Olivia Dunne just turned the page on her gymnastics career with a Maxim cover that demands attention. The photos sparked an immediate frenzy online, but one reaction from the NFL world stood out above the rest. When Haley Cavinder saw the shoot, her stunned response captured exactly what everyone was thinking about Dunne’s bold new direction.
How Did Haley Cavinder Respond to the Post?
Cavinder didn’t hold back in the comments section of Dunne’s Instagram reveal. The fiancée of Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson dropped an emphatic but straightforward “OMFGGG,” summing up the shock and admiration many fans felt. Her reaction signaled that Dunne’s latest move is resonating well beyond her traditional gymnastics fanbase.
The comment quickly drew eyes back to the photos themselves. While Dunne appears on a single frame of Maxim’s Winter issue, she treated her 5.4 million followers to six additional behind-the-scenes shots. The former LSU gymnast noted that she “played dress up” for the publication, but the resulting images were far from child’s play.
Dunne used the shoot to display a creative range that reflects her life between Manhattan’s West Village and Jupiter, Florida. The carousel featured everything from an embellished long-sleeve bodysuit to a lace bustier with flowy pants that highlighted her athletic background.
One standout look paired a fur coat with high-waisted shorts and over-the-knee leather boots, while another frame captured her in denim overalls.
These fashion-forward choices mark the end of a transformative year for the 23-year-old. Maxim noted that she started 2025 competing in her final season at LSU before retiring from the sport in April. Since then, she has shifted her focus to modeling and supporting her partner, pitcher Paul Skenes, demonstrating her readiness for life after competition.
How Is Dunne Redefining Her Career?
Dunne is embracing her new reality without apology. In her cover story, she defined her current status as “a former athlete, and honestly, right now: model.” She also addressed her comfort with fame, comparing her mindset to one of the biggest stars on the planet.
“I love the red carpet. I love the glitz and glam of it. There’s no denying that,” she said. To drive the point home, she added, “You don’t really think a Taylor Swift that’s in the spotlight doesn’t actually enjoy it? She does.”
This candid approach shows Dunne is fully committed to her media-driven future. Cavinder’s enthusiastic reaction underscores a clear truth. Dunne has successfully transitioned from college sports to mainstream celebrity, thoroughly enjoying every minute of the spotlight.
