In a twist that proves the Philadelphia Eagles family tree has some intriguing branches, a new romance is blossoming between familiar names. Susie Celek, the ex-wife of Super Bowl LII champion and former Eagles tight end Brent Celek, has officially stepped out with a new partner—and he's another former Birds standout.
The yoga and pilates instructor made her relationship with ex-Eagles defensive tackle Hollis Thomas Instagram-official this week, sharing a cozy photo with a heartfelt caption. "Life trends show I'm not big on commitment, but I'm stuck on you big man," she wrote, signaling a fresh start that has fans and followers buzzing.
A New Chapter for a Super Bowl Family
Brent Celek, who played his entire 11-year career in Philadelphia from 2007 to 2017, remains a beloved figure in the city. The reliable tight end, who amassed nearly 5,000 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns, was a key locker room presence on the team's historic 2017 championship run. He has since transitioned to a front-office role as a personnel consultant for the franchise, keeping his Eagles connection strong.
The timeline of Celek's separation from Susie remains private, but her public embrace of a new relationship has drawn widespread support. The comment section of her announcement was flooded with well-wishes from friends and fans. "Congratulations to you both," one supporter wrote, while another added, "I love this! You deserve all the happiness." A particularly enthusiastic comment read, "My man Tank!!!!! Best of luck guys this is awesome," using Thomas's well-known nickname.
Meet Hollis "Tank" Thomas
So who is the "big man" who has captured Susie's heart? Hollis Thomas is a Philadelphia icon in his own right. The massive defensive tackle anchored the Eagles' line for a decade, from 1996 to 2005, becoming a fan favorite for his relentless style of play. His career never overlapped with Celek's time on the team, making this connection a fascinating post-retirement link.
After his release from Philadelphia, Thomas enjoyed a productive second act in the NFL. He helped the New Orleans Saints reach the NFC Championship Game during the 2006 season and later had stints with the St. Louis Rams and Carolina Panthers before hanging up his cleats. Over his 13-year career, the Northern Illinois product compiled 518 tackles, 20 sacks, and established himself as a formidable force in the trenches.
This story of intertwined lives within a single sports franchise highlights how personal and professional circles often overlap in the NFL world. While Brent Celek focuses on his consultancy role, helping shape the team's future—perhaps by evaluating potential additions like those discussed in our analysis of the Eagles' recent signing—his ex-wife is writing a new personal chapter with another member of the Eagles alumni family.
It's a reminder that life after football takes many forms. Some veterans, like Joe Flacco, defy age and return for yet another season, while others find new beginnings off the field. The supportive reaction to Susie and Hollis's relationship stands in contrast to the sometimes-dramatic headlines surrounding athletes' personal lives, such as when Kristin Cavallari called out questionable behavior by some married pros.
As the Eagles organization looks ahead to future successes, possibly dreaming of hosting another championship parade, its extended family continues to evolve in unexpected ways. For now, fans are simply celebrating love found between two people who both understand the unique experience of being part of the Eagles universe—proving that in Philadelphia, football bonds run deep, both on and off the field.
