“The common denominator is marriage”: Chad Johnson credits Hailee Steinfeld for Josh Allen’s $330M deal—Shannon Sharpe has thoughts

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Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills signs a six-year, $330 million contract extension with $250 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history in guaranteed money. His engagement to actress Hailee Steinfeld is believed to have contributed to his professional success, stabilizing his personal life and leading to an MVP award and the historic deal.

The Buffalo Bills have officially secured their franchise quarterback for years to come, as Josh Allen inked a monumental six-year, $330 million contract extension. This deal, which includes an NFL-record $250 million in guaranteed money, cements Allen as the highest-paid player in league history in terms of guaranteed earnings. While Bills fans rejoiced over keeping their star quarterback in Buffalo, much of the buzz extended beyond football, drawing attention to Allen’s personal life—specifically, his engagement to Hollywood actress Hailee Steinfeld.

Since announcing their engagement in November 2024, Hailee Steinfeld has been wholeheartedly embraced by the Buffalo community, earning the affectionate nickname “Queen of Buffalo.” As soon as news of Allen’s historic contract broke, fans couldn’t help but connect his professional success to his personal life. Many believe that his engagement has brought a sense of stability that has propelled him to new heights.

Allen’s incredible 2025 offseason only strengthens that narrative. Earlier this year, he was named the league’s MVP for the first time. The Bills also solidified their roster by securing key players, including Khalil Shakir and Gregory Rousseau, on contract extensions. Then, just months after getting engaged, Allen signed the largest contract guarantee in NFL history. His dominant play in the second half of the 2024 season—following his engagement—likely played a crucial role in securing the MVP award and this record-setting deal.

Chad Johnson, a former two-time All-Pro, believes there’s a clear pattern between a quarterback’s personal stability and their on-field success. On a recent episode of Nightcap, Johnson shared his take:

“You notice something… when it comes to quarterbacks? Every time they get married, every time they get engaged… everything else they got going on falls into place… the common denominator is marriage… so what does that tell you [that] you and I need to do?”

While some may brush it off as coincidence, history suggests otherwise. Dak Prescott’s best statistical season came in 2023, just months after announcing he was expecting a child with his longtime girlfriend, Sarah Jane Ramos. That season, he led the NFL in touchdown passes and finished second in MVP voting. Shortly after his daughter’s birth, Prescott landed the biggest contract in terms of annual salary in NFL history. Similarly, Jalen Hurts got engaged in September 2024 and went on to win the Super Bowl just months later.

Shannon Sharpe, a Hall of Famer and co-host of the show, agrees that personal stability plays a significant role in a player’s success:

“[It] keeps you out the streets… [keeps] you home studying… you can vent when things are not going well. They understand your situation… this is a very physically demanding, very emotionally demanding game, very psychologically demanding game.”

While there are exceptions—such as Tom Brady’s marriage ending after years of success—there is evidence to suggest that a strong, supportive personal life can help a quarterback stay focused, driven, and emotionally balanced.

With his future set in Buffalo, Allen’s focus is now on leading the Bills to their first-ever Super Bowl victory. The team has been a consistent playoff contender in recent years, but expectations have now skyrocketed with his record-breaking contract.

Having a partner like Hailee Steinfeld, who understands the pressures of a high-profile career, could help Allen thrive even further. Her dedication to her craft as an actress mirrors the discipline Allen brings to football, creating a partnership that may push both of them to greater success.

Also Read: Josh Allen becomes NFL’s highest-paid QB with record-breaking $330M contract extension from Buffalo Bills

For Bills fans, this could mean more than just a dominant quarterback—it could be the final piece needed to bring a Lombardi Trophy to Buffalo. And with Allen locked in for the long haul, that dream feels more possible than ever.

TOI Sports Desk

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