A love story that started long before the fame

Before the lights of the stadium and the roar of the Buckeye fans, Lincoln Kienholz and Bella Welker were simply two high school sweethearts from South Dakota. They met long before Lincoln’s name became synonymous with college football excellence. Bella, a former athlete herself, stood by him through the highs and lows — the injuries, the pressure, and the relentless expectations that come with being the face of a top NCAA program.

Friends say their relationship has always been built on loyalty and humility. “They’re the real deal,” one close friend told reporters. “Bella’s been there since day one — before the fame, before the NIL deals, before everything.”

The million-dollar surprise

Fans can’t stop talking

Within hours, hashtags like #KienholzGift, #BellaAndLincoln, and #BuckeyeRomance began trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Fans flooded social media with admiration, envy, and endless curiosity.

“Can we all agree Lincoln Kienholz just raised the bar for boyfriends everywhere?” one fan wrote.

Another posted: “Forget touchdowns — this man just scored the ultimate win in life.”

Beyond football and fame

A reminder that love still wins

In an era where celebrity relationships often crash under the weight of fame, the story of Lincoln Kienholz and Bella Welker feels refreshingly genuine. It’s not just about the money or the grandeur — it’s about loyalty, gratitude, and the courage to love openly in a world that often criticizes vulnerability.

When asked by local media about his now-viral anniversary surprise, Kienholz responded with a smile:

What’s next for the Buckeyes’ golden couple?