In a development that has surprised their fanbase, NFL wide receiver Braxton Berrios and social media superstar Alix Earle have ended their relationship. According to a report by PEOPLE magazine, the couple, who had been dating for over two years, have parted ways in a mutual decision confirmed by multiple sources.
From a Gatsby Party to the Red Carpet: A Timeline of Their Romance
The pair first crossed paths at a Gatsby-themed party in February 2023. Earle later shared their 'meet cute' story on her podcast 'Hot Mess', recounting how a friend of Berrios pointed him out to her at the bar. What started as a casual introduction soon blossomed into a friendship, and by March 2023, Berrios asked her on a proper date.
For months, Earle playfully teased her millions of TikTok followers about dating an 'NFL man', keeping his identity under wraps. The speculation ended when fans spotted them together in a TikTok video from a Miami restaurant. Their relationship, however, was not without early controversy, as Berrios had recently concluded a two-year relationship with Sophia Culpo, sister of model Olivia Culpo. In June 2023, Culpo took to TikTok to accuse Berrios of infidelity, stating their breakup occurred after Super Bowl weekend when he was "seen making out with another girl."
The couple made their official public debut as a pair at the ESPY Awards in July 2023, walking the red carpet together and confirming the seriousness of their romance.
Navigating Distance and Demanding Careers
The latter part of 2024 tested the couple with geographical and professional challenges. Earle embarked on a new journey by joining Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars. Alongside professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, she delivered impressive performances and made it all the way to the finale, finishing as a runner-up.
Notably, Berrios did not attend any of the live episode tapings during the 11-week competition. Earle explained at press events that her boyfriend was 'stuck in football world' due to his commitments with the Houston Texans. Despite his physical absence, Berrios showed his support for her on social media.
Amidst their busy schedules, Earle made a grand gesture for Berrios' 30th birthday. She secretly organized a surprise party in Los Angeles, flying in his closest friends and family. In a heartfelt TikTok, she revealed she had led him to believe they wouldn't celebrate until the off-season, making the surprise even more special.
A Mutual Split and Fan Reaction
The news of their breakup has left fans who closely followed their journey feeling disappointed. The couple represented one of the more followed cross-industry romances, blending the worlds of professional sports and digital influencing. As of now, neither Berrios nor Earle has made a public statement or officially confirmed the split on their personal social media channels.
The separation marks the end of a chapter for the high-profile duo, whose romance captivated audiences with its mix of glamorous red-carpet moments and relatable long-distance struggles. Fans are now left to wonder about the specific reasons behind the mutual decision to go their separate ways.