When NFL linebacker Carter Coughlin sets out to make a moment unforgettable, he doesn’t just deliver—he elevates the game. But even for a pro athlete used to high-stakes action, nothing could compare to the heartfelt surprise he orchestrated for his wife, Yossiana, this year. What began as a secret birthday celebration quickly turned into a viral sensation, as the couple revealed they’re expecting their first child in a way that left loved ones—and the internet—overjoyed.

A Birthday Surprise with a Twist

Carter and Yossiana Coughlin have always done things a little differently. Their relationship, rooted in faith and built across states and time zones, has been marked by intentionality from the start. So when Carter wanted to celebrate his wife’s birthday, he knew it had to be meaningful. What neither of them could predict was just how much their story would resonate beyond the walls of their home.

“Prior to the surprise party, we had been going back and forth on how we wanted to share with our friends and family that we were expecting a baby,” Carter told PEOPLE. “I just had this thought. What if I put together a slideshow that shows Yossi from little Yossi all the way to the beautiful woman she is now, and then at the end, just throw in a picture of us with the pregnancy test?”

That’s exactly what he did. The TikTok video capturing the moment begins as a sweet tribute to Yossiana’s life, complete with childhood photos and memories. But as the final slide appears, the real surprise is revealed: the couple is expecting.

“I Was Just Shook”

Yossiana, a former professional volleyball player, admits she had no idea what was coming. “Well, first of all, I was shook. I was like, oh my gosh, what is going on?” she shared, laughing at the memory. Carter had planned every detail, even creating two versions of the video—one with the pregnancy reveal and one without—just in case.

“I was expecting to help Carter move a couple things out of his old room at his parents’ house,” Yossiana recalled. “And then he told me, ‘Hey, I have a surprise for you, but I also think it’s a really good time to tell everyone. All our friends are here, family is here,’ and I’m like, heck yeah, this is the perfect time.”

The lights dimmed, the tribute played, and as the last slide flickered onto the screen, a wave of realization swept through the room. Tears, laughter, and cheers erupted, all captured on Carter’s phone.

Viral Joy: “Surprising the Surprisers”

The moment quickly found its way to TikTok, where it struck a chord with viewers everywhere. Captioned, “Surprising the surprisers was next level!!! My wife’s birthday was back in April and I figured (with her permission at the party) there was no better time to share the news!” the video racked up views and heartfelt comments.

Carter remembers one reaction in particular. “Thomas, who I was recording, all of a sudden grabbed me from above and started slapping me screaming,” he laughed. “He was super excited.”

For Yossiana, her sister-in-law Maya’s response was the most touching. “She was just like, oh, and then just started crying, just a mix of emotion, super happy and just overjoyed,” she said. “So hers was my favorite, but Thomas is definitely a close second.”

From Instagram DMs to Parenthood

The Coughlins’ story is as modern as it is timeless. They first connected in 2021 after Carter, inspired by Yossiana’s Christian testimony in a video, reached out via Instagram. “He used my full government name,” Yossiana joked. “I was like, who is this?”

What started as a DM quickly became a deep conversation about faith and life. “It was the coolest conversation ever with a complete stranger,” Carter shared. Within days, their bond was evident. “She texted me a couple days later and said, ‘I decided to go all in on my faith.’ ”

Despite the challenges of long-distance and athletic careers, their relationship flourished. “Logically, it did not make sense,” Carter admitted. “But we were both just like, let’s give it a shot.”

That leap of faith led to a memorable proposal at New York City’s Hunt and Fish Club, complete with family, friends, and a custom steak knife engraved with Yossiana’s future last name. “That was her one request, that her family would be there when she got engaged,” Carter said.

Growing Together—In Life and Online

Now married and expecting a baby boy, Carter and Yossiana are embracing every moment of this new chapter. Pregnancy, they say, has brought them even closer. “It’s been a learning curve for sure,” Yossiana said. “But Carter has been such a great partner, challenging me, ‘Hey, let’s go on a walk, let’s get moving.’ ”

Carter lights up when talking about the journey. “Now I’ve been able to go to all the appointments,” he shared. “Yasi gives me an update every single week on what symptoms could be arising. We got the fruit size memorized for the baby. It’s avocado week!”

The couple’s TikTok has become a place to share their joy, but they’re careful about what they post. “If I don’t care for my grandma to find out something—she talks a lot, the news will spread all the way to Japan—then I’ll put it online,” Yossiana said with a smile.

Their social media philosophy is simple: keep it real. “We don’t like to be film happy every single moment,” Carter explained. “Most of our videos come from natural moments that we just happen to record.”

Advice for Others: “Do What’s Good for You”

As they prepare for parenthood, the Coughlins offer advice to other couples planning big announcements. “Every person is different, every couple is different,” Yossiana said. “Do what is good for you instead of what other people may think.”

Carter agrees. “My first thought was, Yai is going to love this,” he said of the slideshow. “Not even, this is what I want to do, but she’s going to love this. And if that’s your thought, I don’t think you can go wrong.”

Looking Ahead—With Love and Laughter

With nursery plans underway and laughter filling their days, the Coughlins are savoring every moment. “Our dynamic is just the funniest thing ever to me,” Yossiana said. “We enjoy a lot of the same things. He gets fired up about things I’m not necessarily fired up about, and vice versa. So it’s fun and full of trial and error.”

Spending time together during Carter’s injury recovery has only strengthened their bond. “Some dynamics that could drive people crazy,” Carter said. “We just absolutely love it.”

As they look forward to welcoming their baby boy, the slideshow of their lives continues—one joyful, love-filled moment at a time.