Black men are about this love thing.
With Valentine’s Day approaching this weekend, the holiday has traditionally been viewed from the perspective of women. However, 2026 marks a new shift toward a more reciprocal celebration of partnership centered on love and romance. Black men should embrace February 14th with as much enthusiasm as women, not as a day of “obligation,” but as a rare opportunity to be on the receiving end of intentional romance and appreciation.
Without question, Black men are redefining romance not with a cookie-cutter approach but as a multifaceted experience. Whether it’s through home-cooked meals that honor culinary heritage or weekend staycations, one thing is crystal clear: showing love by ensuring their partners feel seen, respected, and loved.
Last year, we saw several athletes get engaged to the partner of their dreams. These beautiful stories can show us the power of loving out loud and how Valentine’s Day can be the launching pad to take your relationship to the next level, brothers. For those still looking for a significant other, these brothers can not only inspire in their particular field of play but also in the love department.
While we’re not trying to push teveryone should get hitched, we are expressing that the Black male athletes are changing the game.
To make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable, here’s what Black male athletes are teaching us about love, commitment, and romance.
Donovan Mitchell Found A ‘Blessing’ In Coco Jones
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell and Grammy-winning singer-actress Coco Jones announced their engagement on July 11, 2025. Following the conclusion of Mitchell’s NBA season and after Jones’ dropped her debut abum, Why Not More? Mitchell popped the question during their vacation at a tropical seaside resort. After she said “Yes”, he posted on social media with a video of himself dropping to one knee and then Jones showed her beautiful diamond engagement ring in a photo of the couple kissing at sunset.
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n an interview with PEOPLE, Mitchell described his engagement as a “blessing.” “She’s amazing. She’s an amazing human being. She brings me peace,” Mitchell said. “She’s a special human. And you see it in her work, and to be able to call her my fiancée, my wife, is a blessing. So, I’m grateful.”
Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods’ New York Love Story
After five years of dating, New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods shared their engagement on Christmas Day 2025. The surprise proposal took place on the rooftop of Overstory, a cocktail bar in New York City with panoramic views of the skyline. The couple shared the news through a joint Instagram post captioned, “Marry Christmas,” with photos of Towns down on one knee, presenting a massive emerald-cut diamond ring. Towns told Heavy Sports about how Wood’s intellectual curiosity is one of her best features.
“I definitely like stimulating conversation; that’s always been my thing. That’s what me and Jordyn have always had. And that’s what’s kept us always on our toes,” Towns said.
Kyle Kuzma And Winnie Harlow Are The ‘Model’ Couple
Following their five-year courtship, NBA star Kyle Kuzma and supermodel Winnie Harlow got engaged on February 13, 2025, and are one of the most fashionable celebrity couples. While traveling on a private jet toward Turks and Caicos for a Valentine’s Day and All-Star break getaway, Kuzma orchestrated a romantic proposal. The moment featured a heartfelt poem written by Kuzma before he proposed, surrounded by their families at a beachside dinner and fireworks in the background. Harlow was presented with a custom 8.5-carat oval-cut diamond engagement ring. In his newsletter, Kuzma wrote about how Harlow completes him as a man.
“Basketball has taken me all over, but through it all, having that special person by my side has made all the difference,” Kuzma said.