SHE’S BEEN MY ROCK: Cleveland Cleavers Star Dovan Mitchell Stuns Fans with Surprise Engagement to Long-Time Girlfriend After Years of Private Romance…
SHE’S BEEN MY ROCK: Cleveland Cleavers Star Dovan Mitchell Stuns Fans with Surprise Engagement to Long-Time Girlfriend After Years of Private Romance
In a heartwarming moment that left fans cheering and social media buzzing, Cleveland Cleavers shooting guard Dovan Mitchell surprised everyone by announcing his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Janelle Carter. Known for keeping his personal life tightly under wraps, Mitchell’s revelation came as a joyful shock to fans and teammates alike.
The 28-year-old NBA star shared the news in an emotional Instagram post late Wednesday night, accompanied by a photo of the proposal — set against the backdrop of a sunset at Lake Erie, where he popped the question on a private dock surrounded by candles and rose petals. In the post, Mitchell simply captioned: “She’s been my rock through it all. Can’t wait to spend forever with you ❤️”
For years, fans have speculated about Mitchell’s relationship status, as he rarely shared glimpses of his private life. But sources close to the couple say the two have been together for over six years, having met before Mitchell’s meteoric rise in the league. Janelle Carter, 30, is a marketing executive and philanthropist known for her work with youth empowerment initiatives in both Cleveland and her hometown of Atlanta.
“She’s been his anchor,” a teammate told The Cleveland Chronicle. “Through injuries, trades, and pressure, she’s been by his side, even when the cameras weren’t.”
The proposal reportedly took weeks of planning, with Mitchell coordinating the entire evening down to the playlist — which included the couple’s favorite R&B tracks and a live string quartet. According to onlookers, Carter was completely surprised, and the couple celebrated afterward with close friends and family at a private restaurant in downtown Cleveland.
News of the engagement quickly spread across social media, with fans and fellow athletes sending congratulations. Cleavers head coach Marcus Dunley commented, “He’s a leader on and off the court. We’re all thrilled for him and Janelle.”
Mitchell, who is in the middle of one of his best seasons yet, has often credited Carter for helping him stay grounded amid the pressures of NBA stardom. “She reminds me of who I am when I’m not wearing the jersey,” he said in a rare interview earlier this year. “She keeps me centered.”
This latest chapter in Mitchell’s life adds a layer of personal triumph to his already impressive career. With the Cleavers currently sitting high in the Eastern Conference standings, the engagement has added even more momentum to what’s already shaping up to be a banner year for the All-Star guard.
As fans celebrate the news, many are eager to see whether wedding bells will follow a championship ring. For now, Mitchell and Carter are simply savoring the moment, hand in hand, stronger than ever.
One thing’s clear: love, like basketball, is a team game — and Mitchell just secured his most meaningful win yet.
