Life as a WAG: Insights from the Fiancée of a Los Angeles Rams Player

Amari Thomas and Ty Hamilton.
Credit:

Amari

NEED TO KNOW

• Amari Thomas has been with NFL rookie Ty Hamilton since they were in high school.
• The influencer shares her evolving feelings about the term “WAG.”
• Speaking exclusively, Thomas discusses her support for Hamilton both on and off the field.

Amari Thomas, the fiancée of Los Angeles Rams rookie defensive tackle Ty Hamilton, has expressed mixed feelings regarding the term “WAG,” which stands for wives and girlfriends of athletes.

“I used to not love the word. I think it had a negative connotation,” the 23-year-old Thomas told PEOPLE. “Whenever I’d hear the word, I’d cringe. But I slowly felt like it really is just wives and girlfriends. For me, it’s so much more than that. I think people don’t realize how much we do behind the scenes.”

After years of hesitating to embrace the label, Thomas has now fully immersed herself in the WAG community.

Amari Thomas.

Amari

Recently, Thomas launched a TikTok series titled “Unfiltered WAG Diary,” where she shares personal insights into her life and relationship.

“I’ve always been such an independent person, and I’m so blessed to have a partner that allows me to be who I am,” Thomas explains. “We complement each other so well that I can use this platform as my own.”

Thomas and Hamilton, also 23, have been together since their teenage years. Hamilton won the College Football Playoff National Championship with Ohio State University before joining the Rams.

Ty Hamilton and Amari Thomas in high school.

Amari

As newcomers to the Rams organization, both Thomas and Hamilton are adapting to the transition from college to professional football—a change that involves managing new teammates and a new city.

“You’re in a community where there are so many different people coming in and out; it’s really not for the weak,” Thomas says. “You have to be able to meet different people and have a social battery like no other, as you are constantly being thrown into different situations.”

In finding her own style as a WAG, Thomas has embraced custom pieces that feature Hamilton’s name and number. “I started to do that and truly fell in love with being able to represent him,” she shares. “I remember going to games and being looked at as overdressed, but it made me happy, and it made Ty happy.”

Thomas emphasizes the importance of having a sense of self in a football-driven environment. “It’s nice to express myself while being immersed in this world,” she added.

“In fact, Hamilton gets involved in the fun; we often brainstorm outfits together,” she notes.

Amari Thomas.

Amari

“After games, we discuss each other’s outfits—how they were received,” she further elaborates. “It’s nice to see pages that track WAG outfits feature me, and it’s heartwarming to see how supportive he is.”

Thomas appreciates Hamilton’s passion for fashion as a valuable outlet outside of football. “Now that he has found what he likes, he’s inspired to find outfits for himself, encouraging others to dress up as well,” she remarks.

Both Thomas and Hamilton plan to showcase their best outfits for the upcoming NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Regardless of the stakes, Thomas maintains a calm demeanor on game day, stating, “If you keep your nerves intact before the game, you’ll be fine.” Her routine includes walking her dogs and attending a pregame tailgate hosted by the Rams.

Amari Thomas.

Amari

During playoffs, however, they amplify the festivities. “We take party buses and sprinters, get ready together, and do pregaming at nearby bars. It’s been a lot of fun,” Thomas adds.

Despite the fluctuations of professional sports, Thomas affirms that her relationship with Hamilton remains strong. “We’ve been together for so long and have learned each other’s ins and outs. I feel I was destined to be his partner, and vice versa,” she states. “We balance each other out.”

“In football, I’ve supported him, and he is my biggest fan. In the WAG space, he constantly tells me how proud he is of me,” Thomas concludes.