Who Is Nicole Martinez? Explainer Of Woman In Steve Smith Sr. Cheating Scandal

Nicole Martinez has been the talk of the (digital) town ever since her husband levied cheating accusations her way. Martinez found herself in the middle of an infidelity scandal, with her hubby, Tony, claiming that she was sleeping with former NFL star, Steve Smith Sr. Mr. Martinez uploaded evidence to support his claims with various text messages showing Nicole and Steve’s flirtatious conversations and even a video pressing the ex-Carolina Panther for “f**king my wife.”

The situation blew up in a matter of hours, with Martinez sharing even more alleged photos from his wife and the former athlete. At one point, Tony took control of his wife’s Facebook to mock her for her apparent infidelity.

Netizens began searching high and low for information on the woman, many trying to discover how the forbidden lovers even met. But don’t worry, VIBE has you covered. Find out more about Nicole Martinez below.

She’s Married.

Image Credit: The Knot

According to their wedding website, Antonio and Nicole Martinez met on Tinder on June 6, 2020, during the pandemic. The couple welcomed a baby in April 2021 before getting married in September 2021. Tony and Nicole got their first home in 2022, settling in Aberdeen, Md., before getting their second home in September 2023—where the couple currently resides. Additionally, a wedding party appeared to be planned for September 2024, but it is unclear whether that event happened.

Forbidden Lust

Image Credit: Cox/Getty Images

Reports have concluded that Steve and Nicole began their forbidden fling during his time with the Baltimore Ravens from 2014-2016. Several text messages shared between the two show that they knew what they were doing was wrong, but the “connection was something I just couldn’t walk away from,” as Nicole allegedly told Steve.

“This One Time, At Band Camp…”

Image Credit: YouTube Screenshot

Nicole met Smith while working with the Baltimore Ravens Marching Ravens band. Per the Raven’s official website, Baltimore’s Marching Ravens is “an organization committed to bringing quality musical entertainment and a traditional football atmosphere” to all Ravens home games. Comprised of more than 150 musicians and equipment crew, Baltimore’s Marching Ravens is the largest musical organization associated with the NFL.”

Several videos have gone viral, showing the former wide receiver attending band events and donning the gear that Nicole can be seen wearing in a slew of her photos before she deleted her Instagram.

Many have speculated that the two hit it off during a potential band practice in 2016—just before Smith’s retirement—but nothing has been confirmed at this moment.

But, for no reason at all, enjoy this clip from American Pie.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-ftdcWqhUs?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]