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There’s a huge shift in the role that Jordan Love has taken up since Aaron Rodgers moved away from Green Bay before the 2023 season. And Love last season? All eyes were on him, and he did not let anyone down. Led the pack to a 9-8 record in his first season as a starter, earning himself a well-deserved extension of $220 million over 4 years. And it’s the same old: behind every man’s success, there’s a woman.

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Jordan Love is no different. In his case, Ronika Stone takes that reign. The Packers’ number 10 did not only land a deal that has put him on the same pedestal as Joe Burrow amongst the highest-paid QBs in the league. But he chose this off-season to strengthen his bond with Ronika as well. Love proposed to his girlfriend, now fiancé, in June during the out-of-the-rom-com trips to Italy.

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But, let’s just say there’s a rather unusual connection between Love’s fiancé and the Burrow family. Yes! We did not mean to catch you off-guard like that, but it’s true. See, the thing is, Ronika is a pro athlete herself. And a standout in her own right. She’s a former University of Oregon volleyball star with a flashy resume.

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  • Holds the record for the highest career-hitting percentage (.336) and leads the university’s history with an unmatched 429 block assists.
  • She’s also etched her name in the books, ranking third in total blocks (485) and fifth in career points (1,605.5).
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Quite the impressive resume, right? Now, what’s the link to Joe Burrow and his family? So, what’s the connection with Joe Burrow and his family? Yes, that. Thanks for being patient. Here it is. On October 3, 2023, Ronika Stone signed with San Diego Pro Volleyball, joining a team in the new Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF). And here’s where it gets really interesting—Joe Burrow and his parents, Jimmy and Robin Burrow, are founding partners of this league. Back in 2022, the Bengals’ QB shared that he and his family were excited to ‘support world-class volleyball athletes.’

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But that’s not where Ronika’s NFL connections end. Sure, Jordan Love, her beau, is a quarterback now, but the NFL ties run deeper. Her father, before Love, was even in the picture, had already carved out his pro-NFL path.

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Jordan Love’s fiancé Ronika Stone’s long connection with the NFL

Just like Jordan, Ronika Stone is a Cali-born as well. But has deep football roots thanks to her father, Ron Stone. An offensive and right guard, Ron’s spent time playing for some big-name franchises. The Cowboys, Giants, the Niners, and the Oakland Raiders—you name it, and his name’s there.

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Not only that but before retiring in 2026, he added two Super Bowl trips with the Cowboys as well. With such a strong football background, it’s no wonder Ronika found a natural connection with Jordan Love.

But it does not end with an ex-pro-father and pro-partner. Her brother, RJ, is a linebacker for the Washington State Cougars. Guess he’d have no problem getting mentored. Be it from his dad, Ron, or the Packers’ franchise QB. One could only imagine what it’s like growing up to such hefty pigskin knowledge.

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One thing’s for sure: If Jordan Love takes down the Eagles, Ronika won’t be celebrating alone. The journey’s just getting started. Last season, he was a first-time starter. Fast forward to now, and Love has proposed, gotten a fat extension, and the title of franchise QB. He is ready to deliver!

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Syed Talib Haider

1,219 Articles

Syed Talib Haider is the NFL Editor at EssentiallySports with over five years of experience as a sports beat reporter. He began his journey at the outlet covering the NFL, steadily building a strong readership for his in-depth reporting on major events, most notably as a senior writer during Super Bowl LIX, where his coverage helped capture the immediacy and drama of the game. His work during that season led to his promotion to the editorial desk, where he now oversees NFL coverage and guides the outlet’s strategy.

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Riya Singhal

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