for one another.
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens
Olympic gold meets NFL grit in the dynamic relationship of Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens. Simone, a gymnastics legend with numerous Olympic medals, met Jonathan, a safety for the Houston Texans, on social media in 2020. Their connection was instant, and they began dating the same year.

The couple got engaged in February 2022, with Jonathan proposing on Valentine’s Day. Their bond is evident through their supportive posts and shared moments on social media. In May 2023, they celebrated their wedding in a beautiful ceremony. Their relationship exemplifies the power of love and mutual encouragement in the demanding world of professional sports.
Karl Malone and Kay Kinsey – Together Since 1990
Karl Malone, the American retired professional basketball player, nicknamed ‘the Mailman’, is considered one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. Karl is also lucky to have a life partner in Kay Kinsey and they have been together for thirty years.

The duo met at a mall in Utah when Karl was signing autographs, Kay also went on to request a photo with him. Kay sent the photos to her sister after a couple of months. Kay’s brother-in-law sent the photos to Karl and Karl and Kay began connecting through telephone. Gradually, their relationship evolved and they decided to tie the knot in 1990 amidst close friends and family.
Kay and Karl have been married for three decades and continue to live happily together. The duo share four children together and Karl feels ever so thankful for having Kay in his life, she clearly is the backbone of the family.
Charles Wade Barkley and Maureen Barkley – Together Since 1989
Charles Wade Barkley is one of the most esteemed names in the field of NBA. The former professional basketball player has been keeping everyone in splits with his witty comments as an analyst on Inside the NBA.

Although he is known for his strong opinions, Charles keeps his personal life far away from the spotlight. The NBA star has been in a 31 years marital relationship with Maureen Blumhardt and enjoys a happy life with her and their daughter.
Maureen has been a model and she has impressed everyone with her body of work in the 70s era. The duo dated for many years before finally tying the knot in 1989. They have shared several ups and downs in their relationship but they have braved them all drawing support from each other. With Charle’s impressive net worth we are guessing they have all the financial support they need to lead a happy and luxurious life.
Larry Bird And Dinah Mattingly – Together Since 1989
It may have been quite a while since Larry Bird last hit the hardwood, but his name still looms large in the history of basketball history. During his time with the Boston Celtics, he proved to be a lethal scorer and a wonderful competitor. His skills and hard work at the court won him three NBA titles, and that also meant he earned a sizeable salary.

Thanks to his impressive NBA stint he has been able to build up massive net worth, Bird, however, remained a simple man with some ordinary interests. His relationship status also reads married to Dinah Mattingly for close to four decades.
He shares two children with her and they are living it up at their fancy abode in Naples, Florida.