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The following podcast is a Dear Media Production. What's up, guys? Welcome back to Sunday Sports Club Podcast, a podcast all about sports told by a woman. And that woman is me. Hi, guys. I'm Allison Cooch, and today we are joined by Haley Louise Williams. She is a meditation leader, wife of Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams, and also, like, probably about to give birth any moment now, because when I last saw her, we were at super bowl, and you could have given birth at the Super Bowl.
B
Yeah.
A
How are you doing?
B
Good. I'm good, but it is, like, that weird fit. Well, I've never been pregnant before, so this is my first time, but I think other moms know this feeling of, like, is the baby going to come today or is it going to come in two weeks? And people keep looking at me dead in the eyes. The baby could come anytime. And I'm like, oh, I hope it. I hope we have, like, at least five more days. That's my hope. But otherwise, I feel great. I'm not sleeping, which also, I heard is normal.
A
So I've heard that that's like, the sign that the baby is about to come.
B
Right?
A
Like, they're preparing you for no sleep. I've also heard that pregnancy insomnia is worse than like. Or pregnancy tired is worse than newborn tired.
B
That's what my friends are telling me. I'm. Because I'm texting them at 4am and they're like, wow, like, are you good? And I'm like, I mean, I'm doing my best. But they keep. They're all telling me that when the newborn comes, it's different because my body is mine again. And then I. I'm tired, but I'm also napping a lot is what I'm hoping.
A
Yeah, I don't even remember. I wish I could give you some sort of, like, oh, this is what happened for me, but I actually blacked out, like, the first few weeks postpartum.
B
I have friends that. That happened to as well. That's also normal.
A
Yes. But you say you're like, oh, I'm doing my best. You are coming off a Super bowl win, which is insane, and you're about to become a mother. You guys are about to become parents. How have you. One, have you been able to sit down and, like, actually digest everything that's going on? And two, like, how has it been coming off of such a high?
B
Yeah, we went to a little staycation here in Washington after the super bowl, and we turned our phones off. We had no wi Fi. And that's when we really were processing, like, whoa, I can't believe that this just happened. And it's been a. Interesting comedown because this has never happened us before. Like, normally at the end of season, my husband is, like, sad because we're not in this position. He's physically, like, just hurting so much. We're moving. Whereas this season was so different. And it's. It's an interesting feeling because you are on this big high, and then it's like, okay, so now we're coming down, but how can I be, like, gentle with myself and kind of switch modes of going into baby mode? And, like, okay, now I'm not even thinking about football at all, which is crazy because it's been so long. Like, eight months or something. The season's been long, and now how can we kind of switch that off and now shift into baby? And it's. It's definitely been a transition, but I think having that weekend alone was. Was nice to kind of help us reset.
A
Oh, my gosh. Absolutely. And so crucial, too. But it's interesting because if you can plan, like, oh, we're. We want our baby to be born around this month. I would have said, like, you were in the green, unless you're the two teams going to the super bowl, and that. That just so happened this year. So were you stressed heading into super bowl week? Because obviously you went to Super Bowl. You were there to root on your husband, but you were also, you know, maybe not advised to travel during that time.
B
Honestly, no. Because I remember I was with all the girls from the team. It was our Christmas party, and I was tell them a lot of them are moms. And I was like, yeah, the baby's gonna come when I say the baby's gonna come. And they all just died laughing at me. But I truly believe that when it came to the Super Bowl, I was like, I did not feel stressed. I was like, no, the baby isn't ready. Like, I know we. I have too much going on. We have too many podcasts to record. We have too much going on. And I think that that kind of helped me, but really, like, you know what it's like in football. It feels so all encompassing. And so when we were. I just. I could. Didn't even really have the time to think about anything other than, like, let's focus on the Super Bowl. Let's focus on what we get to do. We have one job now, and then I know eventually I'll focus on the baby.
A
Well, have you been blessed with, like, a good pregnancy? Like, has your Pregnancy been smooth up to this point.
B
I feel like it was treacherous for the first six months because I was really sick.
A
Oh, okay.
B
But then you almost, in a way, like, someone was like, how are you? And you kind of. Which I feel like this is also a motherhood thing where you kind of have a new normal. I was like, oh, I. You know, I threw up, like, three times today, but I'm fine. Like, I'm here.
A
Like, I know mine.
