Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler may be out for the season with an Achilles injury, but his wife, Melanie Wilking, continues to be a star in her own right. Ahead of the Commanders’ “Monday Night Football” showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, Melanie has been turning heads online with her Taylor Swift-inspired dance tributes — reminding fans she’s not just the wife of an NFL player, but a professional performer and creator with her own following.
Austin Ekeler’s Wife Melanie’s Taylor Swift Tributes Go Viral
Melanie has been showing her love for Swift’s new music through choreography since the singer’s latest album dropped. Just days after its release, she shared a video of herself performing to Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” with Swift’s video playing in the background.
A week later, she followed it up with another video set to a different Swift track, continuing the theme of what followers are calling her “Swift era.”
The dancer’s passion for music and storytelling runs deep. Melanie has been open about her love for the art form, telling People earlier this year that she and Ekeler “love sharing what makes us both happy.” She’s also spent the past few years building her own brand as a solo performer after her split from the “Wilking Sisters” TikTok duo, which she originally formed with her sister, Miranda.
The two gained over 3 million followers online before parting ways in 2021. The rift in their relationship became public when Miranda joined 7M Films, a management company linked to Shekinah Church, run by Robert Shinn. Melanie told Netflix in “Dancing for the Devil” that she left the company after feeling uncomfortable with Shinn’s control over the dancers.
“We’re in constant danger of choking on hairballs,” Melanie once joked about life with Austin and their dog — a reminder that she’s able to find humor even in tough situations. Her mix of vulnerability and lightheartedness has made her relatable to fans, and her recent Swift-inspired posts show how she continues to channel her emotions through dance.
Inside Austin Ekeler and Melanie Wilking’s Relationship
Melanie and Austin first connected in 2021 when the NFL star messaged her on Instagram. Two years later, in August 2023, he proposed. They tied the knot on May 25, 2024, at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. The couple told People they were excited to finally settle down after years of long distance.
“Marriage to me means a partner who will always be there for you through thick and thin,” Melanie said. “It’s getting to go through life with your best friend right by your side, creating experiences and a family together.”
Austin echoed her feelings, adding, “It means being with a forever partner to grow and explore the adventure of life together.”
When Austin suffered a leg injury in September 2025, Melanie was right there beside him. She has remained supportive throughout his recovery, often sharing upbeat videos and messages to her fans.
“Living far away from our families is not always easy,” Melanie said of their relationship, “so having everyone in one place was really all we wanted.”
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