Cort Freeman

Cort Freeman

Cort Freeman

I wanted to find a picture of him in a Tigers uniform, but at least you can't see the Houston Astros logo here (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

No matter where you look, you can’t escape Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The morning news shows are talking about them, the sports shows are talking about them, it’s inescapable. However, when two superstars start dating it’s bound to be buzz worthy. This isn’t the first time an athlete has dated a fellow celebrity. In fact, many of our Detroit athletes have dated famous celebrities.

Some of these couples were front page news, and you’ll certainly remember them. At the same time, you may have forgotten some of our beloved Detroit athletes who dated celebrities. Some were mere flickers in the dark, flames that were quickly put out. While others are now happily married and living their best lives together.

I put together a list of five Detroit athletes who dated celebrities while they were here in Detroit. That was a key characteristic for the list. For example, you won’t see Reggie Bush on the list. Yes, he dated Kim Kardashian and was a Detroit Lion, but not at the same time. Thus, he is disqualified. There are also athletes from Michigan who have dated celebrities but didn’t make the list because they don’t play for our teams. I’m thinking of guys like Devin Booker, who famously dated Kendall Jenner. Book is from Grand Rapids and is a noted fan of our teams, but he plays for the Phoenix Suns. Hence, also disqualified. Likewise, you won’t find Detroiters like Kid Rock, Eminem, or Tim Robinson on the list because they aren’t athletes, although they are from Detroit. I think you should understand the criteria by now.

Can you think of any Detroit athletes that we missed on the list? Make sure to let us know in the comments on Facebook or Twitter! The list spans multiple decades. It also features athletes from all of our Detroit sports teams. You’ll find some Lions, a Tiger, a Red Wing or two, and a Piston. That’s 4 for 4.

Think you can predict the five featured athletes? Take a second. Think about who you expect to see on the list. I bet at this point you already have one in mind. Alright, enjoy stalling. Let’s get to the list!

5 Detroit Athletes Who Dated Famous Celebrities

  • Justin Verlander and Kate Upton

    This was huge news in and out of Detroit when it went public. At the time, Justin was one of the best pitchers in the MLB (and still remains so, clearly) and Kate was one of the most famous models in the world. She’s from West Michigan, so her Michigan ties run deep. The two started dating in 2014 are still married today. I miss him so.

    Kate Upton Justin Verlander

    I wanted to find a picture of him in a Tigers uniform, but at least you can’t see the Houston Astros logo here (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

  • Sergei Fedorov and Anna Kournikova

    Do you remember this or am I showing my age here? The two superstars dated in the late 90s and were reportedly married in 2001…depending on who you ask. She’s denied the claim.

    Sergei Fedorov and Anna Kournikova

    6 Jun 2000: Anna Kournikova and Sergei Fedorov during the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris. Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport

  • Danny Amendola and Olivia Culpo

    Amendola played for the Lions for a couple of seasons in 2019 and 2020. Danny and Olivia dated on and off for a couple of years starting in 2016, and officially called it off in early 2019, when Danny had just signed with the Detroit Lions. The break-up was very messy, and couldn’t have been an ideal way for Danny to start his venture with his new team. Olivia is now engaged to San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.

    Danny Amendola and Olivia Culpo

    LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 12: NFL player Danny Amendola and model Olivia Culpo attend The 2017 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

  • Luke Kennard and Savannah Chrisley

    Savannah Chrisley

    Savannah Chrisley attends the 52nd Academy Of Country Music Awards at Toshiba Plaza on April 2, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

    This one may have slipped under the radar, but it happened. The brief relationship between the Piston at the beginning of his Rookie Year in 2017 and the star of Chrisley Knows Best only lasted four months. Doesn’t look like it was a very pleasant ending, either. Chrisley made some accusations after the break-up alleging that Luke wasn’t faithful.

  • David Blough and Melissa Gonzalez

    The former Lions backup quarterback is married to Melissa Gonzalez, who’s an Olympic hurdler for Colombia. Blough, and some Lions teammates, went viral a few years ago for cheering on his wife as she competed in the Tokyo Olympics. Watch the video below.

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