Pre-season has come and gone. You made it through the stress of being away from your man during minicamp, but what about now? What about this crazy transition? You’ve been through the rollercoaster of good and not so good practices. You’ve been the support system your guy has needed. You’ve been the greatest cheerleader. You even survived the first two cuts. But now, your man has been released from his team. What do you do now? Your identity has been being a NFL wife for your man’s team this past year.
Girl, I’ve been there, and I want you to know that you are going to be OK.
Take time to grieve.
This is a difficult time for you to endure, and it is no easy feat. You thought you would move up to one city, and now all of your plans for the next four months, maybe even the next year, have been put on hold. It is OK, and not the least bit selfish to be sad for your guy, and for yourself as well. This affects your life as much as it affects his.
Where will you be moving to? In what city will your husband be playing? Is this the end of his career? What next? What now?
Take time to be there for your man.
He may not even want to talk much, but even if he doesn’t express it, he needs you right now. Your guy may be feeling so much rejection-on a personal and professional level, that it is difficult for him to comprehend. Try to support him during this time where his identity is being shifted temporarily.
I want to encourage you to take this time of uncertainty to grow together. Be vulnerable together. Lean on each other.
It was during the few short weeks that my husband was in between teams that I felt the closest to him. Sometimes, walls need to be knocked down for us to let our loved ones in. Go on dates, spend the time that you have right now together. Make meaningful conversation. Be intentional, and get your mind off of the current situation.
"Sometimes, walls need to be knocked down for us to let our loved ones in."
Lastly, take time to be in the presence of the Lord.
Obviously, when we were briefly in between teams, I had no idea what to expect. This was my first time experiencing so much uncertainty.
Let’s be honest, the NFL presents so much uncertainty, but this was cold cut uncertainty. This was a crucial time for me to be obedient and trust the Lord. I had so many power packed verses that I had memorized, but was I truly believing in them? Was I OK with God’s plan for our life? I urge you to dive deep into the Word-through devotions, scripture, and with your community of believers. And never underestimate the power of prayer. Prayer really can change things, and can be such a comfort to us.
It is difficult for me to be vulnerable. I like people to think that I always have it all together. When I reached out to my friends, family, and church family, I felt such a peace that I had not felt before. I knew-and you should know-that your God has an awesome plan for you and your man and will fight for you if you hope and trust in Him. He alone gives us strength to put on our big girl pants and get through this tough time.
So, to my sister WAG going through this tough time, be patient, be understanding, be even more flexible right now.
Take this time to lean on your man, let him lean on you, lean on others, and lean on the Lord.
Some of my favorite verses that got me through this past year were,
"Cast all your anxieties on the Lord, for He cares for you." -1 Peter 5:7
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40:31
Caleb and I at his last pre-season game with the Miami Dolphins. Hey, at least I unknowingly got to wear his jersey one last time!
Caleb and I with the Philadelphia Eagles, after being released from the Dolphins after pre-season 2015. Talk about a drastic weather change!