B
Yes. New baseline. So I think that there's just adjustments, but I did have, like, after that six months, there was this period, like, six. Four to six weeks where I felt so great. And that's when I did, like, the nursery and was doing some things to focus on preparing for the baby and. Yeah, you know, you just take advantage of the times. Opportunities that you do have.
A
Yeah, absolutely. I know everybody listening to this is gonna be like, oh, wow. Like, she could have given birth, like, at the Super Bowl. Like, you're like, full term at that point. Did you bring your OB to the Super Bowl? And what would have happened if you had went into labor at the Super Bowl?
B
I'm telling you, I just was like, I didn't even bring an OB because I was like, the baby is not coming.
A
Like, I'm manifesting so hard. I'm not even putting that out there.
B
Yeah. I just trusted so hard. There was a girl that did bring her OB to the Super bowl because there's. There was 12 of us that was. That were pregnant on the team, and I know. And of course, we're like the twelves as the Hawks, so that was a kind of a fun little thing for us. But, yeah, it was good luck, I guess.
A
Do it again next year, lady.
B
Yeah, we have to be pregnant, 12 of us. But, yeah, a girl did bring one of the girls on the team. Did bring her ob. And honestly, she was also pretty chill about it, too. And she gave birth the day after the Super Bowl.
A
Wow.
B
Yep. Oh, wow.
A
That's.
B
Yeah. Yeah. She was prepared.
A
Well, she.
B
She had to be.
A
She maybe put that out into the universe, though, like.
B
Exactly.
A
You know what the power of manifestation is.
B
Exactly.
A
Well, okay. The Seahawks ended up winning the super bowl, which is insane. I mean, it's so rare to even get the opportunity to make it to the super bowl, let alone win the Super Bowl. And your husband has been the NFL for how many years?
B
11. This is his 11th season, and this
A
was his first time going to the Super Bowl.
B
Yes. Yes.
A
So wildly insane. Can you take me through, like, what the game felt like when it comes to, like, nerves, thoughts, feelings, and then what it felt like when you were like, wow, we're about to win this.
B
I think that it was so interesting, this game, specifically because we had just played the Rams the week or two weeks before, and that game felt like the intensity of the super bowl for us, and I think for the players, because they're a rivalry. We've, you know, had ups and downs with them during season, and so there was a lot of, like, energy and excitement and tension in that game. And to be honest, like, we kind of went into the super bowl feeling more comfortable and more at ease. And so I think for. For us, although it was the super bowl, it's like you're looking all around and you're seeing all the, you know, the stadium. It's. It has, like, the lights and the decoration. It's, like, completely transformed in the way you're looking at things. But I feel like we also kind of just knew. Just like, I knew that I wasn't going to deliver the baby. We knew that. I think we just knew that we were going to win. And I. It felt like that throughout the game. There was certain moments where it felt more just excited, where there was a lot of, like, Leo's rookies on his D line that had these amazing plays. So it felt like, wow, like, look at these guys. You know, your. Your rookies are doing their thing and they're. That. That was there. The excitement was there for sure. But I think we all kind of knew what was going to happen, or we believed that we knew what was going to happen. So there was more ease. Ease to it.
A
Yeah, absolutely. When the clock hit zero and you're like, okay, wow, we just won the super bowl, where you're like, okay, how do I get on the field? Like, how do we get down there? Because I've always kind of been curious, like, they have to pre plan and, like, tell you, like, oh, this is if. If you do win, this is how you're going to get onto the field. This is kind of like the route X, Y and Z. Yeah.
B
So that was interesting because they basically, like, keep us. I keep calling it a holding cell. It's nicer than a holding cell. But they're. They're. They kind of round you all up, and then you're waiting with your, you know, Seahawks family, and then you're passing the Patriots family, you know, on. They're on the other side, and we. We know we're going to win. The. Our family is, like, really hyped up they're doing, like, they're doing Seahawks Chance. There's, like a countdown to when we're going to win and we. But it's different because you're not actually watching the game and so you're watching it on tv. It's just a little bit different. So once we won, I think all of us were just. I have a video of it. My sister took a video of all of us just, like, going crazy, getting like, you know, screaming, crying, like, all the emotions. And then. Then our whole family section starts, like, cheering. Let us out. Let us out. Because we actually had to wait. We had to wait a few minutes before we could go on the field. So then we get on the field. Everyone's then. Then you're trying to find your husband. And I could not find Leo. Normally I can find him pretty quickly because he's kind of tall, he sticks out. I could not find him. And I was just like, oh, no. I don't even know. Maybe I'm going to miss it this time. But eventually I found him. One of the other players saw him, took me over to him, and it was just this like, surreal moment that. That it doesn't feel real. Like it feels kind of like an outer body experience of like, is this really just happened? Did he really just won the Super Bowl? Are we really here? And then I feel like it took us, honestly, a few days. The parade, to be honest, is what. That's when we felt like, oh, we actually won the Super Bowl.
