Jessica Pegula gets emotional over $70M-worth Josh Allen's NFL MVP speech dedicated to fiancée Hailee Steinfeld, parents & Bills teammates

Jessica Pegula shared her emotional reaction after Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen won MVP and delivered his speech. The tennis star, whose parents Terry and Kim own the NFL team, was deeply moved by his words.

Allen has been named the NFL's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024 season, marking his first MVP award. He secured 27 first-place votes, totaling 383 points, narrowly surpassing Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who received 23 first-place votes and 362 points.

At the NFL Honors ceremony in New Orleans, Allen, who is worth $70M (according to Celebrity Net Worth), thanked his teammates, coaches, and family in his acceptance speech. He gave a heartfelt shoutout to his fiancée, actress Hailee Steinfeld, calling her his "rock" and praising her for her support throughout the season.

"I'd like to thank Joel and Lavoine, my parents, who in my 20-plus years of playing football going down to Pop Warner, I bet you they've missed maybe 15 games in their entire life. They are so dedicated to supporting me and my favorite teammates, who are my sister, my brother and my little sister," he said.

"Thank you guys for all the support, all the time, money, energy wasted growing up going from meet to game to practice everyday. I love you guys. I know you take a lot of pride in this as well," he added.

Allen then said of Steinfeld:

"You’ve been my rock, you are my best friend. I would not be standing on this stage if it weren’t for you."

Josh Allen’s achievement and speech filled Jessica Pegula with pride. The 2024 US Open finalist took to Instagram Stories, writing in the caption:

"Doing the @buffalobills proud."

Pegula via Instagram Stories

Allen's MVP win comes despite not being selected for the first-team All-Pro, an honor that went to Lamar Jackson. This makes him the first player in nearly 40 years to win the MVP without a first-team All-Pro selection.

Meanwhile, Pegula kicked off the 2025 season on a strong note, reaching the Adelaide International final before falling to compatriot Madison Keys. However, her Australian Open campaign ended in disappointment with a third-round loss to Olga Danilovic.

Jessica Pegula to play in Qatar Open next

Jessica Pegula pictured at the 2025 Australian Open | Image Source: Getty

Jessica Pegula is determined to move past her Australian Open heartbreak as she sets her sights on the Qatar Open in Doha, starting Sunday, February 9. However, she faces a challenging path with tough opponents standing between her and the trophy.

Pegula has received a first-round bye and will begin her Qatar Open campaign in the second round against either Elina Svitolina or Marketa Vondrousova. A win would set up a potential clash with either Daria Kasatkina or Anna Kalinskaya.

In the quarterfinals, the American could face Aryna Sabalenka in what would be her toughest test yet at the WTA 1000 event. A victory over the Belarusian could set up a semifinal showdown with either Coco Gauff or Emma Navarro, leading to a potential final against Iga Swiatek or Elena Rybakina.