In a candid and exclusive conversation with PEOPLE magazine this Wednesday, Daiyaana Muhammad, the fiancée of Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, pulled back the curtain on the reality of being an NFL partner. She revealed a life that, contrary to public perception, is filled with immense pressure, long-distance challenges, and significant emotional responsibility.
The Glitz Versus The Grind
Muhammad explained that while the world sees the glamorous photos, high-profile events, and the excitement of game days, they rarely witness the demanding side of the profession. The long days, the constant pressure to perform, and the quiet sacrifices form the bedrock of an athlete's life, directly impacting their partners.
She expressed a sense of guilt when discussing these hardships. "A lot of people see the glitz and glam, but we feel guilty complaining about the other part that people don’t see," Muhammad told PEOPLE. She is grateful for their life but emphasized that the work happening behind the scenes is intensely real and often goes unrecognized.
The Unseen Emotional Load of an NFL Partner
Detailing the extensive responsibilities, Muhammad outlined the multifaceted role partners play. They are the pillars holding everything together while the players are away for long stretches during the grueling season.
"We have to manage our fans, we have to manage our community, we have to manage other women, we have to manage not being around our men for a lot of time… we have to manage our men’s mental health and still have a strong face for our kids," she shared. This statement highlights the tremendous emotional burden, from handling public attention to being the primary emotional support for both their partner and children.
She and Dawkins consciously work to understand each other as they navigate the unique strains his career with the Buffalo Bills brings into their relationship.
Embracing the WAG Label and Personal Identity
During the same interview, Muhammad officially confirmed her engagement to Dion Dawkins, marking the first public announcement of their updated relationship status. The couple has been building their family life alongside the demanding and travel-heavy NFL schedule.
She also addressed the term "WAG" (Wives and Girlfriends of athletes). While some criticize the label, Muhammad has a pragmatic view. "It embodies the wife and the girlfriends of an athlete. It’s a fact," she said. More importantly, she found that the term connected her to a powerful community of women who share similar experiences. This network of mutual understanding and support has meant "everything" to her.
Beyond her identity as an NFL partner, Daiyaana Muhammad is a successful individual in her own right. She is a model with a flourishing career, holds a master's degree in nursing, and has previously taught at Chamberlain University before deciding to pursue modeling full-time.
