Josh Allen Reflects On Playing First Game After Engagement

Josh Allen hit the field for the first time as an engaged man Sunday night, following his recent proposal to Hailee Steinfeld. The Buffalo Bills quarterback seemed to embrace the new chapter, sharing that he "felt free" on the field as a fiancé.

The engagement announcement came with an Instagram post captioned "11.22.24," featuring a dreamy photo of Allen down on one knee, surrounded by flowers, candles, and a breathtaking sunset. Steinfeld, visibly emotional, added to the magic of the moment.

Fans and friends quickly flooded the comments to celebrate Josh Allen's milestone, including Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and his girlfriend Taylor Swift, who shared their congratulations on the exciting news.

When asked by a local reporter how it felt to play with his new title as Steinfeld’s future husband, Allen couldn’t hide his smile, admitting he had no complaints.

"It felt good," Allen said of playing his first game as a fiancé. "It felt free." His performance during Buffalo's 35-10 victory over the 49ers proved he meant it. The 28-year-old quarterback went 13/17 for 184 yards, delivering two touchdowns — and impressively scoring through passing, rushing, and even receiving — all in the snowy conditions.

The standout game came just days after Allen and Steinfeld shared their engagement news on Instagram with a romantic post on Friday. While the couple hasn’t revealed their wedding date yet, fans are already buzzing with excitement for the soon-to-be newlyweds.

Allen and Steinfeld were first linked romantically in the spring of 2023, when they were spotted dining together in New York City. While Allen later confirmed they were dating, he asked The Associated Press to avoid mentioning Steinfeld by name to help maintain some privacy.

Since then, Steinfeld has become a regular presence at Bills home games, and the couple even hosted a Halloween party together this fall.

At 28, Allen has cemented his place as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks. Since being drafted in the first round out of Wyoming in 2018, Allen has rewritten much of Buffalo's record book, setting numerous single-season and career marks for passing and scoring.

After Allen, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, announced his engagement to actress Steinfeld, a controversial comment surfaced on his ex-girlfriend Brittany Williams’ Instagram account. The comment referred to Allen as a “brain dead CTE athlete,” drawing significant attention and criticism.

Williams later addressed the situation on her Instagram Stories, claiming her account had been hacked. “My accounts have been hacked several times tonight. Trying to get it resolved,” she wrote.

The comment was allegedly in response to a user mocking Williams’ love life, with her account purportedly replying, “Luckily my boyfriend owns a team and doesn’t play for one. Don’t have to be with another brain dead CTE athlete.”

CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition has been identified in athletes involved in high-contact sports such as football and boxing. The incident has not only sparked discussion about the risks associated with contact sports but also highlighted the challenges of social media security.

After a year of dating speculation, Allen and Steinfeld made their relationship Instagram official in July with a low-key post. Allen shared a photo of the two admiring the Eiffel Tower in Paris, along with a shot of a woman walking from behind in a photo slideshow—though he notably didn’t tag Steinfeld.

By Halloween, Steinfeld followed suit, posting her first photo with Allen as the couple hosted a circus-themed party. While she also refrained from tagging him, she included a playful detail: a picture of custom napkins that read, “Josh and Hailee’s circus showdown.”

The Halloween party fully embraced its circus theme, offering guests an immersive experience filled with classic carnival charm. Tables were decorated with black-and-white striped tablecloths, while vibrant balloons filled the venue. Red-and-white fabric draped from the ceiling, perfectly recreating the iconic “big top” atmosphere of a circus tent. To complete the nostalgic vibe, retro clown figures were strategically placed throughout the space, adding a playful touch of circus history.

Steinfeld, known for her impeccable style both on and off screen, stole the show in a stunning ringmaster costume. Her ensemble featured a striking red coat with bold detailing, making her the undeniable centerpiece of the festive celebration.