Jordan Wawrzyniak, junior at Indiana University, is currently in a relationship. But unlike most of us, she’s not dating the guy she met in her Finite class. She’s dating a senior on the football team, longsnapper Matt Dooley.
Jordan and Matt met about a year ago in Bloomington after living across the street from each other. They connected through mutual friends and instantly hit it off. They shared similar interests and life views, and bonded over their mutual appreciation of ice cream and football.
“It was so unexpected and that was why it was so awesome,” Jordan said.
Growing up, Jordan always had a passion for football; in high school she joined the cheerleading squad and loved being closer the field and the action. And at IU, it wasn’t long after Jordan started dating Matt that she began to feel like a part of the team.
After being indirectly involved in the football program for a little while now through Matt, she’s really learned some things.
“Most people don’t realize that most football players, like Matt, are so much more than just talented athletes with big arms and beards (although he does have a nice beard)," Jordan said. "Often times, they are extremely disciplined, committed, goal oriented, hard working, selfless young men with incredible leadership qualities that very few 20-something-year-old guys possess these days. You really grow to care about not only him but also his friends when you see all the work they put in daily.”
When they first started dating, she was amazed that to the players, “sleeping in” meant waking up at 7:30 a.m.
Despite the “football player stereotype”, she believes that football players hold something truly unique. They give up their time, bodies, and energy for the sake of others- their teammates, community, etc. They understand the meaning of sacrifice and selflessness more than most young people.
“These are qualities I see in Matt, as well as in many of his buddies. He constantly strives to improve his performance in other areas of life including his faith, his relationships, his academics, and his work”, she said, “He really embraces commitment and dedication to things he cares about.”
This carries over into their relationship, which is what helps keep it so solid. He is committed and is a leader not only in life, but also in the relationship. Because he works so hard to be the best version of himself, Jordan works hard to support him day in and day out, especially on the tough days. She said, “It can be a challenge, but it’s a special thing because when you have a guy that really shows his appreciation the way he does, you want to do that for him.”
That support carries over into game days, too. Before every game, Jordan writes a note to Matt to open right before the game.
“It’s like a personal little pep talk for him,” she said, “Offering this support gives me a sense of involvement in the program, even though I’m not technically suiting up to play.”
Offering unconditional support has helped him continue to develop as a leader this year. She said that it’s so rewarding when you see that through encouraging him he has a boost of energy to go out, play well, and encourage other people. Jordan said, “A good leader needs a wingman.”
Being in a relationship is tough. Juggling schoolwork, working out, pledging, and a social life along with having time to spend with your significant other, can be overwhelming. Time management may be the most important part of making a relationship work. Being a college football player’s girlfriend has its ups and downs, but Jordan said it would likely be harder if she didn’t truly love football and sports in general, but luckily she love both, which makes it so exciting and enjoyable.
She said the biggest challenge with dating a football player is having to frequently adjust her schedule.
“When you’re ready to hang out at 9 or 10 p.m. after finishing homework, they’re getting ready to go to bed,” she said, “But when you care about them, you make it happen. It definitely makes it harder to see each other, but we work it out, even if we have to see each other at weird hours of the day.”
Being a full-ride scholarship player, he can’t skip a day; he has that obligation and commitment to be present and work hard every day of the week. In order to stay on top of her own life, Jordan said it’s a balance she’s learning how to do better every day.
“You really have to stay on top of things more because your schedule is often so wrapped up and entwined with his, but you still have to maintain your own life," Jordan said. "It’s a balance, because I’m working a job, being a student, keeping up friendships, and making sure I do things that are developing my own self and not just my relationship with him. Otherwise I won’t have much of my own individual strength and encouragement to offer. It’s definitely a challenge, but it’s so worth it.”
However, it’s not just football keeping these two together. Jordan and Matt love going on drives out in the country roads, blasting and singing along to music, and eating ice cream. They try to keep up with youth groups and Bible studies, and usually everything they do revolves around food (football players eat a lot!) – whether it’s experimenting with a new dessert recipe or packing up a cooler of snacks and going to a drive-in movie.
They love adventures. In the past, they’ve gone on several spontaneous road-trips, including one to Nashville. Matt also knows how to play guitar and is in the process of teaching some chords to Jordan.
“He’s really the jack of all trades in my opinion”, she said.
Jordan said the one word that describes her relationship is “dynamic.” As much as it is football focused, Jordan said they’re all about the big picture, too. They talk a lot about how they can be positive sources of support for their friends and how they can do better in school, work, etc.
“Football players make great ‘teammates’ in life. It’s creative and it’s fun. There’s so much variety and I think it creates a great balance. It’s extremely unique, not your typical college relationship,” she said, “Despite the minor challenges that can come with dating a guy on a rigorous schedule, the benefits far exceed the cost. To have a man of character, work, leadership and discipline is a blessing in itself, but the cherry on top is getting to see him run out on the field in his jersey and little football pants too, and having the privilege to cheer him on. I can’t even describe the amount of pride I feel throwing on that oversized #91 jersey on game days.”
