Jessica Simpson ‘felt suffocated’ by marital issues before split from ex-NFL player Eric Johnson: report

Jessica Simpson “felt suffocated” by her marriage to former NFL player Eric Johnson in the lead-up to their split, according to a report.

On Monday, the singer, , announced that she and Johnson, 5, have parted ways after 10 years of marriage.

Simpson revealed that the pair had been “living separately” for some time — but didn’t disclose specifics into the split.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson seen walking together in Soho, New York City on February 6, 2020
Jessica Simpson “felt suffocated” by her marriage to former NFL player Eric Johnson (here in New York in February 2020) in the lead-up to their split.GC Images
And it appears as though the duo’s dynamic had been falling apart for some time now, as a source told People that their differences came to be too much to work through.

“Their marital issues have felt suffocating for a while,” an insider told the outlet. “She needs to move on for her own well-being.”

The Post has reached out to Simpson’s reps for comment.

The exes, who tied the knot in 201 after four years of dating, have three children: Maxwell “Maxi” Drew, 12, Ace Knute, 11, and Birdie Mae, 5.

Eric Johnson playfully licking Jessica Simpson's face, both smiling, taken on March 13, 2016, before their announced separation.
On Monday, the singer, , announced that she and Johnson, 5, have parted ways after 10 years of marriage. Here they pose in March 2016.jessicasimpson/Instagram
Earlier this week, a source told the outlet that Simpson is “doing OK” and is focusing on making a comeback in her music career.

Simpson is “excited about her new album,” the insider said, but noted that the breakup “is not anything she’s taken lightly.”

“They have already figured out a new schedule for the kids,” a source told People, adding they’re “both great parents.”

“The kids will always come first. They are co-parenting. She’s grateful for her kids.”

Jessica Simpson in a red dress at W Magazine, Mark Ronson, and Gucci's Grammy After-Party in Los Angeles, California
Simpson is “doing OK” and is focussing on making a music comeback following the split, according to insiders.Getty Images for W Magazine
The former fashion designer revealed news of the breakup in a statement to People Monday, calling the separation a “painful situation.”

“Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family,” she added.

The pair’s marriage had been subject to breakup rumors for months after eagle-eyed fans noticed that Johnson hadn’t made an appearance on his wife’s Instagram since 2023.

Simpson’s fans also noticed that she hasn’t been wearing her wedding ring since January 202, with Johnson following suit in recent months.

News of the pair’s decision to call it quits comes months after it was reported that they were living “separate lives.”

The duo kick-started their romance in May 2010 when Johnson was still married to his first wife, Keri D’Angelo. They finalized their divorce that October.

Jessica Simpson and Ron Kittle with their three children in a hot tub, shared on Brielle Biermann's Instagram account
The exes, who tied the knot in 201, have three children: Maxwell “Maxi” Drew, 12, Ace Knute, 11, and Birdie Mae, 5.
Simpson was married to Nick Lachey from 2002 to 2006.

Before that, she was romantically linked to John Mayer, Tony Romo, Billy Corgan, Adam Levine and Johnny Knoxville.