Jessie James Decker and Eric Decker share a unique love story.
Their journey began in 2011 when they met through mutual friends, sparking a connection that would change their lives. Jessie vividly remembers the moment she first heard about Eric. A text from her girlfriend revealed that she was having dinner with a special someone and a stunning stranger had joined them. Curiosity piqued, Jessie asked her friend to show the mystery man a picture of her, wondering if he would be interested.
In her memoir, "Just Jessie," written in 2018, Jessie expressed her decision to change her approach to romance after Eric received her number and texted her first. She declared, "If a man wanted me, he would have to demonstrate it. Therefore, I made Eric pursue me."
The twosome got engaged in 2012 and married the following year in Colorado. They welcomed three children: Vivianne in 2014, Eric Jr. in 2015 and Forrest in 2018.
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Scroll down to witness the evolution of Jessie and Eric's relationship throughout the years and find out how their family has grown with the exciting announcement in August 2023 of Jessie's fourth pregnancy.
Credit: Sanford Myers/AP/Shutterstock
Jessie James Decker and Eric Decker: A Timeline of Their Relationship
Jessie James Decker and Eric Decker have a love story that’s all their own.
Jessie and the ex-NFL player began dating in 2011 after being introduced by mutual friends. "My girlfriend sent me a text saying, 'I'm having dinner with this guy I'm seeing, and another guy just showed up, and he's incredibly attractive,'" she shared with Access Hollywood in 2013. "Show him a picture of me and check if he's interested."
Eric got her number and was the first to text her, prompting Jessie to approach their relationship in a new way.
"In her 2018 memoir, Just Jessie, she stated, 'Henceforth, any man interested in me would have to prove his intentions,' and consequently, I compelled Eric to pursue me." The couple became engaged in 2012 and tied the knot the following year in Colorado. Together, they joyfully welcomed three children: Vivianne in 2014, Eric Jr. in 2015, and Forrest in 2018.
In August 2023, despite their previous deliberation and Eric considering a vasectomy, Jessie revealed that she was expecting their fourth child, indicating their decision to expand their family.
Scroll down to see how Jessie and Eric's romance has evolved over the years:
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
2011
The pair began dating after meeting through mutual friends.
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
April 2012
Jessie and Eric announced that they were engaged.
Credit: Tommy Garcia/E! Entertainment
September 2013
The couple’s reality show, Eric & Jessie, premiered on E.
Credit: Jim Smeal/Shutterstock
June 2013
The duo tied the knot at the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Credit: Dave Allocca/Starpix/Shutterstock
March 2014
Jessie welcomed the pair’s first child, daughter Vivianne.
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
September 2015
The country singer gave birth to the couple’s second child, son Eric Jr.
Credit: Tommy Garcia/E! Entertainment
October 2017
The final episode of the pair’s E! reality series aired.
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
March 2018
The twosome’s third child, son Forrest, was born.
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October 2018
In her memoir, Just Jessie, she revealed numerous details about their romantic journey, including the strategic approach she took in making him pursue her for three months. "Rather than considering it as playing games, I view it as exercising common sense... I encouraged Eric to search for me," she expressed. "Never did I initiate texting, calling, or any form of contact. I'm entirely serious. Throughout the initial three months of our relationship, he never received an incoming call from me."
Credit: Jim Smeal/Shutterstock
August 2019
The athlete expressed their enthusiasm for Jessie in an exclusive interview with Us, emphasizing, "She's the perfect match for me. While I tend to be more serious, she exudes a carefree and adventurous spirit."
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
August 2019
Jessie elaborated on how their couple's bond significantly strengthened upon welcoming children into their lives. "We already had a deep affection for each other even before their arrival, so this has further amplified our fondness for one another because we now witness each other's dedication as parents. I believe we both take pride in the exceptional mother and father we are together," she shared during her appearance on the "Motherly" podcast.
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
December 2019
Jessie acknowledged that organizing date nights with three children could present some challenges. "We do enjoy our moments of watching Netflix," she confided to Us. "Currently, we're working on completing Schitt's Creek before moving on to You."
Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock
January 2020
The possibility of the couple expanding their brood was discussed by the singer, stating, "He adores our babies and desires more." She conveyed this to Us magazine, asserting, "I informed him to be patient for now. I'm uncertain if that's in our future plans, but one never knows. He prefers to keep his options open without committing. Unlike him, I have made up my mind."
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
June 2020
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The couple, who have been together for a long time, marked their seventh wedding anniversary on Instagram with heartfelt messages. Jessie expressed her gratitude by saying, "Today marks 7 years since I married my best friend. Happy anniversary to the love of my life!" Similarly, Eric wrote, "Mi amor, I love you, cherish you, and will forever strive to bring you happiness. You have blessed me with the most beautiful life, and for that, I am eternally grateful! Cheers to our 7 years together!"
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
January 2021
Eric referred to Jessie as his “forever” while sharing a PDA-filled pic for Instagram.
