Who is Marisa Howard? Troy Aikman's girlfriend, author, and yoga enthusiast

So, meet Marisa Howard , the 39-year-old who’s recently been spotted with NFL legend Troy Aikman . Fans were amazed when they stumbled upon photos of Troy Aikman, the charismatic ex-Cowboys QB turned Monday Night Football legend, looking relaxed and radiant next to a downtown Dallas woman who seems equally grounded and vibrant.


Marisa Howard. She’s 39, a yoga devotee, kids’ book author, fashion and wellness maven—and yes, reportedly still finalizing her divorce papers. They’ve been seen at charity galas, in yoga classes, and in low-key public moments.


It all started when Marisa and Troy were seen hanging out together at charity gigs—most recently at the Children’s Cancer Fund’s 35th Anniversary Gala in Dallas. They’ve also been keeping fit together, catching yoga sessions.


Marisa is reportedly still technically married and has two daughters—she filed for divorce in July 2024, but as of mid-2025, the split hasn’t been fully finalized. Public records show that she and her soon-to-be ex sold their joint home (a swanky University Park property valued around $6.9 million) in April.


Oh, and yes, there’s a 19-year age gap between her (39) and Aikman (58)—but honestly? Feels way less dramatic in person.


Marisa’s journey is pretty impressive

She’s a former model turned marketing/ communications exec, she was Senior VP at GeneIQ, a molecular diagnostics lab founded by her husband, up until January 2024. But that’s not all, she’s also a certified yoga instructor, ballet-trained, ran a yoga-centric blog, worked in fashion, and even did a stint in a design gallery. In 2021, she was spotlighted in a Dallas “20 Under 40” feature for her creativity spanning fashion, communications, and entrepreneurship.


And then there are the books: Marisa’s Sissies Adventure Series is a cute trilogy of children’s board books, Sissies at the Sea, Sissies in the Mountains, and Sissies Go to Mexico, all celebrating sisterhood and wanderlust, and each earning 4.5+ stars on Amazon


In a 2021 interview, she shared how watching her daughter lead her baby sister around inspired the first “Sissies” story. Her rhythmic, poetic prose and gorgeous illustrations were infused with real travel memories and sisterly magic.