Los Angeles Chargers star RB Austin Ekeler has had an underwhelming start to his seventh NFL season. The do-it-all running back has accounted for a middling (by his standards) 272 scrimmage yards this year in three games played.
The 28-year-old runner hasn’t looked like himself in the Chargers’ last two games. In fact, he’s gained a paltry 72 yards on his last 28 totes (2.5 yards per carry). It seems plausible to suggest that he’s still trying to shake off the rust from an early-season ankle injury that cost him three games.
Ekeler’s career successes indicate a bounce-back is coming sooner than later. The prolific, pass-catching, point-scorer has accounted for 7,447 yards from scrimmage and 64 combined touchdowns in his pro career.
Ekeler’s performance on Sunday night against the Bears will be paramount for the Chargers in their quest to break back into the playoff conversation. Chargers fans know it and will be rooting accordingly.
Also cheering for Ekeler’s success will be his fiancée, Melanie Wilking, which brings us to the question posed in the headline.
Who Is Austin Ekeler’s Fiancée, Melanie Wilking?
Wilking might prove surprisingly familiar to some readers. Her name might not be immediately recognizable, but she’s amassed quite a celebrity of her own.
Folks who are active on social media have likely scrolled through Wilking’s TikTok or Instagram pages at one time or another. She has amassed over three million followers and 60 million views on TikTok, according to Sportskeeda. Her Instagram page has also developed a substantial fanbase, with over 200,000 following Wilking on that platform.
Ekeler, likewise, features quite prominently on both accounts.
@melaniewilking Austin’s eyes at the end👀😅 @Austin Ekeler couples melaniewilking repationships
Her fame, however, predates her relationship with Ekeler. Wilking and her sister, Miranda, have toured the world over dancing for world-famous musicians like Bruno Mars, Iggy Azalea, Jason Derulo, and Flo Rida.
According to their website, they “are a triple threat singing/dancing/acting duo that have years of experience in the entertainment industry.”
Their website also offers numerous avenues through which individuals, brands, or entertainment companies may collaborate with the sister duo. They’ve partnered with prominent brands like Nike, Amazon, and McDonald’s. The siblings also offer choreography classes and private lessons.
The star siblings really grew their following during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time during which more eyes than ever were hyper-focused on screens of all kinds. They spoke to Forbes about what the spotlight meant to them and about the positive message they tried to convey to followers during what were often dark and depressing times.
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“We feel being social media influencers is especially important during this time because we encourage people to interact with their families, get up and get active, and be safe, all while laughing and having a good time,” say the Wilking sisters.
“This is much needed during a time when the news is generally so heavy and deep. Additionally, being social media influencers gives us an opportunity to earn an income and promote products at a time when brands are feeling the financial crunch.”
Evidently, she’s brought enough joy into Ekeler’s life to inspire a marriage proposal from the star running back in August of this year.
Congratulations to #Chargers RB Austin Ekeler & his fiancé Melanie Wilking for getting engaged!
(📸 via melaniewilking on IG) pic.twitter.com/O7LPWOV8P9
— Tyler Weiss (@TylerMWeiss_) August 26, 2023
The couple are obviously very supportive of their partner’s respective endeavors. And while Ekeler will draw plenty of eyes this Sunday night, it may be his soon-to-be wife who is the bigger star between the two.