A
Which is crazy because the parade was a few days later. Correct.
B
Yeah. It's like, I think three days later. Thy ticket, lady Jennifer of Coolidge. Well, many thanks, good sir.
A
Here is my Discover card.
B
They accept Discover at Renaissance fairs. Yeah, they do here.
A
Discover is accepted at the places I love to shop. Get it with the times.
B
With the times. You're playing the loot. Yeah.
A
And it sounds pretty good, right?
C
Discover is accepted at 99 of places
A
that take credit cards nationwide, based on
B
the February 2025 Nielsen report.
A
All right, guys, I have to put you onto something that I am genuinely wearing all the time right now. Comfort is everything for me these days. Literally eight months pregnant. Yeah. I'm always reaching for something comfortable, especially while pregnant. And Roback has been such a go to. They just restocked their mock neck, which sold out in just over a week last time. It is one of those pieces that you can just throw on over literally everything and instantly feel a little bit more put together. It's lightweight, incredibly comfortable and very, very soft. It comes in Two colorways with really cute embroidery details. So there's an ivory version with a small American flag and a navy one with the Roback logo on the front. And while we're on the topic, Roback also just launched their biker short sets for the first time, which are perfect as a layer under the mock neck. When I tell you these are so good, I'm not exaggerating. They're very soft, supportive, and also very flattering, which is not always easy to find. I love throwing on the biker short set and layering the mock neck over it. Makes for getting ready in the morning. Very easy. So I'm ready to go whatever the day turns into, whether that's errands, a walk, or just being a mom on the go. Use code Sunday@roback.com for a generous 20% off your first order through the end of this week. That's spelled R H O B A C k dot com. The confetti. The confetti, to me is the most, like, interesting part because I'm like, they have both teams colors, like, loaded. Right.
B
Imagine the error that would happen if they accidentally.
A
Right. Like, what are they doing with all of that now? Unused confetti as long as. Or as well as, like, the T shirts that I'm sure they have printed of, like, the Patriots being champions.
C
And.
B
And what I also thought was interesting, I learned. I didn't know this, but also both teams have after parties. So then we had friends that years ago went to an after party of. I think it's when the Seahawks had lost and they said it was, like, the saddest party that they went to. Like, there was, like, great performers. But then everyone was, like, so sad, and I was like, wow, that's like. I didn't think that you. You know, because we have the party plan and all this stuff already planned.
A
Yeah. And so that's. That's what I want to get into next is kind of like the after party. Like, who plans this after party? I'm assuming, like, everybody. Like, the players, families, coaches, like, organization. Everybody is invited. And how late does that go? Because it's not like you guys have bed checks later that night. Like, it's. Season's done.
B
Yeah, season's done. It was like, before we went, there was, like, rumors that we were gonna have who we had, which was Ludacris and T Pain. It was amazing. That. Yeah, that was like, I couldn't have picked better people for myself personally. Yeah, we had so much fun. But the one thing that scared me was that before we Even went to the party. They said the party was gonna end at 4am and I'm like so pregnant. Just like, how am I going to last? But I have to last because this we. How many times am I have this opportunity? So I'm, I'm on the dance floor with my sister. She's like giving me water, bringing me cold towels, just like almost as if I'm in labor. So I can just make it through this concert.
A
Labor prep.
B
It was great labor prep. And I had like, I was wearing like ice bags in my shirt. Like, I was so committed to seeing this concert, but it was, it was completely worth it and it was so fun and, and I think we only made it to like 2:30 and the plan was to go to another party after. But I kind of knew that if we went to go get food, my husband would be done for the night. So we went to go get food and he was like, I'm feeling kind of tired. And I was like, yes, okay, so
A
why are you tired? You just played a whole game. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
B
So I use like some of my, you know, what I know about my husband to be true. And my family actually lives in the Bay Area, so we just got to go home to my family's house and we just stayed up with some of my family members, like just reflecting on like, wow, that just happened.
