When the Dallas Cowboys selected Joe Milton III, the towering quarterback from Tennessee, late in the NFL Draft, many analysts questioned the pick. A raw but supremely talented player with one of the strongest arms in football, Milton had always been an enigma—a quarterback with physical gifts that scouts dream about, but whose consistency and game management raised questions. However, as Milton transitions from college to the pros, one unexpected force is quietly shaping his evolution into a potential NFL star: his girlfriend, Kayla Simmons.
Simmons, a former collegiate volleyball player, media personality, and fitness influencer, has become far more than just a supportive partner. Behind the scenes, she’s been instrumental in helping Milton acclimate to the rigors of NFL life—particularly when it comes to the demanding task of mastering the Cowboys’ complex playbook.
The Unseen Quarterback Coach
While NFL quarterbacks typically lean on quarterback coaches, offensive coordinators, and veteran mentors to digest playbooks, Milton has added a rather unconventional name to that list—his girlfriend. According to sources close to the couple, Simmons has not only been an emotional pillar but also a practical contributor to Milton’s preparation process.
“She’s been amazing,” Milton reportedly told teammates during voluntary workouts. “She quizzes me, reads through protections with me, and even watches film. It’s not like she’s just sitting there watching Netflix while I work—she’s in it with me.”
It might sound unusual, but Simmons’ approach is anything but casual. A student of sports performance herself, Simmons has shown a keen ability to understand the conceptual framework of football offenses. Though she doesn’t claim to be an expert in Xs and Os, her commitment to Milton’s success is unwavering.
“She treats his prep like it’s her job too,” a Cowboys staffer noted. “You can tell he’s more focused and sharp because he’s got someone holding him accountable at home in a positive, personal way.”
From Tennessee to Texas: A Shared Journey
Milton’s collegiate career was a winding one. Originally at Michigan, where he struggled to find consistency, he transferred to Tennessee and eventually became the starter in 2022. While Vols fans were wowed by his rocket arm, questions lingered about his mechanics and decision-making.
But throughout that period, Simmons was ever-present. The couple’s relationship blossomed in Knoxville, where Simmons leveraged her growing social media presence while helping Milton stay grounded amid the pressures of SEC football. She was known for being at every game, traveling with the team when allowed, and even spending evenings helping Milton break down game film on an iPad.
“It became a ritual,” Simmons said in an interview earlier this year. “We’d have dinner, then I’d sit down with Joe and we’d go through his game notes or watch cutups. I’m not trying to be a coach, but if I can help him retain the plays or stay focused, why wouldn’t I?”
That ritual has only intensified since Milton joined the Cowboys.
Understanding the Cowboys Playbook: A Daunting Task
The Dallas Cowboys offensive system, orchestrated by head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, is known to be layered and terminology-heavy. For a rookie quarterback—especially one who didn’t run a pro-style system in college—this playbook presents a steep learning curve.
Enter Simmons.
With a background in psychology and an affinity for structured learning methods, she’s helped Milton break down the playbook into digestible pieces. She creates flashcards for route concepts, play-action protections, and formation alignments. She even challenges Milton with nightly quizzes and mock huddles.
“You can see the work paying off,” said Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush. “Joe’s grasping things quicker than expected. It’s not just what the coaches are doing—he’s clearly got something solid going on outside of the facility.”
Milton himself has acknowledged the impact in interviews.
“I’m a visual learner, and she helps me simplify things. Instead of just staring at a tablet, we make it interactive. She’ll call out a play, and I’ll have to recite protections and routes by memory. It keeps me sharp.”
Trust, Accountability, and Love
The benefits of this dynamic go beyond football. For Milton, knowing that Simmons is as invested in his journey as he is, has fueled his self-discipline. There’s a level of trust and accountability that few rookie quarterbacks can count on, especially when adjusting to a new city, new expectations, and the bright lights of the NFL.
“Joe needs structure,” said a former Tennessee staffer. “He’s incredibly talented, but he thrives when he’s around people who keep him focused. Kayla gives him that. She believes in him, but she also challenges him.”
That balance has turned heads at Cowboys camp. While Milton is not expected to be the Day 1 starter—Dak Prescott still holds the reins—the rookie has impressed enough to secure reps with the second team. Coaches have noted his improved footwork, increased confidence, and faster processing—traits that weren’t hallmarks of his college tape.
Behind those changes? A foundation rooted in trust, discipline, and a shared dream.
Social Media Buzz and NFL Eyes
As Simmons continues to support Milton behind the scenes, her influence is also becoming a topic on social media. Fans have taken to TikTok and Instagram to comment on the couple’s dynamic. Clips of Simmons helping Milton study or participating in football-themed challenges have gone viral.
“She’s the girlfriend every athlete needs,” one user commented.
“She’s gonna make him a starter by Week 6, watch!” another joked.
While much of the buzz is playful, it speaks to a larger trend in sports—the recognition that elite athletes often rely on strong support systems outside the locker room. For Milton, Simmons represents that rare blend of motivator, confidant, and partner-in-preparation.
NFL Relationships Reimagined
The NFL is full of high-profile couples, but few publicly lean into the idea of shared preparation quite like Milton and Simmons. Whereas many athletes maintain a strict boundary between their personal lives and professional routines, Milton’s approach is refreshingly inclusive.
“We’re a team,” Simmons said in a podcast interview. “His dream is my dream too. I’m going to do everything I can to help him reach it, even if that means memorizing plays and waking up early to quiz him before workouts.”
That team mentality could be a game-changer for Milton. While physical tools get quarterbacks drafted, it’s the intangibles—study habits, leadership, poise under pressure—that earn them longevity in the league.
What’s Next for Milton and Simmons?
While Joe Milton’s long-term future with the Cowboys remains uncertain, the early returns are promising. He’s showing maturity, resilience, and a work ethic that’s winning over coaches and teammates. If he continues on this trajectory, he could cement himself as a valuable piece of the Cowboys’ quarterback room—and possibly more.
As for Simmons, her role isn’t diminishing anytime soon. Sources close to the couple say she’s already looking into enrolling in coaching clinics and sports psychology courses to deepen her understanding of the game. She’s not trying to become a coach, but she wants to be prepared for whatever comes next.
“There’s nothing wrong with being extra prepared,” Simmons said. “This is our shot, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure Joe is ready.
