The waves behind them whispered calm, but the energy between them said otherwise. When Deshaun Watson and longtime partner Jilly Anais posed by the sea in matching pre-wedding outfits, it wasn’t just about the fashion or the backdrop—it was a moment years in the making. From quiet support during turbulent times to public declarations of love, this couple has stood the test. And now, with a wedding on the horizon, Watson needed only three words to send the internet into a heart-eyed frenzy.

In a season filled with uncertainty for the Browns QB—recovering from a right Achilles tendon tear—Deshaun Watson still managed to turn the spotlight toward something beautiful: love. After confirming his engagement to model and influencer Jilly Anais, the three-time Pro Bowler dropped a heartfelt response that left fans swooning. Anais posted a carousel of images on her Instagram, showing the couple dressed in coordinated beach-side elegance. In her caption, she shared a touching verse: “Ecclesiastes 4:12 — A cord of three strands is not easily broken. You, me, and our Lord—forever entwined.”

Watson, who had previously hinted at their upcoming nuptials, jumped into the comment section with a simple but resonant reply: “I love you!” He followed it up with a trail of emojis: red and yellow hearts, and crossed fingers—an emotional punctuation mark on a deeply personal journey.

The couple’s look in the photos only added to the buzz. Watson wore a tailored olive-green suit over a white-striped shirt, while Jilly stunned in a floral off-white mini dress with a matching veil—an ensemble that screamed understated elegance. Their chemistry? Undeniable.

It’s not the first time they’ve teased their fans with visual storytelling. Just a week earlier, Watson had posted another series of romantic shots, captioning it: “The Watsons… coming soon.” In the comments, he added: “My Queen……MORE GLORY.”

Fans and friends alike have followed their journey since 2019, when Watson—then with the Houston Texans—slid into Jilly’s DMs. Since then, the two have weathered personal and professional highs and lows, including Watson’s controversial off-field legal battles and career instability. Through it all, Anais remained by his side.

Deshaun Watson and his fiancée Jilly Anais make the engagement announcement

Back in March, the couple made their engagement public with a stunning beachside ceremony on March 16. Jilly flaunted her diamond ring in several joint Instagram posts, one of which read: “Mrs. Watson Loading…”

The engagement drew an outpouring of love, with friends and even sports agent David Mulugheta posting, “Wedding book invite……#crazy,” alongside a glimpse of their invitation. Their support network—and fan base—has been nothing but enthusiastic.

With wedding bells just around the corner, this chapter marks a new beginning for Deshaun Watson, not just as an athlete but as a partner. While his comeback trail to the NFL continues, his off-field life is clearly flourishing. And in the middle of it all, one simple message rings loudest: “I love you.”