A
Well, and crazy too, because it comes after an 11 year career in the NFL and it's like, wow, like this pinch me moment of not only did you make it to the super bowl, but you won the Super Bowl. And it's almost like, how do you come off that high? Yeah.
B
And I remember I saw that you had Anna cup on the podcast and I remember her talking to us about that actually. Like all the girls earlier in the season, she said there's like this funny feeling of you reach this goal that you've always looked forward to and then there's almost like kind of a numbness that happens after because.
C
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B
You know, we think that we might feel all of these emotions, but then when you're actually in the moment, it's like, I'm still just who I am. Like, I. There's nothing that different about me. Like, people are saying different things about me or treating me differently. But I think that's why when we went to the parade on Wednesday, seeing like all the love from the city, that felt like, okay, this actually really does matter and this is important. And it was just something to see all these people together just being so happy. Like, it felt like this really powerful moment, especially with just the way the world is, can be so challenging and hard. And seeing that much love was like, okay, we get it.
A
Yeah. I mean, the Seahawks is definitely one of those fan bases that like, you know that like, they're ride or dies for their team. And I'm sure, like, the parade just felt so surreal and like, oh, wow, like, this is our fan base. Like, this is our win. Like we won the Super Bowl. Like, this is finally hitting and just like being able to celebrate with everybody.
B
Yeah, that's what it was. It was just like, you know, we're seeing the fans crying, we're crying, my husband's crying. Like, everyone's just like, oh my gosh, we did this together. And we both have this memory of there was this little kid, I think he was. He must have been like five or six, sitting on his dad's shoulders and he was just bawling, crying, and just saying, thank you, thank you. And we were crying back and just, thank you, thank you. And yeah, there's. There's nothing like Seattle fans and having that moment in the city just felt like we could do anything. Like, let's get together next week and transform, whatever we need to transform. It felt so empowering to be together like that.
A
Well, I feel like there are like far and few times in the NFL where you actually feel like, okay, this is like our family. This is like we're all like going through the same thing and it brings you together and this has to be one of those moments where you just look back and you're like, wow. Like, we're all like intertwined in this, like one memory. And it feels so special.
B
Yeah, it feels like, truly like a team. I remember when we got traded here and we were on the Giants, and. And that team is kind of. The fans are notoriously. You know, they're tough. They're tough. They're not. They're tough on their players. And when I came here, immediately, I remember the first game, I was like, whoa, this is different. Like, people stay to the end of the game here. People are like, you know, in it, no matter you're winning or you're losing. And having that moment and seeing even, like, my husband get off the bus and like, he's, you know, in the crowd kissing babies, hugging, you know, hugging
A
everyone, and just like, Seattle Seahawks fans are just like, hold my baby.
B
Yeah, they are. There were so many babies that were, like, being held up like Lion King. Yeah. Yeah. And it was. Yeah, it was. It was. It was healing, honestly, like, seeing. Seeing my husband loved, like, that was. It's like, I've always wanted to be able to give him, like, all the love that I can, but I can't. I just can't do.
A
You're like, I'm only one person.
B
I'm only one person. But having and seeing that amount of love poured into him felt, like, so fulfilling for me. And I love. I love Seattle, and I love the fans here.
A
How did your pregnancy affect, like, the football season in general? Did it, like, did it really impact your football season?
B
I feel like we did have to kind of learn a new way of being with each other, because typically, he's the one that's physically, you know, needs a little bit more. And so this season, that was me, and he actually was, you know, pretty for football, like, pretty physically. Well, there's, like, some, you know, minor things here and there, but that was the biggest shift, I think of him, you know, needing to just support me in ways that I feel like he hasn't supported me and nothing, like, super crazy. But I think that was an adjustment just in our relationship of, like, okay, I actually do need more now. Before, I was kind of. I could do everything on my own, where now I need help putting on socks. You know what I mean? So there was. There was an adjustment our relationship, but I think by the end of football season, we had a lot of time to get it down, and now it felt good. And it also felt, I think, a good practice for what, you know, our family is going to be like, because I think there's a lot of roles that change when you have kids.
