Bret Engemann’s Reality TV Journey: From BYU Quarterback to ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’

Bret Engemann gained initial recognition as a standout quarterback for Brigham Young University (BYU), before becoming a pivotal figure in the reality TV scene. Long before he appeared on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Engemann had a brief stint with The Bachelorette, where he was announced as one of Clare Crawley’s suitors. However, the pandemic halted production and Bret made the strategic decision to step away, citing his responsibility to coach his sons during football season.

While the missed opportunity on The Bachelorette marked an early exit from the franchise, it indirectly led to Engemann’s eventual reality TV fame. His wife, Demi Engemann, later revealed that she and her ex-husband, Blake Corbin, secretly submitted Bret’s application to The Bachelorette, creating a behind-the-scenes twist that contributed to their evolving public narrative. This revelation highlighted their unconventional beginnings and hinted at the complex dynamics that would later captivate audiences on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Who Is Bret Engemann? The Husband Behind Demi’s Reality TV Presence

Image via Demi Engemann/Instagram

Born into a football legacy, Bret Engemann not only made waves as a BYU quarterback but also briefly signed with the Oakland Raiders. After his athletic career, he pivoted into the business world, becoming a managing partner at Armstrong Consulting Group in June 2022. His professional shift showcased a strategic transition from sports to business, where he applied his leadership skills and competitive drive to consulting projects.

Engemann and Demi’s relationship began with a unique twist: they first met when Demi was nine years old, and Bret was married to his first wife, Angie Harrington. Years later, their paths crossed again, and the couple began dating in 2020. Their significant 16-year age gap became a point of intrigue, particularly within the “MomTok” community. Their relationship solidified further when Bret became a stepfather to Demi’s daughter, Maude, and father to his two sons, Rome and Cole, from his previous marriage.

Navigating Challenges and Controversies in the Public Eye

Image via Disney

Season 2 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives amplified scrutiny around Engemann’s personal life. Whispers of infidelity emerged when rumors swirled about Bret’s alleged cheating. Demi chose not to fuel these speculations, instead standing by her husband publicly. Her candidness resonated with audiences, especially when she denied allegations about an affair with Vanderpump Villa star Marciano Brunette, reinforcing their united front.

This openness extended to their struggles with infertility. Over four years, the couple faced challenges such as Bret’s low sperm count and Demi’s endometriosis, topics that are rarely discussed openly in the reality TV world. Their transparency on these issues resonated deeply with viewers, contributing to over 15 million online engagements during the season. Despite the rumors and setbacks, Engemann’s support for Demi remained steadfast, as highlighted in his interviews and social media posts.

Current Ventures and Media Presence: A Balancing Act

Beyond the cameras, Bret Engemann continues to lead strategic initiatives at Armstrong Consulting Group, working on data-driven operational strategies with clients across industries. His business acumen complements his evolving media persona, creating a balanced narrative of personal and professional success. While Season 2 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives aired in May 2025, sparking headlines and conversations around Mormon culture, no formal announcements about new ventures have been made as of June 2025. However, Engemann has constantly been active on his socials and has been posting consistently with his wife, and how much he appreciates her, despite all that has been going on.

Engemann and Demi’s appearances on popular media platforms, including podcasts like Reality Recap, further elevate their public profile every passing day. Their joint interviews, where they candidly discussed marriage dynamics, fertility challenges, and public scrutiny, drew significant viewer engagement and reinforced their authentic image. On social media, posts featuring intimate moments between Bret and Demi amassed thousands of likes and supportive comments, emphasizing their role as one of reality TV’s most discussed couples in recent times!