Trinity Rodman is getting candid about the reality of dating when millions of people feel like they have a front-row seat to your relationship. The U.S. women’s national team soccer star opened up about her relationship with tennis player Ben Shelton during a conversation with Kylie Kelce on the Not Gonna Lie podcast.
Rodman admitted that being part of a high-profile sports couple comes with plenty of positives, but the constant commentary can make things complicated. “Being in a couple in the public eye is not for the weak,” Rodman said in a clip shared by Not Gonna Lie. She acknowledged that the attention can be a “blessing” while also pointing to one major downside: people having strong opinions about a relationship they only see from the outside.
© @trinityrodmanHer solution is refreshingly simple.“Mind ya business,” she said.
Trinity Rodman Says a Public Relationship Comes With Pressure
Rodman, 24, knows what it means to live under a microscope.
As an Olympic gold medalist and Washington Spirit star, she already had a major public profile before she and Shelton became one of sports’ most recognizable young couples. Shelton, meanwhile, has built his own following as one of American tennis’ biggest names.
Put the two careers together and even an ordinary relationship moment can become social media content.
© FIFA via Getty ImagesDuring her conversation with Kelce, Rodman addressed exactly that tension. While she clearly sees the good that comes with having fans support the couple, she also suggested that there is a point where interest crosses over into unnecessary judgment.
Kelce could certainly relate. As Jason Kelce’s wife and a public figure in her own right, she has spent years watching strangers analyze the relationships within the Kelce family.
The podcast episode specifically explores the challenges Rodman faces being in a public relationship with Shelton, as well as how their romance started, their first date and the original DMs between them.
When Did Trinity Rodman and Ben Shelton Start Dating?
Rodman and Shelton publicly confirmed their relationship in March 2025.
Shelton made things Instagram official with a photo dump that included a picture of Rodman kissing him on the cheek inside an elevator. Rodman responded in the comments with a playful message, “Shooters shoot I guess,” while tennis stars including Coco Gauff, Frances Tiafoe and Sloane Stephens celebrated the relationship reveal.
© NWSL via Getty ImagesSince then, the relationship has become increasingly visible.
Rodman has attended Shelton’s tennis matches, while Shelton has supported Rodman’s soccer career. Their ability to understand the demands of elite sports appears to be one of the more interesting parts of their relationship.
Shelton previously explained that watching Rodman compete gave him a better understanding of her life as a professional soccer player and USWNT athlete. He also noted that the mental side of competing at the highest level is something the two can relate to across their different sports.
Trinity Rodman and Ben Shelton Keep Showing Up for Each Other
Their schedules may be packed, but Rodman and Shelton have repeatedly made an effort to support each other in person. That was especially clear in August 2026.
After playing for the Washington Spirit earlier in the day, Rodman traveled to Montreal to surprise Shelton while he was competing at the Canadian Open. According to People, Shelton appeared genuinely stunned when Rodman unexpectedly showed up at his hotel.
© @trinityrodmanJust days earlier, Rodman had been spotted supporting Shelton at the DC Open, where she celebrated one of his victories by recreating his recognizable “dialed in” celebration from the stands.
