When you think of reality TV couples, you usually expect a fast-burn romance followed by a messy, public breakup. Most of those "perfect" Instagram relationships have the shelf life of an open carton of milk. But Philip Wheeler and Ashley Nicole Wheeler (formerly Roberts) are actually kind of the exception to the rule.
If you remember them from the E! show WAGS Miami, you probably recall the high-fashion outfits, the gorgeous beach wedding in Curacao, and maybe some of the drama. But honestly? The reality of their life in 2026 is way more grounded than the cameras ever showed. While most of their former castmates have faded into the background, Philip and Ashley have pivoted from the "NFL couple" trope into something that feels a lot more like a real-world partnership.
From Nightclubs to the Super Bowl
The story of how they met is almost a cliché of the 2000s, but it’s real. Back in 2008, Philip was a rookie linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts. He was out at Dream, a nightclub in Atlanta, and saw Ashley. At the time, she was a student at Tuskegee University studying animal science and working as a waitress.
Phil tried to talk to her, but she wasn’t having it. She actually gave him a fake phone number the first time. Seriously.
It took a second meeting a week later for her to finally give him a chance. They’ve basically been together ever since. That’s nearly two decades of history, which is basically a century in "celebrity years." They had their son, Philip Wheeler II, in 2013, and their relationship became a central pillar of WAGS Miami when the show launched in 2016.
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The Reality TV "Villain" vs. Real Life
If you browse Reddit threads or old Twitter archives about the show, you’ll see some fans calling Ashley a "mean girl." It’s a label she’s addressed several times. Reality TV is edited for maximum conflict—that’s just the business.
Basically, the show focused on the friction between the wives and the girlfriends (the "W" vs. the "G" in WAGS). Ashley, being a veteran partner who had been with Phil since his rookie days, often found herself at the center of the hierarchy debates.
But off-camera, her life was a bit more complex than just picking out diamonds. She wasn't just a "WAG"; she was a former Army officer and a model with FORD Models. People often forget that she holds a degree in Animal Science and had aspirations in veterinary medicine before the whirlwind of the NFL lifestyle took over.
Philip’s Career Transition
Philip Wheeler had a long, solid career in the NFL. He wasn't just a benchwarmer. We’re talking about a guy who played for the:
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- Indianapolis Colts (2008–2011)
- Oakland Raiders (2012)
- Miami Dolphins (2013–2014)
- Atlanta Falcons (2015–2016)
He even played in Super Bowl LI with the Falcons. After nearly a decade in the league, retiring is usually the hardest part for athletes. You go from being a superstar to being a "former" something.
Where Are They Now? The 2026 Update
As of early 2026, the Wheelers have pulled off one of the rarest moves in professional sports: a successful role reversal. In recent interviews, including their appearance on the WAGs to Riches series on Netflix and various podcasts, Ashley has been open about how their dynamic shifted.
Phil is now the one holding down the fort at home. While their kids are homeschooled, Phil is the one managing the day-to-day logistics, taking them to practices, and being the "stay-at-home" support system. This has allowed Ashley to focus on her career in real estate and her brand-building through EPYC Media and the Humble Baddies podcast.
It’s a refreshingly honest look at what happens when the cheering stops. They aren't pretending they still live that "Versace Mansion proposal" lifestyle every single day. They’re dealing with the same stuff most long-term couples deal with—parenting, career pivots, and keeping the spark alive after twenty years.
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The Wheeler Way Foundation and Giving Back
You can't really talk about Philip and Ashley without mentioning their philanthropic work. Through the Wheeler Way Foundation, they’ve spent a lot of time working with youth in both Miami and Phil’s hometown of Columbus, Georgia.
They focus on things like:
- Providing resources for underserved students.
- Hosting football camps that actually teach life skills, not just how to tackle.
- Community outreach during the holidays.
Most "influencer" couples do a charity event for the photo op. The Wheelers have been doing this for years, even when the cameras aren't rolling.
What You Can Learn from Their Journey
The biggest takeaway from Philip and Ashley’s story isn't about how to get on a reality show. It’s about the "long game."
- Adaptability is everything. Phil went from the Super Bowl to being a "homeroom" dad, and he’s been vocal about how much he enjoys it. If you’re stuck in a rigid idea of who you "should" be, you’re going to struggle when life changes.
- Support your partner’s evolution. Ashley supported Phil through the grind of the NFL. Now, he’s returning the favor as she builds her business empire.
- Ignore the "edit." People will always have opinions on your life based on a snippet they see. Ashley was the "villain" to some, but her marriage outlasted almost everyone else’s on that show.
If you want to keep up with them, Ashley is still very active on Instagram and her podcast. They frequently share insights into their "homeschooling" life and their business ventures. It’s a lot less "glam beach wedding" and a lot more "real life," and honestly, it’s much more interesting that way.
To see more about their current projects, you can check out the Humble Baddies podcast or look into the latest updates from the Wheeler Way Foundation to see how they're impacting local communities this year.