Russell Wilson's Ex-wife Ashton Neem – From NFL Marriage to Life Out of the Spotlight

q2wewShe was there before the Super Bowl ring and the fame. Russell Wilson's ex-wife played a different role in his rise — and her story is far less public.

Russell Wilson is no stranger to the spotlight. Since his NFL debut in 2012, the quarterback has remained a high-profile figure on and off the field. Today, he's married to singer Ciara and often makes headlines for their public appearances and family moments.

But before this high-profile romance, there was another chapter in his personal life — one that involved a much quieter partner. Russell Wilson's ex-wife, Ashton Meem, was by his side during his early NFL days. Though their marriage didn't last, their relationship timeline remains a point of curiosity among fans.

Following their divorce, Russell Wilson's ex-wife stepped away from public attention. Here's everything we know about Ashton and her life before and after the NFL star.

Russell Wilson's Ex-Wife: Inside Their Wedding and Engagement Story

Russell Wilson's ex-wife was with him long before the spotlight. The two shared a love story rooted in young romance and Southern charm. Their wedding was a reflection of deep ties and high hopes for the future.

The couple tied the knot on January 14, 2012, just months before Wilson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. The wedding took place at the Country Club of Virginia and was anything but low-key.

Set against a winter landscape complete with 20 full-size trees and dramatic lighting, the reception hosted 300 guests. Entertainment came from Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters, setting the tone for a glamorous night.

Ashton, known for her elegant taste, played a central role in crafting the event. She even spoke of launching a boutique event planning business, saying, "Planning my own wedding was so positive." At the time, she said their honeymoon plans were on hold.

The proposal was just as carefully planned as the wedding. On August 1, 2010, Wilson blindfolded Ashton and guided her to the Presidential Suite at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina.

Rose petals, chocolate strawberries, and her favorite Champagne awaited. Then came Penny, their Pocket Beagle, wearing a rhinestone collar and a custom dog tag that read, "Hey Mom, Dad has a question he wants to ask you."

Ashton then looked over and saw Russell was on one knee. "It was amazing! My parents were outside too, with their dog," she recalled. It was a fairytale beginning but not all fairytales last forever.

Ashton was born in Richmond, Virginia, and is the only child of Molly and Lang Meem. She graduated from St. Catherine's School and later from North Carolina State University. Her relationship with Russell began during their teenage years.

"We met briefly in high school," she recalled. A summer party reunion led to dating, even as Ashton headed to the University of Georgia. The two maintained a long-distance relationship until Ashton transferred to NC State, where Wilson played college football.

Russell Wilson’s Ex-Wife and the Divorce That Sparked Rumors

The marriage between Russell and Ashton ended just two years after their high-profile wedding. The divorce came shortly after Russell signed a major NFL contract, an unexpected turn that left many fans speculating.

Russell Wilson's ex-wife became a subject of tabloid attention, especially as rumors circulated about the cause of the split. Whispers of infidelity emerged, with speculation pointing to an alleged affair between Ashton and Russell's then-teammate, Golden Tate.

Neither Russell nor Ashton commented publicly on the matter, maintaining silence amid growing scrutiny. In 2015, Golden directly addressed the rumors. "I did not have an affair with Russell Wilson's wife, nor did I have anything to do with his divorce," he told The Cauldron.

Golden dismissed the claims as baseless, stating that Ashton remained best friends with his girlfriend. "Russell and I were good friends… he knows the rumors about me were unfounded, damaging to my reputation, and an attack on my character," he added. Golden called the speculation "plain irresponsible."

Despite the public attention, Russell Wilson's ex-wife chose to step out of the spotlight following the divorce. While little is known about her personal life now, her professional life has continued to progress.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Ashton took on a role as an account executive at Morton Consulting. She later transitioned into advertising operations at American Family Insurance, where she continues to build her career.

Russell Wilson Found Love Again With Ciara

In July 2016, just a few years after his divorce, Russell married singer and performer Ciara in a romantic ceremony held at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, England.

The intimate wedding was attended by over 100 family members and close friends. Months earlier, during a vacation in the Seychelles in March, Russell proposed with a 16-carat diamond ring — an engagement that captured headlines and marked the start of a new chapter.

Since then, the couple has expanded their family. Their first child together, daughter Sienna Princess Wilson, was born on April 28, 2017. They later welcomed their son, Win Harrison Wilson, on July 23, 2020. Most recently, their youngest daughter, Amora Princess Wilson, was born in 2023.

In addition to their three children, Russell also embraces his role as a stepfather to Ciara's son, Future Zahir Wilburn, from her previous relationship with rapper Future. The blended family frequently shares moments of their life together on social media, showing a strong and unified bond.

Russell's journey from his early days with Ashton Meem to his high-profile marriage with Ciara has unfolded publicly, but his first marriage remains a lesser-known part of his story.