The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been making headlines not just for his on-field performance, but for his rumored relationship with Sports Illustrated model Olivia Ponton. Months after dating rumors between the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model emerged, they appeared to confirm their romance with a night out in New York City. The Joe Burrow girlfriend speculation has intensified throughout 2025, with multiple public sightings and insider reports fueling the romance rumors.
Recent developments suggest that the 28-year-old NFL star and the 22-year-old model have been keeping their relationship relatively private, though their public appearances together have become increasingly frequent. The pair’s connection first came to light under unusual circumstances, but has since evolved into one of the most talked-about celebrity relationships in sports.
Table of Contents
Joe Burrow Girlfriend Rumors: How It All Started
The initial speculation about Joe Burrow’s girlfriend began in an unexpected way. Who knew that a break-in into Joe Burrow’s home would be how we discovered he might be in a new relationship? The incident brought Olivia Ponton into the spotlight when she was reportedly present during the break-in at Burrow’s residence.
A police report identified the model as a “22-year-old woman who says she’s employed by Burrow.” This cryptic description sparked immediate curiosity about the nature of their relationship. While neither party initially confirmed their romantic involvement, the circumstances surrounding the incident led to widespread speculation about their connection.
The break-in incident occurred in late 2024, marking the first time the public became aware of a potential relationship between the NFL quarterback and the rising model. Social media quickly picked up on the story, with fans and media outlets beginning to piece together clues about their possible romance.
Public Appearances Fuel Dating Speculation
The Joe Burrow girlfriend rumors gained significant momentum when the pair made their first public appearance together at a high-profile event. Joe Burrow and Olivia Ponton were spotted together during the star-studded F1 weekend in Miami, marking the first time the Bengals quarterback and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Olivia Ponton were spotted together over the weekend in May 2025.
This Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix appearance was particularly significant because it represented their first confirmed public outing together since the dating rumors began. The couple’s presence at such a major sporting and social event suggested they were becoming more comfortable with their relationship being in the public eye.
Inside Sources Reveal Relationship Details
On Dec. 17, an insider who knows both Burrow and Ponton told PEOPLE exclusively, “They have been hooking up since the early fall and are keeping it casual.” This exclusive insight provided the first concrete information about the timeline and nature of their relationship.
The source’s revelation suggests that the Joe Burrow girlfriend situation with Olivia Ponton has been developing for several months, predating the public break-in incident that first brought them to media attention. The description of their relationship as “casual” indicates they may be taking things slowly, especially given the intense public scrutiny that comes with dating a high-profile NFL quarterback.
Key Relationship Timeline Points:
- Early Fall 2024: Relationship reportedly begins
- Late 2024: Break-in incident brings relationship to public attention
- May 2025: First public appearance at F1 Miami
- June 2025: NYC night out confirms ongoing relationship
Joe Burrow’s Previous Relationship History
Understanding the current Joe Burrow girlfriend situation requires context about his previous relationship. Joe previously dated another woman with the same name, Olivia Holzmacher, who he met during his time at Ohio State University. Despite claims from one of Joe’s teammates that the pair were engaged, they reportedly split up in late 2023.
The relationship with Olivia Holzmacher was long-term and highly publicized, making his current rumored romance with Olivia Ponton even more significant. The coincidence of both women sharing the same first name has not gone unnoticed by fans and media, adding an interesting twist to the quarterback’s dating history.
The end of Burrow’s relationship with Holzmacher appears to have paved the way for his connection with Ponton, though both parties have maintained privacy about the details of their romantic lives.
Olivia Ponton: Rising Model and Social Media Star
Olivia Ponton has established herself as a prominent figure in the modeling world, particularly through her work with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Ponton, 22, took to Instagram on Monday, January 6, and shared some sultry photos of herself enjoying her modeling career, showcasing the professional success that has made her a sought-after model in the industry.
Her social media presence has grown significantly, partly due to her association with Joe Burrow but also because of her own modeling achievements. The Joe Burrow girlfriend speculation has certainly increased her visibility, but Ponton has worked to maintain her professional identity separate from the relationship rumors.
Media Response and Public Silence
Despite the growing speculation, both Burrow and Ponton have maintained strategic silence about their relationship status. If Olivia Ponton and Joe Burrow are, in fact, dating, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model isn’t kissing and telling. This approach has been consistent throughout their rumored relationship.
Despite increased scrutiny, neither Burrow nor Ponton have publicly confirmed their relationship. Representatives for both declined to comment when contacted by various media agencies. Their decision to maintain privacy reflects a mature approach to handling public attention while potentially building their relationship away from the spotlight.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
The most recent developments in the Joe Burrow girlfriend story occurred during their New York City outing in June 2025. Months after dating rumors between the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model emerged, they appeared to confirm their romance with a night out in New York City.
This NYC appearance has been interpreted by many as an unofficial confirmation of their relationship, though both parties continue to avoid making any public statements. The timing of their outing, coming months after their first public appearance in Miami, suggests their relationship may be progressing naturally despite the media attention.
The future of their relationship remains to be seen, but their ability to maintain privacy while occasionally appearing together publicly suggests they may have found a balance between their personal lives and public personas.
Conclusion
The Joe Burrow girlfriend situation with Olivia Ponton represents one of the most intriguing celebrity relationships in current sports culture. From the unusual circumstances of their first public connection to their recent confirmed appearances together, their relationship has captured significant media and fan attention.
While neither Burrow nor Ponton has officially confirmed their romantic involvement, the evidence suggests a genuine connection that has been developing since fall 2024. Their approach to privacy, combined with strategic public appearances, demonstrates a mature handling of their high-profile relationship.
As both continue to excel in their respective careers – Burrow in the NFL and Ponton in modeling – their relationship will likely continue to generate interest from fans and media alike. The Joe Burrow girlfriend story with Olivia Ponton appears to be far from over, with fans eagerly awaiting any official confirmation or further developments in their rumored romance.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story as both celebrities navigate their careers and personal lives in the public eye.