A
Oh, absolutely. And I'm sure that when you guys first arrived to Seattle, Were you like, okay, I need to make this house a home, like, as soon as possible? Because, like, were you nesting throughout the football season or were you, like, let's just whatever.
B
Well, so we got traded two years ago. Two years ago now. And so when we came out here, we didn't know how long we're going to be out here. And so we, like, were renting a place. Well, we were living in a hotel for a while, and then we were renting a place.
A
And we kind of thought, so glamorous in that way.
B
I know. It was so glamorous. It was like, me, my husband, and our dog at the time. We actually had a great time, but it was just like, so. It was so funny. But we didn't know how long we're gonna be here. We got here in, like, November, and then the season, you know, typically ends in January. So we did end up renting a place for, like, a few months. And then we had moved everything out because then my husband was entering free agency and we didn't know if Seattle was gonna sign him or not. So we thought, okay, let's just move everything out. We won't have anything in Seattle. And then he ended up resigning. And that, I think, really shifted everything for us because then we got to feel like, okay, you know, the NFL is never super comfortable. But we felt more comfortable than we had in a while because he had a few years on a contract. We're like, okay, let's find a place. We got. We found a home that, you know, was ready to go. And we really. This season, I was really nesting and kind of finding my community, my people like our routine or our life here. And it feels so good. This is the first season we haven't moved after season. And I'm like, wow, just to live somewhere for more than six months, like, this is a luxury. Like, I know where everything where I know where I need to go. I know my people. Like, it feels really good.
A
Well, I'm sure it also feels good, like, the energy wise. Like, I'm not going to be leaving this home. This is where we're going to bring our baby to. And we're, you know that you're going to spend postpartum. I'm sure that's like a very, like, comforting feeling knowing, like, this is the place.
B
Yeah, that has really helped me because, you know, we typically live off season in Florida, and everyone's like, oh, is the Florida house ready for a baby? I'm like, no.
A
How?
B
No, no, not. Of course not. And so it Felt good to, like, have some stability in a. In a life that's typically not that way. And, you know, we'll see how this next season goes because it's just everything changes. But it's been really nice to have that stability this season.
C
Season.
A
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B
So.
A
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B
I think it did for me. I think for my husband it's taken a little bit longer because I, I remember telling. Not him. I told my sister before season ended. I was like, geez, I kind of feel bad for Leo. Like he doesn't know it yet, but we have birth classes every day. We have breastfeeding consultations, we have pelvic floor therapy together. He. And yesterday he was just like, I just didn't know. I didn't know that I was going to be going from this to this. And I was like, I know, I maybe should have told you, but you know, you were in the super bowl, you had other things going on.
A
Didn't have much time to discuss this.
B
Yeah. So I feel like it did help us having that weekend. I'm really happy and grateful that we had that weekend away. And I think he's also like, okay, this is like this. Both of us are like, this is the new life that we're also jumping into. So. So next year or next, next time we're able to get pregnant, we're like, we're maybe gonna try to schedule that if we can't prolong it. Yeah. All our friends are on vacation right now and we're like, well, that would have been nice. Yeah.
A
Yeah. A nice, like sometime in the sun. Yeah, Seattle would have been a little nice. But you know, I'm like a newborn is very easy to travel with, so you guys can easily go and take that newborn to the beach.
B
Yeah, we do. I. To be fair, we do have a family, a little Hawaii trip planned in two months from now. So the baby will come.
A
Perfect. No, exactly. That is going to be so perfect. Do you think that you've been utilizing like your meditation practices on your husband? Just like prepping him, his mind, like for what you've been mentally prepping for, baby wise over the whole season?
B
I think so. I feel like he, the way he sees me and the way I think I even see myself is I try to have everything that I practice be who I am. And I, you know, it's, it's helped. Meditation, breathwork has been really supportive, I think with football because as you know, it can bring up a lot of emotion. And so being able to be where I'm at with my practice now, I mean, I remember like 10 years ago when I was first watching him, I would ha. I would be so nervous. And then I was like, why am I doing this to myself? Like, I'm not playing the game. I mean, I am watching him sacrifice and like that can Be, you know, intense in itself, because it's not. It's not a gentle game. But if I can learn to really, like, master these skills that I'm already trying to learn, they can help me. And I feel like, especially this season, they have. And I think for him, too, it's just the way we see football now is so different than we did 10 years ago. Now it's, like, about having fun and how we can be present in each moment and just enjoy it for what it is, because these moments don't last forever, and they don't come all the time. And so I think that that's the way that we're using meditation, like mindfulness, presence connected to football. And then with pregnancy, it's the same thing, because your body's changing all the time and you're feeling things all the
A
time, like, out of breath, literally recording this right now, literally.