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
February 2021
Jessie and Eric marked Valentine's Day with heartwarming Instagram tributes. "I can't believe it's been 10 years next month, my darling Valentine sugar D. I adore sharing this beautiful journey called life with you, @ericdecker," Jessie lovingly wrote as she shared a cozy picture of the couple. Meanwhile, the former NFL star expressed his love alongside a picture of their tender kiss, saying, "You are my Valentine, Mi Amor! ❤️"
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
March 2021
“Cheers to 10 years of happiness with the love of my life, @ericdecker, who I was introduced to on March 31 – the same day our precious third baby came into this world,” wrote the designer, accompanying her message with a nostalgic photo of the couple. “Here’s to another decade filled with love and joy. Looking back at this picture from 2011, when we first met, we appear so young and carefree.”
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker
April 2021
The country crooner took to her Instagram Stories to share an intimate snapshot of her spouse, seemingly captured surreptitiously and artfully concealed by a strategically placed water jar. With a mischievous caption of "Cheers and goodnight," she playfully teased her followers.
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
May 2021
“Happiest on the water,” Jessie wrote via Instagram alongside a group photo from the family’s trip to Greece.
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
June 2021
The lovebirds packed on the PDA while in Italy both with and without their three little ones.
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
August 2021
The group took off to Spain alongside friends, among them Alex Rodriguez. "Already missing the crew! Had a wonderful time with fantastic friends," the mother of three wrote as the caption for a collection of Instagram pictures documenting their vacation.
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
March 2022
Celebrating the birthday of my beloved, he stands tall resembling a Greek sculpture. At 35, he only gets better with time, like a fine wine. To the one who holds my heart, my dearest friend, soulmate, father to our child, and my ultimate partner, happy birthday! Today is a day of joy, as I look forward to growing old together with you.
Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
April 2022
Jessie gushed about receiving a stunning bouquet of roses from him when she woke up. She exclaimed, "They are absolutely beautiful!" The surprise caught her off guard as she hadn't expected it at all. Overwhelmed with joy, she exclaimed, "Oh my God, you're incredibly sweet to have acknowledged our anniversary in such a special way." Grateful for their fortunate union, she added, "We truly consider ourselves lucky to have found each other."
Credit: John Amis/AP/Shutterstock
April 2022
At the 2022 CMT Music Awards in Nashville, the musician and her husband made a stylish appearance together. Adding a touch of creativity to their date night, Eric surprised Jessie by showing off her initials tattooed in sharpie on his ring finger, a solution to his forgotten wedding ring.
Credit: Courtesy of Eric Decker/Instagram
June 2022
"Happy Anniversary Mi Amor️," Eric exclaimed in a heartfelt Instagram post dated June 2022. "I cherish the incredible life we share! Our journey has been filled with countless adventures and breathtaking memories. You have been my unwavering support through all the ups and downs. To me, you are not only my partner; you are my closest confidant and my destined soulmate! As we celebrate 9 years together, let us raise a toast to an eternity of love and togetherness. Cheers to us
."
Credit: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
November 2022
The Dancing With the Stars season 31 alum stunned in an off-the-shoulder red gown at the 2022 CMAs, posing alongside her husband.
Credit: Courtesy of Eric Decker/Instagram
January 2023
Right now, I feel like Eric and I are complete opposites, but in a positive way. We complement each other perfectly, especially when it comes to parenting. I've always felt incredibly fortunate that we share the same parenting style because it truly works for us. Together, we make a fantastic team as parents.
Credit: Courtesy of Eric Decker/Instagram
January 2023
"I strongly believe that communication is paramount. It's crucial to find that time," the musician exclusively shared with Us, discussing how she and Eric manage to balance their relationship and other responsibilities. "Being parents can be particularly challenging at times because our days are often long and filled with various commitments. However, when we finally get into bed, we make it a priority to create those moments where we can talk and connect intimately."
She further elaborated, saying, "Parenting requires a tremendous amount of effort, especially considering our careers. Nevertheless, we always ensure that we allocate time for ourselves as a couple. From the start of the day, we'll even ask each other, 'Is tonight our special night?' We make a conscious effort to flirt with each other and keep the excitement alive."
Credit: Courtesy of Eric Decker/Instagram
January 2023
Jessie disclosed in a private interview with Us that her spouse's viewpoint on undergoing a vasectomy remained unchanged. "I continuously urge him, 'Please schedule that appointment,' but he refuses. He stubbornly holds onto the belief that it diminishes his masculinity. So, I suppose he intends to leave it as it is."Credit: Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
March 2023
Through an Instagram post, Jessie shared her clever tactics in persuading her husband to agree to their plan of adopting a new dog on Valentine's Day. In a heartwarming video uploaded on the platform, the singer referred to Eric as the "puppy master" as she surprised him with the adorable canine during a photo session they had together.
By then end of the day, the former NFL star left the shoot with the dog by his side. The squad named her Hart Olivia Decker.
Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
August 2023
Jessie made the exciting revelation of her pregnancy in a captivating Instagram video, showcasing her adorable baby bump as she gracefully stood on a balcony. Just a month before, she candidly shared with Us that she remained open to the idea of expanding her family. "The possibilities are endless," she playfully hinted.
Credit: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
September 2023
The pair looked as in love as ever at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards, where they showed off Jessie’s growing baby bump.