Los Angeles Chargers offensive lineman Ben Cleveland has finalised his divorce from estranged wife Kaitlyn Terrell Cleveland through a substantial financial settlement, concluding a contentious and highly publicised legal dispute. According to court documents obtained by The California Post, the 27-year-old NFL player will pay a lump sum of $550,000 to Kaitlyn to officially terminate their marriage.
Details of the Divorce Agreement
The settlement, formally filed in Georgia in late January, stipulates that Ben Cleveland must pay off a 2024 Land Rover vehicle, which will remain in Kaitlyn's possession. In exchange for this significant monetary payout, Kaitlyn has agreed to relinquish all her legal rights to various real estate holdings that were previously jointly owned by the couple during their marriage.
Division of Personal Property
The comprehensive divorce agreement meticulously outlines the division of personal belongings between the former spouses. Ben Cleveland will surrender his rights to a golf cart, several rugs, numerous pillows, and an assortment of kitchen dishes. Conversely, Kaitlyn is legally required to return a firearm and a thermal scope to the NFL athlete, while simultaneously permitting him to retain full ownership of two separate properties located in Georgia.
Background of the Marital Breakdown
This settlement marks the definitive conclusion of a particularly turbulent period for Cleveland, who initially commenced divorce proceedings in February 2025. The filing occurred merely days after the offensive lineman was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. In his original divorce petition, Cleveland alleged adultery as the primary reason for the marital separation, though Kaitlyn vehemently denied these infidelity accusations in her subsequent court responses.
Non-Disparagement Clause and Confidentiality
Both parties have now mutually agreed to a stringent non-disparagement clause as part of their settlement. This legally binding provision prohibits either individual from making any derogatory or disparaging comments about the other, and expressly forbids posting about one another on all social media platforms moving forward. Although a judge has not yet officially ratified the agreement, Cleveland recently filed a formal motion to expedite the judicial approval process.
The couple originally exchanged vows in July 2022 before formally deciding to end their union on December 29, 2024, after just over two years of matrimony. Kaitlyn's legal representative, attorney J. Chase Wilson, explicitly declined to provide further elaboration on the settlement specifics, citing the strict confidentiality terms embedded within the divorce agreement.
Parallels Between Personal and Professional Challenges
Cleveland's tumultuous personal life has notably mirrored a similarly rocky phase in his professional football career, which began when he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. The offensive guard participated in 64 games for Baltimore before being waived this past January, following a three-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Career Transition and Financial Implications
The Los Angeles Chargers acted swiftly to acquire Cleveland, signing him to their practice squad just days after his departure from the Ravens. Cleveland has since secured a futures contract with the Chargers that is reportedly scheduled to pay him slightly over $1 million for the 2026 season. Consequently, the $550,000 divorce payout to his ex-wife represents more than half of his projected annual salary as he endeavours to establish a fresh start in California.
Despite the high-profile nature of their separation, neither Ben nor Kaitlyn Cleveland has issued any public statements regarding the dissolution of their marriage. Additionally, Cleveland successfully reached a plea agreement late last year to resolve the DUI case that coincided with the initial deterioration of their relationship.
