From the outside, the life of a WAG (wives and girlfriends of athletes) seems enviable. Designer clothes, luxury suites, and constant glamour paint a picture of perfection. Yet, as Jasmatia Schaefering reveals, not everything sparkles-especially once the NFL career ends.
Jasmatia is the ex-wife of Brian Schaefering, a former defensive end who spent five years in the league with the Jets, Cowboys, and two stints with the Browns. He retired in 2012, finishing his career with 75 tackles and two sacks.
After years of living in the spotlight, Jasmatia felt the abrupt lifestyle shift deeply. Now, more than a year after her separation from Schaefering, she reflects candidly on those experiences.
For her, retirement brought an unexpected “identity crisis.” “My title was ‘NFL wife,’ and after the veil is removed, it’s like, ‘Well, what have you done for yourself? Who are you now?'” Jasmatia told People magazine.
At first, it’s all glamour-then reality hits
“Especially in the beginning, when things are happening and your man gets drafted, you’re so excited,”Schaefering recalled. “At that moment, you think life will be great.”
But reality quickly set in, “Then you get into life, and it’s like, ‘What the hell is this?'” she said. Beyond what she described as a “high school culture” of labels, there was also a glaring lack of financial literacy.
“It happens fast,” she warned. “If you’re not financially intelligent and aware of yourself financially, it can happen so fast that a million dollars might as well be $100,00 or just $10,000; it’s gone.”
While some players earn million-dollar salaries, taxes consume nearly half. Add agent fees, team-related expenses, and inevitable health problems, and the financial picture becomes far less glamorous.
The harsh reality of post-retirement life
“They have all of these medical issues now that many doctors, unless they’re really good sports doctors, don’t know how to treat,” Jasmatia explained.
For Brian Schaefering, the situation was even more difficult. He was diagnosed with possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition caused by repeated head trauma.
CTE can only be confirmed after death, but its symptoms are devastating. Jasmatia had to learn how to cope with the illness and guide her children, including Brian, through managing its effects.
In 2024, a decade after Brian’s retirement, the couple decided to separate. Today, Jasmatia is focused on building her own career and projects, though she continues to remain attentive to Brian’s health.
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