NFL SHOCKER: Josh Allen to Become a Dad — But Hailee Steinfeld’s Refusal to Move to Buffalo Could Change Everything

In a bombshell announcement that has rocked the NFL and Hollywood alike, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and his wife, actress Hailee Steinfeld, are expecting their first child, as confirmed in Steinfeld’s Beau Society newsletter on July 20, 2025. The couple, who married in a stunning California ceremony on May 31, 2025, shared their excitement about welcoming a baby this winter. However, sources close to Steinfeld reveal a potential rift: the Oscar-nominated actress is reportedly refusing to relocate to Buffalo, New York, where Allen plays, sparking speculation about the impact on their relationship and Allen’s performance as he chases a Super Bowl ring. This article delves into the pregnancy news, the couple’s dynamic, and the tension surrounding Steinfeld’s stance on Buffalo.

A Joyous Yet Complicated Announcement

Hailee Steinfeld, 28, known for her roles in True Grit and Sinners, announced her pregnancy in a heartfelt Beau Society post, writing, “Josh and I are beyond excited to share that our family is growing. This winter, we’ll welcome our little one, and we’re so grateful for this new chapter.” The post included a photo of the couple, with Steinfeld glowing as she cradled her baby bump and Allen, the 2024 NFL MVP, smiling proudly. The news was met with widespread congratulations from fans and celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Michael B. Jordan, who commented on Steinfeld’s Instagram. The announcement followed months of rumors, which were debunked in December 2024 by Gazette Direct after fake ultrasound images circulated online.

While the pregnancy news has been a cause for celebration, sources close to Steinfeld reveal that her refusal to move to Buffalo is creating tension. According to an insider cited by Us Weekly, Steinfeld, who is based in Los Angeles, has no intention of relocating to Buffalo full-time, preferring to maintain her career and lifestyle on the West Coast. “Hailee loves Josh and is excited about their baby, but she’s made it clear she’s not uprooting her life to live in Buffalo,” the source said. “She’s built a successful career in Hollywood, and with Sinners doing so well, she’s not ready to step away from that world.”

The Couple’s High-Profile Romance

Steinfeld and Allen’s relationship has been a captivating story since they were first linked in May 2023, shortly after Allen’s split from longtime girlfriend Brittany Williams. The couple was spotted dining in New York City, and their romance was confirmed during a Mexico vacation in July 2023. Allen made their relationship Instagram official in July 2024 with a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, and their engagement followed in November 2024 on a Malibu cliffside adorned with roses and candles. Their May 2025 wedding at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California, was a star-studded affair, with guests like Larry David and Bills players Dawson Knox and Shane Buechele in attendance. Steinfeld’s strapless gown and Allen’s black tuxedo made headlines, with the couple describing the day as “magical” in Beau Society.

Steinfeld has integrated into Allen’s world to some extent, attending Bills games and bonding with his family, including his mother, Lavonne, and sister, Nicala Madden. She was spotted shopping with Lavonne in East Aurora, New York, in October 2023, and praised the Bills Mafia in her newsletter, calling them “second to none.” However, her reluctance to relocate has raised eyebrows, especially given Allen’s deep ties to Buffalo, where he’s a beloved figure and the face of the Bills franchise.

The Buffalo Dilemma

Buffalo, known for its harsh winters and passionate sports culture, is a stark contrast to the sunny, glamorous lifestyle of Los Angeles, where Steinfeld is based. Sources say Steinfeld’s decision is driven by both professional and personal considerations. Her recent film, Sinners, has grossed over $200 million domestically, cementing her status as a Hollywood star, and she’s actively involved in her Beau Society newsletter, which has gained a significant following. “Hailee’s career is at its peak, and she’s not willing to put it on hold,” the Us Weekly source explained. “She’s supportive of Josh’s career, but she’s not ready to give up her own.”

