I had to opportunity to interview the lovely Dawn Neufeld of the upcoming VH1 show, Football Wives. Dawn is the wife of veteran Tight End, Ryan Neufeld who has played for Dallas, Jacksonville, Buffalo and the upstart, UFL.

How did you meet your husband and how long have you been together?  

I met Ryan while we were undergrads at UCLA. We got engaged and I went to law school. I attended UC David after college to earn my law degree. Ryan became an Undrafted Rookie in the NFL and we were married in 2001. In March we will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. 

 

 What's it like being the wife of Ryan Neufeld?  

 I joke with my husband and call him an anonymous football player. It's meant with love! We don't have to worry about people running up for autographs or recognizing us in public. I like being able to do my thing without my life being affected by football.

 

Tell us what you want us to know about Dawn.  

 I never got a sense of entitlement. It was just a blessing he could play at all. We would wait around on cut day (Tuesday's) for the call he had been cut. We were always grateful and humble he could play. Being a football wife is just one aspect on my life. 

 

What's the biggest misconception about you?  

 People think I'm a bitch but I own it. I'm not a mean person and I'm seriously one of the nicest people you will meet. I just don't put up with people's b.s! I'm a realist and I am who I am. I'm an attorney so I'm straight forward and people take that the wrong way or as me being a bitch. 

 

What about your husband? What do people get all wrong about him? 

  Ryan is one of the coolest, most humble people ever! He looks mean and can be intimidating but he's a big teddy bear. He's big, strong and the silent type. 

 

If you could share one secret about yourself what would it be?  

 I hate wearing make up! I had to wear it for the show and I only really wear it when I'm in front of the camera. When people see me after the show they won't recognize me. I'm low maintenance and very real. 

 

What about Ryan? What secret would you share about him? 

  I can't think of anything! He's an open book. 

 

Have you considered what life will be like after Ryan retires?  

We’re in that transition now. His last season in the NFL was in 2007. He set out 2008 and was in the inaugural season of the UFL in 2009. This is his last season and he's going to transition into a regular job which is very difficult for football players. 

Tell me about your interest both professionally and personally?

  I'm a lawyer licensed in CA and I passed the bar in TX. I enjoy practicing part time because I want to be at home with my 6 year old son who has autism and my 2 year old daughter. I enjoy acting and hosting in Dallas. I love interviewing people on the red carpet but I don't like being on it.

Of your accomplishments, what are you most proud of? 

 My babies hands down! My kids are number 1. 

Are you involved in any charities?

  Yes I'm involved with a few.  The Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation-   http://www.teammatesforkids.com/,  

 The American Cancer Society Silver Dollar Ball- http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/Gala/GalaFY10HighPlains?pg=entry&fr_id=27607  

Layla Grace Foundation-  http://www.laylagrace.org/  

I want to get involved with autism charities but I like helping others who suffer more but I do plan on getting involved in an autism charity.

Tell us how you were selected to be on the show "Football Wives".  

Chanita Foster who is also a cast member is a friend of mine. She had already been cast and the producers were looking for other wives. She suggested me so I guess you can say I knew someone. 

What's your view of the show and how it turned out?  

We had 3 months of production and we had a blast! I would do it again in a heartbeat!  It's the real story of being a football wife. When you put so many strong women together there are some tense moments. I’ve seen the extended trailer and the show came out great!  It makes for great TV and is very real. It was a great experience for me. 

Dawn do you have any last comments?  

I want everyone to tune in on October 24th .  People will be surprised that they’ve had so many misconceptions of football wives. It really was a fun show! 

***Photo's Courtesy VH1***  

Dawn came across as a fun, down to earth woman that was a real talker! That was great to see and she seemed to have a lot of grace and very real. I enjoyed my time with her and thank her for both her time and honesty. I wish Dawn and her family the best in the future.

Remember to watch Football Wives October 24th 10:30/9:30pm on VH1.