In the world of professional sports, where the spotlight shines brightly on athletic achievements, personal lives often become fodder for public scrutiny. The case of Laila Thompson-Wainer and Tez Johnson exemplifies this intersection of fame, romance, and controversy. Laila, a rising figure in sports operations and a former trailblazer in high school football, made headlines in February 2026 when she publicly accused her ex-fiancé, NFL wide receiver Tez Johnson, of infidelity on the day he proposed to her a year earlier. This revelation not only ended their engagement but also sparked broader conversations about trust, healing, and the pressures faced by those in the public eye. Meanwhile, Tez’s story is one of resilience, family bonds, and professional ascent, marked by his unique adoption into the Nix family and his path to the NFL. As of now, both individuals seem to have moved forward independently, with Laila emphasizing empowerment and Tez focusing on his career. This in-depth exploration delves into Laila’s background and claims, a comprehensive profile of Tez, how their paths first crossed, and an update on their current lives.
Laila Thompson-Wainer: From High School Pioneer to Sports Industry Professional:
Laila Thompson-Wainer’s journey is rooted in a passion for sports that began in her childhood in Menlo Park, California. Born to Holly Thompson and Louis Wainer, she grew up attending San Francisco 49ers games with season tickets, playing pickup football with family, and excelling in soccer for eight years. At Menlo-Atherton High School, Laila broke barriers in 2019 by becoming the first female player on the varsity football team as a field goal kicker. She was also vice president of the student body, a member of the dance team, and ranked highly in kicking stats within her division. Her high school experience wasn’t without challenges; as the only girl on the team, she navigated skepticism but earned respect through dedication.
After graduating in 2020, Laila pursued higher education at the University of Washington (UW), where she majored in Communications and minored in Business and Diversity. During her time there, she immersed herself in the sports world, working with the UW Athletic Department and gaining hands-on experience in event coordination and athlete support. Post-graduation, her career trajectory led her to professional sports organizations in Seattle. She has held roles with the Seattle Kraken (NHL), Seattle Reign (women’s soccer), and Campus Ink, before landing her current position as Community Operations Coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. In this role, she supports high-profile events, athletes, and community initiatives across NFL and NHL platforms.
Beyond her professional life, Laila has cultivated a significant online presence. With over 200,000 TikTok followers, she shares content on sports, personal development, and women’s issues. She briefly gained traction post-high school with football-related videos, reflecting her lifelong love for the game. Her social media often highlights her faith, travels, and advocacy for women in sports, aligning with her diverse background and experiences.
@ltdubbz A year ago today I got engaged, and well skip to 1:30 for the story time lol This is about healing, truth, and using my experience to make other women feel seen. I love having these kinds of conversations and I hope I can continue to use this platform to create a safe community! #cheater #proposal #engagement #womanhood #men
How Laila and Tez Got Together: A College Athletics Romance
The origins of Laila Thompson-Wainer and Tez Johnson’s relationship trace back to Tez’s time at the University of Oregon, where sources indicate they first met. Despite Laila being a student at the University of Washington—a rival Pac-12 school—their paths crossed in the interconnected world of college football. Tez transferred to Oregon in 2023 to play alongside his adopted brother Bo Nix, and it was during this period (2023-2024) that their romance began.
They bonded over shared values, a deep Christian faith, and a mutual passion for success in sports. Laila’s background in athletics, including her work with the UW Athletic Department and her high school football experience, likely facilitated connections through games, events, or mutual acquaintances in the Pac-12 conference. The couple found common ground in the instability of college athletics, building a partnership based on respect and admiration. Their relationship progressed steadily, culminating in Tez’s proposal in February 2025, just after his participation in the NFL Scouting Combine. This meeting story underscores how geographic proximity (Eugene, Oregon, is about a four-hour drive from Seattle) and shared professional circles can spark connections across rival institutions.
@ltdubbz Replying to @Olivia🫦 & no I never got an apology LOL — again, I can yap endlessly so maybe skip to like 2:15 lol sorry
The Allegations: A Day of Joy Turned Betrayal
The core of this story revolves around Laila’s public disclosure of Tez’s alleged infidelity. In a raw TikTok video viewed by thousands, Laila recounted the events of February 21, 2025—a day she initially cherished as the pinnacle of their relationship. Tez had planned an elaborate itinerary: a visit to a reptile zoo, a romantic beach proposal complete with a photoshoot, and a celebratory sushi dinner. Laila described her elation, noting how her “cheeks hurt from smiling.”
However, she later discovered explicit text messages Tez allegedly sent to his ex-girlfriend that same day. Screenshots shared in the video show messages from 1:07 a.m. and 9:11 a.m., including “What ever team I visit we can just meet there and when I come down there, I need to see you like idk what else to say I think we have to,” and the more graphic “Need your throat.” Even after the proposal and dinner, another message allegedly followed, asking when they could hook up. Laila expressed profound confusion: “For some reason, you cheat before and after you propose, the morning of and the night—that’s just something that I will never understand.”
The couple announced their engagement publicly on March 3, 2025, sharing joyful photos on social media. Their relationship, which began at the University of Oregon, seemed built on shared values, faith, and mutual support. However, the discovery led to a discreet breakup, with Laila confirming she ended things upon learning of the messages. Tez has not responded publicly, and the Buccaneers organization has remained silent. Laila’s motivation for sharing was altruistic:
“If I can make one woman feel seen, heard, or understood, help in a healing journey, then I’ve done what I set out to do.”
As of February 2026, both Laila and Tez appear to be single. Laila has confirmed her single status in interviews, focusing on personal healing and professional growth in Seattle. Tez has not publicly addressed the allegations or mentioned any new relationships, instead prioritizing his NFL career with the Buccaneers. Social media profiles show no indications of partners for either.
Flip the pages for thirst trap photos of Laila.
