Christen Harper is speaking out about the misconceptions regarding the significant others of professional athletes.
During Tuesday’s installment of the Stay Doubted web series, “Women of the League,” host Josie Leinart expressed how much it bothers her that some view the wives and girlfriends as “gold-diggers.”
“One of the things that bothers me so much, and I see it all the time in the comments section is how people view NFL wives and they are constantly viewing NFL wives, generally speaking, as gold-diggers,” said Josie, a former actress, who is married to former NFL quarterback Matt Leinart.
Harper — who is engaged to Lions quarterback Jared Goff — then disputed the notion that the partners of NFL players do not have careers of their own.
“People just assume things about you, they assume that you don’t have a job or you’re not doing anything outside of following your husband around, or fiancé around,” the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model said.
“So many of the women that I know in the league are working hard at their careers or they’re doing amazing things in the community. They’re doing so much more than just chasing a bag. That’s just not the reality,” she continued.
Harper took part in the wide-ranging discussion with the wives of fellow NFL players, including Allison Kuch, who is married to Raiders defensive end Isaac Rochell, Whitney Risner, the wife of Broncos guard Dalton Risner, and Kym Jackson, who is married to Jets receiver Jeff Smith. Harper was later asked if people believe that because Goff, 28, is a professional athlete they think his career takes priority over hers.
“One-hundred percent,” Harper said. “The number one thing I think people assume is that I won’t work because of him, and they’re not even considering maybe I like to or maybe that’s something that moves me… At the end of the day, it’s my choice.”
Harper, who had long been based in Los Angeles, has continued to thrive professionally as Goff’s second NFL chapter unfolds in Detroit, where he was traded to the Lions by the Rams in early 2021.
In fact, Harper celebrated a career milestone in October 2022, when she and her pal, Katie Austin, were named Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s Rookies of the Year.
This past week, however, Harper tipped her hat to Goff, who just wrapped a memorable Lions season, in which the team finished at 9-8 following a 1-6 start.
“I am so so proud of @jaredgoff and this entire team with everything they accomplished this season,” she posted Monday on Instagram. “Detroit is a special city and I feel so blessed to be along for this crazy adventure!”
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