Brianna LaPaglia On The New Cover of Sports Illustrated

Brianna Lapaglia graced the cover of Sports Illustrated for the January issue. Known to her fans as Brianna Chickenfry, she is a popular influencer and podcaster.

After more than a year of dating, the content creator recently ended her relationship with country pop star Zach Bryan. The breakup became public when the model opened up it on  TikTok, revealing the toxicity that existed behind closed doors. The internet erupted when Brianna jokingly referred to Bryan as “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.” Not only did she poke fun at his height, but she also referenced Taylor Swift’s iconic song that critiques toxic relationships.

Shortly after the breakup, LaPaglia attended The Eras Tour, where she spoke about how Taylor Swift’s music helped her heal. “Now I’m not just listening to pop music, I’m listening to the diary of someone who experienced something completely the same as me, and they’re putting it in words that I could have never done myself,” she stated. 

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the model shared her journey of finding herself again after the breakup, stating, “This cover is me being me again and taking control of my life.” 

The model also revealed that Bryan had offered her a $12 million NDA to keep silent about his actions during their relationship, a proposition she declined. “I’m finding that little spark of life back in myself now that one person that felt like a doom cloud over me at all times is gone,” she added.

The significance of this cover is even greater considering that the influencer had turned it down last year at Zach Bryan’s request, likely because it involved her posing in a swimsuit. Lapaglia confirmed on her co-hosted Barstool podcast, BFFs, that Bryan had shamed her for wearing revealing outfits. Talk about a full-circle moment.

“It is just, on a petty level…this is me, and I wanted to do this, and now I’m on the digital cover,” she stated, referring to her Sports Illustrated feature.

Now a self-proclaimed “Swiftie,” the influencer is clearly in her Reputation era…and let’s be honest, it’s the best era. We’re thrilled to see her finally embracing what she loves and continuing to grow. The future holds many more achievements for Brianna LaPaglia, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.