For New York Giants enthusiasts, quarterback Daniel Jones has been the focal point since draft day in 2019. But behind the flashing lights of MetLife Stadium, his long-term girlfriend, Ella Bonafede, has stood by him. Although the couple is notoriously discreet, their romance from college sweetheart to power couple navigating professional sports and high-pressure jobs is in itself a tale. Bonafede is so much more than the girlfriend of an athlete; she’s a one-time Duke lacrosse player in her own right who has built herself an impressive medical research career. 

Who is Daniel Jones’s Girlfriend, Ella Bonafede? 

Ella Bonafede, a former college lacrosse player and a public health professional, was in a long-term relationship with Daniel Jones. She was born on June 30, 1997, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was educated at St. Anthony’s High School in New York, where, as a varsity lacrosse player, she was a star. Then she went to Duke University for her higher education, studying Evolutionary Biology and Global Health. Subsequently, she graduated from New York University with a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH), which focuses on nutrition and food policy. 

What is Ella Bonafede’s height and age? 

Ella Bonafede is 28 years old. She is 5 feet 3 inches tall, and her athletic physique was a real asset when she played with the Duke women’s lacrosse team as an attack. 

What does Ella Bonafede do? 

Ella Bonafede is currently the Senior Program Manager for Research Strategy at Breakthrough T1D, a nonprofit focused on advancing research and advocacy for type 1 diabetes. In this role, she helps shape and execute research initiatives, including funding studies on autoimmune therapies, cell therapies, glucose control, and the prevention of T1D complications.

Before joining Breakthrough T1D, she built a strong foundation in public health and medical research, serving as a Program Manager at the CDC Foundation and as a research coordinator at Weill Cornell Medicine, where she focused on clinical research networks. Bonafede holds a Bachelor of Science in Evolutionary Biology and Global Health from Duke University, where she also played lacrosse, and a Master of Public Health in Nutrition and Food Policy from New York University.

Beyond her professional work, she is known for her athletic background and has been publicly linked to NFL quarterback Daniel Jones.

How did Daniel and Ella Bonafede meet? 

Daniel and Ella were student-athletes, between 2015-2018 at Duke University, where the dynamic duo crossed their paths first ever. While they kept their relationship status away from the limelight, Ella publicly supported Daniel, wishing him a happy 22 birthday on social media, which sparked the rumors. She also cheered him on in 2019, writing, “So unbelievably proud of you Daniel, I cannot wait to be cheerin’ you on in NY”¦ Lets Go Giants!£ï¸,” after he was drafted in 2019.

They also briefly speculated about a split during the COVID pandemic circa 2021, as they kept a low profile. However, once again in 2022, Ella continued to support Daniel during the games, supporting from the sidelines. When Daniel was down with injuries in 2022, Ella was consistently there for him. They have cherished each other wholeheartedly. They both prioritize their individual careers and strongly commit to privacy.

Who are Ella Bonafede’s parents?  Meet  Mary and Joseph Bonafede 

Ella Bonafede is from a small and tightly knit family that is very sporty. The parents are Mary and Joseph Bonafede. While her mother, Mary, is described as a stay-at-home mom, her father, Joseph, was also an athlete, and sports ran deep in the family. 

Ella has three brothers: Sam, Andrew, and Ben. The family’s love for lacrosse is particularly intense. Sam played lacrosse at Princeton from 2015-2018, and Andy was on the men’s lacrosse team at Duke while Ella was there. Growing up, Ella often credited her brothers with helping develop her tough and determined playing style, saying, “I’ve been playing lacrosse in my backyard with my three brothers for as long as I remember… They have definitely made me tough and determined”. 

What is Ella Bonafede’s Instagram account?

In line with their preference for privacy, Ella Bonafede stays out of the public eye on social media. It is said that she has a private Instagram account with the username @ebono_. To the public, her posts are not accessible. She also utilizes LinkedIn as a professional networking platform. Her anonymity is consistent with the couple’s preference for privacy, despite their high-profile status. 

Ella Bonafede is not only a perfect match for Daniel Jones as a supportive partner but also a remarkable individual who has achieved success in her own right. From winning high school championships to playing Division I lacrosse at Duke, she has consistently demonstrated the drive and determination of a champion. Beyond athletics, she has built a career tackling some of the most complex issues in public health and medical research. While fans might see her cheering passionately from the sidelines on game days, her own story of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and professional dedication is equally impressive.