The decision has reportedly caused friction, with some in Allen’s circle concerned about how it will affect his focus during the 2025 NFL season. Allen, who signed a record-breaking $330 million contract with $250 million guaranteed in 2025, is under immense pressure to lead the Bills to their first Super Bowl victory. Despite his stellar 2024 season, where he led the NFL with a 77.3 QBR and threw for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns, the Bills fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship for the fourth time in five years. An insider told Times of India that Allen has made “strong requests” to the Bills’ front office for better receivers, indicating his urgency to capitalize on his prime years. Some speculate that Steinfeld’s refusal to move could add emotional strain, potentially impacting his performance.

However, Bills general manager Brandon Beane has praised Steinfeld’s off-field impact, noting her humility and integration with the Bills’ community, including wives and girlfriends of players. “She’s as humble as they come,” Beane told The Rich Eisen Show in May 2025, comparing her influence to Taylor Swift’s with the Kansas City Chiefs’ community. Left tackle Dion Dawkins also credited Steinfeld for Allen’s stellar 2024 season, saying, “When you have a strong female behind you and everything is peaceful, it makes you bubble.”

Potential Impact on Their Relationship

The couple’s differing views on residency have sparked speculation about the long-term implications for their marriage and impending parenthood. While Steinfeld has attended Bills games and supported Allen publicly, her preference for Los Angeles could mean a long-distance arrangement during the NFL season, with Allen based in Buffalo from July through January (or longer if the Bills make a deep playoff run). “Josh loves Buffalo and sees it as home, but Hailee’s life is in L.A.,” the Us Weekly source noted. “They’re trying to find a balance, but it’s not easy with a baby on the way.”

Some fans on X have speculated about the strain, with one user, @ChiefsEver2, suggesting Allen might consider opportunities elsewhere if Steinfeld remains firm, even referencing Peyton Manning’s potential influence. However, these claims are unverified, and Allen’s commitment to the Bills, reinforced by his massive contract, suggests he’s unlikely to leave. Steinfeld’s newsletter hints at her willingness to compromise, as she mentioned enjoying her time in Buffalo and attending games, but she’s also emphasized keeping parts of her life private, a sentiment echoed in her Who What Wear interview: “You learn to cherish the little that isn’t out there.”

Public and Team Reactions

The public response to the pregnancy news has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans celebrating the couple’s milestone. However, Steinfeld’s stance on Buffalo has fueled debates on platforms like Reddit’s r/WivesofNFL, where some fans question her commitment to Allen’s career, while others defend her right to prioritize her own. “Hailee’s a superstar in her own right. She doesn’t have to move to Buffalo to prove she loves Josh,” one user commented. Others worry about the logistics of raising a child with such a split lifestyle, especially given Allen’s demanding schedule.

Within the Bills organization, there’s optimism about Allen’s ability to handle personal and professional pressures. Coach Sean McDermott described Allen as “calm, cool, and collected” ahead of their wedding, and offensive coordinator Joe Brady noted Allen’s “great control” and confidence on the field. Teammate Dion Dawkins emphasized the positive impact of a stable personal life, suggesting Steinfeld’s presence, even from afar, benefits Allen.

Looking Ahead

As Steinfeld and Allen prepare for their baby’s arrival, they face the challenge of balancing two high-profile careers and a new family. Steinfeld’s refusal to move to Buffalo doesn’t necessarily spell doom for their relationship, as modern technology and private travel can bridge the gap between Los Angeles and Buffalo. However, the added responsibility of parenthood and Allen’s pursuit of a Super Bowl will test their ability to navigate these complexities.

Steinfeld’s Beau Society posts suggest she’s embracing motherhood with enthusiasm, drawing inspiration from friends like Christen Harper, wife of Jared Goff, who shared her pregnancy journey. Allen, meanwhile, remains focused on the Bills, with training camp starting on July 23, 2025, at St. John Fisher University. Whether the couple can find harmony amidst their geographic divide remains to be seen, but their history of mutual support—evident in Allen’s heartfelt NFL Honors speech and Steinfeld’s game-day presence—suggests they’re committed to making it work.

The NFL world and Bills Mafia will be watching closely, both for Allen’s performance on the field and the couple’s journey into parenthood. For now, the announcement of their first child is a moment of joy, but Steinfeld’s stance on Buffalo adds a layer of intrigue to this high-profile love story.