Gia Duddy knows a thing or two about being in the spotlight at the NFL Draft. The former girlfriend of quarterback Will Levis became an overnight internet sensation in 2023, not just for her outfit but for her unfiltered facial reactions as her then-boyfriend slid into the second round. Now, with a massive social media following and a career as an influencer, she's offering some brutally honest advice to the women who'll be sitting in the green room in 2026.
“Beware of your resting [expletive] face,” Duddy warned in an Instagram Story last year, a message that remains just as relevant today. “Because the media loves media, and they will start a story that you're just a [expletive].” She's speaking from experience: after her viral moment, every glance, every sigh, every smile was analyzed. And for the wives and girlfriends of this year's draft class, the same scrutiny awaits.
Duddy's advice is simple but crucial: remember that you're not just a spectator. “I know I know what tonight is, but do you guys know what tonight is? It's the Caudalie event,” she joked in the same video, before getting serious. “I feel like I've never really talked about the draft, and I don't really like talking about it, just because it just genuinely wasn't about me.” But she knows that the cameras will be on everyone in that room, and that a split-second expression can become a meme—or a headline.
The NFL Draft has always been a stage for unexpected moments, from gas masks to draft dogs, and the human drama behind the picks often steals the show. For the women supporting the prospects, the pressure is real. Duddy's message is a reminder that while the players are the main event, the supporting cast is under a microscope. “From one RBF to another, good luck,” she said, offering solidarity to those who might unintentionally look annoyed, nervous, or just tired.
Her advice is particularly timely given the social media frenzy that now surrounds every draft. As the NFL Draft's most unforgettable viral explosions show, a single smirk or eye-roll can become a national talking point. Duddy's experience is a cautionary tale: she became famous for her reactions, but she also had to navigate the fallout of being constantly watched.
For the 2026 class, Duddy's counsel is more than just a tip—it's a survival guide. She knows that the draft is a rollercoaster of emotions, and that the women in the room are feeling every high and low alongside their partners. “Genuinely so excited for all of you,” she said. “I know I have some friends in it this year.” But she also knows that a single moment of distraction can define a narrative.
As the countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft begins, expect to see plenty of coverage on the prospects themselves—like Carson Beck primed to defy QB projections—but the real drama might just come from the audience. Duddy's advice is a reminder that in the age of instant virality, everyone is a potential star, and everyone is a potential target.
So to the girlfriends and wives heading to the draft: take a deep breath, smile when you can, and remember that the cameras are always rolling. And if you catch yourself with a sour expression, just think of Gia Duddy. She's been there, and she's got your back.
