The buzz surrounding Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Olivia Ponton has intensified in recent weeks. The rumored romance between the two first surfaced amid a burglary incident at Burrow’s home in December 2024. Despite speculation, neither Burrow nor Ponton have officially confirmed their relationship, leaving fans and the media to dissect every available detail.
The Burglary Incident: A Link to Ponton
The story took a new turn on December 9, 2024, when Burrow’s house was broken into while he was away playing a game in Texas. Olivia Ponton, who was reportedly at Burrow’s residence at the time, called the police to report the burglary. She identified herself as an “employee of Mr. Burrow,” which led to a whirlwind of rumors regarding the nature of their relationship. People Magazine later reported that Burrow and Ponton had been “hooking up” for a few months, which added fuel to the fire about the end of Burrow’s long-term relationship with Olivia Holzmacher.
Olivia Ponton’s Social Media Silence
Despite the mounting speculation, Ponton has kept a low profile regarding her relationship status with Burrow. The model shared an Instagram post revealing that she was spending a “rainy day” in New York City, confirming that she would not be attending the Bengals’ upcoming game against the Denver Broncos. This statement put an end to fan hopes of seeing her at Paycor Stadium.
However, Ponton’s relationship with Burrow hasn’t been without controversy. Some social media users have criticized her for allegedly “queer-baiting” her followers. The model, who came out as pansexual, has been accused of misrepresenting her sexuality after being seen with a man, despite previously stating that she did not date men. Ponton has not responded to these criticisms publicly, leaving fans to interpret her actions on their own.
Joe Burrow’s Frustration with Media Scrutiny
Joe Burrow, meanwhile, has expressed frustration over the intense media attention surrounding his personal life. The quarterback made it clear that his privacy has been violated due to the widespread reporting of the burglary and the ongoing speculation about his relationship. “I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one,” Burrow stated. “Way more is already out there than I would want out there and that I care to share.”
The media’s scrutiny of Burrow’s personal life has only increased as the NFL season continues. Despite this, both Burrow and Ponton have refrained from making any official statements about their rumored relationship, and it remains unclear how the pair’s romance will evolve.
Everything You Need to Know About Olivia Ponton: From TikTok Star to Sports Illustrated Model
Olivia Ponton, best known for her influence as a Sports Illustrated model and TikTok star, has recently made headlines for her connection with NFL star Joe Burrow, as well as her rise to fame. While she’s used to being in the spotlight for her career, a recent incident at Burrow’s house has made her the subject of even more public interest. Here’s a deeper dive into who Olivia Ponton is and how she became a social media sensation and modeling icon.
Early Life and Background
Olivia Ponton was born on May 30, 2002, in Naples, Florida. Raised by her parents, Diane and Richard Ponton, she grew up in a family with a strong academic and community-oriented background. Her mother works as a chief learning officer for a nonprofit organization, while her father is a teacher. Ponton also has a sister, Abigail, who shares her love for their home state. Though Olivia currently lives in New York City, she remains proud of her Florida roots and has even joked about returning to Miami in recent social media posts.
TikTok Fame During the Pandemic
Ponton’s rise to fame came during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, shortly before the pandemic hit, she signed with Wilhelmina Models. However, as the world went into lockdown, her modeling career slowed down, which led her to focus more on social media. She turned to TikTok, posting videos that showcased her daily life, from cooking and playing sports to personal reflections. Her relatable content gained traction, and her follower count skyrocketed to nearly 8 million. Ponton quickly became known for her positive, empowering content, which resonated with her growing fanbase.
Breakthrough as a Sports Illustrated Model
In 2022, Olivia Ponton achieved a major milestone in her career when she was named a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie. She was photographed for their print issue, a career-defining moment that she initially had trouble believing. “When I got the call for [the] SI Swimsuit issue, I didn’t believe it happened for weeks,” she admitted. Since then, Ponton’s modeling career has soared, with her posing for high-profile brands like SKIMS, Juicy Couture, Ralph Lauren, and Victoria’s Secret. Her presence in the fashion world has only grown stronger, and she continues to build her brand as a model.
A Workaholic with Big Dreams
Despite the glitz and glamor of the modeling world, Ponton describes herself as a “workaholic.” Between her social media presence, high-profile modeling gigs, and her recent cameo in Blake Lively’s 2024 film It Ends With Us, Ponton is always busy. She embraces the fast-paced nature of her career and has even expressed a willingness to take on as many projects as possible. “Book me seven days a week. I do not care,” she said in a 2022 interview with GRAZIA. Her dedication to her work and her ability to juggle multiple roles has helped her stand out in the competitive world of influencers and models.
Olivia’s Sexuality: A Pansexual Icon
In addition to her success in modeling and social media, Olivia Ponton has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and openly shared her sexuality with her fans. She first came out as bisexual in a 2021 interview with Teen Vogue, but it wasn’t until 2023 that she clarified she identifies as pansexual. For her, being pansexual means she doesn’t focus on gender when it comes to attraction; instead, she values emotional connections. “I have a very emotional connection to a person rather than based on looks,” she explained in an interview with GRAZIA. Ponton’s openness has earned her a place as an LGBTQ+ icon, and she continues to inspire others to embrace their true selves.
Link to Joe Burrow and the Recent Burglary Incident
Ponton’s personal life has recently been thrust into the public eye following an incident at the home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. On December 9, 2024, she called 911 to report a burglary at Burrow’s house in Anderson Township, Ohio. Burrow was in Texas for a game at the time, and Ponton, who was described as an employee of Burrow in the police report, discovered the break-in. This incident sparked rumors of a romantic connection between the two, with sources claiming they have been casually dating since early fall 2024. Despite the speculation, neither Ponton nor Burrow has publicly confirmed the relationship.
Disclaimer: The details in this blog are based on public reports and speculations. Neither Joe Burrow nor Olivia Ponton has publicly confirmed their relationship status. The information shared is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute definitive statements regarding the individuals mentioned.