B
I told my husband today, I'm like, stairs are the most violent thing to happen to me nowadays. Like, I can barely make it upstairs, but my breath is helping me and coming back to it and recognizing, like, everything is temporary. Nothing is forever, whether it's pain, whether it's football, whether it's pregnancy. And my breath and kind of helps me navigate the ups and downs.
A
I love that. Do you have a word that you want to describe this off season or, like, when you look at this off season, like, what do you. When you get to the end of the off season, what do you want to look back and think? Like, oh, wow, it was really blank.
B
My family does words of the year every year. So my. I started off this year with the word grace, and that was because, you know, in pregnancy, like, we were just talking about, it's just so, like, up and down. And as you change in pregnancy, you really. Grace, to me, has been kind of the biggest practice of, like, okay, I get to rest now, or I. I need to rest now, or I'm giving myself grace as I walk up the stairs and not judging it. So I think if I could fast forward to the end of off season, it would be that of giving myself grace as I navigate motherhood for the first time, because I know it can bring up so much, and I have no idea what it will bring up in me, even what it will bring up in my relationship, because we've been together for, like, over a decade, just usually. So I'm imagining that there will be a lot of grace given to myself, but also to my husband as he figures out his new role. Yeah, I think I imagine grace being the kind of anchor to this off season that I'll come back to.
A
Aside from the birth of your first child, what are you most excited for this off season?
B
I. I think being able to feel that sense of empowerment after birth. There's this, like, transformation. I feel like I've seen in my friends and other women I've listened to, spoke, speak about, and I used to joke about it. I'm like, I'm just gonna get pregnant because I just want the transformation.
A
Yeah.
B
But I. It seems to be, like, so empowering to be a woman doing your life. And you're such a great example of that. Right. Like, you're doing your life alongside this child that you get to bring with you and share all these memories with. And. And that's what I'm excited about of, like, that. That feeling of, like, wow, like I just did that. This is kind of cool. I'm impressed with me. It's very.
A
It's extremely empowering. And I'm sure it's even more special, like, the idea of bringing a child to football games next year. Like, how special? And like, you think that after 10 years in the NFL, 11 years in the NFL, it's like, oh, we've been through it all, and now it's like you gu of get to restart the memories.
B
We do. Yeah. I bought a little, like, playoff jacket for our baby when all the girls on the team, we did matching jackets. It's, like, so teeny tiny, and I can't wait for, you know, just the outfits and the moments where the baby might not remember. But for us, we'll get to tell stories of, like, you were here when your dad did this really cool thing.
A
No, I love that. And then my last question before we jump into some rapid fire Q and A. And I'm sure I know the answer to this. What are you looking forward to next?
B
Well, the birth, of course, but also I'm just looking forward to, I think the same kind of similar, of just feeling a deeper connection to who I am after having a kid and stepping into that new version of myself. It seems exciting to be able to still teach meditation and breath work while I have a kid. And I'm excited for the strength that I'm anticipating, manifesting, calling into my life that I'll. I'll. I'll have after the baby has arrived.
A
Oh, my gosh. Well, I'm so, so excited for you. It is, like, crazy to be able to talk to you. Like, I'm like the last few moments of you not being a mom yet, I know you're about to. It's like almost like going. Talking to somebody, knowing that they're about to go through something, like, wildly life changing is the craziest thing ever. But I'm. I'm so excited for you guys and I'm excited for you. To your husband as a dad as well. It's like this whole new love. They say, like, having a baby is hard on a marriage, but I'm like, it is, like, so transformative in, like, the love that you share for your partner.
B
I know. I can't. I see all these videos of my friends, like, and their husband's carrying the baby, and I'm just like, oh, my gosh, my heart is gonna explode. I can't wait for that.
A
I see my husband working out in the gym. I'm like, I can't wait to see you. You're with your shirt off with a newborn again.
B
Yeah, exactly.
A
There's something that. That image in my head. Okay. Yeah, Jump into some rapid fire Q A. Just like, simple this or that. Okay. Sweet seat. Sweet seating or sideline views.
B
Sweet.
