Jessica Simpson husband. It’s a phrase that used to bring up images of a bearded, former NFL player standing stoically behind a blonde mogul on red carpets. But honestly? Things look a lot different in 2026. If you’ve been scrolling past the headlines lately, you probably know that the fairy tale hit a massive speed bump.
After more than a decade together, Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson officially confirmed their separation in January 2025. It wasn't just a rumor. They actually moved into different houses. Jessica herself called it a "painful situation," and for a woman who has lived her entire life in front of a camera, that's saying a lot. It’s weird to think about because for years, Eric was the "stable" one. He was the guy who supposedly didn't want the spotlight, yet he found himself married to one of the most famous women in the world.
The NFL Star Who Changed Everything
Before he was "Jessica Simpson’s husband," Eric Johnson was a legit athlete. He wasn't some benchwarmer; he was a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers and later the New Orleans Saints. He played for Yale. Yeah, the Ivy League.
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He met Jessica back in 2010. A mutual friend basically brought him to a house party she was hosting. It was almost instant. She wrote in her memoir, Open Book, that they connected on every single level. They were both coming off divorces—Jessica from Nick Lachey (remember Newlyweds?) and Eric from stylist Keri D'Angelo. Maybe that shared trauma of a public breakup is what bonded them so fast. He moved in after only a month.
Why the Marriage Hit a Wall
So, what went wrong? In 2024, people started noticing things. The wedding ring was gone in her Instagram photos. She was spending a ton of time in Nashville recording music. Eric was mostly in L.A. with the kids.
Then came the statements. Jessica mentioned she was making a "comeback" and apologized to herself for "putting up with everything I did not deserve." That’s a heavy line. While they haven't spilled every detail, insiders have hinted that they had massive disagreements about their kids entering show business. Eric apparently wants a "normal" life for them. Jessica? She’s a performer. It's in her DNA.
Then there’s the money. Jessica Simpson is worth something like $210 million. Eric is worth maybe $10 million. In the world of high-stakes celebrity divorces, that kind of gap creates a lot of tension, especially when one partner has been a stay-at-home dad for years.
The Kids at the Center
Despite the "painful situation," they seem to be trying to co-parent. They have three kids:
- Maxwell Drew: Their oldest, who is 13 now and looks exactly like her mom.
- Ace Knute: Their 12-year-old son who is apparently a baseball prodigy.
- Birdie Mae: The youngest, who just turned 6.
Jessica has been very vocal about "family first." Even this past Thanksgiving, Eric had a seat at the table. She told TMZ recently that "your kid is half that person," so you have to have respect. It’s a mature take, but you can tell it’s not easy.
Life After the Split
Lately, Jessica has been spotted out and about looking like she’s embracing her single era. She even joked about being into "younger men" because they like the confidence of an older woman. She’s 45 now and basically looks better than ever.
As for Eric? He’s kept a much lower profile. He isn't the type to go on a press tour. He’s always been the quiet one in the relationship. While the divorce proceedings are still technically moving along, they haven't turned into a full-on "dumpster fire" just yet. They’re navigating the asset division—which includes that $18 million Hidden Hills mansion they recently put on the market—and trying to keep the kids shielded from the worst of it.
Key Insights for Fans
If you’re following this story, here is the reality of where things stand:
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- The separation is real: They have been living apart since early 2025.
- Music is the focus: Jessica is using this heartbreak to fuel her new album in Nashville.
- Co-parenting is the priority: They still show up for family events and birthdays together.
- Financials are complicated: With a $200 million fortune on the line, the legal side of this will likely take another year to fully resolve.
If you're going through something similar, the best thing you can do is focus on your own "comeback" like Jessica is. Whether that's a new hobby, a career shift, or just taking time for yourself, the goal is to come out of a "painful situation" stronger than you went in. Focus on keeping the peace for the sake of any family involved, but don't be afraid to demand the respect you deserve.