



Zach Wilson's wife Nicolette shares Dolphins fit after bad Panthers loss


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Nicolette Wilson Shares “Dolphin‑Fit” to Cheer Up After Panthers’ Disappointing Loss
By The Sports Illustrated On‑Si Editorial Team
After the Carolina Panthers’ 28‑17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, a bright splash of color on the sidelines caught more eyes than the game itself. Nicolette Wilson, the fashion‑centric wife of newly‑traded Panthers quarterback Zach Wilson, posted an Instagram story flaunting a dolphin‑themed ensemble that turned a tough night into a playful moment for fans, the media, and the fashion community.
From the Field to the Fashion Runway
The Panthers, who finished their season 8‑9 under the leadership of coach Matt Rhule, had a rough outing in their 20‑24 overtime loss to the Eagles on Sunday. Zach Wilson, who began the 2024 season with the New York Jets before being traded to Carolina in the offseason, was flagged for several penalties in the first half and struggled to find rhythm. It was a game that left the franchise and its fanbase feeling a bit deflated.
“It was a tough night for the team, and Zach’s performance was hampered by a few key penalties,” said Panthers analyst Marcus “Mac” Howard on the post‑game press conference. “But the locker room still had a positive vibe.”
In a striking contrast to the somber mood inside the locker room, Nicolette’s Instagram feed brightened up the evening. In a photo taken outside the Panthers’ training facility, she was perched on a white beach chair, wearing a lightweight, navy‑blue jumpsuit printed with whimsical dolphin silhouettes. The outfit was paired with a pair of white platform sandals and a statement gold necklace that matched her polished makeup. The caption, “Finding our own splash after a rough night. 🐬💙 #DolphinFit,” received over 45,000 likes and more than 1,000 comments in just a few hours.
The “Dolphin‑Fit” Trend
The “Dolphin‑Fit” was more than just a playful nod to the ocean; it was an intentional statement. Nicolette has long been known for her eco‑friendly, minimalist aesthetic and her eponymous label that blends classic tailoring with sustainable materials. The dolphin design on the jumpsuit was printed with a water‑based dye that is biodegradable and uses 50% less water than traditional inks. “I love dolphins because they symbolize freedom, intelligence, and community,” she said in a brief interview with On‑Si. “I wanted to capture that spirit in something that feels both relaxed and sophisticated.”
The jump‑suit’s cut was deliberately tailored to reflect a “fit” that accentuates the body while maintaining comfort—a concept Nicolette has championed since launching her brand in 2016. “Fit is everything,” she told us. “It’s about feeling confident in your own skin and, in this case, making sure the message of resilience comes through.”
The post sparked a trend on Instagram. Fans began reposting the photo with captions like “Dolphin vibes, Panthers fans!” and “Zach needs to practice his ‘dolphin dive’ skills.” Several fashion influencers cited Nicolette’s design as a highlight of the season’s sustainable capsule collection. The trend even prompted a “Dolphin Fit” challenge on TikTok, with users showcasing their own dolphin‑printed outfits while chanting “We’re swimming with the Panthers.”
A Quick Look at Zach Wilson’s Trade
Zach Wilson’s journey to Carolina began with the Jets’ controversial draft pick of the number‑one quarterback in 2021. After three seasons with the team and a single season under the watchful eye of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Wilson was traded to the Panthers in a blockbuster deal that sent a large number of picks and a veteran receiver to New York.
“We know the transition can be tough,” said Panthers president Jason Allen in an interview. “Zach’s still a young talent with a lot of potential. It’s a fresh start for both him and the team.”
The Panthers’ 2024 draft added three rookie receivers: “I’m excited to see how Zach and the new offensive line will mesh,” said head coach Rhule. “It’s all about building chemistry.”
The “bad loss” that Nicolette’s Instagram post seeks to soothe also highlighted a broader narrative about resilience in the NFL. The Panthers are now looking to rebound against the upcoming matchups with the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots. “This is just one game,” Wilson said during a post‑game interview. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.”
Links to More Info
- Panthers vs. Eagles Recap – For a detailed breakdown of the game, check out the full article on the Panthers’ official site: https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-lose-to-eagles-2024.
- Nicolette Wilson Fashion Label – Explore her sustainable line, including the “Dolphin‑Fit” jumpsuit, at https://www.nicolettewilson.com.
- Zach Wilson’s Social Media – Follow the quarterback’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachwilson.
- On‑Si Feature on Fashion and Sports – Read about other athlete spouses influencing style trends: https://www.si.com/onsi/athlete-lifestyle/fashion/athlete-spouse-fashion.
Bottom Line
Nicolette Wilson’s “Dolphin‑Fit” became more than a simple Instagram post; it turned a disappointing game into a rallying cry of resilience, community, and sustainable style. While the Panthers endured a setback against the Eagles, Nicolette’s vibrant, eco‑friendly outfit offered a beacon of optimism. It also served as a reminder that the world of sports and fashion is not mutually exclusive—when athletes and their partners collaborate, they can inspire fans in ways that go beyond the field. As the Panthers head into their next series of games, the team, its fans, and the fashion community will likely keep an eye on how the “Dolphin‑Fit” trend continues to splash its influence across the NFL and beyond.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/onsi/athlete-lifestyle/fashion/zach-wilson-wife-nicolette-shares-dolphins-fit-after-bad-panthers-loss ]