It’s not often you see NFL headlines and Hollywood gossip collide—but that’s exactly what happened after Barstool founder Dave Portnoy called Josh Allen’s wife, Hailee Steinfeld’s new show Sinners, “overhyped, overrated.” Portnoy didn’t pull punches:
“I may be like 6 months late with this critique, but that was one of the most overhyped, overrated movies of all time. If you say that movie was great you have no movie credibility with me.”
I’ve heard all the hype about Weapons. Planned my entire weekend around watching it. I didn’t realize it wasn’t available to stream yet. So I went with Sinners instead. I may be like 6 months late with this critique but that was one of the most overhyped overrated movies…
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) August 11, 2025
Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen, NFL
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Enter former ESPN commentator Jason Whitlock, who doubled down in spectacular fashion: “Fact check: true.” His quick rebuttal wasn’t just agreeing—it made a scathing point about critics who ride celebrity coattails.
For Josh Allen—who had his wife star in an NFL telecast highlighting his touchdowns—it’d be different. But now, his wife is at the center of entertainment critique. It’s a strange angle: Allen spends Sundays throwing passes while Sinners gets roasted off-court. Yet it shows how NFL fame can thrust even spouses into unexpected criticism.
The reaction hits home for Bills fans as well. Steinfeld, an Oscar-nominated actress, has been both praised and pummeled online since marrying Josh Allen. Critics like Portnoy and Whitlock are tastemakers of a different sort—one attacking the film’s hype, the other mocking his mockery.
Hailee Steinfeld at the Sinners premiere in New York (Getty Images and their respective owners)
Hailee Steinfeld at the Sinners premiere in New York (Getty Images and their respective owners)
For now, Josh Allen’s touchdowns might quiet the haters—on the field. But this out-of-left-field roast is a reminder: in today’s media world, NFL stars live in a shared spotlight with their spouses. And once you’re famous, somebody’s always ready with a take.
Whitlock Backs Portnoy’s Dig at Josh Allen’s Wife: “Fact Check: True”
After Barstool’s Dave Portnoy dismissed Sinners as “overhyped, overrated,” former ESPN voice Jason Whitlock swooped in to agree—plain and simple. “Fact check: true,” he posted, effectively doubling down on a high-profile celebrity critique.
This beef isn’t about football, but the ripple effect lands on Josh Allen anyway. Portnoy’s take drew major attention, and Whitlock’s one-liner turned it into a spotlight moment that’s now swirling around Allen’s offseason.
Josh Allen Praises Hailee Steinfeld’s ‘Sinners’ Role. Photo credits: Instagram and Imagn
Josh Allen Praises Hailee Steinfeld’s ‘Sinners’ Role. Photo credits: Instagram and Imagn
It’s a strange mash-up: Allen excels on Sundays, while his wife faces off against critics—one calling their show overrated, another mocking the mockery. But this crossover highlights how NFL fame doesn’t stay on the field. When your spouse stars in a major TV role, that too becomes fair game.
Whether Steinfeld’s Netflix show rebounds or not, the barb from two media heavyweights serves as a reminder: in today’s media ecosystem, Josh Allen can’t sidestep the headlines. His off-field life is now part of the larger game—and opinions come cheap. Stay tuned for the next play in this curious crossover matchup.
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Yelle is a broadcast communications graduate from the University of Perpetual Help-Dalta and has pursued a career in television and news writing inNet 25 andRadyo Agila. Some of her works can also be seen through her previous publication inFastbreak.com.ph.