The Miami Dolphins are turning a new page at quarterback, handing the reins to rookie Quinn Ewers for his first NFL start this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. This pivotal move, which sees veteran Tua Tagovailoa benched, thrusts the young quarterback into the limelight. Alongside him, capturing fan interest, is a familiar and supportive figure: his longtime girlfriend, Mady Barnes.
From College Sweethearts to NFL Spotlight
Quinn Ewers and Mady Barnes have been a couple since their relationship became public in February 2023. Interestingly, both are Texas natives who attended rival universities. Ewers rose to fame as the star quarterback for the University of Texas, while Barnes enrolled at the University of Oklahoma in 2022.
Barnes has been a constant pillar of support. When the Miami Dolphins selected Ewers with the No. 231 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in April, she celebrated the milestone on Instagram. Her heartfelt post read, "So incredibly proud and overjoyed!! Quinn, you are so deserving of this and a whole lot more!" She enthusiastically concluded with, "Miami ain't ready," showing her excitement for his new journey with the Dolphins.
Who is Mady Barnes?
While the couple prefers to keep their relationship private, sharing only glimpses from vacations to places like Florida and Turks and Caicos, Barnes' own background is drawing attention. Hailing from Texas, she graduated from Colleyville Heritage High School in May 2022, where she was active in volleyball and cheerleading.
At the University of Oklahoma, she joined the Chi Omega sorority and is pursuing studies in marketing and social media. Professionally, she has worked as a Social Media Coordinator for a Texas-based medical services company. Barnes is expected to complete her graduation in December 2025.
Her visibility first spiked during the 2024 College Football Playoff, when fans noted her support for Ewers despite her Oklahoma affiliation. Now, with Ewers stepping into the starting role for the Dolphins, that attention has intensified once again.
A Crucial Three-Game Audition for Ewers
The Dolphins' decision sets the stage for a critical three-game regular-season audition for Quinn Ewers to prove his mettle as an NFL starter. All eyes will be on Hard Rock Stadium this Sunday to see how the rookie handles the pressure.
Whether Mady Barnes will be in attendance remains to be seen, but her journey alongside Ewers—from college football games to the precipice of his professional dream—has been a steady narrative. As Ewers faces the biggest moment of his young career, the support from his personal corner adds a compelling human element to this high-stakes sports story.