A
Team gear or designer outfit?
B
I would say team gear.
A
Love that. Morning sickness or heartburn?
B
Ooh, that's tough. I'll say morning sickness.
A
Hospital bag packed early or procrastinate until you're about to leave for the hospital.
B
Hospital backpacked early.
A
Labor playlist or total silence?
B
I have a labor playlist.
A
I might need you to share that with me.
B
Yeah, I will. I will.
A
Counting down the days or wishing time would slow down?
B
Wishing time would slow down.
A
I love that. And that's all I have. And then where can people find you on social media?
B
I. My Instagram is Haley Louise Williams. And yeah, that's the best place to find me.
A
All right, well, thank you so much for coming on. Be sure to stay tuned on her social media to see when she gives birth. And thank you guys so much for tuning in. Be sure to tune in every Sunday wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Episode: 9 Months Pregnant at the Super Bowl with Hailey Louise Williams
Date: March 1, 2026
Host: Allison Kuch
Guest: Hailey Louise Williams
In this heartfelt and entertaining episode, Allison Kuch sits down with Hailey Louise Williams, meditation leader and wife of Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams. Hailey, 9 months pregnant, shares her incredible experience of attending the Super Bowl at full term, balancing impending motherhood, and what it was like to witness her husband win his first championship after 11 years in the NFL. The conversation moves fluidly from the highs and emotions of the Super Bowl, to personal reflections on family, transitions, and the unique realities of being an NFL spouse on the brink of parenthood.
"I didn't even bring an OB because I was like, the baby is not coming. I’m manifesting so hard." (06:03, Hailey)
"...It's an interesting comedown... It's definitely been a transition, but having that weekend alone helped reset." (02:17, Hailey)
"We kind of went into the Super Bowl ... more comfortable and more at ease... We just knew we were going to win." (07:29, Hailey)
"Our family section starts cheering 'Let us out!'... trying to find your husband among the chaos..." (09:19, Hailey)
"The parade, to be honest, is when we felt like, oh, we actually won the Super Bowl." (11:01, Hailey)
"When I came here, I remember the first game, I was like, whoa, this is different. People stay to the end, they're in it no matter what." (19:32, Hailey)
"Seeing the fans crying, we're crying, my husband's crying... there was this little kid... just bawling, crying and just saying, thank you, thank you." (18:26, Hailey)
"...Typically, he's the one that's physically, you know, needs a little bit more. And so this season, that was me..." (20:56, Hailey)
"This is the first season we haven't moved after season. Wow, to live somewhere for more than six months is a luxury." (23:40, Hailey)
"Meditation, breathwork has been really supportive... being able to be where I'm at... these moments don’t last forever." (28:36, Hailey)
Hailey’s “word of the year” is “Grace,” reflecting her conscious effort to rest, adapt, and handle the unknowns of new motherhood:
"My family does words of the year... I started off this year with the word grace..." (30:55, Hailey)
Excitement for personal growth and empowerment through birth and motherhood:
"It seems to be, like, so empowering to be a woman doing your life. And you’re such a great example of that, right... That feeling of like, wow, like I just did that." (32:32, Hailey)
Power of Mindset:
“I truly believe that... When it came to the Super Bowl, I did not feel stressed. I was like, no, the baby isn't ready... I have too much going on!” (04:02, Hailey)
On the Chaos of Post-Victory:
"Let us out! Let us out!... I couldn’t find Leo... But eventually, I did. It was just this surreal moment..." (09:19, Hailey)
Seattle Fandom:
“Seattle Seahawks fans are just like, hold my baby... There were so many babies being held up like Lion King.” (20:09, Hailey)
Pregnancy Humor:
“I told my husband today, stairs are the most violent thing to happen to me nowadays.” (30:15, Hailey)
Empowering Motherhood:
"I'm excited for the strength that I'm anticipating, manifesting, calling into my life that I'll have after the baby has arrived." (33:52, Hailey)
This episode offers a warm, authentic glimpse into the life of an NFL spouse about to become a mother at the height of a championship season. Hailey and Allison's conversation is honest, often hilarious, and deeply relatable for anyone experiencing major life transitions. From the chaos of the Super Bowl to the everyday emotions of pregnancy and family, listeners are treated to a rich, uplifting chat about manifesting calm, embracing change, and savoring the extraordinary — and sometimes ordinary — moments that define family and sport.