RI composite of Meghan Markle and Ryen Russillo

The sports host crossed paths with the former actress in 2014

ormer ESPN host Ryen Russillo once said that before Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex, he tried to make her an offer, but was quickly shut down.

Speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast in 2024, American sports host Ryen, 50, recalled meeting Meghan, 44, at a celebrity flag football game in February 2014, during her days acting in legal drama Suits.

Ryen Russillo speaking on podcast
Former ESPN host Ryen Russillo was reportedly turned down by Meghan Markle (Credit: The Bill Simmons Podcast/YouTube)

Meghan Markle turned down offer from ESPN host Ryen Russillo

Meghan took part in the flag football game alongside several other celebrities, including Nina Dobrev, Chrissy Teigen, and Michael B. Jordan.

She later wrote on her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig, that the event was where she first connected with tennis legend Serena Williams, who would go on to become a close friend.

Meanwhile, Ryen also recalled his time at the event.

“It was all of the [Sports Illustrated] swimsuit models,” he said. “So, nobody was really paying any attention to Markle.”

Ryen said he saw an opportunity amid the celebrity crowd.

He continued: “I was like, ‘That’s my lane. She’s probably doubting herself a little bit right now.’ She’s never been more obtainable.”

Although he didn’t approach her at the event, Ryen later slid into Meghan’s DMs with what he described as a “very soft sell”.

It was ice cold. It was, ‘Oh, I don’t know anything about sports, but thanks for the offer.’

The message invited her to appear on The Ryen Russillo Show, his sports radio show, to promote Season four of Suits.

He said: “It was, ‘Hey, I know the new season is coming out. If you ever want to come on the show to promote it…’ It was really professional.”

But Meghan, who played Rachel Zane on Suits from 2011 to 2018, wasn’t interested, and made that clear.

“It was ice cold,” Ryen claimed. “It was, ‘Oh, I don’t know anything about sports, but thanks for the offer.’”

The rejection, while polite, left no room for interpretation.

Meghan Markle and Nina Dobrev at charity flag football
Meghan participated in the 2014 charity event alongside actress Nina Dobrev (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Meghan and Harry’s relationship

At the time, Meghan was still building her acting career. Just four years later, she would marry Prince Harry in a royal wedding watched by millions around the world.

Since then, her life has changed dramatically. She and Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and now live in Montecito, California, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Their royal exit came with tensions, and they reportedly remain estranged from the royal family.

Meghan Markle at Paris Fashion Week
The Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week over the weekend (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Meghan attends Paris Fashion Week

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex attended Paris Fashion Week over the weekend, turning heads at Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2026 show.

Meghan stunned in a custom all-white look featuring a dramatic cape, crisp shirt, and tailored trousers, paired with sleek black heels and a polished bun.

During the show, she reunited with her friend Pierpaolo Piccioli, Balenciaga’s new creative director.

A representative for the duchess told PEOPLE: “She has long admired [Pierpaolo’s] craftsmanship and modern elegance. This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship.”

After the runway, Meghan mingled with Anna Wintour, Anne Hathaway, and Baz Luhrmann, later changing into a black backless gown for an after-party. She attended the event solo, without Prince Harry.

Royal Insider has contacted reps for Meghan for comment.