5 Shocking Facts About Austin Ekeler's Wife, Melanie Wilking: From TikTok Fame To A Netflix Cult Documentary

The biggest headline in Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler’s life this year wasn't his move from the Los Angeles Chargers, but his recent marriage to social media sensation Melanie Wilking. The couple officially tied the knot in a stunning Las Vegas ceremony in May 2024, marking a new chapter for the NFL star and his high-profile partner.

This article dives deep into the life of Austin Ekeler’s wife, Melanie Wilking Ekeler, exploring her rise to fame as a viral dancer, the dramatic family controversy that became a Netflix documentary, and the timeline of her relationship with one of the NFL’s most dynamic running backs. We will also provide a full biographical breakdown of the power couple.

The Ekeler-Wilking Power Couple: Complete Biography and Profile

The union of a high-achieving NFL player and a viral social media dancer creates a fascinating dynamic. Here is a detailed look at the personal and professional lives of Austin Ekeler and Melanie Wilking.

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Austin Ekeler: The NFL Star

• Full Name: Austin Walter Ekeler
• Date of Birth: May 17, 1995
• Age (as of 2024): 29
• Birthplace: Eaton, Colorado
• Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
• Weight: 200 lb (91 kg)
• College: Western State Colorado University (now Western Colorado University)
• NFL Career: Undrafted Free Agent (2017), Los Angeles Chargers (2017–2023), Washington Commanders (2024–Present)
• Position: Running Back (RB)
• Career Highlights: One of the NFL's premier dual-threat running backs, known for his high touchdown totals.
• Current Team: Washington Commanders
• Estimated Net Worth (2024): Approximately $25 million

Melanie Wilking Ekeler: The TikTok Sensation

• Full Name: Melanie Wilking Ekeler
• Date of Birth: April 12, 1999
• Age (as of 2024): 25
• Birthplace: Michigan, United States
• Occupation: Dancer, Choreographer, Social Media Influencer, Content Creator
• Known For: The "Wilking Sisters" TikTok account, viral dance videos, and the Netflix documentary "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult."
• Sister: Miranda Derrick (née Wilking)
• Education: Trained in various dance styles since childhood.

The Timeline: How Austin Ekeler Met His Wife and Their 2024 Wedding

The love story between Austin Ekeler and Melanie Wilking is a modern romance that began in the most 21st-century way possible: a direct message on social media. Their relationship progression has been closely followed by fans, culminating in their highly anticipated wedding.

The Instagram DM Slide (2021)

The couple's journey began in 2021 when Austin Ekeler, then a star for the Los Angeles Chargers, "slid into the DMs" of Melanie Wilking on Instagram. This initial connection quickly blossomed into a serious relationship, despite the logistical challenges of Ekeler's demanding NFL schedule and Wilking's life as a professional dancer and social media influencer.

The pair spent two years navigating a long-distance relationship, traveling back and forth between Las Vegas, where Melanie was based, and Los Angeles/Virginia, depending on Ekeler’s team commitments.

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The August 2023 Engagement

After two years of dating, Ekeler proposed to Wilking in August 2023. The engagement was celebrated widely on their respective social media platforms, with Melanie often sharing details of their relationship and her support for his NFL career, firmly establishing her as a prominent figure among the NFL WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends).

The May 2024 Las Vegas Wedding

The couple officially became husband and wife on Saturday, May 25, 2024. The beautiful ceremony took place at the luxurious Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa.

The wedding, which occurred shortly after Ekeler signed his new contract with the Washington Commanders, was a major event in the NFL offseason. The timing coincided with a period of significant change for the running back, who had spent the first seven years of his professional career with the Chargers. The Las Vegas location was a nod to Melanie's roots and their shared history in the city.

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The Shocking Connection: Melanie Wilking and the 7M TikTok Cult

What sets Melanie Wilking’s story apart from many other NFL wives is her deep, personal connection to a high-profile controversy that became the subject of a major Netflix documentary, giving her a unique level of topical authority and public interest.

The Wilking Sisters' Rise to Fame

Melanie and her sister, Miranda Derrick (née Wilking), rose to prominence through their joint TikTok account, "Wilking Sisters." They gained millions of followers by posting viral dance videos, showcasing their flexibility and creative choreography.

"Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult"

In 2024, the Netflix docu-series Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult brought the Wilking family's private struggle into the global spotlight.

The documentary details the allegations that Miranda Derrick and other dancers were allegedly lured into a religious cult operating under the guise of a talent management company called 7M Films. The company was founded by Robert Shinn, who is accused of isolating the dancers from their families.

Melanie Wilking is a central figure in the documentary, as she and her parents desperately tried to regain contact with Miranda. Melanie's emotional plea for her sister's return is a heartbreaking part of the series.

Melanie's Role in the Controversy

Melanie has been a vocal opponent of 7M Films and its alleged leader, Robert Shinn. She used her platform to raise awareness about the situation, noting that she felt like her sister had "died" due to the isolation.

Her connection to this dramatic, real-life story provides a compelling, complex background to her life as an NFL wife, contrasting the glamour of professional sports with a deeply personal family crisis. Her ongoing support for her sister, Miranda Derrick, remains a key point of discussion for fans of the docu-series and the couple.

Austin Ekeler's Offseason: A New Team and a New Wife

The 2024 offseason proved to be one of the most transformative periods in Austin Ekeler’s life, both professionally and personally, providing a fresh start for the veteran running back.

The Commanders Move

After seven successful seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Austin Ekeler signed a two-year contract with the Washington Commanders in March 2024. This move cemented a new phase in his NFL career, transitioning from a West Coast star to a key offensive weapon for the Commanders in the NFC East.

A New Chapter in Virginia

The professional shift to the Washington Commanders meant a geographical change for the couple. While they split their time between Virginia (for the NFL season) and Las Vegas (Melanie's base), the move marked a significant adjustment.

Melanie has been a highly visible and supportive presence during the transition, often sharing her experiences as an NFL wife in Washington, D.C., and attending games, channeling her support for the Commanders' WAGs community. The move and the marriage represent a double milestone for the Ekeler family in 2024.

In conclusion, Austin Ekeler's wife, Melanie Wilking, is far more than just an NFL spouse. She is a successful content creator, a dancer who achieved viral fame, and a courageous family member whose personal story became a global phenomenon through Netflix. Their marriage in May 2024 is the latest and most exciting development in a relationship that continues to captivate both NFL and social media fans.