The Detroit Lions just beefed up their offensive line with a bulldog-sized bite, snatching Georgia guard Tate Ratledge in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. But while Ratledge is busy moving D-linemen out the way, off the field, he just made the most important move of his life — and it had nothing to do with football. That’s right. Just weeks before hearing his name called on draft night, the 6-foot-6 mauler from Rome, Georgia, got down on one knee and locked in forever with his longtime sweetheart, Annabelle Braden.
Just weeks before his big draft moment, Ratledge popped the question. The date? April 5th. The vibes? Straight fairytale. Annabelle shared the news on Instagram with a glowing ring and a caption that read like a prayer and a love letter rolled into one: “Thank you Jesus for the last 7 years and for the lifetime of love to come.” She even pulled from scripture — “I have found the one whom my soul loves.” (Song of Solomon 3:4 for the Bible folks.) Their story’s got some serious homegrown charm. Both from Rome, Georgia, and both products of Darlington High — she hooped, he balled out on the gridiron. First Instagram post together? October 15, 2017. Been locked in ever since.
But don’t mistake Annabelle for just a sideline supporter — she’s been grinding too. According to her LinkedIn, she’s been holding it down as Georgia Football’s Recruiting Specialist at the University of Georgia Athletic Association since June 2021. Before that? She worked as a front desk receptionist at Foundation Orthodontics and ran social media marketing for Top Hat Formal Wear from 2018 to 2022. Annabelle Braden also runs her own Amazon business, adding entrepreneur to her growing list of titles. She sells a mix of cosmetics, stylish clothing, and thoughtful couple gifts through her online storefront. Beauty, hustle, and heart — she’s got the whole package.Girl’s got a résumé, no cap.
Academically, she’s made the rounds — Darlington School, then time at Kennesaw State, University of North Georgia, and finally UGA. If there’s ever been a couple built to withstand the SEC storm and the NFL spotlight, it’s these two. Now, as Tate trades Athens red for Honolulu blue, he’s not making the leap solo. He’s got Annabelle — his day one, his “I do” — right beside him for the next chapter.
The post Who Is Lions’ Tate Ratledge’s Fiancée Annabelle Braden? All About Georgia Alums’ Love Life appeared first on EssentiallySports.
