If you’ve spent any time scrolling through sports news or Dallas society blogs lately, you’ve probably seen the name Marisa Howard. She’s the woman currently linked to NFL legend and Monday Night Football analyst Troy Aikman.
Honestly, the internet is a mess of outdated information when it comes to Troy’s love life. One site says he’s still married to his second wife, Capa. Another claims he’s still dating Haley Clark. It’s enough to make your head spin. But if you look at the actual breadcrumbs left behind at Dallas charity galas and wellness events, a much clearer picture emerges of the woman by his side today.
So, Who Is Marisa Howard?
Basically, she isn't just "the new girlfriend." Marisa Howard is a 39-year-old Dallas-based entrepreneur, author, and wellness advocate who has been a fixture in the Texas social scene for years.
You might see her and Troy together and think it’s just another high-profile pairing, but Marisa has a pretty deep resume of her own. She’s a former model who transitioned into the world of marketing and molecular diagnostics. For a while, she was the Senior VP at GeneIQ, a lab founded by her soon-to-be ex-husband, Frank Howard.
She’s also a big deal in the yoga world. We’re talking certified instructor, ballet-trained, and a massive advocate for holistic health. She even launched a wellness platform called MARHOW that’s all about finding joy through movement and "well-roundedness."
The "Sissies" Connection
One of the coolest things about her—at least in my opinion—is her work as a children’s book author. She wrote the Sissies Adventure Series. It’s a trilogy inspired by her own two daughters and their travels to places like Mexico and Aspen.
- Sissies at the Sea
- Sissies in the Mountains
- Sissies Go to Mexico
She’s spoken about how the pandemic actually pushed her to finally publish these. While the world was on lockdown, she wanted kids to be able to "travel" through stories. It’s actually kinda sweet when you think about it.
What Really Happened With the Timeline
There’s been a lot of gossip about when exactly Troy and Marisa became an item. Troy’s divorce from Catherine “Capa” Mooty was finalized in 2023, and he had a brief, very public stint with Haley Clark after that.
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But by late 2024 and heading into 2026, the spotlight shifted firmly to Marisa.
The two were first spotted looking pretty cozy at the Children’s Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala in Dallas. Since then, they've been seen at various charity events and, unsurprisingly, at plenty of yoga sessions. If you know anything about Troy Aikman, you know the guy is a fitness fanatic even in his late 50s. Marisa being a yoga devotee makes them a natural fit.
A Bit of Reality Check
It’s worth noting that Marisa’s personal life has been in a bit of a transition too. Public records show she filed for divorce in July 2024. As of mid-2025, reports indicated the split was still being finalized. She and her ex even sold their $6.9 million home in University Park recently.
People love to talk about the 19-year age gap (Troy is 58, she’s 39), but in the Dallas circles they run in, that’s barely a headline. They seem grounded. They both have kids. They both value privacy.
Why the Internet Keeps Getting Her Mixed Up
If you search for "Marisa Howard," you’re going to find a few different people, and this is where the AI-generated "junk" articles fail.
- The Olympian: There is a Marisa Howard who is a world-class steeplechase runner and 2024 Olympian. Not the same person.
- The Researcher: There’s a Dr. Marissa Howard doing cancer research at George Mason. Also not her.
- The Musician: A soprano singer in Chicago. Nope.
The Marisa Howard dating Troy Aikman is the Dallas entrepreneur. She’s the one who was featured in the "20 Under 40" list for her work in fashion and communications.
Marisa Howard's Background: More Than Just a Socialite
She grew up with a "varied and unusual path," as she puts it. She spent about ten years in the fashion industry working for heavy hitters like Neiman Marcus and Skinceuticals. She’s also an art collector—her home was reportedly designed around her collection, which includes pieces by Benjamin Shine.
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She’s not just someone who shows up to parties; she chairs them. She’s been involved with:
- Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (Chaired "Art for Advocacy")
- The Family Place (Chaired the Texas Trailblazer Awards)
This isn't a "newcomer" to the high-life. She’s been a power player in Dallas philanthropy for over a decade.
Actionable Insights: What This Means for the Aikman Brand
If you're a fan of Troy Aikman or just follow celebrity news, here is the takeaway:
- The "New" Troy is All About Wellness: Since his second divorce, Troy has leaned hard into a health-first lifestyle. Dating a yoga instructor and wellness entrepreneur isn't a coincidence; it’s a reflection of his current values.
- Privacy is Priority: Notice how neither of them is posting "couple goals" photos every five minutes? They are keeping it low-key, which usually points to a more serious relationship.
- Dallas Roots Matter: Both have deep ties to the Dallas community, particularly through charity work. This isn't a Hollywood fling; it’s a local power-pairing.
If you’re looking for the latest on their status, skip the gossip tabloids that haven't updated their "current wife" tags. Look at the Dallas charity circuit. That’s where the real story lives.
For those following Marisa’s career, keep an eye on her wellness platform. With the increased spotlight, her message of "well-roundedness" is likely to reach a much bigger audience in 2026.
Your next move? If you're interested in the lifestyle she promotes, you can check out her Sissies Adventure Series or look into her wellness philosophy on her platform—it's a refreshing break from the usual celebrity "fit tea" endorsements.