WAGs – Which Ones are Impeding Their Partners?

We all hope that falling in love will turn us into a better version of ourselves, will inspire us to be the best we can possibly be.

For athletes, though, relationships can be a minefield. The elation of a budding romance can lead to personal bests or rapid declines; parting with a longtime partner can do the same.

Obviously, as fans, we can’t be in sports stars’ bedrooms (aside from Justin Verlander and Kate Upton, wink-wink) to ascertain just what it is about a relationship – or lack thereof – that’s creating success or strife. But the WAG-effect – beneficial or otherwise – can always be seen on the court, gridiron, diamond, links, or ice.

Below, we run down which WAGs have helped their partners and which seem(ed) to be holding them back.

We also make some predictions on whether some new paramours will help or hinder their better halves this year.

Existing Couples:

Dustin Johnson (PGA Tour)/Paulina Gretzky (daughter of Wayne Gretzky)

After winning the WGC-HSBC Championship shortly after they began dating, Johnson dealt with drug issues before returning this season to win the WGC-Cadillac Championship. The Gretzky relationship appears has been both a blessing and a curse for this rising golfer, it seems.

Brooks Laich (Washington Capitals)/Julianne Hough (dancer on Dancing with the Stars)

Laich’s career was already on the decline when he hooked up with Dancing with the Stars pro Julianne Hough.

It’s still headed in the same direction, though he is a valuable defensive cog in the Caps’ current playoff-bound team. We’re not blaming Hough for Laich’s single-digit goal total, but she also hasn’t restored him to his 25-goal heyday of 2009-10.

Call it a wash.

 

 

 

Eric Decker (New York Jets)/Jesse James (singer/reality TV personality)

There’s no doubt that a relationship caused Eric Decker to go from 1,200 yards and 12 TDs two years ago to less than 1,000 yards and just five TDs last season.

But that relationship is the one he was forced into with QB Geno Smith.

Decker still managed to catch 74 passes for 964 yards from a combination of Smith and Mike Vick in 2014. We see that as a small miracle and give James credit for keeping the skilled wideout, let’s say, relaxed while playing in the Jets’ dismal offense.

 

Wes Welker (NFL free agent)/Anna Burns (model)

Dating a former Hooters girl, I mean model, sounds like a good thing, but Welker’s career has been on the decline of late. Three years ago, he caught 118 passes and ten touchdowns from Peyton Manning; in an injury shortened 2014, Welker caught just 49 balls for 464 yards and two TDs.

It’s hard to blame Burns for the concussion problems that have slowed the diminutive receiver … or is it? She certainly has been known to give him headaches.

Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears)/Kristin Cavallari (actress/designer)

If only Jay Cutler’s arm was as accurate as his sperm. Cutler’s swimmers found the mark again with wife Kristin Cavallari last year as the couple welcomed their second son, Jaxon.

How did Cutler respond? By throwing 18 interceptions and leading the Bears to a dismal 5-11 record.

Maybe Cavallari is what’s been holding Cutler back from reaching his full potential these last few years. Or maybe it’s his complete and utter inability to read a defense. Who’s to say?

Nick Young (LA Lakers)/Iggy Azalea (rapper)

“Swaggy P” is known for taking shots he shouldn’t. But if you jack up enough prayers, every so often one of them gets answered. We assume that’s his approach with women as well, and Iggy seems to have bought into the swagger.

Even though Young is clearly punching above his weight in this relationship, it hasn’t brought him success on the court; his points per game are down from over 17 last year to just over 13 this year, and he suffered a season-ending injury in February.

He ought to have known a romance with the Aussie rapper would bring trouble.

 

Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburger SV)/Sylvie van der Vaart (TV personality/model)

Rafael and former wife Sylvie recently split. The divorce followed on the heels of van der Vaart transferring from a solid Tottenham squad in the English Premier League to a languishing Hamburg team in the German Bundesliga.

However, van der Vaart has been one of the lone bright spots for Hamburg in 2014-15; maybe new girlfriend Sabia Boulahrouz is keeping the 32-year-old young at heart.

Rory McIlroy (PGA Tour)/Caroline Wozniacki (WPT Tour)

Scheduled to be married last year, Rory McIlroy called off his nuptials with tennis pro Caroline Wozniacki after realizing he wasn’t ready. He followed that up by winning the Open Championship, WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and PGA Championship. Apparently he made the right decision!

The break doesn’t seem to have been a bad thing for “Woz,” either, though. She reached the finals of the US Open shortly after the split and has looked closer to her former-World No. 1 form than she has in ages.

 

Predictions for New Couples:

How Will Alex Rodriguez’s new “mystery” girlfriend affect his comeback attempt?

New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez apparently re-partnered shortly before his ongoing comeback attempt. The fact that Rodriguez was one of the Yankees’ best hitters in spring-training some thinking that the new mystery woman might be a miracle worker! While we don’t know a damn thing about her, she’s clearly going to be an improvement over Torrie Wilson – who was with A-Rod from 2011-2013, arguably his three worst seasons in the majors.

How will Caroline Wozniacki affect the career of Washington Redskin Ryan Kerrigan?

Considering Rory McIlroy went on to win three PGA tournaments last year after breaking it off with Wozniacki, Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan should think twice before proposing.

Or not – depending on his priorities. 😐

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How will Alexis Randock affect the career of PGA golfer Rickie Fowler?

Last year, Fowler had his highest earning year on the PGA Tour. Perhaps a walk down the wedding aisle can get Fowler more wins (and a green jacket). It’s more likely, though, that the relative youngster gets a tad distracted by his new belle. (I would be.)